Off the Rails with Rowdy and Bethan

Jared
  • 5.0 (6)
  • NON-PROFIT

Join Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Executive Director Bethan Maher and Superintendent Rowdy Pierce and take a ride into the modern age of steam locomotives, cows, corn and incontinent Santas.   This is an unvarnished look at the business of tourist steam railroads like you've never heard before. 

Episodes

  1. 13H AGO

    Episode 11: MRSR History and Legends. Tea Edition.

    In this week’s episode of Off the Rails with Rowdy and Bethan, Rowdy and Bethan do what they do best - talk - a lot....while "sipping tea." Both self-proclaimed history nerds, they dig into their ongoing effort to broaden the story told at the museum by shifting the focus to include the people who lived along, worked on, and were impacted by the railroad and logging industries in the Pacific Northwest. They touch on topics they could easily spend hours on, including Japanese loggers, millworkers, and railroaders prior to 1942, the railroads' roles in internment, and the lasting impacts that followed. They also wander (enthusiastically) into stories about some of the larger-than-life personalities who helped shape the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad - Blackie Mosier and Tiny Freeman. Think today’s crew has personality? Turns out, we’re just carrying on a long-standing tradition. Listener questions and an “In the News” segment round things out—so climb aboard. Resources mentioned in this episode: David Sakura Interview – Densho Archive (Eatonville resident) https://ddr.densho.org/interviews/ddr-densho-1000-498-1/ Photo of Japanese Americans relocating camps to Tule Lake, CA https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-37-288/ Tiny Freeman – Seattle PI Article https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/maybe-big-living-tiny-can-bring-character-back-1241413.php Tiny Freeman – Bio/Blog http://zelsj.mlblogs.com/2013/09/16/j-j-tiny-freeman-larger-than-life/ Blackie Mosier Article http://www.bigbendrailroadhistory.com/2023/01/fred-blackie-moser-obit.html Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Send it our way- we’d love to hear from you. So grab your coffee, crank up the phonograph, and let’s go Off the Rails. Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! 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

    1h 12m

  2. MAR 24

    Episode 10: Back from D.C.- Railroad Day on the Hill, CRISI & Fuel Prices

    In this episode of Off the Rails, Bethan is back from D.C.and both she and Rowdy are barely surviving the latest version of the plague. Bethan recaps the massive undertaking that is Railroad Day on the Hill (huge shoutout to the ASLRRA for pulling it all together): long days navigating Capitol Hill, heightened security, and the importance of sticking to the ASLRRA playbook to deliver clear, consistent talking points. Those talking points? They centered around four big priorities: (1.) modernizing the 45G short line tax credit to keep up with inflation and continue driving private infrastructure investment; (2.) ensuring strong, reliable funding for key safety grant programs like CRISI, RCE, and Section 130 while encouraging adoption of new safety technologies; (3.) streamlining federal permitting so critical rail projects don’t get stuck in endless delays; and (4.) pushing for a fair, user-based Highway Trust Fund while opposing heavier and longer trucks that shift costs onto taxpayers and infrastructure. From there, the conversation shifts to CRISI prep. With the NOFO expected any day, and rumors of a tighter turnaround, Bethan is already deep in the trenches, doing everything possible to get ahead of the rush. On the home front, reality hits hard. Rowdy experiences sticker shock with a diesel delivery coming in at around $7/gallon, making the cost of “doing business” feel especially steep. The episode wraps with Bethan slowly spiraling over budgets and fuel prices, while Rowdy floats some…creative ideas for expanding the tax base. So grab your coffee, crank up the phonograph, and let’s go Off the Rails. Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! 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

    54 min

  3. MAR 10

    Episode 9: Unsupervised: Foam with Eric and Rowdy

    In this episode of Off the Rails, Bethan is MIA, and the "talent" is upgraded, with Eric Mencis volunteering as Podcast Tribute.  Left without supervision, Rowdy and Eric dive into the deep end of the foam.  Then things take an unexpectedly foamy turn. What starts as a straightforward conversation is both informative and hilarious, as the two discuss what goes into planning and executing a successful photo charter/photo foam and talk about "what if," scenarios for our operation. They also take a deep dive into the future of Mt. Rainier Scenic’s car restoration work and what the future consists will look like. Yes, consists, plural, because we will have two steam engines operating this year.  Of course, we’ll cover current news in the industry and feature a robust segment of questions from our listeners. So grab your coffee, crank up the phonograph, and let’s go Off the Rails! Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! 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

    1h 20m

  4. FEB 24

    Episode 8: What Makes a Steam Locomotive Work?

    In this episode of Off the Rails, Bethan and Rowdy dig into what it actually takes to make steam work on a railroad, and we do not just mean lighting a match and hoping for the best. Before getting into the nuts and bolts, there is an unavoidable recap of the Super Bowl rivalry, very much against Bethan’s wishes.  From infrastructure needs, water supply, track conditions, shop capabilities, and the "quirks" of operating steam locomotives, they break down the practical and sometimes sobering, and surprising realities behind running steam in 2026. It is a candid look at what has to be in place before that whistle ever blows. Then things take an unexpectedly foamy turn. What starts as a straightforward operational discussion derails, naturally, into Bethan floating the idea of revenue freight pulled by steam. Is it brilliant? Is it unhinged? Is it both? Rowdy has thoughts. If you have ever wondered what separates a static display from a working steam program, or what it would take to make steam not just nostalgic but economically relevant, this one is for you. Listener questions and In the News round things out, so climb aboard. Submit your questions and topic suggestions for our next episode in the comments! Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! 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

    57 min

  5. FEB 10

    Episode 7: Floods, Farewells and Full Steam Ahead

    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! Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! 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

    1h 2m

  6. 11/11/2025

    Episode 6: Unpacking the Christmas Madness

    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!  Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! 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

    57 min

  7. 10/28/2025

    Episode 5 Milepost Zero: Origin Stories and Tourist Railroad Basics.

    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! Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! 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

    1h 1m

  8. 10/14/2025

    Episode 4:Good Vibes on the 1472 Waiver

    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. Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! 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

    53 min

  9. 09/30/2025

    Episode 3: Heritage Rail Alliance 2025 Conference Recap

    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. Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! 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

    58 min

  10. 09/15/2025

    Episode 2: The impact of politics and a weakening economy on tourism and the rails.

    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.  Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! 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

    53 min

  11. 09/02/2025

    The Introduction: The Business of Heritage Railroads

    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.'   Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'!

    31 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Join Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Executive Director Bethan Maher and Superintendent Rowdy Pierce and take a ride into the modern age of steam locomotives, cows, corn and incontinent Santas.   This is an unvarnished look at the business of tourist steam railroads like you've never heard before. 

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