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 B&O Railroad Museum is leading a nationwide, year-long celebration in collaboration with partners like Amtrak and CSX to spotlight the enduring impact of railroads on American industry, culture, and daily life. Executive Director Kris Hoellen discusses the projects at the museum, how their volunteers are revitalizing the buildings on their site, and why she sees the anniversary as a year for collaboration between heritage railroads and museums.

You can learn more about the 200th Anniversary from their website.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Photo by Wallstreethotrod.

Related Episodes

National Railroad Museum

Railroaders Memorial Museum

Question of the Day

What pieces of pre-1900 railroad history interest you the most?

The post 158: B&O Railroad Museum appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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 Extravaganza for fans matters.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Related Episodes

Talyllyn Railway (2015)

Dr. Robin Coombes’ Thesis on Heritage Railways

Question of the Day

What makes you feel a sense of belonging with your railroad club, group, or organization?

The post 157: Talyllyn Railway w/ Luke Ryan appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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 locomotive, along with how they are developing a museum.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Photo by Sean Lamb.

Related Episodes

Kelly Lynch: Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society

Norfolk & Western 611 at the Strasburg Rail Road

Question of the Day

What impresses you about your favorite mainline steam organization?

The post Santa Fe #3751 and San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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 event in 2014, and their approach to showcasing the national history of railroading in the United States.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Related Episodes

Museum of the American Railroad

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Question of the Day

What is a notable example of museums or heritage railroads collaborating to create a great event?

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The post 155: National Railroad Museum appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

Chuck Baker, President of American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, talks about the state of the short line railroading in early 2025, how the organization is involved in advocacy for the industry, and the growing trend of freight railroads entering tourist railroading.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Related Episodes

Railroad Analyst Tony Hatch

Mississippi Export Railroad

Question of the Day

What short line or regional railroad impresses you?

The post 154: American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

The interviewer is interviewed! Guest host Kelly Lynch asks your questions for regular host Nick Ozorak about the history of the podcast, what continues to motivate his work, and why he is so optimistic about Next Generation Railroaders.

Attend Next Generation Railroaders’ first virtual public programming.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Related Episodes

Kelly Lynch

Steampunk unLimited at the Strasburg Rail Road

Question of the Day

Are there any other questions you have for me, Nick Ozorak?

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The post 10 Year Anniversary Special: Nick Ozorak appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

Tony Hatch, Senior Transportation Analyst for ABH Consulting, provides us with a greater understanding of the financial landscape of Class I railroading in the 21st century.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Related Episodes

Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman

FRA Administrator Joe Szabo

Question of the Day

What are you excited for in 2025?

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The post 152: Transportation Analyst Tony Hatch appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

Host Nick Ozorak pays tribute to Britt Allcroft, creator of the Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends TV series. He explores not just what her greatest contribution means to him, but what he see as some of its larger endearing outcomes.

Related Episodes

Thomas and Rail Preservation

Mike O’Donnell: Thomas the Tank Engine Composer

The post In Memoriam: “Thomas & Friends” TV Creator Britt Allcroft appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

Let’s learn more about the largest trolley museum in the United States. Scott Becker has been at the helm of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum for over 30 years. In that time, the museum has grown by expanding its collection and constructing two massive buildings. Scott walks us through the history of the museum, how preserving trolleys differs from other forms of rail preservations, and what has led to the museum’s success.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Related Episodes

PA Trolley Museum Founder Art Ellis

Steel City Limited Adventure

Question of the Day

What is your favorite railroad holiday memory?

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The post 151: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Executive Director Scott Becker appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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 railroad function, how Polar Express has become such a staple in the industry, and the importance of balancing history with progress.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Related Episodes

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

Cass Scenic Railroad

Question of the Day

What tourist railroads and museums have balanced keeping their charm with progressing with the times?

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, share this episode with at least one person today, and remember that The Roundhouse is Our House!

The post 150: Al Harper and American Heritage Railways appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.