Hot Rod Meets Train
by Jamie Johnson
After a long work week, I found myself in need of a relaxing Friday evening escape. Train preservation and restoration have long been the pinnacle of my professional life, so it’s no surprise that even in my downtime, I find joy in watching shows that feature restoration projects—especially hot rods, including the Corvette. There’s something about bringing the past back to life with a mix of passion and craftsmanship that resonates with me, both in the world of trains and cars.
On this particular evening, however, these two worlds were destined to collide in the most unexpected way. I decided to watch an episode of Full Custom Garage (Season 5, Episode 9), and to my delight, the show’s focus was on a project that perfectly blended my love for trains with my admiration for custom hot rods. The episode took place at the Orange Empire Railway Museum and followed a unique restoration—a vintage truck being transformed into a train truck.
The museum had a special project for Ian Roussel, the show’s talented builder, and as the episode unfolded, it became clear that this was no ordinary restoration. Ian’s task was to take an old truck and convert it into a vehicle that could ride the rails. It wasn’t just about giving the truck a second life; it was about merging the worlds of automotive and rail history in a way that honored both.
As I watched Ian work through the challenges of adapting the truck to ride on tracks, it was impossible not to marvel at the creativity and skill involved. Seeing the Orange Empire Railway Museum’s rolling stock and learning more about their preservation efforts added an extra layer of enjoyment for me as someone deeply connected to train preservation myself.
By the end of the episode, I was both inspired and recharged, reminded once again that whether it’s hot rods or trains, preserving history is a craft that takes dedication, creativity, and love for the past. It’s moments like this that make me appreciate how interconnected these passions can be—and how lucky I am to work in a field where I get to be a part of it every day.
For anyone who shares a love for both cars and trains, I highly recommend checking out this episode. It’s a reminder that the preservation of history can take on many forms, and sometimes, those forms ride on both roads and rails.
If this story resonates with you, I invite you to visit the Historic RailPark & Train Museum. Whether you’re a fan of vintage vehicles, historic railcars, or simply love seeing restoration in action, we’d love to have you join us. And if you’re feeling particularly inspired, consider volunteering with us! There are countless ways to get involved and be part of preserving history for future generations. Together, we can keep these incredible stories—and the legacy of rail travel—alive.
