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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...
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All-Star Variety Hour #24 -
Fabulous N-Scale layout, tools that will make your next model stand out from the rest, a dedicated model railroad store that’s growing like an over watered Chia Pet and much, much more all in one handy to use podcast. On this version of the Variety Hour we visit with Walker Embry-Texas Ranger, Tim Warris of FastTracks fame and visit with Lorne James the owner of Otter Valley Railroad, a very successful hobby shop in Southwestern Ontario. So sit right down in your favorite podcast chair with a cool refreshing beverage and enjoy!! |
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Prototype Posse #3 -
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about locomotive turbos is right here. Does your turbo lag under load, does it surge when it’s not suppose to or does it just explode unexpectedly when you’re only a few miles from the terminal?? And which of the different locomotive cabs do you prefer, Spartan, Wide cabs, (which aren’t any wider than regular cabs) Standard or the ever popular Crescent cab?? Plus the gang decides that the SD-70 with almost 6,000 units built since the early 90’s is one of their favorites. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded turbo fans, a tall glass of fire retardant foam and enjoy!! |
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Fans of the AML #19 -
In this episode of a ModelersLife we venture into the life of maybe the most energetic person we’ve met here at the ole’ AML network. Whether she’s busy being the executive director at one of the best model railroad experiences in the country or helping expand the knowledge of an enthusiastic child, Michelle can rarely be seen sitting still. So put down your jar of queso, strap yourself into the fastest coffee cup racer you can find and be prepared to enjoy a podcast full of twists and turns!! |
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Fans of the AML #19 -
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to eat a million miles of red twizzlers, have you dreamed about watching the Queso Cowboy play with his food?? Well you’re in luck these subjects and more are covered in this episode of “Fans” plus we cover a wide range of other subjects as the AML Network dulls your brain cells for another week. Find out what it’s like to get a tattoo on a moving bus, “Hard Part” gets a package from home, find out how to spend $4,000 on a thirty cent and on top of all that we even crown and a new super fan from across the pond. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded stale licorice, a tall glass of green tattoo ink and enjoy. |
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Brokered Deals: Ron Marsh -
Here at the old AML network we’ve been wondering for quite some time now what exactly are those things that pop up from time to time on Ron’s Trains ‘N Things?? So we decided it was time for some hard hitting investigative journalism in an effort to find out exactly what the “things” are but unfortunately we were met with a series of vague answers and enough side-stepping to create a new dance craze. Ron Trains ‘N Things has been the official how-to video channel of the AML Network longer than “Kelly” has lived in one place. But what if we brought together two of our favorite Rons to create one of the best product review videos ever seen on YouTube?? Unfortunately that wasn’t possible but we did manage to create a moderately adequate podcast. Enjoy!! |
Recent Episodes...
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Springfield is a Go: John Sacerdote -
Train shows are being cancelled all over the world these days, one right after another and with the recent news that Milwaukee’s TrainFest won’t be happening this year we decided to find out what’s the status of the number one train show in America. The crack news team here at the AML Network scraped together enough cash to get bus tickets for the whole gang and made their way to Springfield, Massachusetts the home of the Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show to find out what the future holds for this great event. So grab yourself a bowl of shredded floor plans, a steaming hot mug of boiled hot dog water and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Dave Abeles: Remote Operations -
Imagine what it would be like to operate a train across Western New York’s Finger Lakes region while at the controls of a 7000 horsepower lash-up during Conrail’s golden era. The possibility of such an experience may be closer than you think as model railroaders all around the world face the new frontier remote operations. Remote dispatching has been a reality for several years now on the “Cutoff” but just like searching for a vaccine to save the world, Dave and his crew of wisdom keepers are trying to figure out better ways to bring the hobby closer to those who can’t necessarily attend operating sessions in person. Grab your notebook, your favorite fountain pen and get ready for another great podcast AML’s Uncle Dave. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #23 -
Still need help getting that old John Deere tractor running, can’t decide which crops to plant this season, you’ve planted an acre of garlic but don’t have enough lettuce to make a salad?? You went down to the local Ace Hardware looking for expert advice from the manager about renovating your grandma‘s bedroom and all he wanted to do was sell you a Palzer’s Plumbing Supply kit and some HO scale industrial storage racking?? Fortunately it’s time for another All-Star Variety Hour which will be of no actual use but may help to relieve the pain of day to day life. So grab yourself a big bowl of moist potting soil, a tall cool glass of Benjamin Moore’s exterior primer and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #18 -
Still waiting for the FedEx guy to deliver your Steve McQueen pillowcases, you put a full size cut-out of Ralphie Boy on the front porch to scare the neighborhood kids away. There’s no useful information here but you will hear four guys enjoying each other’s company and having a great time trying to include everyone who’s listening. Ron Marsh tries to decide what the things are, George “the Boy Wonder” explains secrets of the universe and Martin Jenkins is excited to tell everybody about his HO scale RC cars. It’s just like going to dinner with a bunch of guys that won’t pay. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode #148: George Bogatiuk-
If there’s an award to be given out for the most enthusiastic person in this hobby, surely our next guest would be at the top of the list. George has been working for SoundTraxx over ten years and you’ve probably seen him at a train show or clinic somewhere in your area during that time. He’s a fan of the Missouri Pacific Railroad and willing to help any modeler with any questions. When he’s not out on the road promoting the hobby you can usually find him between the pipes at the local arena making glove saves in rapier like fashion. George is a true ambassador to the hobby and a pleasure to be with, so put on your favorite Dallas Stars jersey, your Eddie the Eagle mask and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Prototype Posse #2 -
Hide the kids and barricade the doors because once again the Prototype Posse has ridden into town with another gun slinging discussion about all there favorite prime movers. Plus they settle that age old argument of who was the greatest defensive end ever to don the pads during the1970’s. Take a walk down memory lane remembering those great times heading out the door with nothing more than a couple of bucks in your pocket only returning home for meals and the occasional trip around the yard with a lawn mower. We even manage to talk some one to one railroading while visiting the Burlington Zephyr and talk about the Florida East Coast’s new alternative fuel. So grab yourself a big plate of shredded sports programs, a tall glass of liquiefied natural gas and enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #22 -
It’s another great podcast from deep in the valleys around Busted Knuckle, Kentucky. With the longest introduction in the history of podcasting, thanks in part to our very own Mike “the Spoon” Ostertag. Mick Shea, a loyal listener for quite some time now, stops by to introduce himself. Plus one of our old standby favorites, Otto Vondrak the editor of Railroad Model Craftsman. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded resin decals, a tall glass of clear coat and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML Podcast #17 -
You finally put the snow blower away but the lawn tractor is leaking gas so bad you’ll need a tanker truck to finish cutting the lawn. Disappointed Dave Abeles isn’t your next door neighbour?? There so many dandelions, your lawn looks like a leisure suit for the 1970’s. We can’t help with any of these problems but we can help you decide which tires to install after another long cold winter. If the above paragraph seemed like needless thoughts but you have to keep reading, you’ve come to the right place. This edition of “Fans” once again proves not everyone should have access to the internet. So load your plate with grass clippings, grab yourself a tall glass of dandelion wine and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 147: Rapido Staff -
Here at the ol' AML Network, there’s two things we always strive to achieve, hard hitting journalism, and ignore the facts whenever possible. So when the Evil Overlord visited Rapido Trains, it seemed only fitting to get the scoop on Jason Shron's crack team of model slingin' miracle workers. It’s a whistle stop tour of the folks behind the scenes at Rapido, we get the lowdown on how Janet, Joshua, Jordan & Dan arrived at Rapido and what the hobby means to them. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded scale model flyers, a hot steaming mug of gearbox oil and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #74 -
Still trying to get that old ketchup stain out of your favorite sweater vest ?? Convinced rhino farts could be a huge source of renewable energy. Service dogs are convinced your dog is unemployed. Don’t understand why the lady at the dry cleaning store can’t find your favorite Hawaiian shirt you dropped off over 10 years ago. If your life seems to going nowhere you’ve come to the right place because for the gang at the ole’ AML Network absolute zero seems to be a challenge. So get yourself a big bowl of shredded pizza, a tall glass of warm chicken grease and enjoy, as you stare blankly at the wall while listening to another exciting edition of ViewerMail. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #21 -
It’s another exciting episode of the All-Star Variety Hour as two of our regular listeners have stopped by to update us on what’s happening in their neck of the woods. First up is Brooks Willig from the Lone Star state of Texas to tell us of his latest adventures operating some of the finest layouts in the country with our very own “Speed’ Muller and then it’s William Simpson the official graphic artist of the AML Network keeping us up to date all the comings and going‘s in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. So grab your favorite Stetson, sharpen your ice skates and join us as we score the winning goal with this podcast. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML Podcast #16 -
Here at the ole’ AML Network you just never know who’s gonna be knocking at the door but we always try to make everyone feel welcome. This podcast is just as much fun as that next door neighbor you’ve been trying to avoid for years. It’s great entertainment with an extensive look at wines of the world best served from a cardboard box, the pros and cons of queso cheese spread as a food supplement to give you that extra needed boost as you head out the door in the morning and with any kind of luck we’ll make Amarillo by morning. Keys are under the mat, lock up when you leave and enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 146: Jason Shron/Rapido -
Rapido Trains has become one of the most recognizable names in the hobby lead by a man who’s love of all things railroading is undeniable. After spending a whole day at the home office it was obvious that the staff of this industry leader seemed to be having more fun than the customers they serve. This interview with Jason Shron the president of Rapido, is a clear indication of the commitment, enthusiasm, passion and excitement that everyone involved puts into each project. They even have a bus to pick you up in, so sit back and enjoy the ride. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Prototype Posse #1 -
It's the first ride of the Prototype Posse!! An assorted collection of amateur experts in the world of all things railroad. Here at the ole' AML network we're not always confident about the technical details of the latest railroading craze but we’ve never been afraid to have the gang saddle up in search of the answers. Come along with the Nutmeg Girl, Spoon, the official FedEX guy and the Evil Overlord Evil Overlord, as they navigate the vast expanse of prototype railroading. From prime movers to spartan cabs and going either way. It’s all here so grab yourself a big plate of shredded diesel guides, a steaming hot mug of melted axle grease and enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #20 -
This podcast is a real pot pourri of ummm… Stuff. First it’s a continuation of the Waz’ Happenin’ series with a visit to the big island in Hawaii to find out what Neil Erickson’s been up to and then we travel to Australia’s Gold Coast and the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland to visit with our buddies Gordy and Martyn immediately after their most recent NMRA X presentation. Finally it’s off to New Jersey for some exciting news from Dave Abeles’s and the Onondaga Cutoff, about remote operations on his railroad. So throw another shrimp on the barbie, a tall cool glass of melted ice and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Upstairs in the Workshop #3 -
One of the great things about this hobby is how many people are willing to share their knowledge with others. Our very own Kevin “Hard Part” Marks enjoys showing others how to custom build track just as much as he enjoys doing it for himself. Hard Part recently began making quality videos showing how to use Fast Tracks fixtures plus some soldering tips and the proper use of fire extinguishers, all for the NMRA X program.This podcast is a quick introduction to his next video, Upstairs in the Workshop #3. So plug in your iron get your favorite tin of flux and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #15 -
Hear at the ole’ AML headquarters in Busted Knuckle we’d like to tell you that things are slowly getting back to normal but we have no idea what that is, so we decided time would be better spent answering some more of your posts on the “Fans” page. Some of the highlights include, the pros and cons of drinking wine from a box, checking up on the whereabouts of our beloved LaFawnDuh, finding out what very own “Hard Part” has been up to and trying to figure out why the official flight attendant of the AML Network can’t sit still. So grab yourself a big bowl of stale airline pretzels, a warm glass of leftover chardonnay and enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 145: Dave Owens -
In this episode we talk with one of the organizers from The Northeast Prototype Modelers Meet which is quickly becoming one of the best RPM meets in the country and continues to grow with each passing year. Plenty of fantastic clinics, great model display room and lots of great vendors. lots of great vendors. This annual scale model railroading meet is always the weekend after Memorial Day. People travel from all over just for the chance to rub elbows with some great modelers and learn new skills. Plus each night is capped off with a huge raffle for door prizes. It a great listen, so get comfortable at the workbench and have a listen. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Railroaders Tribute - Ray Kenny -
People walk in and out of our lives for various reasons without ever telling us why. Ray Kenny made a lasting impression on the Abeles family before losing his battle with Covid-19 Ray was the Senior Vice President and General Manager at New Jersey Transit when Dave Abeles introduced him to his family. We’ll never know for sure what effect he had on those kids but perhaps in some small way this podcast will pay tribute to Ray and all those who’ve lost the fight. Click Here For the Free Download |
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AML All-Star Variety Hour #19 -
This is just a great podcast, we cover everything from adding resistors to metal wheel sets, how to share snacks with your friends and introduce you to one of our regulars on the “AML Fans” page. Adam Pinales jumped in with both feet to help out on Tom Jacob’s Reading “Crossline,” the Evil Overlord and the Moderately Agitated Mailboy discuss their desire to share snacks with all their friends and then finally we meet George Taylor the official Fed-Ex driver of the AML Network. So grab yourself a big bowl of dried salmon potato chips, a tall glass of peanut butter soda and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Trackside on the Cutoff - After the fun of his first ever virtual operating session Dave Abeles couldn’t wait to try again. With the continuing Covid-19 crisis affecting everyone’s life it seemed like more rail fanning was in order so we decided to talk with Dave before and after his next broadcast. The Chicago Line is always busy and there’s bound to be plenty of interesting traffic to see. So grab yourself some cold ones, climb into your favorite minivan and we’ll see you trackside. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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NMRA X - Virtual Clinic Tour -
Imagine being able to watch twenty-four hours of continual clinics from all around the world with a variety of subjects such as weathering locomotives, installing cell phone speakers, adding details, layout tours plus many other great topics all from the comfort of your own home. Thanks to our pal Gordy Robinson a regular here on the ole’ AML network and leader of the NMRA’s social media team, you can do just that starting at 7pm EDT on Friday, April 24th. So grab your favorite snack, ice cold beverage and your most comfy lawn chair and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the Podcast #14 -
You’re trying to find just the right guy for the job, you’ve looked everywhere and suddenly realized anybody you need is right in the AML Nation. We gotta a guy. Need a doctor, we got Seth. Need a lawyer, we got Chris. Need a dentist, we got Wayne. Need a runway built in your backyard, we got Rod. We’ve even got just the right gal, need a decoder installed in your scale locomotive or turbine engine installed on your Airbus 320, we got Kaylee. Need just the right flight attendant for your next charter, we got Tracy. So buckle up for an exciting ride as we take off on another addition of “Fans of the AML Podcast.“ Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 144: Pinales/Brimley -
As so often happens here at the ole’ AML Network, we had no idea what we were doing when we gathered together for a discussion about nothing and ended up with a whole episode about something. We cover everything from the excitement re-discovering the wonders of brass locomotives, understanding the meaning of life and considering a new direction in a hobby that offers unlimited possibilities. So lay down on your favorite couch for a careful examination of what the hobby has to offer and what the future might look like. Click Here For the Free Download |
