Growing up with the Pennsylvania Railroad, Bennett Levin would later go on to own a PRR Observation Car used by John F. Kennedy and original E-Unit locomotives. He shares his love of providing rare-mileage excursions, providing Veterans with an unforgettable train ride, and how to advocate for rail travel. Related Episodes American Association of Private Rail Car Owners (AAPRCO) Iowa Pacific Hoosier State Question of the Day What diesels would be leading your private cars? Let me know and I will...
Nov 22, 2017•47 min
Photo by Joel Hawthorn. What will it take to save the last operational logging railroad in the US? The Peninsular Railway and Lumberman’s Museum, a new nonprofit organization, has formed to save the Simpson Railroad, and President Josh Kaivo joins us to share what it will take to turn it into a tourist railroad! Related Episodes: The Last Logging Railroad Rikki Burchett Question of the Day What is your favorite logging railroad? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode...
Sep 30, 2017•32 min
How do railroads make steel? Bernard Kempinski, author of “The Model Railroader’s Guide to Steel Mills,” walks us through the entire process and how you can create a model railroad steel mill! This episode was a listener request from Donald Dunn. Thank you for the suggestion! Related Episodes: Museum of Science & Industry Part II Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad Question of the Day What type of industry serviced by railroads is your favorite? Let me know and I will respond to your comments ...
Sep 17, 2017•45 min
We’re traveling aboard a steam excursion taking us back in time unlike any other. Join us as Nickel Plate Road 765 takes its passengers, crew, and reenactors from Joliet to Chicago. For this episode, we’ve ‘backdated’ our sound to make it more like a radio play of the 1940s. Organized by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, The Joliet Rocket was a series of 4 round trip excursions from Joliet IL to Chicago on June 17th and 18th, 2017. The excursion included open vestibules, accommodations...
Aug 27, 2017•43 min
Bring Back 757! A campaign to return Nickel Plate 757 to its hometown of Bellevue, Ohio is launching today. Vice President of the Mad River & Nickel Plate Railroad Museum Dwayne Fuehring discusses the details of transporting such a massive locomotive and why moving this locomotive matters. Learn more about this campaign at the Bring Back 757 website ! Related Episodes: Nickel Plate 765 Cab Ride NKP 765 Engineer Rich Melvin Support us on Patreon , Subscribe on iTunes , share this episode with...
Aug 01, 2017•21 min
See what happens when the Axis and Allied forces battle for control of a train…all during a WWII reenactment at the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad. It’s a WWII Train Battle unlike any other! This is our first episode simulcast in video and audio! Related Episodes: The Great Train Robbery MINI 01: Rich Melvin & Nickel Plate 765 Question of the Day What is the most exciting event that you’ve been to at a tourist railroad or railway museum that wasn’t about trains? Let me know and I will r...
Jul 22, 2017•9 min
The Great Train Robbery is a myth and legend that still impacts popular culture. But what exactly did happen to the Royal Mail train on the night of August 8th, 1963? Author Nick Russell-Pavier walks us through the mysteries, mistakes, and misconceptions about this incredible true story. Related Episodes: The Scrapper that Saved Steam Railway Photographer Robin Coombes Question of the Day What else would you like to know about the Great Train Robbery? Let me know and I will respond to your comme...
Jul 01, 2017•1 hr 5 min
When Orion Newall-Vuillemot needed storage for his Ford riding mowers, he did what any 15 year old would do…buy a 1930s Boston & Maine boxcar, transport it to his house, and begin a full restoration. Hear his incredible story about the journey of the car and his plans for restoring it! Related Episodes: Teen Restoring a McKeen Car TriState Bought an ALCO Question of the Day (50:40) What is your favorite freight car? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support...
Jun 04, 2017•53 min
Look at his photos and you would assume the work of someone who has spent decades in photography. However, Robin Coombes only began exploring photography seriously in 2006. He shares his perspective on railway photography, historic photo charters, and his pursuit of a PhD on Heritage Railways at University of Birmingham! Check out the Robin and Taliesin Coombes Flickr account for more great photos! Related Episodes: The Scrapper that Saved Steam Steam Locos in Profile Question of the Day (1:04:1...
May 21, 2017•1 hr 6 min
As Chief Designer of MSI’s Great Train Story layout exhibit, John Llewellyn explains the design process, how a train layout can tell a story, and fitting skyscrapers underneath a full-size Boeing 727! Related Episodes: Museum of Science & Industry Part I National Model Railroad Association Question of the Day (25:48) What is the largest model railroad you’ve ever seen? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Support us on Patreon , Subscribe on iTunes , share thi...
May 06, 2017•28 min
058: Museum of Science and Industry MSI’s collection includes the Pioneer Zephyr streamliner, New York Central #999, and a replica of Stephenson’s Rocket. Director of Collections and Head Curator Kathleen McCarthy shares how this history is brought to life and why rail history continues to fascinate the museum’s patrons. Patreon I’m very excited to launch our Patreon ! This is a service that provides you the opportunity to help support our show through a monthly donation. While the podcast episo...
Apr 22, 2017•34 min
FULL EPISODE Rich Melvin shares a couple of stories from his time as Senior Engineer of Nickel Plate 765, including how he impressed supervisors who underestimated what the steam locomotive could do. The post MINI 01: Rich Melvin & Nickel Plate 765 appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast ....
Apr 15, 2017•8 min
In this shorter episode, Vice President Kevin Phalon and Treasurer Richie King, (both under 25 years old) join us to discuss the Tri-State Railway Historical Society’s purchase of Morristown & Erie 19, an ALCO C424 built in 1964. They tell us how this was made possible, why the restoration can be achieved for just $5000, and what the future holds for the locomotive. Special thanks to Liberty Historic Railway for contributing to the purchase of the locomotive. To learn about how you can contr...
Apr 09, 2017•15 min
We’re riding on the Hoosier State! We take one last ride while Iowa Pacific was operating the train to experience the wonderful equipment and on-board service. Along the way, we talk to the crew to hear about what they’ve taken away from their work. Dylan Hayes – 01:56 Aimee Skirvin – 10:04 Tunde Barbarinsa – 13:55 James Corbett – 16:13 Conductor Rob Tracy – 25:59 Jack Sinise – 28:14 Related Episodes: Steel City Limited AAPRCO President Bob Donnelly Photos by Zac Reitmeyer. Question of the Day (...
Apr 02, 2017•33 min
Have you ever wanted to own a private railcar, and what is it like to travel in one? AAPRCO President Bob Donnelly describes the organization, what cars he co-owns, how he enjoys the annual convention trains, and the difference between a private car and the Class I OCS. Question of the Day (41:00) What railcar would you like to own? 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 , ...
Mar 11, 2017•43 min
Australian iron ore trains are the ‘Mad Max’ of railroading. Jim Ward takes us through his 50 years of working for a variety of Australian and New Zealand railways, his favorite types of locomotives, and the longest train in the world! Related Episodes: Norfolk Southern Engineer Mike Huhn The Scrapper who Saved Steam Photos courtesy of Jim Ward. Question of the Day (37:49) What is the longest train you’ve ever seen? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe o...
Feb 12, 2017•40 min
One of the best parts of the winter holidays is that it brings community businesses and organizations together to create unique events. We follow the Western New York & Pennsylvania Santa Train, talking with the crew and the community along the way! WNYP President Carl Belke – 01:45 Meadville Residents – 07:54 Red Cross – 14:00 Oil Region Alliance President & CEO John Phillips – 16:42 WNYP General Manager Kylie McLaughlin – 22:44 Santa Claus – 25:49 Related Episodes: Bessemer & Lake ...
Jan 28, 2017•31 min
The Bessemer & Lake Erie has been hauling iron ore to fuel America’s steel production for over 100 years. Learn about its history and why it means so much to local railfans and workers as we begin to explore its roots. We talk to Bob Brooks, who has filmed the railroad for over six years, and Jon Clark, a photographer working for another Western Pennsylvania shortline. Bob Brooks – 1:58 Reading Your Comments – 24:45 Jon Clark – 27:20 Related Episodes: Western New York & Pennsylvania RR –...
Jan 22, 2017•1 hr 2 min
What is the National Model Railroad Association, and how do they help the hobby? President Charlie Getz talks about the organization, the work they do, and where the hobby is headed for the future. Related Episodes: Rapido Trains – Jason Shron K&L Trainz Holiday Events submitted by listeners for 2016: Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum Connecticut Trolley Museum Question of the Day (54:55) How would you like to see model railroading develop in the future? Let me know and I will respond to y...
Dec 17, 2016•57 min
Southern Railway 4501 Documentary Director Evan Lofback set out to create a Ken Burns-like documentary about the return of mainline steam excursions in the south and the people who made it happen. In particular, this professional feature-length film features Southern Railway 4501, and how it became a star in preservation. Join us as he takes us behind the scenes for the production of this film and why he chose to release the film online for free. This episode is sponsored by K&L Trainz , cre...
Nov 27, 2016•42 min
Luxury Rail Travel invited us to ride a former Pennsylvania Railroad observation car from the 1950s. Make yourself comfortable in the lounge as we travel from New York to Pittsburgh on the Steel City Limited, talking with crew and passengers along the way! We also receive updates regarding the restoration of the Reading T1 #2100 steam locomotive. Visit Luxury Rail Travel to see what upcoming trips are planned! Rob Gardner – American Steam Railroad – 2:40 Bill & Marie Scarlett – 16:12 Matt Ph...
Nov 12, 2016•1 hr 4 min
We’re going for a Nickel Plate 765 cab ride! Climb aboard as we talk with the crew and hear the sounds of this massive locomotive at work. Notably, we interview Rich Melvin on one of his last runs in his over 30 year experience with the locomotive. We want to thank both the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for making this episode possible. Related Episodes: Nickel Plate 765 Adventure Rich Melvin Question of the Day (49:03) What steam loco have you ha...
Oct 10, 2016•52 min
How does the National Park Service bring railroad history to life? Debbie Conway talks about the Steamtown NHS, its history, and details her plans for what she wants to see in the future. 2016 Roundhouse Survey & Northeast Corridor Giveaway! To celebrate approaching 50 episodes, we are conducting a listener survey to see how we can continue to improve the show. Because we want to give back to you as well, we have partnered with Luxury Rail Travel to bring you an amazing giveaway. Complete th...
Sep 03, 2016•50 min
What does it take to promote and celebrate Amtrak’s past and present? Lead Brand Communications Specialist Matt Donnelly joins us to share how he built his career with Amtrak, the story behind the Heritage Units, and what trips he has enjoyed most. 2016 Roundhouse Survey & Northeast Corridor Giveaway! To celebrate approaching 50 episodes, we are conducting a listener survey to see how we can continue to improve the show. Because we want to give back to you as well, we have partnered with Lux...
Aug 13, 2016•47 min
Richard King (left) and Rudy Garbely (right) of Garbely Publishing stand atop locomotives they have authored books about. Photo courtesy of Kevin Phalon. What compels someone young to enter the world of print publishing in the 21st Century? We talk with Rudy Garbely (founder) and Richard King (author) from Garbely Publishing about their work and the histories they are exploring. In particular, we look at the Rahway Valley Railroad and what gave this New Jersey shortline such character. To learn ...
Jul 31, 2016•48 min
“If you’re a railfan, here you’re not strange. Here you’re a part of the gang automatically. You fit right in, and that makes our guests very comfortable”. We chat with Tom Davis, innkeeper for the Station Inn about his 22 years providing railfans with the ideal Pennsylvania getaway. The station in is located in Cresson, PA, along what used to be the Pennsylvania Railroad’s mainline. Now, Norfolk Southern sends approximately 70 trains per day through the region. Landmarks in the area include Hor...
Jul 10, 2016•29 min
Amidst the long lines of steam locomotives at the Barry Scrapyard, 48305 was painted with the words ‘Please don’t let me die’ on the front of the boiler. Fortunately, she didn’t. She is now preserved at the Great Central Railway. Left and center photos by John Turner. Right photo by Duncan Harris. Barry Scrapyard 297 British steam locomotives were sent to Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry. 213 survived into preservation. How did one man make all of this possible? Author, historian, and preserv...
Jun 26, 2016•47 min
Ride along with us as we travel on Budd Cars from the 1950s. We’ll be traveling from Pottsville to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, talking with passengers and crew, and exploring the history of the anthracite region. Here’s your ticket, so climb aboard! The Reading & Northern Railroad is a shortline based in eastern Pennsylvania. Throughout the year, the railroad operates excursion trains using steam and diesel locomotives. This year, they have restored two 1950s ‘Budd Cars’ to operation as a new ...
Jun 11, 2016•45 min
Photo courtesy of Steve Lerro/K&L Trainz. K&L Trainz How do you digitize a steam loco? Steve Lerro of K&L Trainz talks with us about creating 3D computer models of steam locomotives for Trainz Railroad Simulator, how he hired famous voices for his promo videos, and why he believes train simulators are outgrowing model railroading. RELATED EPISODES Ross Rowland – The American Feedom Train, Yellow Ribbon Express Nickel Plate Road #765 Senior Engineer Rich Melvin EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Click ...
May 22, 2016•47 min
Illinois Railway Museum Have you ever been to a railway museum that covered steam, diesel, and electric railroad history? Marketing Director Ed Rosengren takes us on a virtual tour of the Illinois Railway Museum, discusses their newly purchased turntable, and how they are connected to Hollywood filmmaking. This episode was requested by a listener of the show. If you have a specific guest request, just let us know ! To learn more about the Illinois Railway Museum, be sure to visit their website a...
May 07, 2016•32 min
