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 Extravaganza for fans matters. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Related Episodes Talyllyn Railway (2015) Dr. Robin Coombes’ Thesis on Heritage Railways Question of the Day What makes you feel a sense of belonging with your...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 10 min
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 locomotive, along with how they are developing a museum. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Photo by Sean Lamb. Related Episodes Kelly Lynch: Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Norfolk & Western 611 at the Strasburg Rail R...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min
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 event in 2014, and their approach to showcasing the national history of railroading in the United States. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Related Episodes Museum of the American Railroad Pennsylvania Trolley...
Apr 30, 2025•57 min
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 entering tourist railroading. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Related Episodes Railroad Analyst Tony Hatch Mississippi Export Railroad Question of the Day What short line or regional railroad impresses you? ...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 6 min
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 Generation Railroaders’ first virtual public programming . This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Related Episodes Kelly Lynch Steampunk unLimited at the Strasburg Rail Road Question of the Day Are there any other ques...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 27 min
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 CEO Wick Moorman FRA Administrator Joe Szabo Question of the Day What are you excited for in 2025? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our H...
Jan 28, 2025•46 min
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 endearing outcomes. Related Episodes Thomas and Rail Preservation Mike O’Donnell: Thomas the Tank Engine Composer The post In Memoriam: “Thomas & Friends” TV Creator Britt Allcroft appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast ....
Jan 03, 2025•5 min
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 constructing two massive buildings. Scott walks us through the history of the museum, how preserving trolleys differs from other forms of rail preservations, and what has led to the museum’s success. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Re...
Jan 02, 2025•57 min
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 railroad function, how Polar Express has become such a staple in the industry, and the importance of balancing history with progress. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Related Episodes Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Cass Sc...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min
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 Women in Short Line Railroading Mississippi Export Railroad Question of the Day What railroad do you know of or work for that is good with connecting to its local communities? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , share this episode with at le...
Oct 31, 2024•38 min
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 he is now involved in the development of Pullman National Historical Park. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Related Episodes Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman Steamtown National Historic Site Question of the Day Is there ...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 7 min
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 and community. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Related Episodes Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad Women in Short Line Railroading Question of the Day What is a railroad that has an impressive legacy? Subscribe on Apple Pod...
Aug 30, 2024•57 min
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 sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Artwork by John Winfield. Related Episodes California State Railroad Museum Railroader’s Memorial Museum Question of the Day What is one particularly special interaction that you have had working or v...
Jul 25, 2024•54 min
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 short line railroad industry, how they are working to cultivate interest in the field, and where they are seeing opportunities for growth. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services . Related Episodes WNYP General Manage...
Jun 27, 2024•55 min
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 Rail Road Mechanical Services . Related Episodes Rapido Trains Kathy Millatt & The Great Model Railway Challenge Question of the Day What are some of your favorite model trains that have ever been produced? Let me know and I will respo...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 7 min
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 Day What are topics that you would like me to cover on the podcast? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. The post 143: Understanding the EPA Rules with Diesels (w/ Roger Fuehring) appeared fi...
Apr 30, 2024•42 min
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 remains. Related Episodes Steamtown National Historic Site California State Railroad Museum Question of the Day What is an underrated technological marvel in railroading? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subscri...
Mar 28, 2024•44 min
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 Mechanical Services department of the Strasburg Rail Road. Related Episodes The Great Train Robbery WWII Train Reenactment Question of the Day What is a piece of railroad history that is often overlooked? Let me know and I will respond to your comments...
Mar 08, 2024•52 min
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 New Age Album Created on an Amtrak Trip Luke Pickman: Interpreting the Music of Thomas & Friends Question of the Day What is your favorite musical piece about railroading? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Su...
Jan 25, 2024•53 min
Well Stocked Shelves by Angela Trotta Thomas. Used with permission. 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 advice for getting into painting. See more of Angela’s paintings . Related Episodes Railroad Photographer Dennis Livesey Center for Railroad Photography and Art Question of the Day Going into the new yea...
Dec 20, 2023•55 min
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? Zac McGinnis, Excursion Manager for the Virginia Museum of Transportation, answers these questions and more. Related Episodes Norfolk & Western 611 at Strasburg Rail Road Nickel Plate Road 765 Adventure Question of the Day What are your favorite...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 1 min
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 episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions . Visit the official NMRA website to learn more. Related Episodes Former NMRA President Charlie Getz How to Design a Model Railroad Question of the Day What...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 14 min
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 Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions . Learn more about Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum from their website . Related Episodes Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington Railway Café Lafayette Dinner Train Questio...
Sep 20, 2023•55 min
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 Reading 2100 Restoration Launch Cass Scenic Railroad Question of the Day What steam locomotive restoration are you most excited about? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. Subs...
Aug 30, 2023•47 min
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 what it means to operate it sustainably. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions . Related Episodes Jim Ward – 50 Years of Australian Railroading Talyllyn Railway Question of the Day If yo...
Aug 02, 2023•59 min
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 operations of the railroad, and has even interviewed past employees. He shares the history of this railroad with us, along with answering the question of how he has remained so focused on this particular railroad for over 40 years! This episod...
Jun 21, 2023•1 hr 8 min
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 amazing shots in the film, and the challenges that were unique to this project. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions . Related Episodes Rocky Mountain Express Southern Railway 4501 Documentary Ques...
May 16, 2023•1 hr 8 min
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 project’s history, accomplishments so far, and their ultimate goals for the site. Charlie also gives us a sneak peak at what to expect with GVT’s recent purchase of a rare ALCO PA locomotive. Learn more about Flour by Rail . This episode is sponso...
Apr 18, 2023•59 min
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 & Hudson Railway, discuss their approaches to marketing and advertising their businesses and organizations. Watch this episode on YouTube below: This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Serv...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 23 min
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 Railroad Historical Society Volunteer Coordinator Christopher Homco, and Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Volunteer Coordinator Kristen Fredriksen answers your questions! Watch this episode on YouTube below: This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mech...
Feb 22, 2023•1 hr 16 min
