The Roundhouse Podcast

Firewoman and engineer Rikki talks about being part of 'The Lone Ranger' movie crew, working on steam locomotives big and small, and her advice with connecting to a tourist railroad. This episode is sponsored by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. Visit their website to see their 2015 Summer Mainline Excursion schedule and book your tickets today! News Amtrak is selling parts from their retired AEM-7 locomotives. Is there something you'd like to buy? http://www.ebay.com/usr/amtrakofficial TTX Company of Chicago, Illinois has donated RTTX No. 150643 flat car to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s collection. Built in February 1965 at the Bethlehem Steel Company’s Johnstown, Pennsylvania car building plant, it has accumulated over 3.7 million miles in service. Rikki Burchett Interview (4:28) Rikki fired her first steam locomotive at the age of 12 on the Chehalis Centralia Railroad & Museum's #15. She eventually worked her way up to engineer and has also crewed on locomotives such as Southern Pacific 4449 and Union Pacific 844. She shares her experience working with steam, being part of the crew for 'The Lone Ranger' movie, and connecting to a tourist railroad. Question of the Day (35:37) With summer halfway over, what have you accomplished, and what are you looking forward to? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Ever wonder what it's like to be the editor for Trains Magazine? Jim tells you what he looks for in a good railroad story! Jim Wrinn Interview Jim began reading Trains Magazine at the age of 6. His parents bought it to stimulate his reading; he enjoyed it for the pictures. As he worked his way up in the field of journalism, he eventually became the Editor in 2004. Jim shares some memorable stories that have come across his desk, the excitement regarding Norfolk & Western 611, and how the magazine is celebrating its 75th year of publication. Question of the Day (41:39) If you’re a mother or father, what do you enjoy most about introducing your kids to trains and railroads? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

NRHS Convention, Batman breaking the law, Bessemer & Lake Erie, and more! I'm riding solo today to talk about my latest adventures and share some photos! News Amtrak has donated AEM-7 #915 to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. This veteran of the Northeast Corridor will now serve to convey recent railroading history to museum patrons. Rocky Mountain Express Review (2:36) Since I interviewed Director Stephen Low on the show in our last episode, I thought I should review his film here. Ultimately, I feel that this is an amazing film which combines important history with breathtaking visuals. The sounds are expertly designed, and it is a fitting tribute to the men who built the railroad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia3cUsSQjzY Find this film near you at the official website. Batman on Railroad Tracks (9:35) As we know, photography on railroad tracks is both illegal and dangerous. Recently, a family conducted a photo session on tracks, with the father dressed as Batman, his 1 1/2 year old son as Robin, and his wife as the "maiden in distress" tied up on the tracks. Many news outlets picked up the story and focused on the "cute" angle of the photos without addressing the obvious problems. Many people commenting on the article found no issues either. How do we work to change the cultural attitude regarding this problem? 2015 NRHS Convention (14:32) The National Railway Historical Society is very involved in North American rail preservation. I attended this year's convention in Rutland VT while visiting my partner's family. While watching the excursion trains was fun, my favorite aspect was introducing her younger brother Zach to train chasing. Getting It While You Can (21:10) While nostalgia often compels us to focus on railroading of the past, it is important to remember what we have to enjoy right now. My recent adventures railfanning the Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad have reminded me of this point. Question of the Day (26:35) If you’re a mother or father, what do you enjoy most about introducing your kids to trains and railroads? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Steam locomotive in IMAX! Starring CP 2816, Rocky Mountain Express tells the tale of constructing the Canadian Transcontinental Railroad. Director Stephen Low joins us to discuss his career in documentary filmmaking, what led to the creation of this film, and provides us with insight behind some of the amazing scenes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia3cUsSQjzY Rocky Mountain Express - Director Stephen Low Stephen was interested in trains from an early age, volunteering at the Canadian Railway Museum in Montreal. Following his father into the filmmaking business, he eventually begin production on Rocky Mountain Express. Filmed using high-definition IMAX film (not digital) over the course of years, he balanced the historical storytelling with impressive scenes featuring Canadian Pacific #2816. Mounting big IMAX cameras on the locomotive was not easy, and he tells us about how different angles were achieved. He also explains how the award-winning sound was captured and edited into the film. One of the strongest elements of the film are its impressive aerial shots. Stephen describes how a helicopter with a camera attached on the front was used for these scenes. Impressively, the train was not staged in advance - these were "run and gun" shots filmed during regular excursions! Find this film near you at the official website. This interview was recorded in January of 2014 for another show, so some elements discussed may be outdated. Question of the Day (1:28:47) What aspect of Canadian railroad history fascinates you the most? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Canadian Pacific #2860 has led an interesting history, and at 75 years old it is about to embark on a new chapter. West Coast Railway Association's President Emeritus Don Evans visits us to share details about this locomotive's restoration, the history of the Association, its fascinating collection of rolling stock, and how it reaches out to the public. News Norfolk & Western #611 completed its first excursion since 1994. The train traveled from Spencer NC to its hometown of Roanoke VA. An estimated To celebrate this, I recreated the trip in the Open Rails train simulator and explain how you can as well! Union Pacific DDA40X #6944 is making its return trip to its home at the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis. Click here to see it passing an ex-Pennsylvania Railroad station. Responding to Your Comments (4:35) I asked you last week about what routes and railroads you have discovered because of train simulators. There were several responses to this, so I covered as many as I could. Since quite a few of the routes mentioned are ones that I have reviewed on "At The Railyard", I have assembled a video playlist for you to see what the excitement is about. West Coast Railway Association - President Emeritus Don Evans (11:05) Having been involved with the WCRA for over 40 years, Don has seen many eras of railroading in British Columbia. Working to preserve each, the WCRA features a heritage park in Squamish. The park includes many locomotives, freight and passenger cars, and even a roundhouse designed for hosting special events. Canadian Pacific #2860 is to be restored to operation, and the WCRA has announced a 75th Birthday Gala on June 27th to start fundraising for the project. Don shares the locomotives history with us along with other projects that the museum is working on. We also discuss how the WCRA provides educational initiatives as part of its rail tours and through working with local schools. You can learn more about them by visiting WCRA.org. Question of the Day (58:02) What aspect of Canadian railroad history fascinates you the most? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Train simulators are often thought of as means of replicating modern railroading, but how can they be used to convey railroad history? Content creator and route builder Paul Charland (Fonda Johnstown & Gloversville Railroad, Dominion Atlantic Railway) talks with us about recreating shortlines in Microsoft Train Simulator. News Norfolk Southern has completed repainting a Union Pacific DDA40X diesel locomotive for the St. Louis Museum of Transportation. I definitely hope to photograph this when it is moved back to the museum! I paid my first visit to the Lincoln Funeral Car in Wellington, Ohio this past weekend. Click here to see what the inside of the car looks like! Route Builder and Content Creator - Paul Charland (3:18) Paul did not grow up using computers, but once he received Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) as a gift one Christmas he began to learn more about train simulation. Previously a model railroader, he turned to train sims since they required no physical space. His first project was the Fonda Johnstown & Gloversville route, a shortline railroad in New York state which hauled leather gloves. Paul has now created five separate routes, and he provides a look at what went into the creation of each. He shares his approach to 3D Modeling and explains how he believes train simulators serve as a means of historic preservation of both railroads and the communities they serve. Question of the Day (44:20) What routes or railroads have you discovered through train simulators? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Did you know about the Simpson Railroad? This logging railroad in the wilderness of Washington state is the last in the United States. Now, the Simpson Railroad faces an uncertain future due to the company which owns it shutting down its mill operations in June of 2015. We talk with local historians and residents to answer the question: What has made the Simpson Railroad so unique? News Fire Up 611 reached a new milestone this past week. Norfolk & Western #611 operated under its own power of the Norfolk Southern mainline between Spencer and Greensboro for testing. The locomotive will be starting its excursion season very soon! Simpson Railroad Engineer & Historian - Pete Replinger (2:15) Pete began his career with the Simpson Railroad as a brakeman and worked as an engineer from 1967 to 2000. Since retirement, he has also conducted research on the railroad's past. He shares his wealth of knowledge and experience about how their operations have changed over the years. Photojournalist - Joel Hawthorn (14:23) Having lived in the logging town of Shelton WA for over 25 years, Joel has also seen the railroad through a number of years. He has dedicated a substantial amount of time to documenting the Simpson Railroad and its employees, even having published a book which you can preview about the railroad. He talks with us about why it has been so important for him to capture the spirit of the railroad throughout the years. Question of the Day (42:48) What shortline railroad operations interest you the most? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Summer is almost here. What should you pack for your next railfanning trip? I share my Top Ten suggestions, along with introducing you to the Rail U.S.A. maps by Bella Terra Publishing. We'll also be discussing the recent derailment of Amtrak Train #188. News Amtrak Train #188 crashed in Philadelphia on the evening of May 12th, 2015. NTSB has confirmed the train was traveling at 102 MPH around a curve limited to 50. The engineer is cooperating in the investigation, and the NTSB is investigating the possibility that the locomotive was being struck by projectiles. Norfolk & Western Y6a #2156 was delivered to the Virginia Museum of Transportation on a five-year lease from the St. Louis Museum of Transportation. There will be a photo opp on May 31st where you can photograph it alongside N&W 1218 and the recently restored N&W 611. Top 10 Railfan Travel Items (2:42) 10 - Scanner 9 - Rain jacket 8 - Trackside Entertainment - magazines, book, a friend 7 - Railroad guides 6 - Music 5 - Camera and related equipment - don't forget batteries! 4 - Protection from the sun - sunscreen, hat, sunglasses 3 - Maps or GPS device 2 - Snacks 1 - Water Rail U.S.A. Set of 3 Maps (7:44) Eric Riback began working at other mapmaking companies before forming his own. Bella Terra Publishing produces maps on a wide range of specialty subject, such as lighthouses and the American Civil War. Their Rail U.S.A. Set of 3 Illustrated Guide Maps showcases over 1200 museums, tourist railroads, railroad viewing locations, stations, and more. Eric talks with us about the process of researching and designing this interesting set. My Review of These Maps (32:43) Clear presentation of sites - insets for areas with several sites close together Good quality printing and paper Great Illustrations 1200 locations between the three maps - you'll likely find something new Are they worth getting? Yes, for either the artwork/presentation format or for visiting new areas of the country. I have also worked out a deal with Bella Terra where you can SAVE $3 off of the set while supporting the show at the same time! Amtrak Train #188 Derailment (35:42) At this point in their investigation, the National Transit Safety Board has only released a few known facts about the derailment. I share my thoughts about how speculation can be harmful and how to avoid it. Question of the Day (42:48) What is the #1 most important item for your railfanning trip and why? Or, what are your thoughts regarding the response to the Amtrak 188 derailment? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} As you know, preserving railroad history of the 19th Century is difficult due to the limited amount of equipment which has survived for so long. Steam Into History Inc. provides a unique opportunity for you to connect with the Civil War era using replica equipment and historical reenactors. COO Robert Gotwols joins us to talk about the formation of this railroad, how they engage with their hometown community, and how they plan to expand in the future! NewsHappy National Train Day! I hope you have had fun celebrating this hobby today. While we may railfan any day of the year, it is great to have a shared day where we all participate together. Norfolk Southern introduces yet another commemorative paint scheme, this time for First Responders. NS 911 is an SD60E locomotive with a very striking paint scheme. In a recent Question of the Day, I asked you what you enjoyed about voluteering with a railroad-related organization. I answer my own question in this blog post about building a Garden Railroad at Phipps Conservatory. There's plenty of photos in this one, including trains and dinosaurs. Steam Into History - Robert Gotwols (3:12) The idea for Steam Into History began as an idea by two businessmen standing outside of the Yorktowne Hotel. Already having a background in the railroad industry, Robert was brought on to help turn the idea to reality. He describes the process of ordering York #17 and the coaches it pulls. Connecting with the local community is a major priority for the organization. During their first year, they held a food drive where people who brought a canned food item for a local pantry could take a short ride on the train for free. The railroad also uses local musicians, storytellers, and reenactors to provide entertainment for its passengers. Robert also provides details on the railroad's future service extension to York. The Crew (28:58) Hillary Hess started out as a photographer for the railroad before becoming its Office Manager. She shares with us what she loves about the railroad and the people she works with. I describe my first impressions of York #17. David Kloke described the process for building this locomotive, and now I get to take it all in! Stephen Burkholder is a new fireman for Steam Into History. He explains what it is like to keep the fire going and how to handle the challenging grade into New Freedom. Steve Meola is the Head Engineer who has operated steam locomotives since 1990. He shares with us details about how the locomotive compares to others he has operated and what he enjoys about it. My Review (41:26) Steam Into History succeeded at taking me back in time. Using replica equipment makes a difference, and having nice scenery without too many 'modern distractions' allows me to be immersed. The museum at Hanover Jct. is very comprehensive, and the interpreters provided plenty of interesting pieces of history and information about the region. My favorite part was listening to #17 work up the grade to New Freedom. I highly recommend this trip for anyone wanting a unique Civil War-era experience. Question of the Day (49:38) What did you do to celebrate National Train Day? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Ever since it was announced that Reading T1 #2100 would be restored to operation, many of you have raised questions about the condition of the locomotive, what the restoration will require, and what the future of the locomotive holds. Kelly Lynch joins us to answer these and discuss how we can keep steam restoration alive! NewsToday is the 141st Kentucky Derby, and three railroads have taken their Office Car Specials to the races: Norfolk Southern, CSX, and R. J. Corman. Click here for a video of this year's NS OCS, and keep your eyes peeled to the message boards to see these trains return home. The Union Depot Tower in Joliet IL was taken out of service last Friday. The venerable tower is being replaced by centralized dispatcher control. While this may be more efficient, tower operations continue to fade into history. Reading 2100 (3:23) Known for his work with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and Nickel Plate Road 765, Kelly joins us to speak on behalf of the American Steam Railroad organization. He discusses Reading 2100's unusual history and describes the condition the locomotive was in upon initial inspection. ASR plans to restore this locomotive alongside Frisco #1352, and Kelly explains how these projects will be balanced. Currently, 2100 is in transit from eastern Washington state to Cleveland Ohio, where it will be restored at the roundhouse of the Midwest Railway Preservation Society. Kelly provides some details about the current plan for restoration, the potential excursion opportunities, and why volunteering keeps preservation of these locomotives alive. Question of the Day (49:38) Tell me a story about your favorite mainline steam excursion ride. Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Association of Tourist Railroads and Railway Museums (ATRRM) is the result of a recent merger between two rail preservation organizations. We learn more about what they do, how they help organizations in the industry, and why they want to help you find a good place to volunteer. News Fire Up 2100, the campaign to restore Reading T1 Steam locomotive #2100 has released new information. The locomotive is in transit to Cleveland, where it will undergo mechanical inspection before restoration at the Midwest Railway Preservation Society. The cost is estimated to be $700,000. Norfolk Southern has announced the 2015 schedule for their 21st Century Steam program. Look for Nickel Plate 765, Southern Railway 4501, and Norfolk & Western 611 to be on the mainline soon! To tie-in with last week's Talyllyn Railway episode, I wrote a blog post about my first visit in 2010. Be sure to see all of the photos of this amazing narrow-gauge railway! ATRRM Spring Conference (4:30) I began to learn about the ATRRM as I began interviewing more people from the rail preservation industry. I got in touch with them, and they invited me to attend their 2015 Spring Conference in York PA. I share what I have learned so far about them, the events and excursions that were part of the conference, and why I think they are a valuable asset to the industry. Braddock Heights Cagney (18:33) Backyard railroading is an aspect of the hobby that I am learning more about as I host this show. I came across this fascinating video of Tom Miller's house, which is being sold along with his miniature railroad. You'll have to listen to the episode to see how much it will cost! I was invited by the McCutcheon family of Braddock Heights MD to visit their backyard railroad, the Blue Mountain Railroad. The locomotive they own is a rare 1901 Cagney steam locomotive. I discuss the history of these little 4-4-0's and describe what it was like to operate one. Bridging the Generations (29:17) A topic of conversation as part of the ATRRM's Board Meeting was changing from print to digital publication for keeping members updated. This got me thinking about the importance of brining the new generation into the rail preservation industry and how both generations may help one another to accomplish this. Question of the Day (39:41) If you work for or volunteer with a tourist railroad or railway museum, what do you enjoy most about it? If not, what railroad or museum is closest to you, and what do you like about the people there? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Wales is a country of beautiful countryside, and with equipment that is over 150 years old the Talyllyn Railway takes you back in time in this landscape. General Manager Chris Price about how the railway became the first preserved line in the world, what you can expect when you visit, the relationship it has with The Railway Series (Thomas the Tank Engine), and how the 150th Anniversary is being celebrated. NewsAfter visiting Washington D.C., I rode Amtrak's Capitol Limited back to my home in Pittsburgh. You can see photos from the adventure here, including an actual roundhouse and some privately owned passenger cars. Amtrak has announced their schedule for "Amtrak Train Days". They will be touring the U.S. with their Exhibit Train starting on May 9th and ending in November. There are other community events being held during these months as well. I still wish that they would still call it National Train Day, as it makes it more inclusive of other railroads. Chris Price Interview (3:22) The Talyllyn Railway began as a slate mining railway and operated until 1951. At that time facing an uncertain future, a man named Tom Rolt organized an effort to preserve the railway, and operations began that same year. The Talyllyn Railway has six steam locomotives and operates using the same equipment from 1865! Before working with the railway, Chris was a regular visitor of the Welsh narrow gauge line. He started as a volunteer before eventually working his way up to General Manager. Chris tells us about his various duties, including once being the presenter of a Top Gear-esque parody involving the railway. The railway has also been recognized for its extensive use of volunteer labor, winning the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2013. Chris also tells us about the extensive celebration planned for 2015. Question of the Day (44:44) What passenger train of yesteryear (that no longer operates) would you ride? Where would you ride it to and from? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Known by many for making the American Freedom Train of 1976 a reality, Ross Rowland has been involved in the formation of several railroad projects over the past 50 years. Here he reviews his past history, tells us about how John Wayne helped in the formation of the AFT, and what his plans are for the Yellow Ribbon Express! NewsLast weekend in Washington D.C., I visited the National Museum of American history which has an impressive railroading exhibit. Click here to see images of the original John Bull locomotive and Southern Railway 4-6-2 #1401. Per your request, in rail preservations news, Reading T-1 #2100 will be transported from Washington state to Cleveland to be restored by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, Inc. This locomotive was once part of the Iron Horse Rambles that the Reading Railroad hosted, and once ran with its sister locomotive #2101 which was later owned by none other than Ross Rowland. There is not much info beyond that at this time, but I do have a photo of it suspended in the air. Ross Rowland Interview (3:00)Born into a railroading family, Ross's relationship with steam locomotives began as a roundhouse hostler for the Central Railroad of New Jersey. He worked for the Pine Creek Railroad in Allaire State Park and the Black River & Western before founding his own High Iron Excursion Company for the purpose of running mainline steam excursions. His friendship with F. Nelson Blount (founder of Steamtown USA) helped him to secure locomotives for these trips, including Nickel Plate Road #759. Ross discusses how riding on an excursion with John Wayne led to the American Freedom Train, a tour of the 48 contiguous states with 512 American artifacts. He also explores the American Coal Express and why Chessie let him operate Chesapeake & Ohio #614 on revenue coal trains. He also discusses his plans for the Yellow Ribbon Express, which he hopes to operate in just a few years. K&L Trainz Chesapeake & Ohio #614 Megaset - Review (41:00) I came across this model for Trainz Railroad Simulator and thought it would be fitting to review it in this episode, since the real one is owned by Ross Rowland. The video they created for it does an impressive job of imitating the Pentrex-style of railfan documentary (complete with the actual Pentrex narrator). I provide a full review, but here is the synopsis. The set features some great detailing, good physics, and amazing sounds (which you'll hear in the episode). I wish the model had an interior cab, but since I operate the locomotive using the head-out view anyway. EXCLUSIVE: Click here to save $3 on this set and support the show! Question of the Day (1:05:39) Who do you think is the most influential person in railroad history? Make a good case for your choice! Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Fire Up 611! campaign has been a tremendous success so far, with the locomotive nearing completion to operation. Chief Mechanical Officer Scott Lindsay provides us an update on the restoration of this locomotive, an overview of the campaign beyond the locomotive, and discusses his involvement with the 2002 Winter Olympics. NewsThis past Tuesday (March 31) the Fire Up 611 team...well...fired up 611. The boiler maintained a pressure of 300 PSI. I received a message from Shelley asking if I could pay tribute to engineer Glenn Steele on the show. Glenn was severely injured while on the job when a Metrolink cabcar collided with a truck this past February. He later died from his injuries. Many people have shown their support through a GoFundMe campaign set up by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. By all accounts, he was a great family man and an excellent coworker, and his kindness did not go unnoticed. Scott Lindsay InterviewScott began his career working on steam locomotives with Ross Rowland's High Iron Excursion Co. when he was a boy. Having worked on Norfolk & Western J Class 611 in the 1990s before the locomotive was parked, he went on to found Steam Operations Co. His company has worked on several fascinating projects, including overseeing the operation of a locomotive for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and restoring Baldwin steam locos in Ecuador! In the early 2010s, conversations began about restoring 611 to operation, including as part of Norfolk Southern's 21st Century Steam program. Scott takes us behind the scenes of the locomotive's restoration, explains the importance of having a well-organized campaign, and clears the rumors regarding restoring N&W 1218. Question of the Day Name a person, organization, or topic you want to have on the show. Of course, this is always something I want you to share with me, but for this particular week I will be selecting responses to share on the show. Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Roundhouse is Our House, and having topics requested by you on the show is highly important to meet that goal. Many of you have been curious about what it is like to work for a Class I Railroad, so I interviewed THREE employees from Norfolk Southern, each from a different area or field of work. Chris Tokarcik Interview Having qualified as a conductor less than half a year ago, Chris provides us with insight as to how the railroad can affect your lifestyle, especially as a railfan. Also, since he enjoyes train simulators, he provides comparison between simulated and real life railroading. Chris works out of Waynesburg PA, and the territory he works has been recreated for Railworks/Train Simulator 2015. Click here to view my review of this route. Kenny Darr InterviewKenny worked at the Harley Davidson plant in York PA for 14 years before being laid off. Having grown up with an interest in trains, he decided to apply for the position of Fireman and Oiler with Norfolk Southern. He describes what his position requires, what it is like to work in the Enola shops, and why he is so proud to work for Norfolk Southern. Question of the Day Name a person, organization, or topic you want to have on the show. Of course, this is always something I want you to share with me, but for this particular week I will be selecting responses to share on the show. Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The Roundhouse is Our House, and having topics requested by you on the show is highly important to meet that goal. Many of you have been curious about what it is like to work for a Class I Railroad, so I interviewed THREE employees from Norfolk Southern, each from a different area or field of work. News The Boulder Valley Railway Historical Society is calling it a day and selling their railroad equipment. You can check out the list of rolling stock here, including a former Great Western GP9. Would you like to be given a full-size EMD F-Unit from someone on Craigslist!?! Click here to see how you could own an Alaska Railroad locomotive. The City of Colorado Springs will lease D&RGW 168 to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. This locomotive is on the National Register of Historic Places and once pulled a train carrying President William Taft. Mike Huhn Interview (4:25)Mike has been a conductor with Norfolk Southern for four years. He initially pursued a career in filmmaking before applying for NS. Mike talks about how the Eagle Scouts prepared him for the job, how the career has contributed to his love of trains, and what you can do to improve your chances of being hired. Question of the Day (46:05) I read some responses to the question I asked in Episode 008 and provide you with a new one: Name a person, organization, or topic you want to have on the show. Of course, this is always something I want you to share with me, but for this particular week I will be selecting responses to share on the show. Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

There is no doubt to the significance of President Lincoln's role in American history. David Kloke tells us about completing the funeral train and building Leviathan, a 19th century 4-4-0 steam locomotive. News Huffington Post ran a great article about how trains influenced Walt Disney and led to his famous amusement parks. The fact that Disneyworld uses restored narrow-gauge steam locomotives is something to be commended. WCAX ran a news story about Amtrak's Vermonter being extended from St. Albans to Montreal. While it will be great to see this route connect to Canada, I'm sharing it with you because of the impressive footage included in the companion video. There's even some pacing shots in there! Last weekend I operated ore trains on my friend Ed Cronin's Bessemer & Lake Erie train layout. You can see photos and a video of the layout by clicking here. What news is most important to cover on the show? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. David Kloke Interview (5:32)David was inspired to build his first steam locomotive Leviathan after seeing a documentary on television about President Lincoln's funeral train. The locomotive took approximately ten years to complete and is valued at around $2.5 million dollars! Kloke Locomotive Works also completed a 4-4-0 for Steam Into History in New Freedom, Pennsylvania. The Lincoln Funeral Car was built for the president to use as his executive coach, the railroad equivalent of Air Force One. However, upon his assassination, the car was used to transport him and his son to Springfield, Illinois. David and his team have built a replica of the coach which will be making its public debut soon, and he discusses the significance of honoring an American legend. You can learn more about the project by visiting its official website. Question of the Day (41:47) I read some responses to the question I asked in Episode 007 and provide you with a new one: What news is most important to cover on the show? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, and share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

Can you imagine starting up your own model train manufacturing business? What models would you produce, and how would you run it? Jason tells us about the founding of Rapido Trains, an HO and N-Scale manufacturing company, and why humor is important for the hobby. News The Roundhouse now has a mailing list you can join. Click here to sign up and automatically receive new episodes of The Roundhouse, along with bonus content that will only be available for subscribers! Jason Shron InterviewSince the age of 5, Jason paid close attention to the details of the VIA rail passenger equipment he grew up riding on in Ontario. His passion for model railroading and wanting to have Canadian rolling stock for his layout (especially his favorite, the Turbo Train) led to founding Rapido Trains. Rapido has taken on a number of interesting projects, including 'The Canadian' and the New Haven EMD FL9 locomotive. Jason talks about the development process of a locomotive and shares some plans for the future. He emphasizes humor as an important element for not taking the hobby too seriously. Rapido has released some very humorous videos, including this one of testing their Bendy Track by having a full-size locomotive run over it. Question of the Day I read some responses to the question I asked in Episode 006 and provide you with a new one: If you could have a model locomotive custom built to your specifications, what would it be? Let me know and I will select answers to share on the next episode which will be released Saturday the 21st. Subscribe on iTunes, Join our Newsletter, and share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

In the heart of Lancaster County, the Strasburg Rail Road provides a unique railroad experience for the public. Steam locomotives pull wooden coaches through beautiful farmland on a regular basis, and events like Day Out with Thomas and Steampunk Unlimited introduce the public to important pieces of railroad history. Linn gives us a tour behind the scenes and the history of this fascinating operation. News Norfolk Southern has repainted a Southern SD40 into its original paint scheme. The locomotive is to be used on the railroad's Piedmont Division. A second PCC Streetcar was introduced to the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. It is great to see these historic streetcars being used by the city. Linn Moedinger Interview (2:39)Linn grew up around the Strasburg Rail Road from when it was purchased in 1958. He recounts what it was like to repair the line, including harrowing experiences with the "weed machine"! He also describes the "personalities" of each of the steam locomotives operated. Since Linn is also Chief Mechanical Officer, he oversees the restoration work done by the Strasburg Rail Road's shops. He is proud of the team he works with and enjoys staying connected with the machines. He also talks about the importance of special events to introduce the newer generation to railroading. Question of the Day (49:41) I read some responses from the question I asked in Episode 005 and provide you with a new one: What is your favorite themed event at a tourist railroad? Do you like Dinner trains, Day Out with Thomas, photo charters, or something else? Let me know and I will select answers to share on the next episode which will be released Saturday the 14st at 9 AM EST. This episode marks one month of The Roundhouse, and I want to thank you for your feedback and comments. Because of this response, my commitment to you is to release a new episode every Saturday at 9 AM EST! Also, I greatly appreciate every time you share the show or an episode with someone new. One new listener makes all the difference to us, and continuing to share the show will increase what guests, topics, and events we discuss. Subscribe on iTunes, and be sure to share this episode with at least one person today!

If you are a railfan, you've been to a train show. They are a unique opportunity to meet people in the hobby, buy new and used equipment, and take in the beautiful club layouts. I have always had fun going to this show throughout the years, but I particularly enjoyed interviewing so many interesting vendors, club members, and railfans. News As you are probably aware, a CSX bakkan crude oil train derailed Monday in Fayette County W. Va. The latest news is that the train was traveling 17 MPH slower than the speed limit, so it would appear that speed was not a factor in the derailment. In happier news, Buffalo Creek & Gauley #4, a 2-8-0 steam locomotive, will be restored to operation by the Durbin & Greenbrier Railroad. The restoration will take place at the Cass Scenic Railroad shops. Greenberg Train Show Jerry Kyslinger - Keystone Division (6:12) Jerry talks about the advantages of the club being a division of the National Model Railway Association. He also highlights the different approaches with each module of the club's layout. Board Game Vendor (14:18) Our next guest did not want himself or his business identified on the show, but he was very happy to be interviewed. He talks about his time working for railroads (B&O, CSX) and what makes railroad board games so fun. Pete Lerro - Lerro Productions (19:42) A railroad artist, Pete discusses his approach to painting railroad scenes and describes some of his most important work. Ronald McElrath - Revelation Video (26:47) I saw Ronald selling a ton of railroad DVDs. He describes a few of them and explains his primary service Railroad Video Quarterly. Jack Early - Pittsburgh Independent Hi-Railers (31:36) O Scale thrives in a big space like a convention hall. Jack discusses the club's display and how they are working to get younger audiences interested in the hobby. Beth Ann Gabriel - Goodies Chocolatier (36:16) A good convention needs good food. Goodies Chocolatier provides many excellent candies and sweets for this event (including my favorite, orange creamsicle fudge!). David Maynard - Keystone Division (36:16) Returning to an earlier display, I met with David as he was performing some switching. He talks about the importance making choices in model railroading that make you happy, not just based off of what others say. Jonathan Knox - Pittsburgh S-Gaugers (42:51) S Gauge has often been overlooked in the hobby, but it is now being supported by companies like Lionel and MTH. Club leader Jonathan describes the club's two displays, how the gauge has grown in popularity, and why someone new may want to consider starting an S gauge layout. Grier - HO Scale freight car weathering (54:13) The last time I visited this show, I purchased a weathered gondola car from Grier. He shares with us his approach to weathering freight cars, and I surprise him by purchasing one during our interview! Question of the Day (58:59) I read some responses from the questions I asked in Episode 004 and provide you with a new one: What is your favorite part of going to a model train show? Let me know and I will select answers to share on the next episode which will be released Saturday the 21st at 9 AM EST. Subscribe on iTunes, and be sure to share this episode with at least one person today!

What is it like for someone outside of the hobby of model railroading to explore it, capture it on film, and create a feature-length documentary about it? Filmmaker Sara Kelly shares with us her experience working on "Model Citizens" over the past couple of years and her unique perspective on model railroading. News I will be attending the Greenberg Train Show in Monroeville PA on February 15, 2015. If you will be there, say hello to me (I will probably be wearing a Canadian Pacific engineer's hat, red jacket, and carrying a microphone). I will be covering the show for next week's episode of The Roundhouse. Sara Kelly Interview (2:09)Having discovered the world of model railroading in San Diego, Sara Kelly became interested in the people behind the elaborate layouts she saw. Her background in journalism enabled her to begin Model Citizens, fund the campaign using the Kickstarter platform, and approach this entirely new world with an open mind and native curiosity. Being that she is an "outsider" who has spent extensive time understanding the world of model railroading, Sara offers a unique perspective. She talks about why the hobby is "cool", how she approaches filming a train layout, why there are not as many women in the hobby as men, and covers the overall goals of the film. You can see clips from the movie and learn more at ModelCitizensMovie.com. Question of the Day (48:44) I read some responses from the questions I asked in Episode 003 and provide you with a new one: If you have a train layout, what are you modeling? If not, what would you like to model? Let me know and I will select answers to share on the next episode which will be released Saturday the 21st at 9 AM EST. Subscribe on iTunes, and be sure to share this episode with at least one person today!

Nickel Plate Road #765 has become a steam celebrity in the railroad and railfan community. What is it like to be this locomotive's engineer? Rich Melvin shares his experience as Senior Engineer of NKP 765, as well as being CEO and Publisher of O Gauge Railroading Magazine. News The Roundhouse is now on iTunes. Click this link to subscribe, and leave a review of the show while you're there. Our goal is to have the show featured on the front Podcasting page of the iTunes store (wouldn't that be cool?). Iowa Interstate Railroad has released a new Rock Island-inspired heritage unit. I'm not a huge fan, but what do you think of it? The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (owners of NKP 765) have announced a new project in conjunction with the City of Fort Wayne and SWA Group. Headwaters Junction will include a roundhouse, turntable, community interactive elements, educational programming, and departure point for excursions. You have to read the press release for the full details, but I am absolutely excited about what this means for rail preservation. I think it is particuarly important that the group will use the facility for training the new generation about steam preservation and maintenance, since the youth of today will be the keepers of these artifacts tomorrow. Rich Melvin Interview (3:12)Starting his railroad career on the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad, Rich eventually worked his way up to being the Superintendant of Operations for the Youngstown Division of the Ohio Central Railroad. He joined the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS) because he saw the professional attitude its organization had. Rich has several stories from over thirty years of operating Nickel Plate Road #765 and shares them with us here, including the filming of 'Matewan' in 1987 and joining the 21st Century Steam program with Norfolk Southern. As CEO and Publisher of O Gauge Railroading Magazine, Rich has seen and filmed many different O scale train layouts. He provides insight as to why so many modelers choose this gauge as well as how the company has embraced technology moving into the Digital Age. Question of the Day (48:48) I read some responses from the questions I asked in Episode 002 and provide you with a new one: If you could be the engineer of any steam locomotive past or present, which would you choose and why? Let me know and I will select answers to share on the next episode. Subscribe on iTunes, and be sure to share this episode with at least one person today!

If you were asked by a railroad to be their company photographer, would you say yes? Casey Thomason works for one of the largest Class I railroads in the country and shares what life is like being on the road, finding interesting locations, and visually representing Norfolk Southern. News I was sent this video by a number of sources, and not all of them are railfans. This extreme video of a CN freight train plowing snow is quite a thrill to watch. Metrolink has released photos of their new EMD F125 locomotives in production. It will be interesting to see these units evolve as they near completion. Casey Thomason Interview (3:12)Casey worked for Norfolk Southern as a crewmember before applying for the recently created position of Company Photographer. He discusses his inspiration from O. Winston Link, the process for taking a company photograph of equipment, and the evolution of the Heritage Unit program. Other programs Casey has been involved with photographing include the Streamliners at Spencer event and the 21st Century Steam program. He points out that there is more to being a company photographer than just taking train photos and offers advice for other railroad photographers. Other topics covered in this conversation include plans for 2015, riding the Office Car Special (OCS), and the story behind the famous roundhouse shot. Question of the Day (48:48) I read some responses from the questions I asked in Episode 001 and provide you with a new one: What is your favorite heritage unit or locomotive with a commemorative paint scheme, and why? Let me know and I will select answers to share on the next episode. Be sure to share this episode with at least one person today!

As we embark on this railroad journey, it's important to establish who I am, what the show is, and how you will become part of it. News Our first story is that Norfolk Southern has released the first of 25 GP33ECO locomotives. These low-emission switch locomotives will be appearing around the NS system, and you can view a picture of them here. Amtrak introduced National Train Day in 2008 as a holiday in early May to highlight railroad history and travel. This year, they are calling it "Amtrak Train Days" and focusing on a 'touring event'. In my opinion, changing the name is a mistake because it narrows the focus to Amtrak where it used to be equal for all railroads, museums, and organizations. The website with information is here. What do you think of the name change? Introducing The Roundhouse with Nick Ozorak (7:00) With a lifelong interest in trains, I have always had fun researching railroad history, riding excursions, taking photographs, playing with train simulators, etc. I am most well-known online for my video series At The Railyard, a virtual railroading review show where I examine train simulation products and use music and history to make entertaining experiences. The Roundhouse is a podcast, which is similar to a radio show except you can listen to each episode whenever and wherever you want. What the format allows us to do is have a continual discussion and exploration unlike anything else before. My three goals for the show are to: 1: Create episodes with meaningful content. 2: Explore new topics in our hobby. 3: Connect with you as railroaders and railfans, and connect you to each other. Starting the show in 2015 allows me to cover exciting news and events, and I look forward to seeing what comes down the line! Question of the Day (17:54) What railroad event, excursion, convention, or date are you most looking forward to? Let me know and I will select answers to share on the next episode. We also announce the first three guests at The Roundhouse. The first will be on Tuesday at 9 AM EST, the second on Thursday at 9 AM, and the third on Saturday at 9 AM. If this sounds exciting, share this episode with at least one person.