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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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Episode 163: Emory Van Lehman III -
More and more we’re finding full-time railroaders just as interested and excited about model railroading as they are with their day jobs. This month's guest is a long time BNSF employee who enjoys spending time at the workbench as much he does behind the controls of an SD40-2. It's a great story of a dedicated railroader from his early days in the Seattle, Washington area to his present assignment in Temple, Texas and all his adventures in between. So grab yourself a big bowl I've shredded air hoses, a tall cool glass of spent diesel fuel and enjoy !! |
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Fans of the AML #33 -
It's another exciting episode of the “Fans” with all your favorite characters, just plain simple folks, the sort of people who’ve settled down and taken the wheels off their trailer. This episode contains the kind of edge of your seat excitement that you've become used to in years past as the Evel Overlord negotiates the price of Lafawnduh with Hard Part, the Spoon tries to convince us that particle board will never warp and Mr. Fitness frets over his scenery. It's floor to ceiling fun as we tried to figure out who Serge Lebel has buried in his layout. So grab yourself a steaming hot bowl of creamy sawdust, a tall glass of freshly mixed hydrocal and enjoy!! |
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Kelly Questions: "Uncle" Dave Abeles -
It's time for another exciting round of the Kelly Questions with one of Conrail's biggest fans, we've all got to know him up and personal from his fabulous Facebook live podcasts featuring operations in upstate New York and now it’s our chance to find out how he holds up under pressure. It’s our very own “Uncle” Dave, as he dons the tin foil helmet and gets ready to answer some of the most toughest questions in the hobby today. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded timetables, a tall cool glass of melted aerosol cheese and enjoy !! |
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Waz' Happenin' with Jason Shron -
The hobby of model railroading is exploding and we're all going to be covered in model railroad goo but something else that's exploding is Rapido Trains one of the fastest growing manufacturers in the hobby producing all sorts of high-end quality models. This Canadian based company with three factories in China and a bunch of project managers spread across North America are all under the watchful eye of a train nerd with a passenger car in his basement. It's not easy to get Jason to sit still but we managed to do it for a couple of hours and ask a bunch of listener questions with the help of young Drew Warrington from Delaware. So grab yourself a huge bowl of shredded bacon, a big mug of steaming hot Maple syrup and enjoy. |
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Episode 162: Mike Hauk -
What do you get when combine a lifelong model railroader with a doctor and an ex-navy guy?? A great layout built by a dedicated member of the NMRA and someone who has squeezed as much out of the hobby as possible. This is a great episode that follows the journey of a lifelong model railroader that travelled the world while serving his country. When he finally settled down, he decided to preserve the memory the Susquehanna & New York Railroad in HO scale. Mike has also created a great website at: snyrr.com So sit back and get comfortable for a story that we’re sure won’t disappoint !! |
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Waz' Happenin' with Bob Fallowfield -
We’ve had so many great guests pass through the studio here at the ole’ AML Studios and it’s always fun to check up every once in a while, with folks to see what they’ve been up to, Bob Fallowfield is a passionate modeler and now a full size 1:1 scale railroader in his spare time. He also been a frequent host on TrainMasters TV as well as his own show “the Platforum.” He’s a great historian of railroading and constantly seeking out retired railroaders to help quench his appetite for knowledge of railroading. This is a great interview so get comfortable in your favorite Holstein onesie and enjoy !! |
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NMRA Elections: Doehring/Robinson -
It's election time at the NMRA again and we’ve offered this podcast to anyone running for office in order for them to express their positions and answer questions about the future of this hobby and the organization. John Doehring who’s running for Eastern Director and Gordy Robinson who’s put his name on the ballot for president of the NMRA agreed to answer some questions and tell what they think is store for the future of this hobby. These two gentlemen were more than happy to answer our questions covering many areas of concern about where the hobby is headed. Hopefully this episode will help you decide one way or another who to vote for in this critical upcoming election. Enjoy !! |
Recent Episodes...
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Fans of the AML #32 -
Chris Atkins talking about adding backdrops to his layout, Scott Lister tells us about building brass locomotives, “Hard Part” gets excited about soldering at different temperatures and the Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gets critique by the gang. Obviously with such a wide range of exciting topics it can only mean one thing… It’s time for another exciting edition of the “Fans.” We hit a new low with the number of posts we manage to cover, and the Evel Overlord stresses out about ever catching up, but Hard Part tells everyone to relax while he talks about the newest tool to arrive in his workshop. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded aluminum backdrops, a steaming hot mug of boiling solder and enjoy !! Chris Atkins' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NPCBQ Scott Lister's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/modelingGandN Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 161: Dave Ramos -
What happens when a guy with lots of enthusiasm for the hobby with a personality as big as Manhattan itself, twelve hundred freight cars, a wobbly car float finally decides to build an operating layout?? You get a place where friendships come first and operating a model railroad in a realistic fashion is a close second. Welcome to the New York Harbor Railroad on the west of Manhattan set in the year 1947. Serving the Erie Railroad, Lehigh Valley Railroad and the New York Central all jammed into one basement primarily for the pleasure of other modelers to operate. Dave is a fun guy to talk with and this is an episode we’re sure you’ll enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Prototype Posse #7 -
The “Posse” rides again in what might be one of our most exciting episodes yet !! We discover two new short line railroads, Spoon regales us with tales from the past, the Boy Wonder brings us up to speed on what’s happening with his new career in full size railroading, the Evel Overlord gives driving tips and even manages to make Kaylee mad. We learn everything there is to know about holding up your pants with a belt, try to determine how far it is from Hornepayne to Hearst, Ontario and discover the true meaning of life, all in just two short hours. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded road maps, a tall cool glass of yellow snow and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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George's Journal -
Starting a new career can be as exciting as anything you’ll ever do and getting to share the adventure with others might be the next best thing. When we found out our very own George “the Boy Wonder” Taylor (a.k.a. “Teaspoon”) had been hired on by the Canadian National Railway, we jumped at the chance to ride along. These are the first two installments in a journal of life as we tag along on what we hope will be a long, exciting journey for our intrepid hero as he begins a new chapter in his life. So grab your book of operating rules, radio, some warm boots and hop onboard this train bound for the future. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #31 -
Just like an experimental moonshot that crashes to the ground or a top-heavy Christmas tree that ends up on the floor, this episode of the "Fans" is a disaster waiting to happen. Tune in as the gang wrestles with the new Facebook and realizes that without Kaylee, their attempts to understand anything are hopeless. Chris tell us about his new giant phone, the Spoon tells us about punishing his conductor by forcing him to listen to the podcast, the pros and cons of particle board are discussed at length and Hard Part his excited about a new delivery of decoders from his man of mystery. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded wood fibre, a tall cool glass of left-over Christmas tree water and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 160: Scott Thornton & the Rock River -
Backdrops are as important to scenery as any other aspect in the overall appearance of a finished model railroad scene. This month Scott shows us how he created the Rock River on his Milan Branch of the Iowa Interstate Railroad layout. Through a series of experiments, mistakes and successes the finished product turned out beautifully. Ron Marsh is the co-host for this episode and does an excellent job of keeping the conversation on “track.” So grab yourself a big bowl of course medium green ground foam, a tall cool glass of unfiltered river water and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Otto Vondrak - State of the Hobby -
Continuing on with our post-Christmas theme about the state of the hobby, we hear from Railroad Model Craftsman editor Otto Vondrak a very knowledgeable observer of all things model railroading. Otto has spent a good part of his career in the journalism side of the hobby and makes some great points about where we’ve been and where we’re going. Along with the always enthusiastic “Uncle” Dave Abeles playing the part of co-host, it’s a great discussion and one we are sure you’ll enjoy. So get settled in your favorite easy chair, lean back and get set for a great conversation between two passionate participants of this great hobby !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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State of the Hobby, Fugate/Robinson -
Since the beginning we’ve checked up on the state of the hobby each year with Joe Fugate editor of the online magazine Model Railroad Hobbyist and this year is no different, but we decided to add our favorite NMRA Director-at-Large Gordy Robinson all the way from the Orkney Islands in the North Atlantic just off the coast of Scotland. Both of these gentlemen had some interesting information to share about the future of this great hobby and with the kind of enthusiasm Gordy has the future looks very bright for everyone. So grab yourself a bowl of haggis, a pint of Guinness and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Christmas in the Knuckle -
Conrail guy, flight attendant and museum curator walk into a bar… That sounds like a great lead in for a joke but instead it’s the lead in for the AML Nation’s Christmas Eve Special featuring our very “Uncle” Dave Abeles, Tracy Boyd the official flight attendant of the AML Network and Michelle Kempema the fastest talking museum curator east of the Rockies !! This podcast is like the jelly of the month club… it’s the gift that just keeps on giving. So grab yourself a bowl of last year’s butternut squash, a steaming hot mug of leftover gravy and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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the Christmas Special -
Twas’ the night before Christmas and all through the land not a creature was stirring not even the band. That's what we need for the AML Nation, a band, with a decent horn section, some pretty backup singers and a drummer that’s extra special, somebody that can really knock it out of the park. It’s Christmas week here in downtown Busted Knuckle, Main Street is all decked out with twinkling lights, Fred has his Santa hat on and the elves are busily preparing for the annual green shrimp festival, because everyone knows only the best seafood swims two hundred miles inland. This year we wanted to talk with as many folks in the AML Nation as possible and with the studio full, it looked like the clown car at the Raccoon Lodge!! So grab yourself a steaming hot bowl of Christmas pudding, a tall warm glass of week-old eggnog and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Christmas in the British Isles -
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that Peter would soon be there. Matt with his tattoo and Andy with his beard had just settled down for a long winter’s podcast when outside the studio there rose such a clatter, I sprang from my chair to see what ‘twas the matter. What to my eyes should there appear but eight tiny boxcars so lively and quick lead a jolly young man with a smile on his face yelling, “come on NMRA, pick up the pace.” The young man smiled as his ideas they did come and I’m here to tell you, the NMRA is not done. I’m Gordy, I’m Gordy so vote for me now, I’ll be your president and for sure you’ll say wow !! Merry Christmas from the AML Nation !!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #30 -
Like a locomotive without fuel, a marathon with no finish line or a late night on an empty bus without a destination this podcast of the “Fans” is lost at sea. There’s no doubt about it, fans of the AML are the life blood of the podcast constantly pumping hot air into a slow leaking balloon. But it’s not all just laughs and joking, this month we discuss the migration of Canadian actors to Hollywood, the pros and cons of owning a kangaroo in Wisconsin, James as a middle name and the Medford Railroad Park’s GoFundMe campaign. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded birth certificates, a tall cool glass of leftover kangaroo drinking water and join us as we seek knowledge and shrimp. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Kelly Questions: Jason Klocke -
If you’re interested in the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad or you’re wondering what sort of choices a Canadian National locomotive engineer from Fort Dodge, Iowa would make under pressure, then you’ve come to the right place. If you’ve ever wonder hoe elitist hobby manufacturer like Scott Thornton would handle scoring on the Kelly Questions, then you’ve come to the right place. It’s time once again to don the tinfoil helmet as we take another contestant down the precarious road of providing useless knowledge that no one needs to know. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded score cards, a steaming hot mug of melted locomotive axle grease and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Jenkins vs Abeles -
Three guys walk into a bar, an Australian, a Canadian and a guy from New Jersey and the first guys says… “Have I ever told you about the mini-van I used to go rail fanning in when I was a kid?? It was a sweet ride, one of those Dodge Caravans with the simulated wood panelling on the side.” The Evel Overlord thought it was just going to be a quick conversation but pretty quickly realized he needed to hit the button and start recording because there was a podcast headed his way. It’s just three friends one evening, getting together for a quick two-hour chat about the advancements in model railroading and solving problems of the world. Everybody loves it when “Uncle Dave” comes over, and combine that with the “Wonder from Down Under” and you’ve got yourself a show!! So grab yourself a bowl of shredded ’67 Chevy Impala vinyl roofing, a tall glass of kangaroo sweat and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 159: NixTrainz -
Have you ever felt that sometimes your scale locomotives get lonely and need a little support in order to make it through another operating session or maybe on those long dark nights when there’s no action on the railroad at all?? Well fear not, now there’s Decoder Buddy from Nick Santo, a former chemist turned flight instructor from New England. Model railroaders are an inventive bunch to be sure, often times out of necessity and often times just simply looking to build a better mouse trap, making the hobby more enjoyable for everyone. The Decoder Buddy helps simplify the installation on a variety of different DCC decoders, it’s a product that’s sure revolutionize an already exciting part of the hobby. It’s a great podcast we’re sure you’ll enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #29 -
What do call a podcast that doesn’t accomplish much, keeps changing the subject and discusses the pro and cons of labor versus management?? “Fans of a ModelersLife #29” of course. It’s a pot pourri of labor unrest, low productivity, bad jokes and the occasional post review. “Uncle” Dave makes his debut on his first ever episode of the “Fans,” “the Spoon” stirs up trouble and “Hard Part” reassures us that LaFawnDuh is getting ready for the winter. We can think of no better way to waste two hours then with some of the gang from the AML Nation. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded contracts, a tall cool glass of used motor oil and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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the SD60F and Aurora Miniatures -
There’s a new locomotive manufacturer coming to town and they’re called Aurora Miniatures, but here’s the twist. They’re based in China and have been selling high quality models to the Chinese model railroad market for several years. Now with a good foundation of creating exquisite HO scale models, the release of their first locomotive based on a North American prototype is about to hit the market. Canadian National’s SD60F will be the first model offered by Aurora Miniatures along with several beautifully crafted HO scale containers. Ben Wang is the lead man on this side of the Pacific and he’s here to bring the AML Nation up to speed. Enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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the Remarkable Tim Warris -
It would be fun to visit every model railroad manufacturer, it would also be fun to wear pants fashioned out of hickory smoked bacon but not everything is possible. We here at AML world headquarters in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky consider ourselves very lucky to visit the main plant of Fast Tracks as often as we do. This is a great interview with Tim Warris owner of Fast Tracks and Mt. Albert Scale Lumber. Tim was very excited to introduce us to a new product called “Diamond Lines.” After a year’s worth of experimentation this latest addition to the Fast Tracks line-up is available to the public and Tim was excited to tell us all about it. Enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Christmas Train Sets - Tony Cook -
The train set is a time-honored tradition every Christmas morning with boys and girls of all ages from one to a hundred delighted by the sights and sounds of a train set around the tree. Once again, we’ve called on Model Railroad news editor Tony Cook to tell us about some the best options available for this Christmas season. These days the choices range form the very simple to the very expensive and everything in between and if you listen long enough, you’ll get a chance to revisit those great airport movies of the seventies with George Kennedy and Charleton Heston. So grab yourself some stale in-flight peanuts, your favorite flat soda and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #77 -
Just like a virtual group chat that you wish you’d never started or the cousin that came over for dinner two years ago and never left. ViewerMail has was once again been dropped on your doorstep with no return address. You can resist the temptation to open it but eventually curiosity will get the better of you and before you know another two hours of your life has been lost. On this flight we discover John and Cam a couple of young guys enthusiastically enjoying the hobby, we find out Spoon is everybody’s favorite, hear from some first timers and meet Andres from Santiago. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded bubble wrap, a steaming hot mug of warm Wisconsin beer and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 158: Norm Skretting -
This a great interview with a lifelong railroader that work at several different levels with Canadian National Railway while always learning and improving as he went along his journey. It’s also a great story of a full-time railroader who’s devoted to the hobby of model railroading and the friends he’s made along the way. Our friend Rob Arsenault introduced us, and we’re glad he did. Just like any great recipe we added a touch of “Spoon” to liven things up. So, grab yourself a cup of steaming hot cocoa, get comfy in your favorite chair and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Amherst Show Update with John Sacerdote -
Well poop, this isn’t any fun at all. The Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show has been cancelled, all hope has been lost and we’re not even sure there’s a reason to get up tomorrow. But wait, all is not lost, who’s that we see off in the distance leading the charge against sadness and despair?? It’s none other than everyone’s train show hero, John Sacerdote who’s been show director for the past 16 years. John has all sorts of news about what’s going take the place in lieu of this year’s cancellation and some pretty exciting events will be happening. So sit right down in your lawn chair with some left over hot dogs and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #28 - the Wrap-Up Show -
Just like the longest of any journey when you finally reach the end it can be both exciting and exhausting at the same time and so it is with Fans #28. We’ve finally reached the end of what can only be describe as a marginally adequate success, three shows, six and a half hours, multiple co-hosts and one week’s worth of posts. Just like Howard Hughes’ “Spruce Goose” or the Ford Motor Company’s exploding “Pinto” the three part “Fans of the AML” show will be laid to rest as another idea that’s best forgotten. So, grab yourself a big plate of shredded posts, a tall cool glass of melted electrons and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Fans of the AML #28 "Part Deux" -
Still trying to recover from the “Fans #28” the introductions, get figure out why your dill pickle scented body wash isn’t driving the girls wild. The Nicholas Cage pillowcases you ordered from Amazon were the wrong size but when you tried to exchange them for autographed Doris Day bath towels you found out she’s longer available for after dinner speaking engagements. None of this makes sense which is the perfect introduction to “Fans of the AML Part #2.” This time our fearless heroes did manage to read five days of posts falling even further behind in their never-ending quest to catch up. So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded 8X10 glossy’s, a steaming hot mug of stale bath water and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML - "the Intros" -
Introductions can be the key to any good relationship, just think of the last time your aunt Mabel introduced you to her newest boyfriend, had she not told you ahead of time about his tendency to head butt everyone he meets, you’d still be icing down your forehead. Here at the old AML we take our introductions seriously but after more than two hours we still hadn't finished, show we simply turned out the lights and called it a show. But fear not we still manage to find out what’s new at Fast Tracks thanks to Kevin “Hard Part” Marks, Chris Atkins tells us about renting camera equipment and George “the Boy Wonder” shares some exciting news. So, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 157: Scott Lister -
One of the best parts of having a world-famous podcast is all the folks you meet along the way and today’s episode is no exception. Buried deep in the hills of South Carolina, we found ourselves a gem of a modeler who’s built several layouts on his way to finally settling down in S-scale and twelve miles of railroad between Greenville and Travellers Rest known as the Greenville and Northern Railway. We here at the ‘ole AML Nation enjoyed recording this edition of “a ModelerLife” and look forward to sharing it with all of you. So find yourself a comfortable spot on the porch with a refreshing cold beverage, loosen your belt after a hearty meal and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Adam Pinales Part Deux -
Let’s face it you can never get enough of Adam Pinales and tales of his adventures as he bounces from scale to scale and gauge to gauge. This is a great discussion about his venture into the world of seven-and-a-half-inch gauge live steam railroading. Adam is definitely a one man highlight reel and busier than a moth in a mitten. There’s plenty of discussion about other topics such the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty and the Kate Reid. So, before you wander off, grab yourself a big bowl of traction sand, a tall cool glass of left-over tender water and enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Abeles/Pinales on the Summit !! -
This podcast is a great discussion between two railroaders about railroading over Soldier Summit, a sixty-nine mile stretch of rail through a broad valley pass joining the communities of Helper and Provo, Utah. Adam Pinales tells some great stories of running trains for the Utah Railway over the Summit. It’s also the first AML podcast in history with two… Count ‘em two introductions. It’s a long story and not necessarily one you’re gonna want to share with the grandkids. So, get comfy on the couch and get ready for the podcast of your life. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #27 -
Your hospital gown is riding up while you try to look your best getting your plumbing checked?? You're putting an addition onto your little house but plumbing for the toilet is harder than you thought so you’ve decided to take a break while you flush out the problem?? Your wife is mad because the staging yard in your bathroom is stub-ended?? While then it’s time to take a break with your favorite gang of model railroad misfits from the AML Nation as we wash another two hours of your life down the drain. Find out what “Hard Part” sent the Queso Cowboy and how many coats of ceramic wax Lafawnduh needs before she’s ready to hit the road again. So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded shammies , a tall cool glass of tank water and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 156: David Lehlbach -
Tangent Scale Models has been producing and selling high quality, HO scale freight car replicas since 2007. Tangent’s owner and creator David Lehlbach is an avid model railroader that wanted to create exquisite models for everyone in the hobby to enjoy. All of Tangent’s cars are produced with the same enthusiasm that David has for the hobby. If you’ve wanted to know more about the man behind the models this is a great interview with very open and honest conversation about our great hobby and an in-depth look at what goes into each and every car. So get comfortable in front of the Motorola with a steaming hot cup of cocoa and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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RoundTable # 5 -
If there’s a pressing issue that you need to get it off your chest where better to air your views than at the AML Roundtable?? Hidden deep in the recesses of the nation’s headquarters this secret location has seen many an interesting discussion about the future of this great hobby we call model railroading. Such pressing issues as will Ryobi’s Misting Fan work just as well with beer or wine and just exactly how can far will the average sized Maine potato carry when fired from the Moon Cannon?? These and other pressing issues are addressed with an all-star AML cast. So, grab yourself a bag of spuds, your favorite boxed wine and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
