The Roundhouse Podcast

A rare auto carrier caboose from the Auto-Train is in danger of being scrapped. FLAIRR President Mark Frazier explains how his organization is campaigning to save the car and transport it from California to Florida. Learn more about how you can save this car: https://flairr.org/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington Railway is the sole-surviving "Maine Two Foot" railroad. Director of Marketing & Visitor Interaction Coordinator Stephen Piwowarski discusses the restoration of the railway, their current projects, and what has led to their successes. Train photos available for print: https://streamlinermedia.com/store Question of the Day What's your favorite narrow gauge railroad? 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!

In its first two months on the market, Railroads Online has generated a great deal of interest for its multiplayer gameplay, mixture of business management and operations, and focus on steam and narrow gauge railroading. We talk to the developers of this new game about their process and how they would like to expand its capabilities. Question of the Day What do you love about train simulators or train-themed computer games? 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!

Luke Pickman is a multi-instrumentalist who is reinterpreting the classic music of Thomas & Friends. Known as Instrument Maniac on YouTube, he pieces videos of himself playing multiple instruments to create a virtual orchestra. We talk to him about how he creates these new arrangements and why the music of Thomas & Friends deserves to be reviewed. Question of the Day What is your favorite piece of music that makes you think of trains? 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!

Mike O'Donnell, composer for Thomas & Friends, joins us to discuss how he became involved with the TV series, his process for developing music that would fit the characters, and what the legacy of the show means to him. Listen to Part 2 to find out the Question of the Day! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What happens when a group of guys get together and say "We should build a Pennsylvania Railroad T1 from scratch"? General Manager Jason Johnson walks us through the history of the project, the selection of the type of locomotive, and what it will take to get it running. Question of the Day What locomotive would you build from scratch? 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!

Come along for the ride as we visit Norfolk & Western 611 during its 2021 visit to the Strasburg Rail Road. We'll interview crew members regarding the operation of the locomotive and experience the sights and sounds of the engine as it rolls through the Lancaster countryside. Question of the Day What guest mainline steam locomotive would you like to appear at Strasburg Rail Road? 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!

Steamtown National Historic Site is well known today, but what led to its creation? Who was F. Nelson Blount, and what exactly was his vision? Rick Kfoury, author of "Steam Trains of Yesteryear: The Monadnock, Steamtown and Northern Story", shares this unique history with us, debunks myths, and draws parallels between rail preservation then and now. Question of the Day What commuter rail service has impressed you the most? 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!

It's time for those of us in rail preservation to put an end to sexism. Host Nick Ozorak released a survey for women to anonymously share their stories of sexism, harassment, and discrimination. We hear from these women, and Nick shares his thoughts on why fighting this ongoing systemic issue matters to the future of the industry. Survey Results Part 1 Survey Results Part 2 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What does passenger rail advocacy require? We talk with Christopher Parker, Executive Director of Vermont Rail Action Network, about what is helping passenger rail expand in Vermont and how the 'hybrid' Budd Cars of AllEarth Rail may be part of that future. Question of the Day What commuter rail service has impressed you the most? 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 Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona PA has announced that they are initiating a campaign to restore Pennsylvania Railroad K4s #1361 to operation. Join us as we attend the press conference and ask Wick Moorman and FMW Solutions President Davidson Ward your questions! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Wisconsin Great Northern is restoring the Mark Twain Zephyr trainset, but there's more to this operation than meets the eye. Director of Passenger Development Robert Tabern and CMO Nick Turinetti talk about this historic trainset, the railroad's freight and car storage business, their Bed & Breakfast trains, and other pieces of equipment the railroad is restoring. Question of the Day What is your favorite streamliner? 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 is LARP, and what does it have to do with rail preservation? Claus Raasted, an experienced organizer of Live Action Role Playing (LARP) events, discusses what it is and how it "places you inside a movie". He shares the history of the Fairweather Manor event which created a Downton Abbey-like world for a weekend for its participants, and how this could be applied to railroad history. Question of the Day If you could experience a LARP, when and where would you like to set it? 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!

Scott Jarrett became the Chief Mechanical Officer of the Cincinnati Scenic Railway under the age of 30. He reflects on his journey which includes time with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus Train and Amtrak. He gives a sense of what makes Cincinnati Scenic Railway a special operation and what is needed to be taken seriously in rail preservation. Question of the Day Where have you found success in 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!

Avril Rowlands, the author and screenwriter for the BBC TV Series 'God's Wonderful Railway' joins us to discuss creating this show. GWR tells the history of a Great Western Railway branch line through the stories of children who lived and worked in each era. Learn how the show is still impactful over 40 years after it originally aired. Question of the Day Pitch me your railroad TV series. 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 Lincoln Funeral Train returns to the podcast. General Superintendent Steve Torrico discusses the plans for this new railroad showcasing the Leviathan steam locomotive and how these replicas showcase 1860s railroad technology. Question of the Day What interests you about pre-1900s railroading? 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!

Rail historian Steve Patterson explains the history of the Ski Train, a Colorado railroad legacy. Question of the Day What is your favorite Holiday 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!

What makes a tourist railroad or museum appealing to the general public? Elizabeth, family blogger at Dutch Dutch Goose, shares stories about her family's experiences with train travel and her Top 5 tips for tourist railroads and museums. Question of the Day Besides the actual trains, what do you look for in a tourist railroad or museum? 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 brought together past Roundhouse guests as chosen by you and asked them your questions. Amtrak Engineer Mike Huhn, Strasburg Rail Road Director of Business Development Andrea Biesecker, and East Broad Top Foundation Board Member Bennett Levin join us for our first group conversation on topics including mainline steam excursions, getting started at tourist railroads, and the rebirth of the East Broad Top. Question of the Day What types of panel discussions would you like to hear on The Roundhouse? 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!

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad President John Bush talks about this Colorado Narrow Gauge Railroad, restoring vintage equipment, and preserving the authentic west. Question of the Day What do you love about the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad? 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!

Railroad photographer Dennis A. Livesey discusses his career in film production, how that translates to his hobby of railroad photography, and what led to creating his book "Smoke over Steamtown" documenting scenes from Steamtown National Historic Site. Question of the Day What inspires your railroad artistry? 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!

Executive Director Joe Defrancesco talks about this Altoona treasure, the Horseshoe Curve, PRR K4s #1361, and why preserving the stories of railroaders is a key component of the museum. Question of the Day What do you love most about the history of railroading in Pennsylvania? 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!

In Part 2 of our interview with Wick Moorman, the former CEO of Amtrak discusses his philosophy with managing the passenger railroad, why he largely agrees with the business practices of Richard Anderson, and his hopes for the East Broad Top. Question of the Day What did you enjoy most about Wick Moorman's tenure as Amtrak CEO, either as a fan or as an employee? 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 interview Wick Moorman, former CEO and Chairman of Norfolk Southern and CEO of Amtrak, about how he began his railroading career, what led to him eventually leading Norfolk Southern, the 21st Century Steam Program, Heritage Units, and so much more in the first part of this interview! Question of the Day What did you enjoy most about Wick Moorman's tenure as Norfolk Southern CEO, either as a fan or as an employee? 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 is the hobby of model railroading doing from the perspective of one of its largest manufacturers and suppliers? Stacey Walthers Naffah, President of Wm. K. Walthers Inc., a longtime Milwaukee-based distributor and manufacturer and seller of model trains, shares her insights about the hobby and how it can engage new followers. Select the Guests for Episode 100: https://theroundhousepodcast.com/2020/05/20/the-big-100-select-the-guests/ Question of the Day Do you prefer kits, kit-bashing, or scratch building? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What compels someone to build fantastic routes in a train simulator? Joe from the YouTube channel Approach Medium discusses why he loves virtual railroading, his many route projects, and how it compares to model railroading. Check out Approach Medium - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuIt-Mra7IvgaqOJT0mj1TA Question of the Day What is your favorite train simulator? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Want to learn the story of O. Winston Link and his famous steam photography project? Museum Manager Lynsey Allie details his history and how the museum that bears his name maintains his legacy. Question of the Day What is your favorite O. Winston Link photograph? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What was it like working for railroads like the Erie Lackawanna and the Delaware & Hudson? Steve Vaughan Sr., a railroader with over 40 years in the industry shares stories from his career and how he fired steam locomotives like Canadian Pacific 2317 and Milwaukee Road 261. Question of the Day If you were alive in the 1980s, what was your favorite railroad to railfan? If not, which do you wish you could have seen? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The East Broad Top, a historic narrow gauge railroad in central Pennsylvania, has been purchased by a new nonprofit organization. Brad Esposito, General Manager for the railroad, discusses the future of the EBT and what it will take to restore it to operation. Visit the new website and learn more about the Friends of the East Broad Top. Question of the Day What excites you about the East Broad Top being restored to operation? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

How does someone from the world of air transportation transition into railroading? Bob Lowe, owner of three private railcars, talks about how he began investing in commercial shortlines, what led him to own three passenger cars, and how he uses them to travel across the country. Related Episodes American Association of Private Rail Car Owners (AAPRCO) Amtrak Excurions Question of the Day What railroad do you (or would you like to) model? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

FULL SHOWNOTES: https://theroundhousepodcast.com/?p=1714 Are you planning your basement railroad empire? Curious on how an expert compresses entire railroad locations and operations into a small space? Dan Bourque has designed hundreds of train layouts over the past 20 years, and these can be seen on his Appalachian Railroad Modeling website. He shares his step-by-step approach to finding the ideal method of compressing real railroad mainlines and branches into true model railroading. This episode is sponsored by Age of Steam Roundhouse, a working roundhouse and restoration facility preserving nearly two dozen steam locomotives. Visit their website to plan a trip to visit their facility! Related Episodes Steel Manufacturing and Railroads Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad – History and Preservation Question of the Day What railroad do you (or would you like to) model? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Many preservation efforts have conquered hardship, but how many can say they have triumphed over a flood? Colin O'Brien of the Mid-Continent Railway Museum walks us through the extensive collection, restoration projects including Chicago & Northwestern #1385, and how they persevered through a devastating flood in 2008. This episode is sponsored by Age of Steam Roundhouse, a working roundhouse and restoration facility preserving nearly two dozen steam locomotives. Visit their website to plan a trip to visit their facility! Related Episodes Great Train Story (Museum of Science & Industry) Illinois Railway Museum Question of the Day What do you enjoy about discovering a new railroad? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What is the story of the Waynesburg & Washington Railroad, and how is its history preserved today? Jim Weinschenker, railroad liaison at the Greene County Historical Society, introduces us to this narrow gauge Pennsylvania shortline, how its history connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad, and what restoration projects are currently underway. This episode is sponsored by Age of Steam Roundhouse, a working roundhouse and restoration facility preserving nearly two dozen steam locomotives. Visit their website to plan a trip to visit their facility! Related Episodes Saving the Last Logging Railroad The Next Generation of Rail Publishers Question of the Day What do you enjoy about discovering a new railroad? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

How does the Strasburg Rail Road balance its tourist railroad operation with providing freight service? Steve Weaver, VP of Freight Services, presents at the Heritage Rail Alliance on how the railroad maintains this balance. This episode is sponsored by Age of Steam Roundhouse, a working roundhouse and restoration facility preserving nearly two dozen steam locomotives. Visit their website to plan a trip to visit their facility! Related Episodes Passing the Torch without Getting Burned Ozark Mountain Railcar Question of the Day What's your favorite short line freight railroad? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What would a competition series about model railroading look like? Kathy Millatt, skilled modeler and YouTube video maker, served as a judge on "The Great Model Railway Challenge", a British TV series which had modelers build a small layout over the course of 24 hours. She shares her experience in and how she sees the hobby continuing to expand. Related Episodes Model Railroad Documentary Rapido Trains - Jason Schron Question of the Day If you could create a TV series about trains and railroads, what type of show would you create? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Two Norfolk & Western steam locomotives will be reunited this fall, and you can be there for the multi-weekend event. Station Steve Barrall shares details about what led to having Norfolk & Western 611 visit the Strasburg Rail Road this fall and what you can expect to see! Related Episodes Steampunk unLimited - Strasburg Railroad Strasburg Railroad President Linn Moedinger Question of the Day If you could see two steam locomotives of the same railroad fired up side-by-side, which would you choose? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What treasures does the Age of Steam Roundhouse hold? We're talking with Executive Director Noel Poirier about the steam locomotive collection of the late Jerry Joe Jacobson, the dream of having a full roundhouse and locomotive shop realized, and what events are coming up for you to enjoy! Age of Steam Roundhouse: http://www.ageofsteamroundhouse.com/ Learn more about Meadville Railroad Depot: https://meadvillerailroaddepot.com/ Related Episodes The Joliet Rocket - NKP 765 Excursion Milwaukee Road 261 - Steve Sandberg Question of the Day What is your favorite steam locomotive in the Age of Steam Roundhouse collection? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What is the Center for Railroad Photography and Art? President and Executive Director talks about how this nonprofit's work to preserve photos of railroading in the past is a key part of rail preservation. Related Episodes Railway Photographer Robin Coombes Snowdonia - Railway Board Game Question of the Day What is your favorite form of railroad art? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Take a ride in a streamlined dome observation car. See what the newest equipment on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has to offer travelers! To learn more about the CVSR and see upcoming trips: https://www.cvsr.com/ Meadville Model Railroad Club: https://meadvillemodelrailroadclub.com/ Related Episodes Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Cab Ride in Nickel Plate 765 Question of the Day What is your favorite type of passenger car to travel in? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Teddy Wilson, host of the TV Series "Mighty Trains," talks about the adventures he takes on the show, what was most memorable from Season 1, and what to expect in Season 2! Related Episodes Rapido Trains 50 Years of Australian Railroading Question of the Day What is your favorite railroad TV show? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What makes the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad unique? We talk with President and CEO Joe Mazur about Budd passenger cars, newly-acquired ex-California Zephyr cars, and what makes their partnership with the National Park Service succeed. Related Episodes Nickel Plate 765 Cab Ride Grand Canyon Railway Question of the Day What is your favorite streamliner? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What will it take to bring Erie-Lackawanna SDP45 3639 from the Virginia Museum of Transportation to a new home in Youngstown? Rick Rowlands, President of Youngstown Steel Heritage, announces this new campaign exclusively on The Roundhouse! Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What does it take to form a tourist railroad in the 21st Century. Allentown & Auburn Railroad President Mike Bast talks about what it took to get this railroad started and what steam locomotive they will be restoring. Related Episodes Coalition for Sustainable Rail Grand Canyon Railway Question of the Day What is your favorite tourist railroad? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Does your railroad museum or preservation group has a good succession plan? Strasburg Rail Road President Linn Moedinger shares his insight as he prepares to pass his own job onto the next generation. Related Episodes Strasburg Rail Road - Linn Moedinger Nickel Plate 765 Cab Ride Question of the Day How is your organization preparing for succession and 'passing the torch' to the next generation? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

We count down the Top 5 train movies with Nick Ozorak and guest host Chris Eden Green from Steam Locos in Profile. Will yours be on the list? Related Episodes Rocky Mountain Express Steam Locos in Profile - Chris Eden Green Movie Choices (Spoiler Alert) #5 (02:57) - The General, Murder on the Orient Express (1974) #4 (11:00) - Northwest Frontier, The Titfield Thunderbolt #3 (18:40) - Emperor of the North, The General #2 (29:12) - The Train, Runaway Train (1985) #1 (42:35) - The Titfield Thunderbolt, Rocky Mountain Express Question of the Day What is your favorite train movie? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Show host Nick Ozorak attended the HeritageRail Alliance Spring 2018 Conference at the Strasburg Rail Road. In this presentation by railroad historian Kurt Bell, we learn about what it takes to engage millennials in railroad preservation. Related Episodes Strasburg Rail Road - Andrea Biesecker Saving a Boxcar at the Age of 15 Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Amtrak has announced major changes prohibiting private charters and excursions to operate. We discuss the issue with Roger Fuehring, the President of the Railroad Passenger Car Alliance (RPCA). Petition Link Related Episodes The Joliet Rocket Steel City Limited

Can you imagine what it would be like to take a jet-powered train up to a world-record-setting speed? We'll talk with Don Wetzel who helped design and pilot the M497 to over 180 MPH back in 1966! Related Episodes Coalition for Sustainable Rail Budd Car Adventure Question of the Day What is your favorite experimental steam locomotive? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Details emerged this week from a town in Texas that planned to scrap its displayed steam locomotive. Jason Sobczynski talks about the last-minute appeal put together to find it a new home and restore it. Learn about the campaign by clicking here. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Coalition for Sustainable Rail is focused on two projects: researching a plant-based coal substitute, and restoring steam locomotive Santa Fe 3463. Where are they on each of these projects? President of CSR Davidson Ward explains what they have in store for the future. Learn more about the Coalition for Sustainable Rail. Related Episodes The Joliet Rocket - NKP 765 Excursion Southern Railway 4501 Documentary Question of the Day What is your favorite experimental steam locomotive? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon, Subscribe on iTunes, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!