About Us...
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...
"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chats #20 -
It’s time for another healthy chat with your favorite “Uncle Dave.” Whether it’s discussing Scandinavian model railroaders, or the future of journalism in this great hobby of ours, you can be sure, that “Uncle Dave” has some well thought out opinions. This chat features a great story about visiting the home Tony Koester one of the most iconic names in the hobby. “Uncle” Dave took his sons Teddy and Pete to see Tony’s wonderful Nickel Plate layout and by all accounts everyone had a great time. Dave also discusses his excitement of purchasing a couple TOFC cars from Rapido Trains. Plus somebody pushed the wrong button and there’s Rapido commercials where you’d never expect them. Enjoy!! |
Recent Episodes...
ViewerMail Flight #119 -
It’s time once again to answer our always fabulously, very interesting, always overflowing, voluminous ViewerMail. This month as always, we hear from several different AML fans with lots of concerns, comments, suggestions, and occasionally odd question. (Those of course come from our beloved “Kelly”) Craig Williams was concerned about the grilling of the guests by the Evel Overlord, but agreed RPM meets could be somewhat more organized, and during the ensuing discussion it was discovered there is in fact an RPM Facebook page called “National RPM Meets.” We manage to forward an email for LeRoy Oddie to our friend Ken McCorry, and finally Marcus Neubacher gave us the latest racing round up on the AML Nation’s, number 42 Legends Car piloted by our very own Benjamin “Rocket” Rogers. |
Episode 242: Ryan Thoman and White Rose Hobbies -
What happens when you take a dream, start small and end up with one of the most comprehensive hobby stores east of the Mississippi?? This was the vision of our next guest Ryan Thoman the owner of White Rose Hobbies a full line hobby shop located in York, Pennsylvania right there on the Lincoln Highway. Originally in a bedroom of his parent’s home it wasn’t long until the store occupied a seven hundred square foot space. During this time Ryan started to work for Norfolk Southern and then a few years later his friend told him of a great location owned by his family and today’s version of the store was born. Plus, we find out what the future of Bethlehem Car Works is and why you should never purchase some else’s layout. |
Patrick Moore and Bradd Williamson -
So you’re asking yourself what could an army Colonel, who’s an Iraqi war veteran, possibly have in common with a high school physics teacher from Central Pennsylvania?? Well the answer is simple, nothing, unless of course you add in the secret ingredient that’s created so many lifelong friendships for people who likely would never have crossed paths. Model railroading is a glue that’s helped build so many great friendships. The Iron City N-Scale group is a true example of this, born from a friendship between Patrick Moore and Bradd Williamson the group has grown to over 1200 members from all over the world, coming together with one common bond. Enjoy the hobby of model railroading as much as possible together. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
What's Jason Doing Now?? -
It’s time for another thrilling episode of what’s happening at Rapido Trains?? This time our intrepid hero Jason Shron is all hot and sweaty having just arrived from a family outing with his restored fishbowl TTC bus. (Toronto Transit Commission) On this addition of what’s “Jason Doing Now??” The only man to have a licensing agreement with Conrail, (“Uncle” Dave) his on knees with hands clasped asking for a C30-7a, while Jason is trying to find enough customers that are desperate for a MLW S13 switcher. It’s another exciting podcast, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded handrails, a tall cool glass of left-over soda found on the Rapido bus and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
ViewerMail Flight #118 -
It’s time once again to answer our voluminous ViewerMail and as always, the AML Crew managed to take two hours from your life that you’ll never get back. On this edition of the mail, we hear from Jessica Paulson the official Roller Derby Queen of the AML Nation fills our head with all sorts of technical information that none of us will ever remember. Next up, we hear from our very own Benjamin “Rocket” Rogers, driver of the AML Nation, Lister Properties number forty-two legends car at who won at Charlotte Motor Speedway in only his third time out. Blake George wants to know how he can get a Lister Hover Homes T-shirt and fills us in about all goings on at the Penn State Model Railroad clubs. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded derby programs, a tall cool glass of used motor oil and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Episode 241: Todd Treaster Part Deux -
It’s part two of the Todd Treaster, twenty-seven-part trilogy, and in this episode, aside from learning that our guest is single-handedly keeping the N-Scale industry alive, we also learn how to build big city backdrops. Todd details how he re-created downtown Pittsburgh in a very realistic manner, and we try to talk him into writing up an article for Railroad Model Craftsman. This is a great podcast and one that we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
Drayton Blackgrove Part Two -
What happens when you put two of the best railfan videographers in North America on the same podcast? You get tons of entertaining stories, lots of information about making videos and tips about how to make your own videos the best they can be. Drayton Blackgrove and Chris Wehman are those two guys more than happy to share some of their secrets and help you make your videos some of the finest on the Internet. These guys are going to be on the podcast plenty in the years to come and it’s only gonna get better and better. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Retail Wars Rebuttal with Shane Wilson -
With a commitment to quality and the customers they serve ScaleTrains has become one of the leading manufacturers in the model railroad industry. Shane Wilson has been the captain of the ship since the beginning and has faithfully led his team and the company through some stormy weather, but always with a smile and a determination to make his product one of the best. After the podcast entitled, “Retail Wars,” Shane didn’t necessarily agree with everything that was said and asked if he could have a chance to rebut some of the comments and give his point of view which, which we were happy to do, and that’s what this podcast is, an honest discussion about the industry, retail sales and the future. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
Fireside with "Mr. Fitness" Chris Adams -
It’s time for another productive “Fireside Chat” with our pal Chris Adams who unfortunately never has anything to talk about, unless of course we ask him about the control stand he installed in New Haven S-1 locomotive, the non-turbo version. We had arranged for comfortable seating to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere so that we might learn new techniques or be inspired to tackle some of our own more difficult projects. We also learn about visiting other layouts, driving in blinding rainstorms and the disappointment of viewing Manchester, New Hampshire from the interstate. Chris talks about the importance of the proper adhesive for backdrops and Mike Confalone’s fabulous Allagash Railway. It’s another great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Episode 240: Richard Shirey -
So you’re asking yourself what do Henry Mancini, West Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Tony Dorsett, the Conway Yard and the Norfolk Southern have in common with our next guest?? Well basically nothing other than all these people and places were mentioned on this podcast as we discovered the secret of hollow core door layouts. Richard Shirey has been working for the Norfolk Southern for over a decade and has a vast knowledge of all things railroading and in particular, railroading in the Western Pennsylvania area. We were introduced to Richard by our good friend Bradd “the Professor” Williamson who claimed to have a vast knowledge of our guest. So grab a big bowl of shredded sheet music, a tall cool glass of horn spit and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
ViewerMail Flight #117 -
Answering ViewerMail for can sometimes be a lot more difficult than it seems, it’s always fun, and other times it can send stabbing pains down your neck if “Kelly” starts to read ahead. ViewerMail requires balancing critical feedback with encouragement and addressing concerns, like asking the “TableMaster” why he’s making so much noise while still maintaining a positive tone. However, it's always best if you're metaphorically equipped to handle the unexpected, usually wearing a green shirt and a blue hat while riding an alligator can often symbolize being prepared for just about anything while staying calm under pressure and having a sense of humor. Or… This ViewerMail Flight #117 could be considered a colossal waste of your time and you’d have been better to reorganize your sock draw while slamming your head into the nearest door post. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #19 -
Almost everybody has a favourite relative, whether it’s cousin Eddie who borrows your favorite HO scale SD70ACE, or Aunt Sally who’s always ready with a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Here at the ole’ AML Nation, our favorite relative is none other than “Uncle” Dave who’s always ready with a story or helping hand, as we travel through the hills and valleys of our model railroad experience. This month Dave talks about his desire for Rapido Trains to finally make his beloved C30-7a and talk about all the trials and tribulations of his new yard book from Kalmbach. (or somebody) As always, it’s a fun chat with our favorite relative, so sit back with a big bowl of shredded Conrail schedules, a tall cool glass of writer’s ink and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
ViewerMail Flight #116 -
What can be said about ViewerMail that hasn’t already been said, it’s fun to hear from listeners from all over the globe and even more fun to read with all the gang at AML World Headquarters in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky!! So grab yourself a comfortable spot on the couch beside your cousin Eddie with a big bowl of shredded Australian road maps, a tall cool glass of BBQ shrimp juice and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Episode 239: Drayton Blackgrove -
Everybody’s got a YouTube channel nowadays, whether it’s Larry showing you how to change that all important sprinkler head, Jennie taking the family dog for a walk, or dinner at Aunt Martha’s house. There isn’t much you can find you can’t find on YouTube. However in our never-ending quest to make each moment of our listeners life’s better than the last, we’ve scoured the internet and found one of the best railfanning channels on the world wide web. Delay in Block Productions was started by Drayton Blackgrove in 2011 and along with our very own Chris Wehman, we find out what it’s like to be a premier track-side railroad videographer in North America. This is a great episode and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
the Industry -
The Model Railroad industry continues to grow, with accessibility to the hobby better than ever, people from all over the world can connect. Small businesses can get a foothold in the marketplace and bigger manufacturers have more opportunities to identify exactly what it is the customer wants We decided it was time to get three successful industry leaders on the podcast to discuss what makes the hobby manufacturing great and some of the pitfalls of model railroad retail. Lorne James owns Otter Valley Railroad and produces his own line of freight cars. Matt Dowd owns Resourced Rails, devoted exclusively to refurbishing and reselling brass locomotives. Ron Klaiss started Mine Mount Models just a few short years ago to laser cut kits and has since branched out into 3-D printing. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Viewermail Flight #115 -
So what exactly is an RPM meet and where’s the best place to find a comprehensive listing of all the events in the coming year? That’s easy, just head over to Eric Hansmann’s blog to find a listing of all the meets during the calendar year. Dave Owens is the head poo bah of a Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet, running this event with his crew for two decades. So it seemed like a good idea to bring these two gentlemen together to talk about Eric’s event calendar and all things RPM. So get yourself a big bowl of shredded calendars, a tall cool glass of New England stream water and enjoy!! Eric's Blog: https://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/ Click Here For the Free Download |
Viewermail Flight #115 -
It’s time once again to answer our copious amounts of ViewerMail and discuss all of the exciting happenings with various members of the AML Nation’s crew. Whether it’s Blake, George singing the praises of Bachman or telling us about his YouTube channel about decoder installations in Thomas the Tank Engine, you’ll be riveted to the family Motorola. Hard Part fills in for the Mailboy and tells us all about his adventures with Doc Gartner riding speeders and having brunch. Scooter tells us about his latest invention the “Zipper Tool” to help with the installation shingles and the crew helps negotiate a deal, Chris Costello. There’s also discussion about Scooter’s vacation and his love of “Rock Shrimp” at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, Florida. Sit back and relax because this podcast is shrimply the best!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Episode 238: Cam Nealy Again?? -
The world is changing and so is the hobby of model railroading with an ever-increasing number of people whose primary interaction with the hobby has been via the world wide web. This is part two of talking with a twenty-six-year-old hobbyist who’s built a fantastic layout, with a countless number of incredibly well done instructional and operational videos. Kelly stops the show with one good question and Cam Nealy, takes us through the construction of his Marias Pass railroad and why he changed from Crawford Hill. The hobby is indeed changing with a tsunami of new modelers coming and sooner or later, will all be covered in model railroad goo. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
Kelly Questions #74: Dave Ramos -
Some things are just better with age, fine wines, cheese, classic cars, the list is endless and here at the old AML Nation we’ve discovered that perhaps one of the best things that improves over time is the Kelly Questions. Deep in the back of the freezer where keep our podcasts fresh we found this classic from 2020. An opportunity to dig deep into the soul of model railroaders around the globe, and this particular version of the questions featuring Dave Ramos definitely got better with age, plus we hear from our old friend Kaylee Zheng. The scoring is tight at the end, and we even have an introduction from “Uncle” Dave to help set the scene. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #18 -
It’s time once again for another edition of “Uncle” Dave’s Fireside chat and as usual no topic is left uncovered from improvements to the Onondaga Cutoff blog, witnessing the eclipse in full darkness to model railroad operations with his two boys Teddy and Pete on Ted Pamperin’s exquisite C&O Hinton Division in HO scale. Plus, we hear about being the keynote speaker at this year’s Island Ops. But wait there’s more, what happens when the epicenter of a 4.8 earthquake is less three miles from your home in Lebanon, New Jersey and you’re at work in at Newark’s Penn Station. Aside from your family being on the local Fox News Station and being part of the earthquake protocol for the rail side of New Jersey Transit, it’s just another typical day in the life of “Uncle” Dave. So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded safety forms, a tall cool glass of Passaic River water and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
ViewerMail Flight #114 -
So you’re asking yourself what are the benefits of listening to fewer mail?? Frankly speaking, there are no benefits, unless you consider that when it’s over those annoying voices in your head are there to keep you company. On this version of ViewerMail were joined by our very own Chris “Snacks” Wehman, is worship the mayor of Hornepayne George Taylor, the modeler simply known as “Kelly”, Bruce the Mailboy, Scooter, the “Professor” and Mary Ann on a three-hour tour. Following the podcast please be careful because your will be head swollen, filled with useless information and off-the-wall topics. We do how reach an historic low by answering only three emails, discover “Snacks” has been selling photographs to every Class One railroad in America and the Professor has a foul mouth. So grab yourself a big bowl shredded emails, a tall cool glass of lighter fluid and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Episode 237: Todd Treaster -
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own one of the most complete collections of N-Scale in the world and a beautifully completed basement sized layout to run all that equipment on?? Well, here’s your chance to hear from the man himself Todd Treaster, with 22,000 freight cars, 2,300 passenger cars and 2,800 locomotives on a 35 x 38’ layout. But wait there’s more, Todd has been a locomotive engineer with the Norfolk Southern for almost thirty years and is about to retire. Aside from telling us about his great layout he regales with stories of running helpers across Horseshoe Curve and operating the Norfolk Southern’s office car special to places like Latrobe, Pennsylvania. This is a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
Railfanning by Air -
We could say that this edition of the ModelersLife podcast is about the publishing industry and such great magazines as Southern Aviator, the Traveling Angler, and Model Railroader but to be more accurate, this podcast is really about railfanning from the right-hand seat of a 1956 Piper TriPacer. Marcus Neubacher‘s father was not only an avid aviator, but an aspiring writer and with the help of his son wrote a very interesting article about railfanning from the air. Unfortunately, Marcus never planned on telling us about it until we got him into a 10 x 10 room with no windows and a spotlight. And now we have the rest of the story, plus we talk about the end of Kalmbach and the North Carolina Transportation Museum. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Fans pf the AML Part #74 -
Are you ready for TomStock 2024?? The Queso Cowboy’s Birthday Round Up?? Of course we’ve brought together some of your favorite AML regulars from across the nation to talk about this year’s great events. We’ll kick off with ceremonial leaving the Evel Overlord behind for Wednesday’s dinner at the Shady Maple, then ride the Reading and Northerns RDC to Jim Thorpe PA. Friday will be Jerry Britton‘s fabulous cheese ball run across Pennsylvania and then finally the great barbecue with and the golden spike ceremony on Queso’s fabulous Reading layout. It’s going to be another fabulous AML gathering and here with all the details is that affable crew you’ve come to know and love. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
Martyn Jenkins Returns -
You’ve heard him on that snoozer podcast “Around The Layout” and now here’s your chance now to listen to Martyn Jenkins without falling asleep. Martyn got his podcasting start on the ole’ AML Network and is now busily making his way around the circuit as the Worldwide Director at Large for the NMRA, doing great things in the field of education and bringing the hobby to as many people as possible. There’s also a great discussion and explanation of the fantastic new product called Blumami that according to Martyn, is the biggest thing to hit model railroading since the advent of sound. There is even a little bit of major league baseball history for all you sports buffs. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
NERPM (Excuse Me) -
On this episode of a ModelersLife, our friend, the always popular Dave Owens returns to the AML studios to bring us up to date on the latest happenings in NERPM. (Excuse me) As can be expected since last year, the gang of the Northeast/New England Railroad Prototype Modeler‘s Meet, have a closed down another hotel, and have moved on to better digs with the help of the Amherst Railway Society. Dave of course is once again his fun-loving self, with lots of information about this months this year’s event, plus we discuss all the clinics and after the Evel Overlord screws up again, Ted DiIorio’s name is officially changed to Teddy Dee!! Enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
ViewerMail Flight #113 -
Once again, it’s time for our voluminous ViewerMail and whether your interest is deeply rooted in cheeseballs, or you thought for some time you’d like a home that could be easily located at any of your favorite railfanning spots this is the podcast for you!! Next year, Springfield could see one of the finest demonstrations of cheese ball mania, and it’s all right here. Plus, we discover that are very own TableMaster has been holding out on us all these years with a very lucrative business built around “Hover Homes.” Of course there’s plenty of exciting email to answer so once again and as always, this is one podcast you’ll want to easily forget, at least after the pain subsides. Enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Episode 236: Gordy Robinson -
Here’s a question for everyone in the AML Nation, how many times is too many times to chat with our illustrious NMRA President, Gordy Robinson?? Not sure of the answer?? None of us here at the old AML headquarters know the answer either, but we’re thinking it’s probably something like, to infinity and beyond!! The crew was lucky enough to catch up with Gordy Robinson at his parents’ home just before heading to the local infirmary for some surgery and finding out how many of the doctors and nurses he could sign up for memberships to the NMRA. Also Gordy tells us about another great way to save on your NMRA membership. It’s another excellent Gordy Robinson interview. Enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
PhotoShop Do's and Dont's -
There’s a dead possum on the track,” there’s a statement you just don’t hear every day but when it comes to getting the perfect railfanning shot you might not have a choice. With today’s technology and some limited knowledge of working with the different photo editing software available today, the possum can be removed and the perfect shot that never actually existed in the first place, is available for everyone to enjoy. When it comes to model railroad photography the ability to alter photos has changed the game completely, but the real question is… How much is to much. We decided to ask one of today’s experts in the field of model railroad journalism, Otto Vondrak the editor of Railroad Model Craftsman for his opinion and guidance. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Great Layouts Part Two -
It’s time for “Great Layouts Part Two” and in this episode, we cover everything from how important snacks are and if snacks are important at all. Obviously, we must all agree that abundant and plentiful snacks make for great model railroad operations, but even more importantly, when visiting one of the fabulous layouts that populate the North American landscape layout, you must approach with the attitude that you are there to bring the layout owners model railroad to life and make him feel rewarded for a job well done. There’s plenty of discussion on how and where to get experience operating model railroads and that makes for some great back and forth chatter amongst the panel members. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
ViewerMail Flight #112 -
Still can’t find the best souvenirs for your favorite roller derby team. You just got back from Springfield, and you can’t find any room for all the stuff you bought?? Well fear not the gang from the AML Nation is here once again to solve these problems and many more as our knowledgeable, and sometimes interesting listeners write in to keep us informed about what’s happening in their world of model railroading. The Evel Overlord helps guide our crew to answer another five emails in two hours while you try not to dose off. It’s a torrid pace that will leave you exhausted in your favorite easy chair but satisfied with the knowledge that once again you could have been much better off spending the time cleaning that old pair of sneakers. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Chris Wayman, YouTube Influencer -
Chris Wehman is becoming an increasingly popular guest on ModelersLife with a fabulous N-Scale layout, tons of enthusiasm for the hobby, unparalleled railfanning videographer skills, devoted to replicating model railroad operations and a burning desire to make this hobby of model railroading, as much fun for every around him as it is for himself. Well, it turns out he’s now a bona fide, YouTube influencer in the hobby of model railroading featuring Scale Trains N-Scale, SD 40–2 on his layout and while hosting a very informative video with tons of great information about the locomotive. This podcast was lots of fun to record, and it’ll be even more fun to listen to. Thanks for Listening!! Click Here For the Free Download |
NJT (Rail Division) 40th Anniversary -
On a cold day January of 1983, New Jersey Transit rail operations began and quickly started to transform an ageing and destroyed railroad into one of the premier passenger railroads in all of North America. To celebrate, NJT along with the United Railroad Historical Society, created the 40th Anniversary Express and two of our very own AML regulars (“Uncle” Dave and “the Wiz”) along with several other dedicated NJT employees were key players in the development of the train. With a limited number of lucky riders boarding at New York’s Penn station or the Newark Penn station, they headed for South Amboy, where passengers witnessed a re-creation of the same famous locomotive swap. Dave Abeles and Rich Wisneski stopped by the ole’ AML studios to give us a firsthand account of how this all came together. It’s a great podcast, and well worth a listen. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
All-Star Variety Hour #54 -
It’s time for another star studded, All-Star Variety Hour with some of the biggest names in the hobby, and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. John Sacerdote the Director of the big Springfield Model Train Show held each year at the end of January and YouTube sensation Ron Marsh, who’s channel Ron’s Trains N’ Things continues to grow each week, are both interesting enough to for their own one-on one interview. We had meant to include John‘s interview in one of our previous Springfield Reports, but got distracted by Ron Marsh who kept pestering us about stopping by the ModelersLife Studios for another interview. Dave Owens gives us some great insight into what goes on behind the scenes at Springfield while Ron Marsh talks about what it takes to create an awesome YouTube channel. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
ViewerMail Flight #111 -
It’ takes a considerable amount of effort and fortitude to get all the email electrons organized so that our “ViewerMail” can be answered in chronological order, it’s even more pressure trying to get those loveable numb skulls from the AML crew to arrive on time and give thoughtful comments and suggestions as each or email is read. However, all is not lost as once again we’ve managed to help thousands of people waste another two hours of their valuable time simply by listening to the unending drivel of others. There’s one fact that cannot be denied about the AML Nation we deliver, it’s the only place to hear authentic model railroad gibberish while we occasionally construct a meaningful sentence. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Episode 235: Cam Nealy Revisited -
It’s always fun to revisit old friends in the AML Nation and we’ve travelled all the way to Missoula, Montana for a catch-up with Cam Nealy. There’s been big changes since our visit with a new emphasis on Marias Pass. Staging yardage have been removed. Track arrangements changed, and the whole layout has a new meaning with helper districts being the emphasis of operations. Cam has built a beautiful layout and then this first installment. I understand why the changes were made. It’s a great layout it’s a great podcast and one more sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
Fireside Chat with Chris Fitness -
As winter turns to spring and the cherry blossoms bring the promise of warmer weather it’s time once again to head down the rails to Old Saybrook, Connecticut to spend quality time with everyone’s favorite sweater model Chris “Fitness.” After a hearty discussion about unfinished freight car kits and operating on the Valley Local, the chatter turned towards the opportunity to help others in the hobby. Chris Adams has been assisting his friend and fellow modeler Pete remove one layout in anticipation of a new one. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Springfield Report Part Four -
It’s Springfield Report number four where the action is exciting, and the interviews leave you hanging on every word. Once again, we sent out our intrepid reporter, the “Queso Cowboy” to find all the latest gossip in model railroading. In this episode, we talk with the Four County Society of Model Engineers, there’s another visit with Matt Stern from Bachman, Jim Wiggin with all the latest news from Athearn, and a visit with one of our favorite freight car manufacturers, David Leilbach of Tangent Scale Models. And if that’s not enough, some of the regular gang stop by to give their opinions on everything from the world cricket championships and travelling the highways and byways of America. It’s a great podcast and we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
Fans of the AML Part #73 -
It’s not very often we introduce a new piece on the AML Network but it’s with great anticipation that we present the very newest segment on ModelersLife… “Hey Dude… Where’s My Shirt!!” As the Evel Overlord tries to compensate for the slow and tedious delivery of shirts owed to some our most devoted Patreon members. While it’s true some members have waited an extraordinary amount of time to receive their coveted AML Shirts available only to those who seek to support the AML Nation in the strongest way possible, rolling the dice to find out if their prized AML shirt will arrive just a few weeks, months or years later, can be very stressful. Plus, on this episode we seek to either enhance or destroy “Mr. Jingles” marriage by giving him travel advice and the best way to slip out of town undetected. So, pack your bags and clean up the spare room, Mr. Jingles may be coming to a town near you!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Springfield Report Part Three !! -
It’s part three of the “Springfield Interviews” and this time our very own Queso Cowboy takes to floor to get the latest scoop on what’s happening around the hobby. In this report Queso stops by Mine Mount Models to find out about their first limited edition kit, there’s a visit with Rudy from Garbely Publishing and a great chat with the folks at Valley HO Trak. Plus he checks in on all the latest news from Walthers before stopping by the White Rose Hobbies booth to discuss they’re recent acquisition of Bethlehem Car Works and finally Matt Herman from 3D Central tells us all about this great new company. So sit back with some week-old candy floss, left over soda from your brothers BBQ and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #17 -
It’s time for another “Fireside” chat with our very own “Uncle” Dave as we cover a virtual kaleidoscope of topics while the Evel Overlord tries to keep up with model railroading’s most excitable participants. “Uncle” Dave tells a very heartwarming story of meeting a family at Springfield that discovered him through his Facebook live series of videos, how much they meant to them and particularly their youngest son. There’s also lively discussion about Conrail hotspots, prototype versus freelance, the value of giving individuals credit for their work, the pros and cons of Barb’s famous butter tarts, the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles, New York that Scott Lister worked so hard to reproduce. Finally some debate about asking manufacturers to produce rare individual locomotives and freight cars for the model railroad public. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Springfield Report Part Two -
It’s Part Two of the Springfield Reports with more exciting interviews, more headline grabbing quotes, and an opportunity to hear about some of the exciting action in and around the ModelersLife booth in the Better Living Center. In this episode, we hear from all sorts of different folks in the hobby, including Gordy Robinson the president of the NMRA, Bill Ford an avid AML listener, Matt Stern from Bachman, Kent Carrier from the R.I.T. club in Rochester, Brandon Bolwerk the travelling companion of “Mr. Jingles,” Michelle Kempema from the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, Matt Dawson one of the AML‘s favorite sons, and finally Otto Vondrak, the editor of Railroad Model Craftsman. It’s a great episode and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
ViewerMail Flight #110 -
Once again, it’s time to enjoy our voluminous ViewerMail and if you missed the last episode of rummaging through the mail bag, you didn’t miss much, and if you’re anxiously waiting to listen to the latest version of rummaging through the mail bag, you can almost be assured that it’s a complete waste of your time. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Episode 234: Great Layouts -
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to operate on some of the most famous and greatest model railroads ever built or to be a regular crew member on Tony Koester‘s Allegheny Midland/Nickel Plate railroads or to visit Harold Werthwein’s fantastic Erie Railroad layout. On this podcast we talk with some folks who’ve done just that. Tom, Doug and Ralph have known each for decades operating layouts regularly, operating on layouts throughout the northeast. In part one we lay the foundation for further discussions about what’s expected when visiting such layouts and what’s it’s like to be a regular on some well-known layouts. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
Fireside Chat: Chris Atkins -
Modeling the Northern Pacific in HO scale can be a rewarding and enjoyable project for any model railroader, but for one modeler living in the heart of Texas this railroad and all it has to offer has become an enjoyable pastime. Add an authentic section house moved to his homestead and Chris Atkins has found himself in the midst of a journey that’s brought hours of pleasure, some head scratching, and the opportunity to include hundreds of friends in operating sessions that continue to spark the modeling bug. However, Chris doesn’t just model the Northern Pacific, he also found time to volunteer his services to the NMRA in many different capacities, create structures for the Northern Pacific Historical Society and still find time to help run the NPRHA Company Store. This is a great “Fireside Chat” between two friends and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Springfield Report Part One -
Another year has come and gone at the great Amherst Railway Society’s Railroad Hobby Show. With over twenty-six thousand people in attendance it was a roaring success with lots of folks to talk to, bargains to be had, layouts to seen, friends to reconnect with and new friends to be made. In our first series of interviews we talk with folks who stopped by the booth to answer some hard-hitting questions. Ray Persing talks about his son Steve, Cale Leiphart about what’s new in the world of Lego modeling, John Frantz on taking his model railroad in a different direction, Ken McCorry on selling parts of his steel mill to make way for some new structures and Lucy Dormont on becoming the social media manager for the NMRA. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!!! Click Here For the Free Download |
Fans of the AML Part 72 -
Can’t remember if you purchased three or twenty-three locomotives at this year’s Springfield Train Show, still wandering around the parking lot looking for your car?? You’re admiring the N-Scale freight cars you purchased only to realize you been modeling S-scale for the last decade. If you were one of the over twenty-six thousand folks to attend the big Amherst Railway Show you surely didn’t come away disappointed, with so much to see and do it can be overwhelming for first timers. The AML Nation was there in full force occupying hotels, going to dinner, attending the first ever AML “Dance Party” and helping us take a great group photo with almost sixty folks from around the world in attendance. It was non-stop fun, and the AML crew is here to tell you all about it. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Episode 233: Iron City N-Scale -
What happens when two guys from Pennsylvania who claim to be lone wolfs in the hobby, take over a Facebook page from a third modeler and then realize what they’ve done?? This is the heartwarming tale of Patrick Moore (the other guy) and Bradd Williamson from Crater, Pennsylvania, formerly known as Oval, Pennsylvania nestled in the sleepy valley of Nippenose. From the first time they met until present day, the relationship between Patrick and Bradd reads like the finest “Harlequin” romance novel ever written. Together they created the “Iron City N-Scale” group that’s gone from just two members to well over six hundred and continues growing each day. Fellowship is the name of the game for these two model railroaders, and we’re glad they stopped by to share their story. Click Here For the Free Download |
All-Star Variety Hour #53 -
Variety is the spice of life and we here at the Nation in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky, try to give you the listener, a wide variety of information that often turns out to be useful but sometimes will simply leave you scratching your head. This month we’ve employed the services of Mike Hauk an ex-Navy doctor who has developed some excellent techniques for painting HO scale figures. Next, we talk with our buddy Scott, “Scooter” Lister about what we think is operations on his fantastic Greenville and Northern Railroad. Then after a recommended break, we finally talk to our always pleasant resident signal maintainer Dave Barraza, who explains to us what’s all entailed in creating a new relay machine for the New York subway system it’s a great podcast and one we’re surely appreciate, so sit back with a nice cold bottle of sarsaparilla and enjoy!!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Zimmerman: Standards & Conformances -
There are hundreds and hundreds, probably over a thousand volunteers in the National Model Railroad Association. (NMRA) Each one working tirelessly to make this great hobby even better and one of our favorite department heads of the NMRA is Andy Zimmerman. Andy oversees the Standards and Conformance committee guiding an enthusiastic volunteer force of almost a hundred dedicated folks each of whom spend several hours a week making sure manufacturers produce products that will perform well right out of the box. There’s also a lively chat about marketing and selling the NMRA. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded conformance applications, a tall cool glass of battleship gray paint and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
ViewerMail Flight #109 -
It’s time once again for our voluminous ViewerMail, without you the valued listener and your occasionally well thought out emails it would be nothing more than listening to “Kelly” read the minutes from the latest Board of Directors meeting at the Medford Railroad Park. On this version of the “Mail” we hear from a wide variety of devoted AMLer’s on a wide variety of subjects. Bill Ford sent in an email discussing sounds emulating from his phone while listening to a recent episode. Matt Millican writes in to update us on what’s been happening in his world plus some other regulars keep us up to date on their whereabouts. It’s another great show and one we are sure you’ll enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Episode 232: Peter Borcherds -
Building a model railroad layout is a rewarding hobby and documenting the process on YouTube can be both educational and entertaining for fellow hobbyists. From researching prototype railroads to designing and constructing the layout, there's a lot to cover and share with your audience. Peter Borcherds has an entertaining YouTube channel detailing his build of the BNSF Chicago Sub. As well as being a lifelong model railroader, devoted AML listener, Peter is also the newest president of the NMRA’s British Region a vibrant model railroad community in the United Kingdom that provides valuable support and resources for members and others throughout Great Britain. This is a great podcast with a view of modeling an American prototype from across the pond. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded seaweed, a tall cool glass of salt water and enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
Kelly Questions #73: Nick Santo -
We’ve been cleaning up around the ole’ AML Studios and when we moved out a bookcase in “Kelly’s” office, we found an old set of Kelly questions from more than three years ago. It looked as though Kelly had been using the cassette to hold up one end of his collection of the Bee Gees greatest hits albums or it was on the wrong end of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Either way, we were thrilled to find it and share it with the world. With Kaylee Zheng and Bruce “the Moderately Agitated Mailboy,” we delve into the wonderful world of Nick Santo. Whether he’s sitting with his back to the window at the airport or listening to his favorite Bobby Goldsboro album, Nick is a wonderful treasure of all the things you might have never heard on the “Kelly Questions.” So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded “Quick Reference Guides,” a tall cool glass of airplane fuel and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
John Sacerdote Springfield Show Director -
It’s that time of year again, the Amherst Railway Society’s Railroad Hobby Show is about to open and once again we got John Sacerdote the show director for over two decades stops by the studio to tell us all about. We’re also joined by our very own “Uncle” Dave and Northeast RPM coordinator Dave Owens to get all the scoop. From the Lego layout, 1:87 Scale Vehicle club, hundreds of vendors, Rapido Trains, who’s buried in the levy, chalking out the tables and getting the coveted parking pass, it’s all right here. Every year several charities benefit from some of the monies collected from admissions and table rentals, it’s the largest model railroad show in North America. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded vendors list and a tall cool glass of left-over cola and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
Fireside with Dave Barraza !! -
Our assignment this week, was to find a model railroader who helps develop signal systems for New York Transit, started building a basement sized layout as a lone-wolf modeler and was then introduced to operations on Phil Monat’s Delaware and Susquehanna Railroad almost a decade ago. Not possible you say?? But alas, not only have we found such a modeler we’d already interviewed him back in March of 2017. Dave Barraza is no longer a lone-wolf, constantly hosts operating sessions on his New York and Atlantic Railroad. (well over seventy sessions now) Attends as many operating sessions as possible, including the Queso Cowboy’s first ever operating session in the barn and whenever possible gets out his saxophone to throw down a couple of tunes. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded TT&O orders, a tall cool glass of reed juice and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Fans of the AML Part #71 -
With the Amherst Railway Society’s Railroad Hobby Show in Springfield, Massachusetts just around the corner, we here at the ole’ AML World Headquarters decided it was time to gather the crew together to coordinate all the weekends activities. Of course, the AML offices are a buzz with the with news that the Saturday Night Pizza has been replaced by the AML Dance Party in the same location and the same cast of characters. Also there’s the typical back-and-forth between the Mailboy and the Queso Cowboy about who’s in charge of the jingles, plus the modeler simply known as “Kelly” takes an in-depth look at Keen Boots. Things get heated when the Mailboy and the Queso Cowboy heatedly discuss the value of manufactures giving customers an indication of what data will appear on the side of their next freight car. So grab a big bowl of shredded Bobby Socks, a tall cool glass of liquid boot protectant and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
Fireside Chat with Rodger Coleman -
There are so many great folks to talk with in the AML Nation, the majority of which have been model railroaders most of their lives and then there’s Rodger Coleman, who is basically new to the hobby, relatively new to rail-fanning and very experienced at life. We here at the ole’ AML World Headquarters in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky knew that travelling to the Nashville area would be time well spent. There’s a great discussion about modern photography equipment, what the hobby means to him and deciding which model railroad to operate first. After extolling the virtues of travelling a few short hours to operate on Chris Wehman’s layout we fell to the floor in a heap. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded digital film, a tall cool glass of lens cleaning fluid and enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #16 -
It’s time to check in once again with our old pal "Uncle” Dave and see what he’s up to. On this episode of the “Fireside Chat,” we talk about instant gratification, and how it pertains to Model Railroading. There’s more discussion about the “Chicago Line” book, plus our in ability to coincide our calendars with each other and how the Buffalo Sabres got involved. There’s nothing more the Evel Overlord enjoys than a chance to chat with Dave about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. When life is getting you down and the brakes just aren’t going your way, there’s no better medicine than being trackside with the Onondaga Cutoff. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded hockey tape, a tall cool glass of melted rink water and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
ViewerMail Flight #108 -
It’s time once again to answer, are voluminous ViewerMail from across the globe and everywhere in between. This is the opportunity for every citizen of the AML Nation to express their views both positive and negative to help the crew at the world headquarters in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky figure out just exactly what it is we’re supposed to be doing. This month we get a special in-depth report from special agent, Jon Myers about snack preparation‘s at Chris Wehman’s latest operating session to find out if each member of the crew got more than half a bottle of warm water. We also hear from Andres, Maturana from Chile, we hear about Jessica Paulson’s, journey to become the official roller Derby Queen of the AML nation, and we even re-read a few emails at the beginning of the show just because. So grab yourself a shredded Chilean roadmap, a tall cool glass of roller derby wheel grease and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
New Year with the AML Nation - Another year is in the books, and a new one is about to begin. Across the AML Nation there’s hope and optimism, with another chance for all of us to inspire and help each other reach even greater heights. This hobby provides an opportunity for so many folks from diverse backgrounds to come together and enjoy what each of us has to offer. Scott wants to raise his layout up to even greater heights of completion, Peter has taken on the role of the president for the NMRA’s British Region and plans to work feverishly on it for an upcoming convention and Bradd looks froward to installing a signal system on his Railroad. It’s going to be another exciting year for the AML Nation, TomStock here we come. Click Here For the Free Download |
All-Star Variety Hour #52 -
It’s another great edition of the All-Star Variety Hour, featuring two of our regular AML guests Rich “the Wiz” Wisneski from NJ Transit and our very own Marcus Neubacher of the North Carolina Transportation Museum. On this edition of the variety hour, Rich talks about his most recent trip out to the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad where he’s volunteered several times over the years to help rebuild and restore a great part of American railroad history. Our buddy Marcus hosted a group of Clinchfield railroad fans that have been getting together for years now, calling themselves the “Clinchfield Rome” and when not searching for any signs of the old railroad, they stop by long enough for an operating session on Marcus’ Charleston Roanoke and Eastern Railroad. It’s another great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
Christmas Day 2023 -
You’ve had too much egg nog, your dog ate most of the bacon and you keep refreshing the water bowl for your artificial tree but it doesn’t seem to get any greener. Christmas is a time to spend holidays with family and friends, the Queso Cowboy has had major dental work done but stills speaks with the velvet tomes of Mel Torme. After a lively discussion about artificial trees we discover that the TableMaster has a seventeen-foot tree set in the main foyer of his estate. Next was a great discussion about your favorite Christmas movie. Everyone had excellent selections and it was all going along fine until we asked Kelly because little did we know or expect “Kelly’s” favorite movie would be a chick flick starring Hugh Grant, yes that’s correct “Kelly’s” favorite Christmas movie is “Love Actually” a bonafide chick flick, we’re all stunned and still aren’t sure how to react. Enjoy!!! Click Here For the Free Download |