The Roundhouse Podcast

The story of constructing Canada’s first transcontinental railway has been explored many times, but how did that railway come to shape immigration policy? David L. Jones, author of New World Dreams: Canadian Pacific Railway and the Golden Northwest, shares how… The post 165: Canadian Pacific Railway and the Golden Northwest appeared first on 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. Check out the hats! This episode… The post 164: Creating Vintage Hats w/ LaRose Hat Co. appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 163: The Journey of Rapido Trains w/ Jason Shron appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

  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… The post 162: Building Realistic Lego Trains w/ Glenn Holland appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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”,… The post 161: Aberdeen Carolina & Western – Robert Menzies appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 160: Conrail President Brian Gorton appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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. See his products… The post 159: R. Duck Locomotive Works and Laser-Cut Wood Modeling appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

In 2027, America will mark the 200th anniversary of its railroading legacy—a transformative journey that began in 1827 with the laying of the first stone of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in Baltimore, Maryland. To honor this historic bicentennial, the… The post 158: B&O Railroad Museum appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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 such as the Awdry… The post 157: Talyllyn Railway w/ Luke Ryan appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post Santa Fe #3751 and San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 155: National Railroad Museum appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 154: American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 10 Year Anniversary Special: Nick Ozorak appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

  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. Related Episodes Norfolk Southern… The post 152: Transportation Analyst Tony Hatch appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

  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… The post In Memoriam: “Thomas & Friends” TV Creator Britt Allcroft appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 151: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Executive Director Scott Becker appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

        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… The post 150: Al Harper and American Heritage Railways appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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. Related Episodes… The post 149: North Shore Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

  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… The post 148: FRA Administrator Joe Szabo appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post Mississippi Export Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 146: Museum of the American Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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 post 145: Women in Short Line Railroading appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 144: How Broadway Limited Imports Produces Model Trains appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

  Lake State Railroad CMO Roger Fuehring provides clarity on the EPA’s regulations concerning diesel locomotives and how they affect tourist railroads and museums. Related Episodes Puffing Billy Railway – Sustainability and Success Marketing in Rail Preservation Question of the… The post 143: Understanding the EPA Rules with Diesels (w/ Roger Fuehring) appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

Why were canal boats being hauled by train over mountains? Park Ranger Elizabeth Shope provides an overview of the Allegheny Portage Railroad of Pennsylvania, its role in westward expansion, and how the National Park Service has worked to preserve what… The post 142: Allegheny Portage Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post The History of Hospital Trains appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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. Related Episodes… The post 140: Short Line Railroad History Meets Classical Music appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

What is it like to paint official portraits of Lionel Trains? We are talking to Angela Trotta Thomas about her Lionel and real railroad paintings, her process of creating a scene, how she infuses her work with nostalgia, and her… The post 139: Lionel Artist Angela Trotta Thomas appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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?… The post 138: Behind the Scenes of N&W 611 Excursions appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) 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. This… The post 137: The Future of the NMRA appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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. Related Episodes… The post 135: Reading 2100 – American Steam Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post Puffing Billy Railway – Sustainability and Success appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 133: Yosemite Valley Railroad – Modeling a Historic Rarity appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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 post 132: Train Time! Interview with Director Stephen Low appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 131: Flour by Rail Project appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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 &… The post 130: Marketing in Rail Preservation appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 129: Volunteering in Rail Preservation appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 128: Cass Scenic Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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,… The post 127: Pentrex Narrator Dave Drui appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

At 102 years old, Art Ellis shares many memories from living in Pittsburgh, riding trolleys, working for Pittsburgh Railways, and helping to found the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Related Episodes The Scrapper who Saved Steam Railroad Photographers Lucius Beebe and Charles… The post 126: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – Founder Art Ellis appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post 125: California State Railroad Museum appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Returning to Operation appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

We are “trading spaces” with the California State Railroad Museum’s “The Roundhouse Crosstalk Podcast” by 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,”… The post Railroad Photographers Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post West Coast Railroaders Group appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post Port Jervis Transportation History Center appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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. Learn more about Cheryl… The post New Age Album Created on Amtrak Train Trip appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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. Related Episode Joliet Rocket Nickel Plate 765 Adventure Question of… The post Kelly Lynch: Fort Wayne, Headwaters Jct., and FMW Solutions appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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… The post Dr. Robin Coombes’ Thesis on Heritage Railways appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.