The Roundhouse

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...

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 w...

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, w...

“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 Ra...

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 s...

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 tr...

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 Tr...

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...

039: Teen Restoring a McKeen Railcar McKeen Railcar – Madison Kirkman At the age of 15, Madison Kirkman embarked on a journey to save and restore one of the last remaining McKeen Motor Cars in existence.  Now 17, he shares his journey with us and what it will take to bring the ‘Cuyamaca’ back to the rails. To learn more about this fascinating project, visit McKeencar.com . Questi...

Photos by Nick Ozorak and Grand Canyon Railway CMO Eric Hadder. Want to ride a train to the Grand Canyon?  Grand Canyon Railway CMO Eric Hadder talks about the trip you’ll experience, the historic nature of their steam locomotives, the return of #29, and how he entered the railroad industry.   Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel The railway operates a daily train from Williams Arizona to t...

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad locomotive number 734 pulls a train down the hill from Frostburg, Maryland. Photo by Darkweasel94. Where steam has reigned for two decades, Gen. Superintendant John Garner shares the details about maintaining and operating locomotive #734, restoring C&O 1309, and how their foundation works to connect people to the industry. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad John...

Photos courtesy of Surprised Stare Games and Bert Kaufmann. Snowdonia: Railway Board Game What does it take to design a board game about building a railway?  Game Designer Tony Boydell talks about his game Snowdonia, how it was inspired by a real cog railway, and how these games bring railway history to life. Buy the game:  http://amzn.to/21sz1PH Learn more: Question of the Day (42:52) What is you...

Photographs courtesy of John Suscheck/Ozark Mountain Railcar. Ozark Mountain Railcar How do you sell a passenger car? We talk with John Suscheck, Founder and CEO of Ozark Mountain Railcar , about being a railroad equipment broker, the challenges and rewards of buying this equipment, and how the phases of the moon affect sales. Be sure to visit their website to see what they have available. This ep...

Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart What does it take to run a hobby store in the 21st Century?  John Kavulich, President of Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart in Cheektowaga NY, joins us to discuss the triumphs and trials of the business. We visit the store in-person, hear from customer Esh Estarfaa and employee Al Plant, and interview John in his office! Question of the Day (39:43) What is your favorite...

Sodor Island Forums admin Ryan Hagan poses with Thomas the Tank Engine at the premiere of ‘Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure’. Photo provided by Ryan Hagan. Thomas the Tank Engine & Rail Preservation Thomas the Tank Engine is beloved by millions of children around the world, but we tend to think of it solely as a ‘kid’s show’.  Today, we talk with Ryan Hag...

Are you ready for a steam-powered adventure?  We’re attending Strasburg Rail Road’s Steampunk unLimited weekend to learn more about the Steampunk culture and the many ways it connects to railroading.  This episode includes interviews with performers, vendors, and convention attendees, as well as the sounds of steam locomotives hard at work! To learn more about the Strasburg Rail Road a...

Chris shares how his love of trains led him to create Steam Locos in Profile, why he enjoys presenting on-camera, and how he successfully crowdfunded his Season 1 DVD . This episode is sponsored by the Strasburg Rail Road. Click here to learn more about their upcoming Steampunk unLimited event! Question of the Day (50:34) What is (or was) your hometown railroad?  Let me know and I will respond to...

Train ME-1 leaves Meadville to work on the Oil City Branch. Photo by Nick Ozorak. Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad – President Carl Belke talks with us about his 40+ year career in the railroad industry, including his tenure at the Delaware & Hudson, why he prefers ALCOs, and how the WNYP participated in the 2010 movie ‘Unstoppable’. This episode is sponsored by t...

Jointed Rail – Founder Mike Cyr Train simulators are serious(ly fun) business.  Mike Cyr, head of two train sim development companies (Jointed Rail and Crosstie Studios), joins us to discuss his history with producing content for Trainz Railroad Simulator, what he enjoys about being self-employed in the hobby, and what the team at Crosstie Studios is working to put into their new train simul...

261 is back on the move just north of Le Claire. Photo by Nathan D. Holmes. Milwaukee Road 261 – Steve Sandberg The Chief Operating Officer of the Friends of the 261 (owners of steam locomotive Milwaukee Road 261) joins us to talk about the history of preserving this locomotive, its role in the film ‘Public Enemies’, and how he got to meet President Bill Clinton on a train! Quest...

Nickel Plate 765 works its way north to Ashtabula.  Photo by Justin Calvin. We’re traveling behind steam locomotive Nickel Plate Road #765 from Youngstown to Ashtabula and back.  On the way, we’ll talk to crew from the Fort Wayne RR Historical Society, passengers, and spectators.  Here’s your ticket, so climb aboard! Nickel Plate 765 Adventure 1:42 – Passengers (Fred Smith,...

Strasburg Rail Road – Andrea Biesecker As the Assistant Contract Administrator, Andrea talks about working for the Strasburg Rail Road, explains the work she provides for steam locomotives, and describes the ‘Culture of Steam’. This episode is sponsored by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.  Visit their website to see their 2015 Summer Mainline Excursion schedule and boo...

Rikki sits in the cab of Chehalis-Centralia #15. Photo courtesy of Trisha Duerr. Firewoman and engineer Rikki talks about being part of ‘The Lone Ranger’ movie crew, working on steam locomotives big and small, and her advice with connecting to a tourist railroad. This episode is sponsored by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.  Visit their website to see their 2015 Summer Mainl...

Ever wonder what it’s like to be the editor for Trains Magazine?  Jim tells you what he looks for in a good railroad story! Jim Wrinn Interview Jim began reading Trains Magazine at the age of 6.  His parents bought it to stimulate his reading; he enjoyed it for the pictures.  As he worked his way up in the field of journalism, he eventually became the Editor in 2004.  Jim shares some memorab...

VRS 311 is on the tail end of Friday’s excursion returning to Rutland. Photo by Nick Ozorak. NRHS Convention, Batman breaking the law, Bessemer & Lake Erie, and more!  I’m riding solo today to talk about my latest adventures and share some photos! News Amtrak has donated AEM-7 #915 to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania .  This veteran of the Northeast Corridor will now serve to co...