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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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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 !! |
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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!! |
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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 !! |
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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!! |
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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 !! |
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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 !! |
Recent Episodes...
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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 !! |
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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 |
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Tom Barbalet: Model Rail Radio -
When it comes to model railroad podcasts there's only one that really counts, there's been others of course, plenty of others as a matter of fact but only one can declare itself the grandfather of them all. Of course, we speak of the AML Network’s original spinoff show, Model Rail Radio that's been gracing the airways of every self-respecting hobbyist for over a decade. Since its inception model rail radio has set a high standard of podcasting delivering quality episodes and historic specials for old and new listeners alike. So grab yourself a big plate of shredded woofer's and tweeters, a steaming hot mug of melted copper wire and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #26 -
Never concerned for their own safety and undaunted by what dangers lay ahead, our intrepid band of explorers once again trudge deep into the jungle through the thick underbrush of posts and comments left by herds of wild fans stampeding across the ModelersLife continent. These fearless warriors are always prepared, traveling with wagons full of boxed wine never fearing what “Hard Part” lays ahead. The “Queso Cowboy” has a heaping “Spoon” sized amount of courage as these fearless nomads travel back in time to uncover what were thought to lost posts swept away by an “Evil Overlord.” So, grab yourself some hiking boots and new coveralls as we explore another podcast on the “Antics” channel. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 155: Serge Lebel -
There are far more people earning their living from railroading in this hobby then anyone realises, of course we have our very own Spoon but this episode clearly displays how one man can love his job as a locomotive engineer as much as he loves the hobby of model railroading. Turns out operating 240 car unit trains by yourself on the Québec North Shore and Labrador railroad can be just as challenging as building a truly magnificent O-scale layout. Find out more about on Facebook at: CN Sanmore Subdivision in this great episode of “a ModelersLife.” Check out the YouTube channel here: Sanmore Subdivision Click Here For the Free Download |
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Remote Operations: Part Deux with Dave Abeles -
Remote operations is one of the most exciting developments in model railroading since this great hobby began. There’s been some extraordinary developments but maybe one of the most intriguing attempts has involved a layout in New Jersey being operated by two of AML’s finest. Gordy Robinson in Scotland and Martyn Jenkins in Australia. Conrail’s Onondaga Cutoff and crew have taken the opportunity during these unique times to harness a new form of worldwide operations. Of course anytime Uncle Dave gets on the podcast there’s always a range of topics covered, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded passports, a tall cool glass of Jersey Shore sea water and enjoy !!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #26 -
There’s never been a question about whether or not the AML Nation is packed with all stars as this episode clearly demonstrates. First up is Drew Warrington, a great example of the next generation of modeler that’s full of excitement and enthusiasm with a great desire to learn from others while looking to do his part in improving model railroading. Next we hear from our Gordy Robinson who’s about to enter the next NMRA elections in 2021 by throwing his hat in the ring for president. Finally, we with Stephen Atwell, the owner of Midwest Model Railroad in Independence, Missouri, one of the fastest growing online hobby retailers out there. Stephen and I share some very exciting news but you'll just have to listen to find out what it is. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded packing tape, a tall cool glass of BBQ grease and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #25 -
Just like Elvis Presley, the King of rock and roll, the AML Nation is once again taking care of business with another exciting episode of reading posts from the Facebook page “Fans of a ModelersLife Podcast.” After a long series of introductions, the crew gets down to business with a little less talk and lot more action, reading an entire week of updates about all the comings and goings from around the nation. So, fry up a peanut butter and bacon sandwich, grab yourself a refreshing Pepsi Cola, find a comfortable place to park your butt and get ready to chow down on another marginally adequate episode of the “Fans!!” Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 154: Chris Costello -
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to quit your job and purchase a successful model railroad company or perhaps purchase an Erie business car number one from the French Lick Scenic Railroad. Or perhaps you've wondered what it would be like to purchase a troop sleeper, a flat car, a high railer, a speeder or various other model railroad companies such as Durango Press and JL Innovative. Well our next guest has done just that and never regretted it for a second, this is the story of someone who loves railroading, model railroading and the community that this hobby provides. It's a great episode so sit back with a big bowl of shredded seat covers, a steaming hot mug of melted axle grease and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #76 -
Another ViewerMail thunders down the runway taking off from Busted Knuckle’s International Airport with “Hard Part” in the left hand seat. So sit back and relax as the AML flight crew takes you on a bumpy ride that sure to make your stomach feel like you’ve eaten more than your share of green shrimp. The modeler simply known as Kelly becomes the official AML safety officer, Josh Bowman gives us a lesson on which Cummins diesel is best suited for needs and finally Brooks Willig gives tells how to that perfect selfie. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded Kodachrome, a tall cool glass of warm cocktail sauce and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Kelly Questions: Jim Gore MMR -
It’s time for our next contestant to strap on the tin foil helmet and answer some tough questions that are really of no use to anyone. Plus if you’re wondering what it’s like to move from Florida to New Hampshire in the middle of winter, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll discuss everything the from the NMRA’s Achievement Certificate Program to exploring the pro’s and cons of ground water vs. river water and take an in depth look at swamp water. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded cattle corn, a tall cool glass of melted yellow snow and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #24 -
You’ve just ordered a pizza with anchovies because you think pepperoni makes you look fat. You just burned two-thousand calories because you forgot to take the brownies out of the oven. After entering today’s meals into your new fitness app, an ambulance arrived at your house. These problems and many more can be easily forgotten as you listen for the latest AML earworm and before you know it, fingernails on a blackboard will sound more interesting. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded flextrack, a tall cool glass of walnut wood stain and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 153: Thornton and Brimley -
Train shows are always fun, hunting for bargains, checking out what’s new, meeting friends and just soaking up the atmosphere. But while we’re out in the aisles mingling with the crowds having fun, there’s a whole bunch of other folks working their regular jobs, explaining their products and helping us enjoy the hobby as much as possible. Episode 144 featured a great discussion about burnout in the hobby, so we took it one step further to examine how working train shows effect your hobby time. So put on your favorite smoking jacket, get comfortable in the lazy boy and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Prototype Posse #6 -
The big railroads have been disposing of their low profit branch lines since the first steel wheels started turning but short lines have been the backbone of the rail transportation industry right from the beginning. On this edition of “Prototype Posse” we found out which ones are favorites of the AML crew. In most cases it simply comes down to economics, what seems as a low profit branch line for a class one railroad, can be a solid revenue generator for a short line with lower operating costs and much less bureaucracy for the individual customer. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded train orders, a tall cool glass of trackside ditch water and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Ron Marsh: Layout Expansion -
There nothing better than finding an opportunity in the basement to expand your current layout and that’s what happened to the AML’s very own how-to guy Ron Marsh. After his layout demolition video turned out to be so popular on YouTube we decided to find out what the future holds for Ron’s Trains N’ Things. Along with co-host Scott Thornton we try to ascertain if the “Things” will be part of this exciting new adventure. So grab your favorite sledge hammer, dump out the shop-vac and get ready for a fun filled ninety minutes of railroading and stories about Scott’s pet hamsters. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the Podcast #23 -
During the dog days of summer staying cool can be difficult, you could head down to the local big box store and choose from a variety fans in various price ranges. But there’s a simpler way to stay refreshed… Just download the latest edition of “Fans” to your phone, you’ll soon forget about the heat as you’re left cold trying to figure out what the AML crew is saying. The information in this podcast is useless and should only be handled by a fully certified technician. Please consult a physician before listening to this episode of “Fans” because it could have lasting and harmful effects due to prolonged exposure. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Kelly Questions: Tim Garland -
Here’s another exciting round of the Kelly Questions which means it’s time for another contestant to strap on the tin foil helmet and tell us their inner most thoughts on a wide variety of model railroad subjects. These questions have been hermetically sealed in a reasonably clean mayonnaise jar and stored in a specially constructed laser cut box under Tom Jacobs Reading “Crossline” layout. NO ONE… I REPEAT… NO ONE, knows the contents of these questions except for the modeler simply known as “Kelly!!” After a quick trip to the hospital the contestant is at home and resting quietly. Please enjoy the podcast. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Prototype Posse #5 -
Looks like there’s some new territory to cover and railroads to investigate so it’s time for the posse to mount up and ride out on those dusty trails looking for anything and every thing railroad related. On this edition of “the Posse” our heroes examine in depth what exactly what the reasoning was behind Union Pacific’s DD40X and they take a ride out to the Gilluly Loops just west of Soldier Summit. You’ll also discover a great Korean beef dish, ways of dealing with that annoying inch on your back and the joys of toe fungus. So grab your self a big plate of shredded travel pamphlets, a tall cool glass of melted anti-septic cream and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 152: Bob Sprague -
Bob’s Track Plans.com is probably the most comprehensive track planning website on the internet with almost a hundred different plans to view, enjoy and get ideas from. Bob simply takes pleasure from trying to replicate the appearance and operations of real railroads as faithfully as possible in miniature while applying this philosophy to his lifelong passion of track planning. Recently Bob entered the world of 3D printing with great success and there’s many items available for purchase listed on his website. He’s lifelong model railroader with a passion for the hobby that’s easily recognizable in this episode. Enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML Podcast #22 -
Spanning the globe to bring you the latest in useless information the AML crew is here to add a spring to your step and a bounce in your butt. If you’ve ever wondered about some of the reasons behind useless hockey statistics or the baseball box scores at a Phillies game, we probably can’t help you but if you’re excited to hear about “Hard Part’s” latest purchase you’ve come to the right place. The introductions are long, the fashions are outdated but the chatter is always lively, so grab yourself a big bowl of fried brussel spouts with a tangy balsamic vinegar reduction, a tall cool glass of grocery store wine and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
