Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 38
We’re back on the railfan track this week with railroad photography! Photographers Marshall W. Beecher and Chris Guss sit down with Brian to talk about the state of railroad photography, transitioning from photography to videography, photography equipment, and favorite locations.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 37
Passenger columnist Bob Johnston and Senior Editor David Lassen join Brian for a look at south Florida’s new Brightline rail service! They talk about the equipment, stations, and onboard experience when traveling. (This episode was recorded in January 2019.)
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 36
Brian continues his chat with Peter Rigney of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland. They talk about Irish locomotive designs, train crews and employment, train operations, and more!
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 35
Brian talks to Jim Deegan of Rail Tours Ireland about traveling to Ireland, setting up rail tours on the island, Irish rail equipment, and more.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 34
Brian continues his conversation with Irish rail historian Peter Rigney. They talk about the history of steam power in Ireland, the nation’s supply of locomotive coal, conversion to diesel, and more!
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 33
Take a look inside the rail industry as Brian talks with railroader Adam Bartley at the Conway Scenic Railroad! They discuss Adam’s start in railroading, short lines of Ontario, favorite diesel locomotives, and, of course, the Conway Scenic.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 32
Brian talks to Peter Rigney of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland about traveling to Ireland, Dublin’s historic stations, the role of the Society, and much more.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 31
Scarlet Lamothe talks to Brian about passenger rail advocacy and the state of passenger rail in the U.S. She is general manager of the Steaming Tender in Palmer, Mass., located in the former Union Station. You can learn more about the restaurant at steamingtender.com.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 30
Brian is seeing double this week on the Conway Scenic! He talks to twins Connor and Cullen Maher about the history of the railroad and its equipment, and working in railway preservation.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 29
Railroads and dining are on the minds of a lot of people these days. In the latest episode, Brian talks with Scarlet Lamothe, general manager of the Steaming Tender in Palmer, Mass., located in the former Union Station. They discuss running a railroad-themed restaurant, the local railfan scene, the restoration of the station, and more! You can learn more about the restaurant at steamingtender.com.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 28
Brian talks with private railcar owner Clark Johnson Jr. about Colorado narrow gauge operations, classic passenger trains, traveling across Wisconsin by train, the September 1950 Speedrail disaster, and more.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 27
Trains‘ passenger columnist Bob Johnston joins passenger train aficionado Craig Willett to discuss rail issues with host Brian Solomon. On tap: trespassing and rail safety, passenger rail funding, timekeeping, and more.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 26
Brian talks with private railcar owner Clark Johnson Jr. about his private car Caritas. They talk about the purpose of private cars, buying and remodeling the ‘Caritas,’ touring the country, and the operations of private cars.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 25
Travel overseas with Brian for a chat with Ken Fox of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland! You’ll learn about the RPSI’s operations and tips for planning your own trip to Ireland.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 24
Trains‘ passenger columnist Bob Johnston is back in the studio with retired engineer and passenger train aficionado Craig Willett and, of course, Brian Solomon. They talk about the passenger train dining experience, both on the beloved trains of the fallen flags and today on Amtrak.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 23
Conversations is going historic this week! Brian talks with former Milwaukee Road employee Craig Willett and railroader Marshall Beecher, the son of a Milwaukee Road engineer, about the late, lamented Midwest railroad.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 22
Listen in on Brian’s conversation with Dan Howard, volunteer coordinator and trainmaster for Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum in Lenox, Mass.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 21
“Conversations” goes in a new direction! Brian sits down with industry veteran Dan Bigda to discuss his career, toy trains, working with Neil Young, favorite locomotives, and more!
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 20
Trains‘ Lead Illustrator Rick Johnson joins Brian in the studio this week for a look at how the magazine’s maps are prepared. Listen in and learn about how The Magazine of Railroading comes together each month!
Brian talks with photographer and Trains‘ columnist Chris Guss about aerial railroad photography. Learn about the equipment and techniques that will make your photos take off!
Brian talks to rail industry professional Dan Bigda about freight cars. Learn about the fate of the plan 50-foot boxcar, the life cycle of a freight car, how car repairs are tracked, and much more!
Brian sits down with Trains’ Digital Editor Steve Sweeney to discuss the late, lamented Erie Railroad, a favorite of both.
Trains‘ own staffers join Brian in the studio this week to talk about their own interests in railroading: Production Editor Angela Pusztai-Pasternak and Associate Editor Brian Schmidt finish their conversation in the second of two parts.
Trains‘ own staffers join Brian in the studio this week to talk about their own interests in railroading: Production Editor Angela Pusztai-Pasternak and Associate Editor Brian Schmidt.
Brian Solomon sits down with Trains’ passenger columnist Bob Johnston and retired Amtrak engineer Craig Willett to talk about the national passenger carrier. This is the third in a multi-part conversation that began in Episode 2 and also included Episode 8.
Brian talks with Trains’ Senior Graphic Designer Drew Halverson about the art of railroad photography. Topics include favorite places to visit, differences between the U.S. and Europe, and perspectives on time.
Brian sits down with Bob Bentley of the Massachusetts Central to discuss shortline railroading in New England while a train rolls by their meeting spot.
Brian Solomon talks with David Swirk, the new owner of the legendary Conway Scenic Railway in New Hampshire.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 3
Brian has a lively chat with Trains’ designers: Art Director Tom Danneman and Senior Graphic Designer Drew Halverson about railroad photography, train-watching out West, and the cameras they use.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 2
Brian Solomon sits down with Trains’ passenger columnist Bob Johnston and retired Amtrak engineer Craig Willett to talk about the national passenger carrier. This is the first in a multi-part conversation.
Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 1
Trains‘ columnist Brian Solomon interviews Associate Editor Brian Schmidt in his inaugural podcast. Learn about Solomon’s new book on European railroads and his background as a professional railfan.
Brian;When are you to do the story of the Silk Road Railway from Beijing to London UK as this route (when standard-ed gauged) will affect the bottom line of North American shipping.At present as we know it cost the travel time in half.
PLEASE do an article on the Chinese silk road operation to London UK !
And when they could do a double stack operation (without gauge changing ).
This operation cuts their transport time in half.
Always enjoyable. How about a podcast about Hydrail. China, Germany, and other countries continue their rollout. Why do U.S. gurus think it’s not ready for prime time?
I get the vibe that you are not a railroad engineer. In reference to your comments in ‘ Trains’ February 2019. Future freight railroad’s.
I don’t believe that trains will only cart one commodity. In the case of intermodal trains. Still will need the human involvements to place wagons in different roads or sheds to load and unloading of objects.
Your article is way off the mark.
This not on topic but don’t know where to ask. I keep seeing articles of people buying GE locomotives but nothing on EMD. What is happening with them?
ALWAYS ENJOY BRIAN AND HIS COMMENTS, BOTH PRINTED AND IN THE CONVERSATIONS. HAPPY NEW YEAR
Brian –
I found your European rail guide to be very informative and insightful. However, I don’t see how you overlooked the Austrian museum at Strasshof. Their collection and facility is way better than that of the Technical Museum in Vienna. Granted, many pieces are in less than stellar shape but it’s still a jaw dropping experience to enter their shop. You might enjoy the video I posted of my visit there.
Jim Francis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBn9DU9YXPg
Great interview with Bob Bentley in Episode 6.
Great interview with David Swirk of the Conway Scenic Railway. You could improve the audio presentation by Fading In and Fading Out of the sound track on the waveform with simple audio editing software, before posting.