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About Us...
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All modelers have a life but what do we know of it. This podcast is as much about the people in the hobby of model railroading as it is about the hobby itself.
Having always been a fan of the long form conversational interview and having met so many interesting people in the hobby over the years we decided it would be fun to share their back stories with everyone else. So come along with me, Lionel Strang and a strong cast of supporting characters as we discover how life intertwines with this great hobby of ours and helps to strengthen the fabric of who we are as individuals. |
Upcoming Episodes...
Recent Episodes...
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Fans of the AML Part #63 -
Can’t decide if your new electric car will draw more current than your toaster, you’re trying to fold the latest edition of the NMRA digital newsletter, still trying to decide if your eighty-five long layout represents everywhere west or just the portion east of the Rockies. These problems and a host of others can’t be solved just by simply listening to the latest edition of the “Fans” but it will give plenty of time to think while trying to get rid of the resulting headache. All your old friends from the AML Network and a couple of new ones are here to make your life seem a lot better than it is. There’s discussion of the NMRA, Lorne’s big event, Canadian Pacific’s D-10 locomotive and an exciting description of three long cab ride. So, grab yourself a big bowl of application forms, a tall cool glass of melted gear grease and enjoy!! |
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The Texas Express !! -
It’s coming, like kids at Christmas or standing rail-side waiting for Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” the anticipation for this year’s NMRA National convention in Dallas, Texas continues to build. Model railroad enthusiasts are passionate about their hobby, and conventions are a chance to share that passion with others, talk about their layouts, share modeling techniques and show off their latest creations. Chris Atkins and Riley Triggs stop by the AML studios to give us an update on all the exciting events taking place at the Supercharged Highspeed, Texas Express !! There’s plenty of great layouts, prototype tours, clinics and of course the chance to get your very 3D image thanks to Bernard Hellen at MiniPrints. Be prepared for surprises, whether it's a creative new design, a new locomotive release, structure kit or unexpected celebrity sighting, you just never know what you might see at the NMRA National convention. Here For the Free Download Click |
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Michelle's Focus Group -
It’s focus group night at the AML headquarters in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky and all of the Nation’s Patreon members are welcome to join in as we help Michelle Kempema, (the Executive Director) plan for the future of the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. The museum opened in 2009 and now, 13 years later, has grown to a point in need of expansion and with the help of a generous donor a feasibility study and architectural plan can be developed to show what the future of the museum will possibly look like. Michelle has chosen the dedicated men and women who support the AML Nation to be part of a focus group to help steer with project in the right direction. All those who attend will be given a chance to voice their opinions and thoughts for the focus of museum. However, Michelle has one thing abundantly clear, she will in charge of the group, and you may only speak when you’re spoken to, there’ll be no shenanigans… That’s right “Kelly” I’m speaking directly to you. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Bradd Williamson Joins the NMRA !! -
What happens when a prospective member calls up and asks for advice??... We say leave a message and we’ll get back to you, or we gather together some of the greatest minds in all of AML Nation to answer the call. Last week’s guest Bradd Williamson had fallen asleep in the studio while trying to decide whether or not to join the NMRA, so it only seemed natural to make a podcast out of it. Bradd was trying to decide if joining the NMRA was worth the money and answered his own question as the night went on. He really wanted to attend a local NMRA regional convention with his buddies and in a final effort to get the ball rolling the “Queso Cowboy” stepped up to the plate and offered a challenge. If Bradd joined Tom Jacobs said he’d follow suit and before the show was over the NMRA had two brand new members added to their ever-growing membership list!! Here For the Free Download Click |
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Center for Railroad Photography and Art -
Railroads helped build the country as we know it, often being the only means of transportation between different communities and regions across vast distances. Almost as soon as the first train arrived in each community someone was there to record it with a camera. Photographers and enthusiasts alike have taken millions of photos recording the passage of time with each individual image. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, since its founding in 1997, the Center for Railroad Photography & Art has been telling the story of railroading through imagery and art every year since. This year two of our favorite AML regulars, Kaylee Zheng and Otto Vondrak attended the annual event, took copious notes before stopping by the studio to give an insight into the festivities and speak to the importance of standing trackside with a camera or paintbrush. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 217: Bradd Williamson -
Members of the AML Nation come in all shapes and sizes from all corners of the globe, with this episode of “a ModelersLife,” we meet one of the Iron City N-Scalers, a group of friendly fellows brought together by some other fellow, who’s name we can’t recall at this time. Bradd Williamson was destined to be a lone wolf modeler, until one day he decided to find out if model railroading had a presence on the internet. A high school physics teacher from the Jersey Shore has had a passion for model railroading as long as he can remember, quite content to live out his life alone in railroading while the hobby slowly died away. Then one day this creature called social media reared its head and Bradd discovered a whole world of modelers just waiting to become close friends and help him set out on all sorts of exciting adventures!! Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded standardized tests, a tall cool class of Newtonian fluid and enjoy!! Here For the Free Download Click |
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ViewerMail Flight #102 -
It’s time once again for our voluminous ViewerMail some of which you might have heard before and some of which we like to call new or unused material. In this version of ViewerMail Queso reminds of how much he enjoys the song “Massachusetts,” the TableMaster talks about how Greenville, South Carolina’s minor league baseball got its name and Kelly desperately tries to think of a question. There’s a great discussion about the origins of the hobby itself thanks to a letter from John Gardiner and why Milwaukee became so important to the hobby. Craig Williams email leads to a very informative conversation about 3D printers and Scott “the TableMaster” Lister tries to convince the rest of us that his modeling surely isn’t good enough for consideration of being a Master Model Railroader. It’s another fun episode covering a wide range of topics and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Jingles for Jason !! -
After a quick chat at Springfield, Jason Shron expressed an interest to come back on the podcast and talk about what’s the landscape of the hobby post pandemic, what the future holds and the importance of pre-orders. Running a successful model railroad manufacturing company based in Canada, or any other country for that matter, requires a strong business plan, good communication with suppliers, a solid understanding of the market with a commitment to quality and customer service. There’s also a discussion about Jason’s deep commitment to his faith, working on his layout, “Canadian National’s Kingston Sub,” spending more time with his family, Rapido in the United Kingdom and of course one of the latest offerings from Rapido… The GE 44-Tonner. This is an interesting chat with lots of twists and turns, so grab a big bowl of shredded N-95 masks, a tall cool glass of fish fry oil and enjoy!! Here For the Free Download Click |
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Chris Adams and the Valley Local -
Like most of us, Chris Adams a.k.a. “Mr.Fitness” has been interested in model railroading basically forever and with his New Haven Railroad making good progress over the past several years he’s been actively refining his layout. He been paying attention to some of the more practical aspects of the layout by readjusting aisle widths and using foam board construction more extensively. He’s also paid close attention to the more practical aspects of his layout, such as accessibility and faster overall construction. It's no secret to anyone that Chris thoroughly enjoys timetable and train order operations, he’s very focused on creating a realistic and functional railroad experience, rather than just a static display. In this podcast there’s great discussion about some the newer techniques he’s used and a philosophical chat about the experience of building and operating a large layout. So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded foam, a tall cool glass of bicycle chain oil and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 216: Robin Felder -
Here comes another podcast with another great story from the AML Nation, this time we travelled all the way to Switzerland to visit with a locomotive engineer that’s about to change careers and become a police officer. Transitioning from being a locomotive engineer to a member of the local constabulary will involve several changes for Robin but it quickly became obvious to us that it won’t be getting in the way of his ongoing enthusiasm for the hobby. American prototype modeling is alive and well in Switzerland with an active group of dedicated modelers accurately depicting railroading in north America. Robin has enjoyed weathering locomotives and rolling stock for some time now and with an impressive collection of brass engines his modeling can stand with the best of them. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded moving citations, a tall cool glass of day-old coffee and enjoy!! Here For the Free Download Click |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #11 -
It’s time for another fireside chat with “Uncle” Dave as he continues his quest to finish his second book, this time it’s a redo of Andy Sperandeo’s introduction to the principles of designing, constructing, and operating a realistic freight yard. Originally published in 2004, we can expect this version to be a well-thought-out sequel to the original. Dave also talks about rolling out of bed at 2:30am to be in position to catch some of the action in the Kingsport, Kentucky area. Plus seeing an R.J. Corman train and visiting Cumberland gap for the first time. We also discover why Dave’s been staying up late these past few months staring at all the lights on various locomotives after employing the services of “Garden State Modelworks” to install step lights, marker lights, walkway lights and ditch-lights in Conrail 6155. Several other locomotives are scheduled for upgrades as well which will keep Dave excited about night operations on the Onondaga Cutoff for quite some time. “Wagon Wheel” by the Clay Hill band!! Enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Springfield Report Part Four -
It’s the final installment of all the Springfield 2023 interviews and this time interview several folks from Rapido trains on late Sunday afternoon, plus we hear from John Sacerdote the show director for more than twenty years. After a tough couple of years, the show bounced back with big crowds and tons of new product announcements. We finally get to meet some Rapido’s brightest minds, chat briefly with “Uncle” Dave and catch up with our old pal Kaylee Zheng. Bruce the Mailboy stops by at the end of the show to wrap things up and give his thoughts on hands free driving, it’s a great podcast with an interesting cast of characters. Enjoy!! Here For the Free Download Click |
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Fans of the AML Nation #62 -
It’s time once again for our illustrious group of transients, ne’er-do-wells, and suspicious characters to create two hours of entertainment on the absolute most average podcast. Hopefully the show will reach a level of marginally adequate acceptance with our amazing on-air talent, which is widely regarded as some finest podcast entertainment in all of modern podcasting. On this episode of the “Fans” we here about Hard Part’s ride on the Empire Builder from Portland, Oregon to his hometown in Wisconsin. After upgrading his room, he met a wonderful attendant named Michelle and his friend Alison in Williston, North Dakota. While all that was happening our very own Bernard “Buzz” Hellen was having the trip of a lifetime attending the Rocky Mountain Train Show and touring most of Colorado with none other Michelle Kempema. It a fun episode that we hope you enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 215: Mike May Part Four -
Well, we’ve come to the end of the Mike May thirty-seven part trilogy and a good time was had by all. We discovered that there is no bear on the “Polar Express,” learned all about the Hesston Steam museum in LaPorte County, Indiana, found out what it’s really like to a locomotive engineer on the Durango and Silverton and had a chance to hear about running on Amtrak. We took in so much information during this series, it feels like our head is about to esplode, but fortunately for the AML Nation Mike agreed to come back and update us on his latest adventures. What a great story, a true railfan since he could remember, supportive parents and a journey through railroading that most of us can only dream about. This is another great podcast we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Time With Tony !! -
So you’re asking yourself, what do Rona Barrett and Tony Cook have in common?? Rona was of course America’s most beloved gossip columnist while Tony has become America’s most beloved model railroad industry expert. As the editor of three railroad magazines, Tony’s always in touch with everything that’s happening in the model railroad industry, following the latest trends and developments. Being the editor of three well produced and informative magazines is certainly a demanding job, but he still found time in his busy schedule to stop by for a visit. However when he’s not spending countless hours behind the keyboard writing and editing, he can be found trackside with his faithful sidekick ”Bandit.” This is a great podcast so grab a big bowl of shredded TV Guides, a tall cool glass of white-out and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Springfield Show Report Part 3 -
It’s part three of the Springfield, “Big E”, Amherst Society train show reports, where a great time was had by all. This show is a wonderful opportunity to connect with old friends make new ones and browse a through a large variety of vendors all in one location, plus the pre-show clinics giving everyone a chance to learn more about the hobby. On this podcast we hear from the folks at Hattons, one of the largest model railroad vendors in Britain, learn more about the Reading Historical Society, chat with our old friend Ron Klaiss from Mine Mount Models and promise George that next year we’ll visit his layout. This year was the first show since weathering a worldwide pandemic and the snowstorm of the century. The crowds were huge, and the fun was enormous. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #101 -
Seems like the gang at the ole’ AML Network would rather be telling stories than answering email but the image of a ten-year-old Evel Overlord running a stop sign on his way to school in front of the local constabulary certainly may help to explain a few things. Follow that up a with a story of hitting a tree with a golf ball and receiving it in the family jewels on it’s return flight and before you know it, almost thirty minutes of ViewerMail has past by without a single email being read. Eventually though we did manage to answer a few e-mails from readers like Brett Stankiewicz about the proper pronunciation of Brett and Robin Felder a locomotive engineer from Switzerland that models North American prototypes writes in to tell us of his adventures in a new career as a police officer. Geoff Brigham reported about jumping with both feet at an operating session and David Yale tried to make sense of what the “Tablemaster” had to say. It’s two hours of your life you’ll never get back and we apologize. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 214: Mike May Part Three -
Running the “Polar Express” is a full-time job and yet our guest Mike May still has time to occasionally put his name on the extra board and run some of the most iconic locomotives in North America. In this episode we dive deeper into what it takes to keep the “Polar Express” on track at several different locations around the continental United States and various spots around the globe. Mike has been an avid railroader most of his life whether it be model or prototype and his opinions on the hobby of model railroading and the influence railroading of any kind has on the population as a whole are interesting to say the least. There are so many that ride the Durango and Silverton that might only have a passing interest in are yet drawn to Colorado by the hundreds of thousands each year to ride a train. It’s a great episode with lots of thoughtful discussion. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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All-Star Variety Hour #48 -
There are so many interesting folks to speak with and then there are those that just can’t be ignored. The guests on this edition of the All-Star variety hour are old friends who are always entertaining and never disappoint. Michael Petersen, one of the owners of Iowa Scaled Engineering, is a regular contributor to the podcast and stops by to tell us about his adventures at Springfield and some new products. We even mange to broker a deal between the “Queso Cowboy” and ISE’s to test their latest offering… “the Squealer.” Next up is our favorite professional layout builder, Lance Mindheim who fills us in on a custom-built railroad based on Guilford’s “Bishop Street Branch.” This railroad turned out to be featured as a project layout for Model Railroader in the January 2023 issue. Of course, Lance has tons of information to share and this a great podcast that we’re sure you’ll enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Springfield Report Part Two -
It’s always fun to chat with folks you only see face to face very occasionally and this Springfield report is no different. Whether it’s Ralph Heiss, one of “Uncle” Dave’s regular crew or Shane Wilson the controlling hand at ScaleTrains, the conversations are always fun and always full of interesting tidbits. We also get a chance to visit with Riley Triggs who heads up the NMRA’s Publication Department, the “Queso Cowboy” has a great chat with Rob Hinkle the president of the Operations SIG. We were introduced to “That Train Couple” Jasmine and her husband Frank you’ve just begun a journey into the world of model railroading utilizing Facebook and YouTube. Finally, we get a chance for a quick chat with Stephen Atwell the owner of Midwest Model Railroad in Independence, Missouri. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #61 -
So, you’re asking yourself will Nick Santo ever spot by your place for a visit or what is the Mayor of Hornepayne doing in the middle of the night working the local out of Belleville, will Otter Valley’s container finally arrive full of freshly minted gondolas?? We can actually help answer some of these questions but the most important question of all, is where Lorne James land will when shot out of a cannon at his next pop-up event in Tillsonburg… “I’m back still aches when I hear that word.” This is a classic edition of the “Fans” as our very own TableMaster reads from his meticulous notes that he’s kept in a jar under a stack of Funk and Wagnalls encyclopedias in a dark room that’s only accessible through the side door of a 1968 Winnebago RV with Arkansas plates. The Queso Cowboy describes how he covered his helix with aluminum sheeting and hired Decals.com to finish the job. It’s another exciting episode of the fans and well worth a listen so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded note paper, a tall cool glass of RV wastewater and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 213: Mike May Part Two -
It’s part two pf the forty-seven-part Mike May trilogy and in this episode, we discover how a young boy from the suburbs of Chicago eventually is drawn to the wilds of Alaska and one of the most famous three-foot gauge railroads in the world, the White Pass and Yukon Route. Mike has built a beautiful rendition of this railroad in HOn3 that’s just eighteen inches wide and over twenty feet long. Today the White Pass is the busiest tourist railroad in America after being shut down in 1982 due to lack of freight traffic and then re-open for tourism few years later. Mike has carefully modeled the railroad and eventually become a Master Model Railroader. We also discover that he enjoys writing, having had several articles published in the Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette as well as having the layout featured in the 2022 edition of Great Model Railroads. It’s another great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Springfield First Timers -
From the stunning pyramids of Egypt, past the majestic falls of Niagara, along the Great Wall of China and around the Taj Mahal, these are just some of the magnificent wonders of the world, but if you’re a die-hard fan of model railroading there’s another wonder of the world that one must see in order to make their life complete… the Amherst Railway Society’s Railroad Hobby Show!! Each year modelers from around the world make the trek to Springfield, Massachusetts to pray at the temple of the “Big E” and each year some arrive for the first time to experience what they’ve heard about for years. This podcast explores the adventures of two first-timers as we listen to their tales of excitement and bewilderment travelling from building to building trying to make sense of it all. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Springfield Report Part One -
Another Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show has come and gone and by all reports was a rousing success!! With an attendance of well over twenty-thousand enthusiastic model railroaders, hundreds of vendors and dozens of layouts the Springfield show is back in full swing after a worldwide pandemic in 2021 and the snow storm of the century in 2022. As always, the AML gang was in attendance and this year, we had four tables featuring Iowa Scaled Engineering and our very own “Uncle” Dave Abeles. We met and interviewed so many fans of the podcast, took a group photo with well over fifty of the finest podcast listeners you’ll find anywhere. This is part one with Andy Zimmerman, David Heyde, Drayton Blackgrove, John Frantz, John Dohring and NMRA president Gordy Robinson. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #100 -
It was on August 12th in the year 2014 that we first decided it was important to answer our ViewerMail and since that time we’ve received some great emails from folks all across the globe. Some critical, a few heart wrenching but most of all, positive comments, some fun stories about the human journey from individuals who enjoy poking fun at themselves, some constructive criticism and every once in a while, a sad note about the sickness or passing of one of the AML family. But most of all it’s just been a positive for all those involved, knowing that one can come to the AML Nation without fear of being laughed at, or ridiculed and what we’ve discovered along the way is a general love of the hobby and more importantly a caring for each other that goes far beyond model railroading. It’s been so much fun reading almost a thousand different emails over the last decade and we here at the ole’ AML Headquarters hope that will continue for another thousand emails. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 212: Mike May Part One -
We’ve met a lot of interesting people on this podcast but every once and awhile somebody comes along that just makes you sit up and take notice. Mike May’s lifelong love of trains has taken him all sorts of interesting places but if you’re wondering how a guy that studied theatrical lighting ended up on a Brightline train in Miami, in the month of November, you’ve come to the right place. Whether he’s waxing poetically about his love for the White Pass and Yukon Railroad or telling stories of his journey to become a locomotive engineer on the Durango and Silverton. One thing is abundantly clear Mike’s story is too big for just one episode. Find a comfortable place to sit, grab a big bowl of coal ash, a tall cool glass of melted driver grease and enjoy!!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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His Worship, the Mayor of Hornepayne -
The absolute best part of belonging to the AML Nation is all of the friendships and connections we’ve made over the past eight years and one of the most heartwarming stories has been following along the journey of his worship “the Mayor of Hornepayne,” a.k.a. George Taylor. We first met George when he was out doing his chores as a driver for FedEx and desperately trying to decide which of the last seven decades he was going to model. Plenty has occurred since that first chance meeting, and it’s been a while since we last had his worship on the podcast. It’s an intimate conversation with the Evel Overlord catching up on all of the exciting things that’s transpired over the last year, including a transfer to a terminal just five minutes away from the Taylor household. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded by-laws, a tall cool glass of heavily chlorinated drinking water and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Central District Director Elections -
Well, it’s time once again, when we carefully select which candidate is best suited for the job and on this podcast the NMRA president Gordy Robertinson introduces us to Fred Soward who’s running against John Coy for Central District Director. Fred spent twenty years as a commissioned officer in the US Army and has been a member of his local Division 8 Board of Directors since 2016. After two years as a Trustee, and four years as the Superintendent, he’s now the Assistant Superintendent and also serving as the Secretary for the Mid Central Region. John Coy has been a model railroader for over fifty years, finally joining the NMRA in August 2018. By November of that same year, he joined the Central Indiana Division Board and has served the NMRA continuously since then. He’s currently the Assistant Superintendent of the Central Indiana Division and served as the Midwest Regional Director at large for almost four years. John Coy is heavily involved at both the regional and divisional levels and is excited about an opportunity to advance his career as a volunteer in the NMRA. Click Here For the Free Download |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #10 -
If we weren’t convinced before Springfield that our very own “Uncle” Dave and the Onondaga Cutoff had a large, devoted following, a couple of days at the big Springfield show was all we needed to be persuaded. After a ten-year absence from the show the Evel Overlord suggested there’d be lots of folks that wanted to me meet with Dave and he should have a table as part of the “ModelersLife” booth. Tablecloths were ordered, backdrop photos printed, flags were organized and by the time the show opened at 9:00am Saturday morning Dave was ready to meet and greet the throngs of model railroaders young and old that arrived at his table. It wasn’t long until Dave disappeared behind a sea of folks anxious to say hello, buy a t-shirt, ask questions about the “OC”, or get their copy of Dave’s signal book signed. This a great podcast about Dave’s return to Springfield and what it meant to him personally. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 210: Tom Schmeider -
Before the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad it was simply the Lackawanna Railroad, connecting New York City across state to Buffalo, New York and that’s all you need to know. Unless of course you’re a retired police officer in New Jersey with fond memories of running across the Lackawanna Cut-off in a speeder car with your dad. Which then brings us to our guest Tom Schmieder. After years of preparation, planning, collecting supplies and learning to build an addition to an already beautiful home, Tom Schmeider is well underway with the construction of a model railroad layout for the ages, based on the memories of a young boy riding the “the Cutoff.” We’ve brought in some New Jersey’s most enthusiastic model railroaders to help us find out as much a s possible about Tom and his railroad. It’s a great podcast with tons of info to enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML Part 60 !! -
Another year of Springfield madness is over, the cheeseballs are gone, the tables are packed up and put away for another year, “Uncle” Dave’s right arm still throbs from shaking hands while meeting so many fans of the “Onondaga Cutoff.” Folks from all over were stopping by the “ModelersLife” booth to say hi, grab a button, be part of the group photo and hopefully catch a glimpse of the TableMaster in action !! Twenty-two thousand people ventured into the show, walking through four buildings and covering dozens of miles in a single weekend. Of course, we try to cover all bases here at the ole’ AML Nation and sent our best man to aid with footwear tips and emergencies. There’s been much discussion as we wait to hear back from the folks at Guinness about Bernard “Buzz” Hellen’s world record attempt for scanning so many people in a single weekend. It’s time to grab yourself a bowl of shredded insoles, a tall cool glass of leftover 3-D resin and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Railroad Model Craftsman 90th Anniversary !! -
Who doesn’t like a party, especially one that celebrates a milestone like the 90th anniversary of Railroad Model Craftsman. We were fortunate enough to convince RMC editor Otto Vondrak to stop by the ole’ AML studios and tell us some of the history of the magazine, learn about some of the previous owners, plus interesting discussions about some of the key players over the years. The magazine was started during the depression era of the thirties, when the NMRA was getting started beside some industry leaders that are still recognizable names today. Tony Koester played a big part in the seventies and was instrumental bringing Allen McClelland to the fore front of the hobby. We learn of the great contribution Bill Schaumburg made to the hobby as editor, long-time publisher Hal Carstens and a host of others that spent many years working with the magazine. This is a great podcast that we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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All- Star Variety Hour #47 -
This a fun podcast with some well-known names in the AML Nation, Superfan #33 Geoff Brigham, has been searching for photos and checking in daily on the “Fans” page since the mid-point of 2020 to see how everyone is doing. It seemed only logical to have him come into the studio for an update and tell us all about Andrew Keeney’s layout. In the second half of this podcast, we talk with Rodger Coleman about his recently published photo in Diesel Era magazine. Plus, there’s some discussion about Rodger’s latest book, a lengthier discussion on his love of railroad photography and talk of the Center for Railroad Photography & Art. Then to top it all off the modeler simply known as “Kelly” helps with the introduction and closing. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded N-95 masks, a tall cool glass of melted book binding glue and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 210: Goalie George !! -
What can we say about our next guest other he’s one of the greatest goalies the people of Durango, Colorado have ever witnessed, standing tall between the pipes this behemoth of a man turns back shot after shot while constantly thinking about ways to improve SoundTraxx decoders and get them out to the world so modelers from all across the globe can learn the infinite possibilities this product can deliver. But wait, you say you’d like to know the best way to paint your goalie pads?? George takes time out of his busy scheduled to carefully describe the painstaking effort using a rubberized paint to turning you into the best beer league goalie this side of the Mississippi River. Then George takes us on a great tour of his present layout with a detailed description of how it was built in a garage that it shares with a car. This is a fun episode we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #10 -
There’s not much the Evil Overlord enjoys more than creating another podcast but chatting with “Uncle” Dave is always a highlight. Whether is talking about the next great book title, discussing legends in the hobby, the latest operating session or Dave’s philosophy on life, it doesn’t take long for a lively discussion on a wide range of topics to take place. This time we also chatted about Dave’s latest Facebook “Live” session and the 400-Plus comments he received from everyone watching around the world. Dave is a true ambassador to the hobby and enjoys these live sessions more than the folks that watch them. We’ve had some truly great leaders in this hobby, and we may be watching the emergence of another true leader in the hobby who loves it almost as much as I do. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Lorne James and OVR Trains -
Lorne James is just one of those people you’re glad to know, someone that always leaves you with a smile on his face. He one of the exciting young men that continue to make this hobby grow beyond anyone’s expectations. Having started in the retail end of the hobby in his teenage years and continuing to grow that business to present day with a great retail shop in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Never one to sit still, Lorne and his partner have now expanded into the freight car manufacturing side of the hobby with the National Steel Car 6,400 Cubic Foot gondola used mainly in the construction and waste disposal industries hauling waste to transfer sites. This podcast is full of excitement as a young modeler tells the tale of trying to get his new company off the ground. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML Part #59 -
It’s time once again for your favorite loveable AML characters to gather round the ticket booth and find out what’s been happening as they prepare for the annual Springfield Train Show. The cheese balls have been ordered, Hard Part’s comb is all greased up, the Tablemaster has learned the art sticker distribution, the Mailboy has all the electrons filed away and the modeler simply known as Kelly is manning the AML help desk. If your local club is trying to decide what kind of drone to have at their next train show, the Queso Cowboy has learned to crash, Kelly has carefully read the rules, contacted the FAA and purchased enough insurance for even the smallest of disasters. But maybe you’re better suited for a quick trip to Las Vegas with Hard Part and “the World of Concrete” show. Whatever you need it’s all here on the “Fans of the AML Part #59.” Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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The Great ProtoThrottle Giveaway -
“What if we gave away our 1,000th ProtoThrottle to raise money for the Colorado Model Railroad Museum that Michelle Kempema runs??” These words were spoken to me by Michael Petersen whom I hadn’t heard or seen from since we worked side by side as bus boys on the Orient Express during the late eighties. Stunned by the offer, but anxious to help Ms. Kempema who in recent times had taken a job as a t-shirt model to raise money for the museum, I quickly accepted. Michael stated there were a few conditions that must be met, apparently his time in the Orient had prohibited the fine folks at Iowa Scale Engineering from mailing any ProtoThrottles across the Atlantic and as of this broadcast Bhutan was strictly off limits. But fortunately, if you live in Canada, New Zealand, Australia or the United States of America you’re eligible to enter the free draw at the Amherst Railroad Hobby Show. So bring a pen, maybe a donation for the museum and you too could be operating your layout with one of the finest throttles on the market today. Click Here For the Free Download |
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The Monster Build with Nick Masney -
“Hey Nick, I want you to build me a skyscraper.” Who among us hasn’t heard that request a thousand times, but if you’re Nick Masney and you own ITLA Scale Models, one of the finest structure kit companies in the hobby you’ve probably heard it at least once. This is the story of one man’s conquest to build the ultimate ho scale office building for a regular customer that lives on the other side of the Atlantic. After six cans of Krylon Fusion spray paint, hours of hand applied acrylics, 1644 windows, (each with an individual frame, sill, and header) 98 of the coolest fire escapes you’ve ever seen and lots of tender loving care, the monster build was ready to be crated up for shipping. This is a great podcast with lots of unforeseen twists and turns. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded kit sprues, a tall cool glass of salt water and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 209: Danny Harmon -
What can you say about someone that’s brought so much joy to folks young and old by simply standing trackside with a camera in the great state of Florida. These are the videos of someone with the expertise of a professional broadcaster and the excitement of a teenager rail-fanning for the first time. Rail-fan Danny Harmon was born and raised in Florida, trying to catch all the rail action in Sunshine State while still taking the time to explore railroading as far away as Ohio. Shooting with a Sony AX-700 camcorder, GoPro Hero 7 Black, DJI Air 2 drone, and editing all the footage he’s captured on his iMac with Final Cut Pro X software the final product is well worth watching. This is a great podcast, and you can find the Distant Signal YouTube channel right here: https://www.youtube.com/@distantsignal/featured Click Here For the Free Download |
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Waz' Happenin with Chris Brimley -
The search for the great photo continues and our next guest is here to explain why. Rail photographers are a breed of their own, constantly looking for just the right location, with just the right light, at the perfect time of day with a unique train consist to achieve that one special shot that will make their day, week, month, year, or lifetime complete. But wait there’s more, not only is Chris searching for the perfect photograph he’s also the new president of ExactRail based in Provo, Utah, one the most established freight car manufacturers in model railroading today. On top of that he always seems to be building another passenger station for someone else’s layout. This is a great podcast about one man’s search for perfection. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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John Sacerdote: Amherst Show Director -
Hey kids, it’s almost time for the annual Springfield Train show time, the Big “E”, the Amherst Show, the “Great” Train Show, the “Big” Railroad Hobby Show, the show that John Sacerdote runs every year with help from a cast of thousands and its official name is “the Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show.” Dating back as far as the 1960’s, the show covers hundreds of thousands of square feet in four buildings on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition. Since 1991, the Amherst Railway Society started an annual grants program that began to support the efforts of other railroad-focused organizations. In the years since, the Society has donated $814,373 to railroad preservation. This is a great podcast with lots of great information that we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #99 -
Just when you thought this new year was gonna be a great one, we bring you ViewerMail Flight #99. In order to start the year off right we decided to bring in long-time AML listener Roger Coleman to give his unique take on what happens in the mailroom. We got plenty of emails from Bradd Williamson keeping us up to date on all the comings and goings of the Iron City N Scale guys with a little help from Mike Desensi. Our old pal Morgan Pavia drops us a line and Jeff Schultz explains the proper pronunciation of Oregon. We found out what it’s like to have a Kevin “Hard Part” Marks christmas with his Mom and Dad while our very own Chris “Mr. Fitness” Adams takes over the show so that we can all stop and help him find the 1982 edition of the Atlas Blueprints layout design book as he contemplates changing his much-admired New Haven RR into a 4X8 figure eight layout. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded track plans, a tall cool glass of book binding glue and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 208: Eric Smith -
If model railroad operations is your thing or you’ve never had the opportunity to operate a model railroad of any kind and you’ve got no idea where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. Eric Smith has created one of the most useful tools we’ve ever seen connecting model railroaders and operations-oriented layouts. OperatingSessions.com is a free service that’s been purpose-built to help support model railroaders host operating sessions. Whether it’s individual sessions on a single layout, or multi-day events with dozens of sessions. Scheduling operating sessions or finding operators can sometimes be quite a pain but with OpertingSessions.com even the most complex operating weekend can be simplified with ease. This is a great podcast with tons of information that we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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All-Star Variety Hour #46 -
It’s All-Star Variety Hour #46 with two great interviews plus an introduction featuring our very own Bruce the Mailboy, the TableMaster and the Queso Cowboy. (The greatest nickname in all of AML Land) Even though the TableMaster had trouble staying awake we’re confident you’ll have no problem following along and getting lots of enjoyment from each segment. We first hear from Dan Garcia who’s been working at Rapido Trains for just about seventeen years and the day we arrived he was busy with counting inventory but graciously agreed to sit down for an interview. He’s become the full-time specialist in dealer service, sample testing, things that light up, DCC, sound, just to name a few. Tim Warris: the owner of Mt. Albert Scale Lumber, many years ago created a product called Fast Tracks which is the most efficient method to hand lay switches in any scale and it just becomes more and more popular with each passing year. This is a great show that we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Boxing Day non-podcast Podcast -
It’s the day after Christmas and for many of us around the globe it’s known as Boxing Day, while for many others, it’s simply known as Monday and while recovering from heaping mounds of turkey, bread stuffing and Aunt Emily’s Christmas pudding at the AML Nation’s world headquarters, we decided there was no need for a podcast on such a magical day. But wait, while some of the AML gang were cleaning up the studio after what can only be described as an epic Christmas party, someone hit the switch and microphones went live and we loaded up the recording on our trusty cassette player so everyone could hear what could only be described as our “Boxing Day a.k.a. Monday” podcast. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded plastic bows, a tall cool glass of week-old tree water and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML Part 58 -
Once again that joyous time of year is upon us when we gather around a dead tree, give thanks, and eat candy out of your dad’s favorite wool socks. It’s an opportunity to spread goodwill and cheer throughout your community and pass on the fruitcake from your dear old grandma to some unsuspecting neighbour. The chance to give your least favorite nephew some brand-new batteries with a note that says, “toy not included.” It's another Christmas miracle as we gather the AML gang together for a festive look at how to get your car towed in broad daylight with the “TableMaster” by your side. Discover how the AML’s number one elf spread happiness and joy throughout the nation in his trusty Toyota… After he got out of the impound lot of course. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded Christmas ornaments, a tall cool glass of last year’s eggnog and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 207: Eric White -
As another year draws to a close it’s time once again for our annual state of the hobby and with so much happening in the hobby, we here at the ole’ AML world headquarters decided this would be the ideal time for the newest editor of Model Railroader magazine to share his thoughts about where this great hobby of ours is headed. Of course, such an interview wouldn’t be complete without help from everybody’s favorite “Uncle” Dave, who’s always excited to talk all things railroading. Eric White is a veteran journalist with a wealth of model railroading knowledge behind him, he joined Model Railroader as an associate editor and looks forward to leading it into the future. Leading the hobby’s flagship publication is an important role which Eric plans to take very seriously. He enjoys the operations side of the hobby and meeting readers of the magazine. This is great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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All-Variety Hour #45 -
They say variety is the spice of life and this All-Star Variety Hour is no different. We dusted off some old interviews we found behind the filing cabinet and came up with some real gems. Mike Hauk tells us about his adventures attending the “Indy Junction” convention a few months ago, there’s plenty of discussion about “OperatingSessions.com” and the thrills and excitement that goes along with being a Navy doctor landing on an aircraft carrier. There’s a chat with Rick Koch from TomStock 2020 and a wrap-up of the same event with our very own Queso Cowboy. Finally, Kevin “Hard Part” Marks gives us the inside scoop on all the comings and goings from this year’s Trainfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s a great podcast and one I’m sure you’ll enjoy, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded nachos, a tall cool glass of melted cheese and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Kelly Questions Round 71: Serge Lebel -
It’s time once again to don the tin foil helmet and have our latest contestant attempt to answer a series of hard-hitting questions about model railroading and the choices they make on the journey of life. While cleaning the office and looking for spare change behind the filing cabinet we found this old cassette tape labeled “O Scale” in Quebec. Imagine our surprise when we discovered it was actually talented modeler Serge Lebel on the hot seat. Turns out his superhero alter-ego would be “Stop Time Man” and all over the world people are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting patiently to hear what type of uniform he’d wear, perhaps a spandex one-piece uniform with his underwear on the outside and a gold cape. This is a great podcast with our old friends the “Spoon” and “the Mayor of Horne Payne.” So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded poutine, a tall glass of melted yellow snow and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #8 -
There are no better memories than a fantastic family trip and on this “Fireside Chat” we learn about the Abeles clan and their epic family trip west to the four corners and every spot in between. This was a long-awaited rail excursion Dave and his wife had been planning for years covering as much ground as possible in two weeks starting at the NJT station in Lebanon, New Jersey, through the country’s capital and across the great plains. It's a fun podcast as we ride along having meals in the dining car, rolling passed old stations, deep dish pizza in Chicago, then on to the California Zephyr, crossing the mighty Mississippi and then finally arriving in Glenwood Springs. Visiting with famed rail photographer James Belmont, attending a Jayhawks concert, photos at the Continental divide and visit to Chama, New Mexico are just some of the highlights. This is a great podcast about a great experience and you the listener won’t be disappointed. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 206: ITLA Scale Models -
Model railroad manufacturing in all forms continues to grow across the hobby and one of the most exciting companies we’ve found is “ITLA Scale Models,” producing some of the finest laser cut craftsman style kits available today. Renee and Nick Masney have been in business over ten years producing laser etched wood materials representing masonry, steel, and concrete when painted using basic techniques. One of the unique features of these kits is the ability to build in a variety of footprints and varying wall combinations including “flats” and “shallow relief” suitable for the growing shelf layout segment of the hobby. The gritty rail-side architectural look that’s still easily found across North America today is easily reproduced with ITLA’s fine line of kits and wall modules. It’s a great episode with some great insight into what makes the company tick. Enjoy!! https://us9.campaign-archive.com/?u=f9aaed02a48caebc6cdcf0447&id=6572c3b445 Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML Part 57 -
What’s that you say, there’s a buzzing in your ear sending you secret decoder messages telling you to join the “miniprints of the month club” and hopefully have the chance of receiving a set of flying pigs in S-Scale. Word on the street says that Nick Santo’s travelling road show is headed your way and you only have enough jobs to keep him busy for a week?? You’ve arrived in Greenville, South Carolina only to find out Walmart hates Toyotas. This particular episode of “the Fans” had many twists and turns as the crew tries to figure out why Bernard won’t stop buzzing, why the “TableMaster” failed to take the appropriate rest after surgery and how he managed to get Nick’s car back before it was crushed into a three-foot square cube. Finally, don’t forget to purchase your tickets for “Scottapalooza ’25.” It’s two hours of action-packed excitement that could almost be classified as entertainment!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
