The Roundhouse

The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway is a 140 mile short line located within North Carolina. Founder and Chairman Robert Menzies talks to us about his philosophy with establishing the railroad, how they transformed a locomotive into a “bar car”, and their plans with a recently acquired steam locomotive.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

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Mississippi Export Railroad

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

Question of the Day

What is your greatest rail experience, or an accomplishment you are proud of, from 2025?

The post 161: Aberdeen Carolina & Western – Robert Menzies appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

Did you know that Conrail still exists today? Though primarily known as a major Class I railroad in the Northeast US from the 70s to 90s, Conrail still exists as a shared asset operation jointly owned by Norfolk Southern and CSX. Current President Brian Gorton started with the pre-merger Conrail in the 80s. He shares his perspective on how Conrail has evolved, experiences from his time working for Union Pacific, and how he was involved with the George H. W. Bush Funeral Train.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

Related Episodes

Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman

Women in Short Line Railroading

Question of the Day

What is an example of relatively modern railroad history (post-1980) that you find fascinating?

The post 160: Conrail President Brian Gorton appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

R Duck Locomotive Works is a company specializing in creating laser-cut wooden kits depicting real locomotives and rolling stock. Founder and owner Tripp Aquadro talks about his inspiration for the business and how he develops his products.

See his products on his website.

This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services.

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Walthers Trains

Lionel Artist Angela Trotta Thomas

Question of the Day

Other than model railroading, what are your favorite train toys?

The post 159: R. Duck Locomotive Works and Laser-Cut Wood Modeling appeared first on The Roundhouse Podcast.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.