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. Question of the Day What makes you feel part of a team in a railroad organization? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts ,  share this episode wit...

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 in the UK and what he believes is necessary to solidify its future. Train photos available for print:  https://streamlinermedia.com/store Question of the Day What...

A rare auto carrier caboose from the Auto-Train is in danger of being scrapped. FLAIRR President Mark Frazier explains how his organization is campaigning to save the car and transport it from California to Florida. Learn more about how you can save this car: https://flairr.org/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts ,  share this episode with at least one person today , and remember that The Roundhouse is O...

The Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington Railway is the sole-surviving "Maine Two Foot" railroad. Director of Marketing & Visitor Interaction Coordinator Stephen Piwowarski discusses the restoration of the railway, their current projects, and what has led to their successes. Train photos available for print: https://streamlinermedia.com/store Question of the Day What's your favorite narrow gauge rail...

In its first two months on the market, Railroads Online has generated a great deal of interest for its multiplayer gameplay, mixture of business management and operations, and focus on steam and narrow gauge railroading. We talk to the developers of this new game about their process and how they would like to expand its capabilities. Question of the Day What do you love about train simulators or t...

Luke Pickman is a multi-instrumentalist who is reinterpreting the classic music of Thomas & Friends. Known as Instrument Maniac on YouTube, he pieces videos of himself playing multiple instruments to create a virtual orchestra. We talk to him about how he creates these new arrangements and why the music of Thomas & Friends deserves to be reviewed. Question of the Day What is your favorite piece of...

Mike O'Donnell, composer for Thomas & Friends, joins us to discuss how he became involved with the TV series, his process for developing music that would fit the characters, and what the legacy of the show means to him. Listen to Part 2 to find out the Question of the Day! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , share this episode with at least one person today , and remember that The Roundhouse is Our Hous...

What happens when a group of guys get together and say "We should build a Pennsylvania Railroad T1 from scratch"? General Manager Jason Johnson walks us through the history of the project, the selection of the type of locomotive, and what it will take to get it running. Question of the Day What locomotive would you build from scratch? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next epi...

Come along for the ride as we visit Norfolk & Western 611 during its 2021 visit to the Strasburg Rail Road. We'll interview crew members regarding the operation of the locomotive and experience the sights and sounds of the engine as it rolls through the Lancaster countryside. Question of the Day What guest mainline steam locomotive would you like to appear at Strasburg Rail Road? Let me know and I...

Steamtown National Historic Site is well known today, but what led to its creation? Who was F. Nelson Blount, and what exactly was his vision? Rick Kfoury, author of "Steam Trains of Yesteryear: The Monadnock, Steamtown and Northern Story", shares this unique history with us, debunks myths, and draws parallels between rail preservation then and now. Question of the Day What commuter rail service h...

It's time for those of us in rail preservation to put an end to sexism. Host Nick Ozorak released a survey for women to anonymously share their stories of sexism, harassment, and discrimination. We hear from these women, and Nick shares his thoughts on why fighting this ongoing systemic issue matters to the future of the industry. Survey Results Part 1 Survey Results Part 2 Subscribe on Apple Podc...

What does passenger rail advocacy require? We talk with Christopher Parker, Executive Director of Vermont Rail Action Network, about what is helping passenger rail expand in Vermont and how the 'hybrid' Budd Cars of AllEarth Rail may be part of that future. Question of the Day What commuter rail service has impressed you the most? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode...

The Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona PA has announced that they are initiating a campaign to restore Pennsylvania Railroad K4s #1361 to operation. Join us as we attend the press conference and ask Wick Moorman and FMW Solutions President Davidson Ward your questions! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , share this episode with at least one person today , and remember that The Roundhouse is Our Hous...

The Wisconsin Great Northern is restoring the Mark Twain Zephyr trainset, but there's more to this operation than meets the eye. Director of Passenger Development Robert Tabern and CMO Nick Turinetti talk about this historic trainset, the railroad's freight and car storage business, their Bed & Breakfast trains, and other pieces of equipment the railroad is restoring. Question of the Day What is y...

What is LARP, and what does it have to do with rail preservation? Claus Raasted, an experienced organizer of Live Action Role Playing (LARP) events, discusses what it is and how it "places you inside a movie". He shares the history of the Fairweather Manor event which created a Downton Abbey-like world for a weekend for its participants, and how this could be applied to railroad history. Question...

Scott Jarrett became the Chief Mechanical Officer of the Cincinnati Scenic Railway under the age of 30. He reflects on his journey which includes time with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus Train and Amtrak. He gives a sense of what makes Cincinnati Scenic Railway a special operation and what is needed to be taken seriously in rail preservation. Question of the Day Where have you found...

Avril Rowlands, the author and screenwriter for the BBC TV Series 'God's Wonderful Railway' joins us to discuss creating this show. GWR tells the history of a Great Western Railway branch line through the stories of children who lived and worked in each era. Learn how the show is still impactful over 40 years after it originally aired. Question of the Day Pitch me your railroad TV series. Let me k...

The Lincoln Funeral Train returns to the podcast. General Superintendent Steve Torrico discusses the plans for this new railroad showcasing the Leviathan steam locomotive and how these replicas showcase 1860s railroad technology. Question of the Day What interests you about pre-1900s railroading? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , sha...

Rail historian Steve Patterson explains the history of the Ski Train, a Colorado railroad legacy. Question of the Day What is your favorite Holiday Train? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , share this episode with at least one person today , and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

What makes a tourist railroad or museum appealing to the general public? Elizabeth, family blogger at Dutch Dutch Goose, shares stories about her family's experiences with train travel and her Top 5 tips for tourist railroads and museums. Question of the Day Besides the actual trains, what do you look for in a tourist railroad or museum? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next...

We brought together past Roundhouse guests as chosen by you and asked them your questions. Amtrak Engineer Mike Huhn, Strasburg Rail Road Director of Business Development Andrea Biesecker, and East Broad Top Foundation Board Member Bennett Levin join us for our first group conversation on topics including mainline steam excursions, getting started at tourist railroads, and the rebirth of the East...

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad President John Bush talks about this Colorado Narrow Gauge Railroad, restoring vintage equipment, and preserving the authentic west. Question of the Day What do you love about the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , share this episode with at least one person today ,...

Railroad photographer Dennis A. Livesey discusses his career in film production, how that translates to his hobby of railroad photography, and what led to creating his book "Smoke over Steamtown" documenting scenes from Steamtown National Historic Site. Question of the Day What inspires your railroad artistry? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple...

Executive Director Joe Defrancesco talks about this Altoona treasure, the Horseshoe Curve, PRR K4s #1361, and why preserving the stories of railroaders is a key component of the museum. Question of the Day What do you love most about the history of railroading in Pennsylvania? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , share this episode with...

In Part 2 of our interview with Wick Moorman, the former CEO of Amtrak discusses his philosophy with managing the passenger railroad, why he largely agrees with the business practices of Richard Anderson, and his hopes for the East Broad Top. Question of the Day What did you enjoy most about Wick Moorman's tenure as Amtrak CEO, either as a fan or as an employee? Let me know and I will respond to y...