012: Ross Rowland - The American Feedom Train, Yellow Ribbon Express

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!