In this episode of Off the Rails, Rowdy and Bethan are back after a longer-than-planned break to share where they’ve been. Recorded before the big Sportsball game, there was a quick detour into Seahawks talk, and a tangent on the surprising similarities between Christmas trains and potty training.

The mood shifts as they recount the Old-Testament-level flooding that hit the railroad in December, when the line (and a bridge) nearly washed away, saved only by some seriously impressive emergency work from the crew.

This episode also marks recounting of an emotional milestone: Baldwin steam locomotive #70 made her final run in December, a difficult goodbye, especially for Bethan.

Looking ahead, they share exciting plans for 2026, including restoring both #5 and #70, tackling major track work, reopening more of the line, and welcoming passenger trains back starting on February 14.

Listener questions and In the News round things out, so get on board!

Thanks to Huffman Machining Solutions is proud to sponsor this Off the Rails podcast.  See how we can help with your next challenge at huggmanmachining.com

In this episode of Off the Rails, you'll hear about how important the Christmas season is for tourist railroads.  As Rowdy jumps ship after 5 minutes to get the train consist ready for the season,  Bethan is joined by Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad's  Hospitality Manager Eric Mencis to unpack what it takes to launch our all new for 2025 Christmas Train,  Christmas With The Clauses and the 'new guy' makes an appearance as well!   At the time of publication of this episode our 22 professional actors have all arrived and are in costume fittings!  All your favorite segments are here this week,  including 'In the New' and 'Listeners Questions'.  Don't miss it! 

Thanks to Huffman Machining Solutions is proud to sponsor this Off the Rails podcast.  See how we can help with your next challenge at huggmanmachining.com

This week our ringmasters detail their entry to the three-ring circus, known as heritage railroading. Bethan’s accidental journey to Executive Director,  Rowdy’s childhood fascination that turned into a lifetime on the rails.  This episode includes a thoughtful discussion on Jim Wrinn’s 10 Rules for Tourist Railroads, a bit of discussion about ever-changing social media algorithms and more Q&A.   Origin stories, practical wisdom and good vibes coupled into one tidy consist. Choo Choo!

Thanks to Huffman Machining Solutions is proud to sponsor this Off the Rails podcast.  See how we can help with your next challenge at huggmanmachining.com

Can a 1472 waiver spark joy? Rowdy and Bethan turn FRA fine print into a darned good listen—mixing wisdom and Monty Python with their game plan for marketing the madness on social media, YouTube, and wherever railfans scroll. Climb aboard for good vibes, greasy gloves, and the strangely satisfying clickety-clack of compliance meets content.

Thanks to Huffman Machining Solutions is proud to sponsor this Off the Rails podcast.  See how we can help with your next challenge at huggmanmachining.com

Fresh off the 2025 Heritage Rail Alliance Conference in Durango, Colorado, Rowdy and Bethan sat down to record before they’d even unpacked. They cover the week’s train trips, seminars, and share a few thoughts on what they’d like to see at future conferences — with the occasional tangent about food. Bethan’s suitcase came back 12 pounds heavier thanks to Colorado green chili, and both of them sound about as tired as you’d expect after a week of nonstop railroading with some late night forays with industry collogues. 

Episode three of Off the Rails is a little less polished, a little more honest, and very much recorded on day one back home.

Thanks to Huffman Machining Solutions is proud to sponsor this Off the Rails podcast.  See how we can help with your next challenge at huggmanmachining.com

The impact of politics and a weakening economy on tourism and a heritage railroad. 

Did you know that running our steam engine is significantly less expensive and more environmentally friendly to operate than our diesel engine?  In this supersized episode,  Bethan and Rowdy discuss this, regressive tax structures and how to make things roll in a remote and rural small community tucked at the base of Mt. Rainier.  Oh and corn. Lots and lots of corn content. 

Thanks to Huffman Machining Solutions is proud to sponsor this Off the Rails podcast.  See how we can help with your next challenge at huggmanmachining.com

Join Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Superintendent Rowdy Pierce and Executive Director Bethan Maher in this first episode of Off the Rails! Why DO they have a podcast?  Listen and you'll learn the answer to that very valid question and so much more.  Topics include how to bring legitimacy to the industry in a sustainable way, finding young talent to learn steam and answering questions like 'will a steam engine soon be hauling freight' and 'are people clutching their pearls when they see our marketing.'  

Thanks to Huffman Machining Solutions is proud to sponsor this Off the Rails podcast.  See how we can help with your next challenge at huggmanmachining.com