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!

Bob LaPrelle, President and CEO of the Museum of the American Railroad, talks about moving their massive collection of locomotives from Dallas to Frisco, restoration of a rare ALCO PA-1, and the goals for their capital campaign. 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? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Join us for a conversation with Arkansas & Missouri Railroad President Caren Kraska, Cathcart Rail Senior VP of Sales and Marketing Vanessa Knapton, and Senior VP of Law and General Counsel for ASLRRA Sarah Yurasko. They discuss their careers in the short line railroad industry, how they are working to cultivate interest in the field, and where they are seeing opportunities for growth. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services. Question of the Day For those who have worked in the railroad industry, what have you found rewarding, and what has been challenging? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

We're talking to Curtis Koch, Director of Marketing and Social Media for Broadway Limited Imports, about how they view the model railroading business, their process for their projects, and some of their upcoming products. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services Department. Question of the Day What are some of your favorite model trains that have ever been produced? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Lake State Railroad CMO Roger Fuehring provides clarity on the EPA's regulations concerning diesel locomotives and how they affect tourist railroads and museums. Question of the Day What are topics that you would like me to cover on the podcast? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode.

Why were canal boats being hauled by train over mountains? Park Ranger Elizabeth Shope provides an overview of the Allegheny Portage Railroad of Pennsylvania and how the National Park Service has worked to preserve what remains. Question of the Day What is an underrated technological marvel in railroading? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

We interview Alexandra Kitty, author of "A Different Track: Hospital Trains of the Second World War", about the forgotten history of hospital trains, their role in WWII, and the healthcare workers who staffed them. This episode is sponsored by the Mechanical Services department of the Strasburg Rail Road. Question of the Day What is a piece of railroad history that is often overlooked? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

More episodes: https://theroundhousepodcast.com Mark Rheaume, composer of "That's the Way the Railroad Went" discusses how he created a 38 minute piece of music incorporating interviews documenting the Central Iowa Railway Company, a short line with a brief existence in the 1970s. Listen to Mark's piece: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Onx6JMOBP2A Question of the Day What is your favorite musical piece about railroading? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. 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 paint official portraits of Lionel Trains? We are talking to Angela Trotta Thomas about her Lionel (and real train) paintings, her process of creating a scene, how she infuses her work with nostalgia, and her advice for getting into painting. See more of Angela's paintings: https://www.angelatrottathomas.com/ Question of the Day Going into the new year, what are you excited about? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

How did the idea for the 2023 excursions in Central Virginia come about? What logistics are required to put excursions together? Is converting Norfolk & Western 611 to oil burning being discussed? How can you become involved in future excursions? Zac McGinnis, Excursion Manager for the Virginia Museum of Transportation, answers these questions and more. Question of the Day What are your favorite holiday railroad memories? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

National Model Railroad Association President Gordy Robinson and Social Media Manager Lucy Dormont join us for a full conversation about the challenges facing the organization and the work they are involved with to bring it into the future. Question of the Day What gives you hope in the future of model railroading? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Learn about the preservation work that Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum is involved with, the opportunities and challenges of being based in central Portland, and how they use events to maximize their community outreach. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions. Question of the Day What piece of narrow gauge history do you enjoy most? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Rob Gardner, President of American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, provides updates on the restoration of Reading Railroad T-1 #2100 and what is planned for the future. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions. Question of the Day What steam locomotive restoration are you most excited about? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Puffing Billy Railway is a world famous tourist railway near Melbourne, Australia. CEO Peter Abbott speaks with us about the importance of the people connected to it (staff, volunteers, and community), how the railway works to overcome challenges, and what it means to operate it sustainably. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions. Question of the Day If you've visited the Puffing Billy Railway, what was your experience like? If not, what is the furthest that you've traveled to ride on a particular train? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Yosemite Valley Railroad was a connection between the Southern Pacific and Yosemite National Park that brought tourists in by the thousands, and it also hauled a considerable amount of freight. Jack Burgess is dedicated to understanding the history and operations of the railroad, and has even interviewed past employees. He shares the history of this railroad with us, along with answering the question of how he has remained so focused on this particular railroad for over 40 years! This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions. Question of the Day What is your favorite obscure railroad, and why? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

IMAX film director Stephen Low talks about the process of making Train Time, a documentary looking at the operations of BNSF Railway. He shares how this project was different from Rocky Mountain Express, the methods used to capture some of the amazing shots in the film, and the challenges that were unique to this project. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions. Question of the Day What is your favorite example of a train on film? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Flour by Rail Project is a unique effort to present Buffalo NY's industrial history in conjunction with its railroads. Charlie Monte Verde, VP of Genesee Valley Transportation and Luke Irvine, Director of the Buffalo USA Foundation, talk about this project's history, accomplishments so far, and their ultimate goals for the site. Charlie also gives us a sneak peak at what to expect with GVT's recent purchase of a rare ALCO PA locomotive. Watch this episode on YouTube. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions. Preorder First of Its Kind – The Buffalo Creek Railroad, Volume 1. Question of the Day What example of preserving an industrial site are you enthusiastic about? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

How can you market your tourist railroad, museum, or non-profit organization more effectively? Eric Mencis, Operations Manager for Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Joey Bryan, Communications Manager for Nashville Steam Preservation Society, and Hal Raven, Owner of the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway, discuss their approaches to marketing and advertising their businesses and organizations. Watch this episode on YouTube. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions. Question of the Day When have you donated to a cause or visited a tourist railroad or museum specifically due to the marketing? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Do you have questions regarding how to get volunteers into rail preservation? Where to find them? How to make them feel like part of a team? Our panel consisting of Wiscasset Waterville and Farmington Railway Trainmaster Ed Lecuyer, Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Volunteer Coordinator Christopher Homco, and Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Volunteer Coordinator Kristen Fredriksen answers your questions! Watch this episode on YouTube. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions. Question of the Day What questions do you have about marketing a tourist railroad, museum, or project fundraiser? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Cass Scenic Railroad is a gem of a tourist railroad in West Virginia. Director of Communications Walter Scriptunas II talks about the history of the line, how they keep their steam logging locomotives operational, and what the future holds with their rebuilt rail connection between Durbin and Cass. Cover photo by Walter Scriptunas II. More podcast episodes: https://theroundhousepodcast.com Thank you to our sponsor: https://mechanical.strasburgrailroad.com/ Question of the Day What panel discussions would you like to see take place on The Roundhouse? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Do you remember watching Pentrex? The company produced many hour-long videos showcasing different railroads around the continent. One consistent and crucial element of these was the narrator who would describe the history and scenes unfolding. Dave Drui is that narrator, and he talks with us about how he became involved with these productions and how they have made him appreciate trains and railroads even more. Question of the Day What's one of your favorite railfan VHS tapes? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

At 102 years old, Art Ellis has many memories from living in Pittsburgh, riding trolleys, working for Pittsburgh Railways, and helping to found the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Question of the Day What's your favorite piece of trolley or interurban history? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

We're continuing to trade spaces with the California State Railroad Museum. Coordinator of Exhibits and Interpretive Programs Kim Whitfield shares some highlights of their impressive collection, how they are embracing digital tools to showcase it, and the significance of storytelling in railroad history. Question of the Day What's your favorite piece of California Railroad history? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad is returning to operation. Western Forest Industries Museum Executive Director Bethan Maher shares her vision of reopening the railroad, how it can represent the history of the Pacific Northwest, and why it's important to so many people. Question of the Day If you've been to Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, what was your experience like? If not, what is your favorite logging locomotive? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

We are "trading spaces" with the California State Railroad Museum's "The Roundhouse Crosstalk Podcast". We are featuring their episode on noted railroad photographers Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg. Tony Reevy, author of "The Railroad Photography of Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg," discusses their impact on railroad photography and how they managed to maintain an openly gay relationship in the 1940s and 50s. Question of the Day Who is your favorite railroad author? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

How does one use railroading in meaningful ways to make people happy and strengthen communities? Ken Marty, President of West Coast Railroaders Group, discusses how his company uses speeder cars for everything from fire suppression to partnering with the Make a Wish Foundation to provide children with unforgettable experiences. Question of the Day What is an event or organization (doesn't have to be related to railroading) that you've been part of that benefitted your community? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train is a premiere dining experience in New Hampshire. Owners Ali and Michael French are here to describe the experience of dining on rails, explain how they prepare meals on the train itself, and share why they enjoy being in the business. Question of the Day What's the best experience you've had dining on a train? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Port Jervis NY will soon be home to the Port Jervis Transportation History Center. Carolyn Hoffman, President of Operation Toy Train, discusses this new site,what it means for rail preservation in the region, and what you can expect to see at their upcoming launch event! Question of the Day What was your favorite railroad holiday experience? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What does it take to create an entire musical album on a train? Musician and composer Cheryl B. Engelhardt created her latest album "The Passenger" on a cross-country Amtrak adventure and shares her process with us. Question of the Day What music do you associate with a great train journey? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

We talk with Kelly Lynch about his involvement in Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Headwaters Jct., and FMW Solutions, along with the importance of inclusivity and looking out for others. Question of the Day What makes you feel part of a team in a railroad organization? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Dr. Robin Coombes returns to the podcast to discuss earning his Ph. D in Railway Heritage from the University of Birmingham and the thesis he developed as part of his program. He shares the successes and shortcomings of rail preservation in the UK and what he believes is necessary to solidify its future. Train photos available for print: https://streamlinermedia.com/store Question of the Day What makes you the most optimistic or the most concerned about the future of rail preservation? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!