The Roundhouse Podcast

Chris LaRose was a musician until COVID changed his career trajectory. Learn about how he came to develop his line of vintage railroad caps and why he feels it connects him to the past. This episode is sponsored by Rapido Trains Inc and by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Eleven years ago, we interviewed Jason Shron from Rapido Trains about the history of the company up through 2015 and his vision for the future. Today, we see how Rapido has grown into the US and UK markets while still adhering to the principle that model railroading should be fun.

Legos are thought of as toys, but there is a subset of Lego fans that aim to make their trains look as real as possible. Glenn Holland is one of these people and has been making custom Lego models for years. He shares his experiences and projects with us, along with why he views Lego as a worthwhile medium for modeling.

The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway is a 140 mile short line located within North Carolina. Founder and Chairman Robert Menzies talks to us about his philosophy with establishing the railroad, how they transformed a locomotive into a "bar car", and their plans with a recently acquired steam locomotive. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What is your greatest rail experience, or an accomplishment you are proud of, from 2025?

Did you know that Conrail still exists today? Though primarily known as a major Class I railroad in the Northeast US from the 70s to 90s, Conrail still exists as a shared asset operation jointly owned by Norfolk Southern and CSX. Current President Brian Gorton started with the pre-merger Conrail in the 80s. He shares his perspective on how Conrail has evolved, experiences from his time working for Union Pacific, and how he was involved with the George H. W. Bush Funeral Train. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What is an example of relatively modern railroad history (post-1980) that you find fascinating?

R Duck Locomotive Works is a company specializing in creating laser-cut wooden kits depicting real locomotives and rolling stock. Founder and owner Tripp Aquadro talks about his inspiration for the business and how he develops his products. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day Other than model railroading, what are your favorite train toys?

In 2027, the B&O Railroad Museum will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Executive Director Kris Hoellen discusses the projects at the museum, how their volunteers are revitalizing the buildings on their site, and why she sees the anniversary as a year for collaboration between heritage railroads and museums. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Photo by Wallstreethotrod. Question of the Day What pieces of pre-1900 railroad history interest you the most?

Talyllyn Railway Media Manager Luke Ryan joins us to discuss how the railway has progressed since we last featured it on the podcast, the importance of interpreting the Rev. Awdry's work, and why hosting meaningful events for fans matters. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What makes you feel a sense of belonging with your railroad club, group, or organization?

What does operating a big mainline steam locomotive like Santa Fe 3751 on the west coast require? Alex Gillman, VP of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society, joins us to talk about the work required to restore and operate the locomotive, along with how they are developing a museum. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What impresses you about your favorite mainline steam organization?

The National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is expanding its museum facilities. CEO Jacqueline Frank joins us to discuss the history of the museum, how they successfully transported their "Dwight D. Eisenhower" locomotive back to the UK for an event in 2014, and their approach to showcasing the national history of railroading in the United States. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What is a notable example of museums or heritage railroads collaborating to create a great event?

Chuck Baker, President of American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, talks about the state of the short line railroading in early 2025, how the organization is involved in advocacy for the industry, and the growing trend of freight railroads entering tourist railroading. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What short line or regional railroad impresses you? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The interviewer is interviewed! Guest host Kelly Lynch asks your questions for regular host Nick Ozorak about the history of the podcast, what continues to motivate his work, and why he is so optimistic about Next Generation Railroaders. Attend Next Generation Railroaders' first virtual public programming: https://www.nextgenrr.org/programs This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day Are there any other questions you have for me, Nick Ozorak? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Tony Hatch, Senior Transportation Analyst for ABH Consulting, provides us with a greater understanding of the financial landscape of Class I railroading in the 21st century. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What are you excited for in 2025? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Host Nick Ozorak pays tribute to Britt Allcroft, creator of the Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends TV series. He explores not just what her greatest contribution means to him, but what he see as some of its larger endearing outcomes. Thomas and Rail Preservation: https://theroundhousepodcast.com/2015/11/14/thomas-and-rail-preservation/

Let's learn more about the largest trolley museum in the United States. Scott Becker has been at the helm of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum for over 30 years. In that time, the museum has grown by expanding its collection and constructing two massive buildings. Scott walks us through the history of the museum, how preserving trolleys differs from other forms of rail preservations, and what has led to the museum's success. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What tourist railroads and museums have balanced keeping their charm with progressing with the times? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

American Heritage Railways oversees such notable tourist railroads as the Durango & Silverton, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and Branson Scenic Railroad. Al Harper, Chairman and CEO, shares his decades of insight in what makes a tourist railroad function, how Polar Express has become such a staple in the industry, and the importance of balancing history with progress. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What tourist railroads and museums have balanced keeping their charm with progressing with the times? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Loni Martz Briner, PR and Media for North Shore Railroad, talks about the history of this group of Pennsylvania short lines and how they are celebrating their 40th Anniversary. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What railroad do you know of or work for that is good with connecting to its local communities? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What is involved with leading the Federal Railroad Administration? Joe Szabo, the 12th FRA Administrator, discusses how he began his career in railroading, what led him to the FRA, his philosophy with working with Class I railroads, and how he is now involved in the development of Pullman National Historical Park. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day Is there some special way that we should celebrate 10 years and 150 episodes of The Roundhouse? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What is it like to be at the helm of a railroad that has remained independent for over 100 years? Mississippi Export Railroad President Kate Bourgeois talks about the history of the railroad and how they invest in their company and community. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day What is one particularly special interaction that you have had working or volunteering for a tourist railroad or museum? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!