How did so much of the “world’s shortest commercial railway” become preserved? Huntsville & Lake of Bays Railway Society VP Charlie Tardif shares the unique history of this narrow gauge Canadian railway and how it has been preserved today. This…
Big Boy Happened. Now What? (Nick’s Train of Thought #1)
Whether you think it’s massively impressive, massively overrated, or just massive, there is no denying that Big Boy’s Eastern US tour has captured public attention for steam railroading in ways that haven’t been seen in decades, if ever. But how…
158: B&O Railroad Museum
In 2027, America will mark the 200th anniversary of its railroading legacy—a transformative journey that began in 1827 with the laying of the first stone of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in Baltimore, Maryland. To honor this historic bicentennial, the…
157: Talyllyn Railway w/ Luke Ryan
Talyllyn Railway Media Manager Luke Ryan joins us to discuss how the railway has progressed since we last featured it on the podcast, the importance of interpreting the Rev. Awdry’s work, and why hosting meaningful events such as the Awdry…
Santa Fe #3751 and San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society
What does operating a big mainline steam locomotive like Santa Fe 3751 on the west coast require? Alex Gillman, VP of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society, joins us to talk about the work required to restore and operate the…
155: National Railroad Museum
The National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is expanding its museum facilities. CEO Jacqueline Frank joins us to discuss the history of the museum, how they successfully transported their “Dwight D. Eisenhower” locomotive back to the UK for an…
150: Al Harper and American Heritage Railways
American Heritage Railways oversees such notable tourist railroads as the Durango & Silverton, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and Branson Scenic Railroad. Al Harper, Chairman and CEO, shares his decades of insight in what makes a tourist…
146: Museum of the American Railroad
Bob LaPrelle, President and CEO of the Museum of the American Railroad, talks about moving their massive collection of locomotives from Dallas to Frisco, restoration of a rare ALCO PA-1, and the goals for their capital campaign. This episode is…
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, its role in westward expansion, and how the National Park Service has worked to preserve what…
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?…