Trains LIVE | The Trains.com Podcast

Bob Lettenberger delves deep into the life and legacy of the legendary railroad watercolor artist, Ted Rose. With special guest Molly Rose, they discuss the influence of Ted's works, reminisce about his unique artistry, and highlight an upcoming exhibition showcasing his masterpieces. Dive into the mesmerizing world of Ted Rose and understand the magic behind every stroke of his brush. s1e11 Origi...

Join Bob Lettenberger and Bryson Sleppy as they take listeners on a culinary journey through the history of railroad dining. From the classic recipes of yesteryears to the modern interpretations, they highlight the intricate evolution of meals on the move. The episode showcases a hands-on demonstration of the Fruit Cocktail Pudding, an iconic dish from the Illinois Central dining cars, providing a...

Bob Lettenberger and Bryson Sleppy dive deep into the delectable world of holiday cooking, spotlighting the rich and creamy Amtrak-inspired Flourless Chocolate Torte. While Bryson is tempted to devour it immediately, the duo also provides insights on where listeners can find the recipe and offers suggestions for other holiday treats. With Christmas approaching, they also touch on hobby-related sho...

Bob Lettenberger delves into the luxurious world of railroad dining, specifically spotlighting the famous Slenderella Salad from Northern Pacific's menu. Along with this culinary trip, he hints at Lawrence Mack's ambitious undertakings and unforeseen challenges tied to the Slenderella Spas. S1E14 Originally posted: 1/4/2022 -- Visit trains.com to see the video of this podcast: https://www.trains.c...

Delve into the world of American industrial railroads with guest Sam Aufmuth, President, American Industrial Railroad Society (AIRS). In this episode, we uncover the rich history, essential roles, and visionary projects poised to redefine the future of transportation. Sam provides exclusive insights into the intricacies of industrial railroads, the challenges they grapple with, and their profound...

In this episode of "Trains Live," host Bob Lettenberger sits down with Kevin Gilliam to delve into the rich history and intricate details of locomotives, with a particular emphasis on the fascinating world of articulated locomotives. Drawing from a range of carefully curated literature, Kevin highlights some lesser-known railroads and shares intriguing tales about locomotives from the past. Whethe...

In this episode, Nathaniel Guest, Executive Director of the Colebrookdale Tourist Railroad in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, shares the remarkable journey of creating rail gliders (rail bikes) designed to enhance railway experiences for all. Discover how this innovative project is not only revolutionizing rail operations but also creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities. s1e17 Originally...

The Center for Railroad Photography and Art opens its doors to share the rich world of railroading through imagery and stories. Host Bob Lettenberger explores the treasure trove of railroad photographs, exhibitions, and programs, diving deep into the history and artistry of railroads. Discover how this center preserves and promotes the captivating intersection of photography and railroading. s1e18...

We take you on a journey behind the scenes of a remarkable steam locomotive restoration project. Travel to Middleton, Wisconsin, where a dedicated team at SPEC Machine is meticulously restoring the historic Chicago & Northwestern 1385 locomotive. Discover the incredible craftsmanship, challenges, and passion that go into recreating a technology from over a century ago. Learn how the team goes beyo...

Delve into the fascinating world of steam locomotives, with a particular focus on the essential components known as "staybolts." Join Bob as he explains the science behind stay bolts and their crucial role in keeping steam locomotives operational. He also takes you behind the scenes to learn how stay bolts work on Chicago and Northwestern number 1385, a steam locomotive undergoing restoration. s1e...

In this gripping podcast episode, Dr. Yasmine Ali, author of "A Walk Through Fire," joins the host to discuss her book and the train disaster that changed America. The conversation delves into the technical intricacies of the event, its profound impact on the community, and the human stories that make this tragedy unforgettable. Dr. Ali shares insights into the emergency response, the resilience o...

Join Kevin Gilliam and host Bob Lettenberger as they unravel the remarkable world of geared locomotives. Dive into the history of these unique steam engines, their vital role in logging and mining, and the unforgettable experience of witnessing five steam engines in action at Cass Scenic Railroad. Discover how these locomotives helped shape American industries, from aviation to paper production. s...

s1 e24 Originally posted: 06/14/23 -- In this episode, host Bob Lettenberger engages in a profound conversation with renowned artist J. Craig Thorpe, delving into the world of railroad art and its intersection with American life. Thorpe, an expert in depicting the beauty of trains on canvas, shares his artistic journey, the significance of capturing history through art, and the potential of trains...

s1 e25 Originally posted: 7/12/2023 -- Join host Bob Lettenberger as he delves into the fascinating world of steam locomotive restoration at the Northern Nevada Railway Museum. He interviews Mark Bassett and Lennox Purington, who share their insights and experiences in restoring these magnificent machines. Learn about the challenges, triumphs, and the heartwarming legacy of a beloved feline friend...

s1 e26 Originally posted: 7/25/2023 -- our hosts Bob Lettenberger and Kevin Gilliam explore the intriguing history, preservation efforts, and hidden treasures of the East Broad Top Railroad. Uncover the remarkable journey of this narrow gauge steam railroad nestled in the picturesque mountains of Pennsylvania and learn about the passionate individuals striving to bring it back to life after a deca...

s1 e27 Originally posted: 08/15/2023 -- Discover the remarkable stories behind the National Railroad Museum's extensive archive collection, ranging from vintage train advertisements to scrapbooks filled with World War II history. Learn about the meticulous process of cataloging and preserving these treasures, and gain insights into the delicate art of curating for museums. Explore the world of rai...

s1 e29 Originally posted: 10/06/2023 -- Join Trains LIVE at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wis., to discover the charm of summer railroad camp. Meet young campers Austin, from England, Caleb, and Izzy from Washington, D.C., as they bond over their love for trains. Hear from their moms, Sarah-Jane, Stephanie, and LeTesha, about the camp's positive impact and the joy it brings. Dive into...

s1 e30 Originally posted: 10/15/2023 -- The Transcontinental Railroad, completed on May 10, 1869, transformed the U.S., turning a 6-month coast-to-coast journey into just 7 days. More than just tracks, it's a tale of the countless individuals—Chinese and Irish immigrants, Civil War veterans, and freed slaves—who braved brutal conditions to shape the nation. While many remain unsung heroes, Utah’s...

s1 e28 Originally posted: 09/06/2023 -- Two female engineers, Kylah Breedan and Elizabeth Duncan, share their experiences working on the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. They discuss the challenges and rewards of operating steam locomotives through the breathtaking Colorado landscape. The conversation offers insights into their dedication, balancing seriousness and fun, and th...