The Roundhouse Podcast

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. Holiday Events 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 wi...

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...

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, 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 Gardne...

We're going for a cab ride!  Climb aboard Nickel Plate 765 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. Question o...

How does the National Park Service bring railroad history to life? Debbie Conway talks about the site, 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,...

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 cont...

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 more about Garbely Publishing, visit their website h...

"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, Norf...

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 preservationist Roger Hardingham shares this incredible story with us, along with his memories of Dai Woodham. Question of the Day (43:05) What do you find most interesting about the story of Woodham Brothers?   Let me...

...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 st...

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. EXCLUSIVE OFFER:  Click here to save $3 on the Chesapeake & Ohio 614 set and support the show! To learn more about thei...

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. To learn more about the Illinois Railway Museum, be sure to visit their website at irm.org ! Question of the Day (2...

At the age of 15, Madison Kirkman embarked on a journey to save and restore one of the last remaining McKeen Motor Railcars in existance.  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 McKeenRailcar.com .   Question of the Day (47:05) What is your favorite self-propelled railcar?   Let me k...

Want to ride a train to the Grand Canyon?  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. Question of the Day (48:23) What is the most luxurious passenger car you've traveled in?   Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes ,  Join our...

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. This episode was requested by Charles Shipp.  Let us know what you want to hear in an upcoming episode. Question of the Day (31:47) If you’ve been to the WMSR, how was your...

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. Question of the Day (42:52) What is your favorite railroad board or card game?  Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. Subscribe on iTunes ,  Join ou...

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. This episode marks our First Anniversary of the show.  No matter if you've been listening for one week or one year, thank you for being part of our communit...

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 memory of visiting a hobby store? ...

As Chief Mechanical Officer of the Reading 2100 steam locomotive restoration, Jason discusses the status of the restoration and his extensive work in the rail preservation field. Question of the Day (43:20) What is your New Year's Rail Resolution?  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...

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 Hagan, administrator for the Sodor Island Forums, about how The Railway Series was based in actual British railway history, how it has helped rail preservation, and why it still matters today. Sodor Island Fansite Sodor Island Blog Thomas Episod...

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! Steampunk unLimited Friday Evening - Jeremy & Tara Stand,...

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 y...

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 the Strasburg Rail Road. Click here to learn more about their upcoming Steampunk unLimited event! News We dis...

Train simulators are serious(ly fun) business.  Mike Cyr, head of two train sim development companies, 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 simulator. Question of the Day (31:09) What would you like to see in a train si...

The Chief Operating Officer of the Friends of the 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! Question of the Day (47:55) With summer halfway over, what have you accomplished, and what are you looking forward to?  Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next epi...