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.

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Off the Rails is made possible by generous sponsors like Gilliardi Logging and Construction -- providing excellence in logging, land clearing, demolition, trucking and landscape materials for more than 40 years. Visit https://gilliardi.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.'

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