The Roundhouse

Do you love trains and railroads? The Roundhouse brings you the most interesting news, stories, and interviews about the railroad industry, hobby, history, and more.

142: Allegheny Portage Railroad 03/28/2024

142: Allegheny Portage Railroad Why were canal boats being hauled by train over mountains? Park Ranger Elizabeth Shope provides an overview of the Allegheny Portage Railroad of Pennsylvania and how the National Park Service has worked to preserve what remains. Question of the Day What is an underrated technological marvel in railroading? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/30584143

The History of Hospital Trains 03/08/2024

The History of Hospital Trains We interview Alexandra Kitty, author of "A Different Track: Hospital Trains of the Second World War", about the forgotten history of hospital trains, their role in WWII, and the healthcare workers who staffed them. This episode is sponsored by the Mechanical Services department of the Strasburg Rail Road. Question of the Day What is a piece of railroad history that is often overlooked? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/30293973

140: Short Line Railroad History Meets Classical Music 01/25/2024

140: Short Line Railroad History Meets Classical Music More episodes: https://theroundhousepodcast.com Mark Rheaume, composer of "That's the Way the Railroad Went" discusses how he created a 38 minute piece of music incorporating interviews documenting the Central Iowa Railway Company, a short line with a brief existence in the 1970s. Listen to Mark's piece: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Onx6JMOBP2A Question of the Day What is your favorite musical piece about railroading? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/29647508

139: Lionel Artist Angela Trotta Thomas 12/20/2023

139: Lionel Artist Angela Trotta Thomas What is it like to paint official portraits of Lionel Trains? We are talking to Angela Trotta Thomas about her Lionel (and real train) paintings, her process of creating a scene, how she infuses her work with nostalgia, and her advice for getting into painting. See more of Angela's paintings: https://www.angelatrottathomas.com/ Question of the Day Going into the new year, what are you excited about? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/29169818

138: Behind the Scenes of N&W 611 Excursions 11/21/2023

138: Behind the Scenes of N&W 611 Excursions How did the idea for the 2023 excursions in Central Virginia come about? What logistics are required to put excursions together? Is converting Norfolk & Western 611 to oil burning being discussed? How can you become involved in future excursions? Zac McGinnis, Excursion Manager for the Virginia Museum of Transportation, answers these questions and more. Question of the Day What are your favorite holiday railroad memories? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/28690423

137: The Future of the NMRA 10/24/2023

137: The Future of the NMRA National Model Railroad Association President Gordy Robinson and Social Media Manager Lucy Dormont join us for a full conversation about the challenges facing the organization and the work they are involved with to bring it into the future. Question of the Day What gives you hope in the future of model railroading? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/28411256

136: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum 09/20/2023

136: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum Learn about the preservation work that Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum is involved with, the opportunities and challenges of being based in central Portland, and how they use events to maximize their community outreach. This episode is sponsored by and . Question of the Day What piece of narrow gauge history do you enjoy most? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/28095755

135: Reading #2100 - American Steam Railroad 08/30/2023

135: Reading #2100 - American Steam Railroad Rob Gardner, President of American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, provides updates on the restoration of Reading Railroad T-1 #2100 and what is planned for the future. This episode is sponsored by and . Question of the Day What steam locomotive restoration are you most excited about? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/27895773

134: Puffing Billy Railway - Sustainability and Success 08/01/2023

134: Puffing Billy Railway - Sustainability and Success The Puffing Billy Railway is a world famous tourist railway near Melbourne, Australia. CEO Peter Abbott speaks with us about the importance of the people connected to it (staff, volunteers, and community), how the railway works to overcome challenges, and what it means to operate it sustainably. This episode is sponsored by and . Question of the Day If you've visited the Puffing Billy Railway, what was your experience like? If not, what is the furthest that you've traveled to ride on a particular train? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/27625308

133: Yosemite Valley Railroad - History and Modeling 06/21/2023

133: Yosemite Valley Railroad - History and Modeling The Yosemite Valley Railroad was a connection between the Southern Pacific and Yosemite National Park that brought tourists in by the thousands, and it also hauled a considerable amount of freight. Jack Burgess is dedicated to understanding the history and operations of the railroad, and has even interviewed past employees. He shares the history of this railroad with us, along with answering the question of how he has remained so focused on this particular railroad for over 40 years! This episode is sponsored by and . Question of the Day What is your favorite obscure railroad, and why? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/27222087

132: Train Time! Interview with Director Stephen Low 05/16/2023

132: Train Time! Interview with Director Stephen Low IMAX film director Stephen Low talks about the process of making Train Time, a documentary looking at the operations of BNSF Railway. He shares how this project was different from Rocky Mountain Express, the methods used to capture some of the amazing shots in the film, and the challenges that were unique to this project. This episode is sponsored by and . Question of the Day What is your favorite example of a train on film? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/26858511

131: Flour by Rail Project 04/18/2023

131: Flour by Rail Project The Flour by Rail Project is a unique effort to present Buffalo NY's industrial history in conjunction with its railroads. Charlie Monte Verde, VP of Genesee Valley Transportation and Luke Irvine, Director of the Buffalo USA Foundation, talk about this project's history, accomplishments so far, and their ultimate goals for the site. Charlie also gives us a sneak peak at what to expect with GVT's recent purchase of a rare ALCO PA locomotive. . This episode is sponsored by and . Preorder . Question of the Day What example of preserving an industrial site are you enthusiastic about? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/26579382

130: Marketing in Rail Preservation 03/21/2023

130: Marketing in Rail Preservation How can you market your tourist railroad, museum, or non-profit organization more effectively? Eric Mencis, Operations Manager for Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Joey Bryan, Communications Manager for Nashville Steam Preservation Society, and Hal Raven, Owner of the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway, discuss their approaches to marketing and advertising their businesses and organizations. . This episode is sponsored by and . Question of the Day When have you donated to a cause or visited a tourist railroad or museum specifically due to the marketing? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/26295435

129: Volunteering in Rail Preservation - Panel Discussion 02/22/2023

129: Volunteering in Rail Preservation - Panel Discussion Do you have questions regarding how to get volunteers into rail preservation? Where to find them? How to make them feel like part of a team? Our panel consisting of Wiscasset Waterville and Farmington Railway Trainmaster Ed Lecuyer, Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Volunteer Coordinator Christopher Homco, and Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Volunteer Coordinator Kristen Fredriksen answers your questions! . This episode is sponsored by and . Question of the Day What questions do you have about marketing a tourist railroad, museum, or project fundraiser? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/26014068

128: Cass Scenic Railroad 01/23/2023

128: Cass Scenic Railroad Cass Scenic Railroad is a gem of a tourist railroad in West Virginia. Director of Communications Walter Scriptunas II talks about the history of the line, how they keep their steam logging locomotives operational, and what the future holds with their rebuilt rail connection between Durbin and Cass. Cover photo by Walter Scriptunas II. More podcast episodes: https://theroundhousepodcast.com Thank you to our sponsor: https://mechanical.strasburgrailroad.com/ Question of the Day What panel discussions would you like to see take place on The Roundhouse? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/25699020

127: The Voice of Pentrex - Dave Drui 12/27/2022

127: The Voice of Pentrex - Dave Drui Do you remember watching Pentrex? The company produced many hour-long videos showcasing different railroads around the continent. One consistent and crucial element of these was the narrator who would describe the history and scenes unfolding. Dave Drui is that narrator, and he talks with us about how he became involved with these productions and how they have made him appreciate trains and railroads even more. Question of the Day What’s one of your favorite railfan VHS tapes? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/25443117

126: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum - Founder Art Ellis 11/16/2022

126: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum - Founder Art Ellis At 102 years old, Art Ellis has many memories from living in Pittsburgh, riding trolleys, working for Pittsburgh Railways, and helping to found the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Question of the Day What’s your favorite piece of trolley or interurban history? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/25041150

125: California State Railroad Museum 10/20/2022

125: California State Railroad Museum We're continuing to trade spaces with the California State Railroad Museum. Coordinator of Exhibits and Interpretive Programs Kim Whitfield shares some highlights of their impressive collection, how they are embracing digital tools to showcase it, and the significance of storytelling in railroad history. Question of the Day What’s your favorite piece of California Railroad history? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in the next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/24664524

Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Returning to Operation 09/15/2022

Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Returning to Operation Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad is returning to operation. Western Forest Industries Museum Executive Director Bethan Maher shares her vision of reopening the railroad, how it can represent the history of the Pacific Northwest, and why it's important to so many people. Question of the Day If you've been to Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, what was your experience like? If not, what is your favorite logging locomotive? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/24377391

Railroad Photographers Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg 08/17/2022

Railroad Photographers Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg We are "trading spaces" with the California State Railroad Museum's "The Roundhouse Crosstalk Podcast". We are featuring their episode on noted railroad photographers Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg. Tony Reevy, author of "The Railroad Photography of Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg," discusses their impact on railroad photography and how they managed to maintain an openly gay relationship in the 1940s and 50s. Question of the Day Who is your favorite railroad author? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/24088887

West Coast Railroaders Group 07/21/2022

West Coast Railroaders Group How does one use railroading in meaningful ways to make people happy and strengthen communities? Ken Marty, President of West Coast Railroaders Group, discusses how his company uses speeder cars for everything from fire suppression to partnering with the Make a Wish Foundation to provide children with unforgettable experiences. Question of the Day What is an event or organization (doesn't have to be related to railroading) that you’ve been part of that benefitted your community? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/23819804

Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train 06/22/2022

Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train is a premiere dining experience in New Hampshire. Owners Ali and Michael French are here to describe the experience of dining on rails, explain how they prepare meals on the train itself, and share why they enjoy being in the business. Question of the Day What's the best experience you've had dining on a train? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/23507894

Port Jervis Transportation History Center 05/15/2022

Port Jervis Transportation History Center Port Jervis NY will soon be home to the Port Jervis Transportation History Center. Carolyn Hoffman, President of Operation Toy Train, discusses this new site,what it means for rail preservation in the region, and what you can expect to see at their upcoming launch event! Question of the Day What was your favorite railroad holiday experience? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/23112578

New Age Album Created on Amtrak Train Trip 04/19/2022

New Age Album Created on Amtrak Train Trip What does it take to create an entire musical album on a train? Musician and composer Cheryl B. Engelhardt created her latest album "The Passenger" on a cross-country Amtrak adventure and shares her process with us. Question of the Day What music do you associate with a great train journey? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/22842365

Kelly Lynch: Fort Wayne, Headwaters Jct., and FMW Solutions 03/15/2022

Kelly Lynch: Fort Wayne, Headwaters Jct., and FMW Solutions 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. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/22456808

Dr. Robin Coombes' Thesis on Heritage Railways 02/16/2022

Dr. Robin Coombes' Thesis on Heritage Railways 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: Question of the Day What makes you the most optimistic or the most concerned about the future of rail preservation? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/22159832

MINI 07: Saving Auto-Train #3 02/07/2022

MINI 07: Saving Auto-Train #3 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/ , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/22053524

Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington Railway 01/19/2022

Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington Railway 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: Question of the Day What’s your favorite narrow gauge railroad? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/21816461

115: Railroads Online 12/21/2021

115: Railroads Online 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 train-themed computer games? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/21564836

Luke Pickman: Interpreting the Music of Thomas & Friends 11/17/2021

Luke Pickman: Interpreting the Music of Thomas & Friends 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 music that makes you think of trains? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode. , share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House! /episode/index/show/theroundhouse/id/21197822

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