Episode 15: Special Pridecast

In this week’s episode of Off the Rails with Rowdy and Bethan, Rowdy is conspicuously absent, leaving Eric in the hot seat for a special Pridecast focused on LGBTQ+ history in railroading and logging railroads, with a look at where we are today.Eric and Bethan spend some time discussing the unique "flavor" of Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad in the Year of Chugg™ (2026) and the team that has come together to make it all happen.There isn't much written about queer history in American railroading, which makes uncovering these stories all the more interesting. One great resource from across the pond is the UK's National Railway Museum: People, Pride and Progress.As part of Bethan's ongoing quest (hyperfixation) to uncover the untold stories of logging and railroad history, she dives into a few notable LGBTQ+ stories, including the Sumner Welles/Pullman Porter affair of 1940 and Portland's 1912 Scandal.For those interested in learning more, check out Peter Boag's Same-Sex Affairs: Constructing and Controlling Homosexuality in the Pacific Northwest.Fast-forwarding to the present day, Eric shares his own coming-out story and reflects on life as a gay man in the railroad world, particularly within the heritage railroad community.In the News!Our weekly news segment was almost nonexistent this week, thanks to a complete hyperfocus on history rather than current events. We do, however, discuss some exciting new gift shop merchandise.Frequently Asked Questions!This week's FAQ segment included a question about nationalizing the U.S. rail network, a topic we mostly decided to nope right out of.Got a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Send it our way, we'd love to hear from you (we think).So grab your coffee, crank up the phonograph, and let's go Off the Rails.Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! Thanks to Huffman Machining Solutions is proud to sponsor this Off the Rails podcast.  See how we can help with your next challenge at huggmanmachining.com