The Naked Railroader - Going Off The Rails
I became fascinated by trains as a young’un when I saw my first steam locomotive and train being used on a movie set in Inglewood, CA. I have worked on 4 railroads for over 40 years and I have a lot of stories to tell. Trains would always be a part of my life, even after I retired as an Amtrak Engineer in 1994. I have also worked on the tech side in live theater for more than 20 year, most of them with my wife, Susi who is the actress. I will be sharing these stories with you as well every so often.
Episodes
Mar 15, 2026
Mar 15, 2026
32 min
Tommy talks about qualifying to work on the Union Pacific section of the Dessert Wind. He also tells a typical Tommy story about a Red Flag.
Mar 1, 2026
Mar 1, 2026
29 min
Once you take all the written and oral tests or attend Choo Choo U, you are qualified to run a train. But how do you actually learn how to make it move? Today, Tommy shares how he learned to actually run a train, both Steam and Diesel.
Intro and Outro:Sounds of Santa Fe Steam Locomotives by Stan Kistler Track 14 At Riverside, October 16 1950, 4-6-2 1369 is on No. 54
Feb 1, 2026
Feb 1, 2026
40 min
Tommy received a question from a listener:
Why did you become a Santa Fe locomotive engineer three times and were the procedures and examinations the same each time?
Intro and Outro: Sounds of Santa Fe Steam Locomotives by Stan Kistler Track 14 At Riverside, October 16 1950, 4-6-2 1369 is on No. 54
Jan 18, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
48 min
Many people watch the Rose Parade on TV and we know that a lot of work goes into this event. Most people don't know that there is an active railroad track that goes right across the parade route.
Tommy tells us about getting the track parade ready and spending time with his grandmother at the parade.
Dec 21, 2025
Dec 21, 2025
54 min
Tommy and Susi volunteered for almost 20 years at Railtown in Jamestown, California. For five of those years, they worked on the Polar Express, Tommy as a conductor and Susi as the Hobo. It made for long, exhausting days, but it was worth every minute.
Today, they share memories together of the time they spent putting this epic event together. Dad, of course must tell all the technical details, while mom and I want to share our memories of the fun times!
Dec 7, 2025
Dec 7, 2025
40 min
Tommy continues to share his experiences and reveals who he liked working with the most.
#MitzyGaynor #SammyDavisJr #LeslieUggams # Liza #BillCosby #Rockettes #SteveMartin #BottomsUp #GaylordAndHoliday
Intro and Outro:Sounds of Santa Fe Steam Locomotives by Stan Kistler Track 14 At Riverside, October 16 1950, 4-6-2 1369 is on No. 54
Nov 23, 2025
Nov 23, 2025
39 sec
Tommy had two loves in his young life; railroading and theater. His parents raised him on ballet, opera, and musical theater. But Tommy realized his true love was Railroading. After a few years of the railroads and military, he decided to see what the theater had in store for him.
Here are some of his theater stories from Inglewood High School, Ventura College, and, of course, Harrah's Lake Tahoe.
Intro and Outro:Sounds of Santa Fe Steam Locomotives by Stan Kistler Track 14 At Riverside, October 16 1950, 4-6-2 1369 is on No. 54
Nov 9, 2025
Nov 9, 2025
21 min
Tommy answers the often asked question of why he left the Santa Fe in the early 50's.
Intro and Outro:Sounds of Santa Fe Steam Locomotives by Stan Kistler Track 14 At Riverside, October 16 1950, 4-6-2 1369 is on No. 54
Oct 26, 2025
Oct 26, 2025
28 min
Tommy continues talking about the Harbor District with a few more stories.
Intro and Outro:Sounds of Santa Fe Steam Locomotives by Stan Kistler Track 14 At Riverside, October 16 1950, 4-6-2 1369 is on No. 54