John Schaener was part of a Minnesota-based tradition in railroading – the Northern Pacific Railway. Known as the “NP”, the Minnesota road of steel expanded west over the Northern Plains and Rockies, to link the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region with the Pacific Northwest. John shares his memories and stories of life on the “NP!”

Stewart Nelson of Thief River Falls, Minnesota has had a life-long passion for trains and railroading. His four decades-plus of work on the Soo Line Railroad produced some pleasant and not-so-pleasant memories. Stewart shares those stories on the Northwest Minnesota Roads of Steel!

Retired railroader Al Steinhauer, of Thief River Falls, MN, worked for decades in the often noisy, dark and smoke-laden environment of a railway “Roundhouse.” Al shares his stories and memories of work-life, devoted to repairing and servicing the “Iron Horses” of the Soo Line.

Hillary Stoltman worked as an engineer on the Soo Line Railroad for four-plus decades and his story includes steam power, difficult working conditions, friendships, adventures and children. The Oslo, Minnesota native never forgot his roots or his life-long love of trains.

This series examines the impact and influence of the Soo Line, Northern Pacific and Great Northern Railways in Northwest Minnesota- through the memories and stories of former employees of the Soo, NP and GN.
Joining Ron West this time around is retired Soo Line Railway Trainmaster Winton Forsberg.