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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 199: Arrowhead Models & Blaine Hadfield -
It’s always fun to occasionally check in with manufacturers and find out what’s new or what plans there are for the future. So, we here at AML headquarters decided it was time for a return visit to Arrowhead Models to see what our buddy Blaine had been up to and aside from announcing his latest project, the ACF 4600 covered hopper, he’s also about to release a new book, “One Hundred Ghosts” documenting the last of grain elevators across the west. You can find out more about both projects here: https://arrowheadmodels.com/ As always Blaine strives to make the products delivered by Arrowhead Models to be some of the finest models available to the general model railroading public. It’s a great interview that as usual has some interesting twists and turns. Plus, there’s an interesting discussion about the restoration of a steam locomotive in downtown Sheridan, Wyoming. |
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Fans of the AML #53 -
Well, it finally happened after three years of planning two cancellations and one world-wide pandemic, TomStock 2020 is now in the books, and it was a rousing success. “Kelly” threw out the first pitch at the Fightin’ Phils baseball game, was unable to buy a hamburger at Dairy Queen, got into a dust up at the Strasburg Rail Road and got kicked out of Shady Maple for hogging all the fried chicken. We rode the Reading and Northern Budd Car, Chris Adams tried to apply the emergency brake, Peter Borcherds didn’t fall out of the door, but Bernard Hellen almost fell out the window. Scott, Lionel, John and Rick went on a pub crawl in Jim Thorpe while Tracy rode another train with Rob. We visit Ken McCorry’s layout for an hour or two and came away with a new appreciation for the hobby. Thanks to Tom Jacobs and his wife Deb the whole event was a roaring success and went off without a hitch. When asked about possibly of hosting another event Tom was unable to breath and taken away in an ambulance. But other than that,… |
Recent Episodes...
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NMRA: We're Doubling the Membership !! -
What’s that you say??... The NMRA is dying, and membership continues to decline?? Well sir on this podcast we have two gentlemen that would very much respectfully disagree. Gordy Robinson a.k.a. “Young Master Robinson,” a.k.a. “the Prez” and board member John Doehring are here to present a case for just the opposite, in fact they are convinced the NMRA can grow and surpass all-time high membership numbers. If you’re not enthused about the future of this great organization after listening to this podcast you probably should check yourself for a pulse. These guys are deadly serious about growing the NMRA and making it a place for all model railroaders to gather and grow together. So, get behind the wheel of your 1978 AMC Gremlin shove a cassette into the tape deck and get ready to be excited about the future of the NMRA. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Kelly Questions: Round 70 - David Heyde -
You’ve planned a surprise birthday party for your favorite psychic, but he’d already guess it was happening. You still haven’t figured out when it stops being partly sunny and becomes partly cloudy. You’ve discovered that you meditate best when cutting the grass but the mower ‘s to noisy to concentrate. We can’t help you with any of these problems, but it is time once again for another exciting round of the Kelly Questions and this time we dug deep, all the way to the back of the filing cabinet to find this gem featuring the AML’s very own french horn soloist. David is an avid model railroader and dons the tin foil hat with an enthusiasm for the hobby that’s infectious. Grab a big bowl of shredded musical notes, a tall cool glass of horn spit and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 198: Jim Scorse-NCE -
There are so many great folks to talk with in the AML Nation and one of the best, is our very own Jim Scorse the owner NCE. Jim has spent over twenty years building NCE into one of the most important companies in the hobby while he continues to innovate and improve his products year after year. But like so many of our guests Jim isn’t just NCE, he’s passionate about model railroad operations along with his many outside interests such as trivia nights at the local pub, online racing, and his love of music. It’s a great interview and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded car cards, a steaming hot mug of melted solder and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #6 -
Some folks can never sit still, always going somewhere, doing something or busy planning the next trip. On this episode of “Uncle” Dave’s fireside chats, we discover he’s just returned from a week-long vacation on the Jersey Shore as he prepares for the trip of a lifetime taking his family out west on the “California Zephyr” so they too can discover the magic of the Rio Grande!! We also discover the angst of the Evel Overlord not being able to have any news that Dave hasn’t already heard or been part of as he describes his involvement in the sale of the Station Inn beside the tracks in Cresson, Pennsylvania. Plus, he talks about his trip to China several years ago, New Jersey Transits heritage fleet and who’s checking up on who through today’s technology. It’s an action-packed hour and half, so grab yourself a big bowl of firebox coal ash, a tall cool glass of steam engine water drippings and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Gateway 2022 Convention Update -
There’s nothing like going to an NMRA “Gateway 2022” convention to get the most out of the hobby and this year’s national convention is no different. With over a hundred different clinics, dozens of layouts to visit and operate on, lots of prototype tours, this is going to be a great event for all to enjoy. Plus, the St. Louis Cardinals baseball stadium is just down the street from the hotel. Brad Joseph stops by for another visit to give us an update on all the comings and goings of this great convention, Brad’s full of energy and if his enthusiasm is any indication of what this year’s edition of the national convention is going to like you won’t want to miss it. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded tour maps, a tall cool glass used decal solution and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #94 -
You followed a state trooper home from the beach because you thought it was the ice cream truck, you thought “Kelly” was an only child, you made three dozen chocolate chip cookies but forgot where you put them, you got lost on the way to TomStock because the blueberry stain on your map pointed towards Idaho. We can’t help you with any of these problems, but we can help you waste another two hours of your life while listening to ViewerMail. Grab your favorite chair a tall glass of leftover beer, a big bowl of shredded discarded Smarties boxes and enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 197: the Staff of Railroad Model Craftsman -
After numerous phone calls, several neutral site meetings, mountains of email and having our people talked to their people. It’s finally gonna happen, the editorial staff of Railroad Model Craftsman stopped by the AML studios in Busted Knuckle for an in-depth interview. Now that Otto Vondrak is the editor of RMC, he wants to promote his staff and let the world know who’s behind the pages you’ve been reading. This is a great interview and really helps everyone listening, realize that RMC has some of the most knowledgeable people from the industry. So, sit back with a big bowl shredded expire Christmas cards a tall cool glass of printer’s ink and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans Of the AML #52 -
Was the night before TomStock and all through the land… Not a creature was stirring…Not even the band… Well actually that’s not exactly true. Kelly went to see “Lighting” a.k.a. Jerry Britton and Chris Atkins travelled deep into the wilds of New Jersey to visit “Uncle” Dave. Just like kids on Christmas eve the AML Nation is giddy with excitement as it counts down the final hours until TomStock 2020, 4 Days of Peace, Love and Little Trains finally gets underway !! Shady Maple is ready for dinner on Wednesday, the Reading and Northern is ready for our Budd car excursion to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, the Strasburg railroad has cleaned up its best car for us and Ken McCorry is ready for a visit from the AML Nation. It’s BBQ time at the Jacobs Farm in Robesonia, Pennsylvania with enough food and drink to feed and an army and then off to the baseball game to watch the modeler simply known as “Kelly” throw out the first pitch. This is going to a marginally adequate event of major proportions!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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ScaleTrains Road Trip Report #3 -
Third time’s a charm or at least that’s what the gang at ScaleTrains world headquarters in Benton, Tennessee are thinking. When Shane Wilson and his wife set out on the third leg of, their journey across America, towards the southeast and a whirlwind trip through Florida. Visiting several clubs and private layouts while meeting new friends and catching up with old. This was much more than just an opportunity to sell more product but more to discover just how vast the model railroading landscape is. They also managed to visit the Daytona International Speedway and take in the Daytona 500, visit with old friends from Shane’s Athearn days while taking in an Indy car race from the balcony of a condo twenty floors up. It’s a great recap of this latest leg of the ScaleTrains journey across America and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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the Ray Arnott Story -
Whose Ray Arnott you ask?? We had no idea, but we needed an interview, and he was available, so we dragged him into the studio only to find out he’s close personal friends with the “Average” Don. A long fan of our very own Tony Cook, we took this opportunity to bring these two prolific authors together and discuss the art of self-publishing. Ray has been an accomplished photographer for some time and produced a book of railroad photography that’s well worth a read, plus we find out how he helped a fellow modeler with his backdrop using his drone. There plenty of other discussion about everything from operations to the importance of model railroad friends. It’s a great listen and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 196: Scott Thornton Revisited -
Some modelers stand head and shoulders above the rest, our next guest has proven time and time again that he takes the hobby seriously while getting as much enjoyment as possible from every aspect of model railroading. Scott’s Milan Branch of the Iowa Interstate Railroad is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable model railroad layouts in the hobby. So, we here at the ole’ AML World Headquarters decided it was time to swing back and find out what Scott’s been up to. We decided to include Bernard Hellen of Miniprints because it was Scott who introduced him to us in the first place. This is a fun episode with lots of twists and turns, so grab your favorite 3D printed chair, a big bag of pork rinds and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Waz' Happenin' with Chris Brimley -
If we’ve learned anything from this podcast, it’s that model railroaders are just endlessly interesting, whether they’re chief counsel for the state of Connecticut, Mayor of Hornepayne, assistant principal French horn for the Dallas symphony orchestra, or just simply a good citizen, each one of our guests has had a great story to tell. Chris Brimley is no exception; he’s been a guest on the podcast several times now and each time he just gets more and more interesting. As well as being the vice-president of ExactRail, having his layout featured in Railroad Model Craftsman, he’s found a new love with railroad photography traveling around the back country of Utah. This a great episode that we’re sure you’ll enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #43 -
We try to interview everyone here at the ole’ AML Network but sometimes one or two important members of the hobby slip through the cracks. In this episode we discover a someone that’s been a major contributor to the hobby for quite a while now. Our very own “Bruce the Mailboy” has been moderating some valuable discussions in the Groups io and we’ve only just now found out. Plus, we have a great interview with Eric Hansmann who’s been researching and compiling as much information as possible about railroads from more than a century ago, “Uncle” Dave helps host this segment and brings us his perspective as only “Uncle” Dave can. Sit back in the lazy-boy close your eyes and before you know it your wife Dolly will yelling at you about cutting the grass. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download https://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/ https://groups.io/g/Ry-ops-industrialSIG https://groups.io/g/small-layout-design? |
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Fans of the AML #51 -
It’s always fun to be invited to another railroad for an operating session and crucial to any good session is the food, whether it’s meeting at the local pizza joint for a pregame meal or having the host prepare a home cooked meal for the crew, but even more critical are the snacks. Some layout hosts go with the bare minimum while others will go above and beyond with the ultimate… A snack buffet !! In this episode of the “Fans” we found out each member of the “Fans”crew has their own idea of what constitutes a good serving of snacks and our very own modeler simply known as “Kelly” tells us the HO scale club at the Medford Railroad Park even has a healthy supply of ice cream bars for the members to enjoy. It’s another fun podcast with gang down at the ole’ AML headquarters, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded candy wrappers, a tall cool glass of melted vanilla ice cream bars and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 195: David Heyde Part Two -
What’s the deal with guys named Dave?? Every Dave we’ve interviewed on the ole’ AML has a passion for model railroading that almost can’t be described in words and when you think about it, that’s why the Evel Overlord decided to start this podcast. Not only is he one of the most capable French horn players in the world, but our next guest also has limitless enthusiasm for the hobby. This is a great discussion describing how the hobby helps David cope with the day-to-day pressures of a job that requires him to perform his best at all times. Plus, he describes the joys of friendship, some cool new products and how he eventually intends to replace the lawn in front of his home with static grass. Grab a big bowl of shredded musical scores, a tall cool glass of horn spit and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chats #4 -
Building a model railroad of any size is an ambitious undertaking, it takes plenty of desire, ambition, determination, motivation and enthusiasm to even get close to what would be considered a finished layout. Each one of us has pondered those moments when we might question why we even began such a project, so we here at the ole’ AML headquarters decided there’s only one man who could answer this… Our very own, “Uncle” Dave and of course he was only too happy to talk about it. This is another great “Fireside Chat” covering a wide range of topics with some philosophy thrown in for good measure. Get yourself a bag of Stay-Puft Quality Marshmallows, a tall cool glass of yellow glue, your favorite lawn chair and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #42 -
They say variety is the spice of life and we here at the ole’ ModelersLife headquarters feel the same way. In this podcast we get an update from Ron Klaiss of Mine Mount Models and news of his latest kit, McQuirk Coal and included with this kit is a coal conveyer Ron designed and built. If you ask Ron nicely and tell him the crew at the AML Nation sent you, he might just sell the conveyor separately. After the subway chimes, we meet up with Keith Revell who fills us in on the progress of his HO scale Shay locomotive, gives us an update on how his company KR Models continues to grow and how to start a model railroad manufacturing company simply by Googling it. There’s a whole lot of info in this podcast, so don’t get started unless you have a pen and paper handy. Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #93 -
It’s time once again to answer our voluminous ViewerMail with questions from all over the “Nation.” This time we cover everything from the “Queso Cowboy” wondering what he’s done, while reading an email from Lee Flandrich we get confused thinking Kelly’s from Minnesota where all the crotchety curmudgeons lived but discover that in fact Kelly spent a good part of his life in Connecticut fighting fires and hanging out with Paul Newman. There’s talk of an AML meet-up north of the border and discover our Rodger Coleman finds Nick Santo in his basement running hoping for a free dinner. There’s lots more to get excited about in this edition of ViewerMail, so sit down in your favorite lawn chair and grab yourself a big bowl of leftover cookie dough, a tall cool glass of cooking oil and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 194: Steve Tuff -
So, you’re wondering what it’s like when a fully qualified heavy truck mechanic and a world class chef decide to start their own 3D printing company?? Well as luck would have it, we found two such guys and learn their story from the ground up. Steve and Dan are a couple of lifelong model railroaders with an itch to improve the hobby for as many folks as possible. Yelton Models is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with, with such products as the HO Scale replica of AC Tower in Marion, Ohio. There was unfortunately a little bit of ugliness when the Evel Overlord discovered they’d yet to create a website for their wonderful products, but after some negotiations and careful thought it was decide that it would be best for all if one was created post-haste. This is a great episode to be enjoyed well sipping margaritas on the beach in St. Maarten. Enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Waz' Happenin' with Lorne James -
It’s time once again to check in with our favorite hobby shop in Tillsonburg… My back still aches when I hear this word!! But before we find out what’s new at Otter Valley Railroad the Evel Overlord desperately needs help buying a gift certificate for his friend Cleetus. After several attempts on his own he requested the help Lorne the owner of OVR who finally decided that because the Overlord was an international man of mystery the website became over-whelmed with excitement. We also got the chance to talk more about the fabulous world of model railroad retail and about the exciting new projects OVR has planned for the future. Lorne and his pal Andrew have decided to tip their toe into the world of manufacturing, and we got the low down on their first project. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded sales receipts, a tall cool glass of warm packaging tape glue and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #41 -
What better way to find out what’s happening with your friends than getting them on the ole’ AML podcast?? We haven’t heard from our resident 7 ½” gauge expert Adam for a quite a while and there’s been plenty of changes at Prospector Models with a new 2 ½” scale gondola kit ready to be released and there’s plenty of news about building steam engines. Then of course there’s our little buddy “the Mayor of Hornepayne” with all his adventures as a full-time employee of the Canadian National Railroad. There’s plenty of discussion about being trackside to see our very own “Boy George” at the controls of Train 451. Get comfortable in your favorite chair with a big steaming mug of cocoa, a large bowl of crushed ballast cereal and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #50 -
Celebrating fifty of anything is always exciting but to have recorded fifty episodes of the “Fans” is mighty special. The brain trust behind the AML fans page was our very own Chris Atkins as he sat pondering life on the porch of his home in Argyle, Texas… Home of the “Fighting Socks.” Who better to help us celebrate this great occasion than the NMRA president simply known as “Gordy??” That’s right, it’s over ninety minutes of discussion about standards and conformance from the president of the NMRA to help us celebrate fifty episodes of the “Fans.” Get comfortable in the old lazy boy with a hot cup cocoa all snuggled in your favorite PJ’s as you struggle to stay awake and enjoy this great podcast. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Kelly Questions Round 69: Jim Lincoln -
It’s time for another exciting round of the Kelly Questions and this show’s featured victim…Errr… Guest, is none other than Jim Lincoln, railroad conductor, track laying expert, NASCAR fan… Actually, check that. He’s purchases used trucks, built by well-known NASCAR race teams. Aside from his many other interests Jim, is a lover of all things Disney and even named his model railroad the Carolwood Pacific. A fan of all different aspects of railroading Jim’s love of the hobby easily comes to the fore-front as he’s grilled with question after question and then finally falling asleep at the end of the couch. It’s time to get yourself a big bowl of shredded mouse ears, a tall cool glass of melted amusement park ice and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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TomStock 2020 Update !! -
It’s finally happening, our long AML Nation nightmare is finally coming to an end and TomStock 2020 is literally just weeks away. One of the greatest gatherings in AML history is about to take place with four days of peace, love and little trains !! It’s a jam pack festival with your fellow AMLer’s coming from all over the globe for this special event. Starting with dinner at the Shady Maple restaurant on Wednesday evening, a Budd Car ride on Thursday to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania via the Reading and Northern Railroad, a bus tour on Friday to Strasburg Railway, a hobby shop, Dairy Queen and Ken McCorry’s fabulous Conrail layout. Saturday is the sometimes-annual AML BBQ followed by an evening game of double “A’ baseball with the Reading Fightin’ Phils taking on the Portland Sea Dogs. This is gonna be an AML event to remember, so pack plenty of sunscreen, your favorite AML t-shirt and get ready for the time of your life !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Waz' Happenin' with Mike Hauk -
It’s always fun to check back in with some of our guests to see what they’ve been up to and if you ask enough questions, you just never know what you might find out. Have you ever heard of “Operating Sessions.com”, we hadn’t either until Mike explained exactly what it is?? Ever wondered what it’s like to spend months and months planning a convention only to have it wiped out by a world-wide pandemic?? Ever wondered how do give a clinic about static grass?? We did to and found out Mike is one guy who’s always discovering the magic of grass that’s static. What about being a retired doctor?? We have the answers, but more importantly have you ever wondered how to get cab rides when travelling about the country with your buddy?? Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded puff ball tress, a tall cool glass of spray on adhesive to get these answers and more!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 193: Lance Mindheim -
Every once in a while, we meet a model railroader that brings more to the table than most and our next guest fits this description perfectly. With three personal layouts, several books, dozens of articles in the model railroad press and a successful private layout construction business, Lance Mindheim is a true asset to the hobby of model railroading. This is a great podcast about one individual’s dedication to a hobby that’s provided him with a lifetime of enjoyment and in recent years a steady source of income. Along with Tom Klimoski and William Sampson, Lance answers our questions, provides plenty of thoughtful commentary, lots to think about and most of all makes his enthusiasm for the hobby well known. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chats Volume 3 -
Gather round kids for more exciting tales of model railroading’s wild west as “Uncle” Dave describes all the work that goes into preparing the Onondaga Cutoff for an operating session on Conrail’s, Albany Division. Many locomotive wheels are cleaned, and the track is brought to a gleaming shine to accommodate the dozens of long trains that weave their way around the layout. You’ll never see the same consist twice on the “Cutoff” because this is a railroad that recreates as prototypically as possible running Conrail’s “Chicago Line” around Syracuse, New York. There’s also a great discussion about creating the feel of real railroading by the methodical movement of freight cars around the layout. So curl up in your chair with a hot cup of cocoa and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife Check out Dave's Blog here: https://onondagacutoff.blogspot.com/ |
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NERPM ('cuse me) is Back !! -
It’s back!! It’s back!! After a long and lonely absence, one of the best RPM meets in the country is alive and well. The New England or Northeast (honestly, it’s been so long they can’t remember the name exactly) Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet has been revitalized and is back for another great gathering with lots of fabulous models on display, dozens of clinics and as always, the best model railroad raffle east of Trout Run, Pennsylvania!! Dave Owens and the crew have found a new hotel in Springfield, Mass., enlisted the help of Amherst show director John Sacerdote and rounded up some of their favorite model railroad vendors. You can pay in advance online, $40 bucks, or $45 bucks at the door and this year there’s a one-day registration for just $25 bucks!! So toss those beautiful models in a box, gas up the Subaru and head on out to the next great NERPM (‘cuse me) meet !! Click Here For the Free Download NERPM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NERPM |
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ViewerMail Flight #92 -
Still trying to figure out what to do with that extra two hours you found in the pocket of an old sports jacket?? You were hoping to sell an original version of this podcast, but you threw the box away?? There’s a small, bearded man named Nick in your basement that won’t leave?? Your wife just had a beautiful baby girl while you listened to the latest AML podcast and now you’re googling divorce lawyers. We can’t help you with any of these problems but if you listen long enough, you’ll discover that transparency is rule number one here at the ole’ AML Network but we can’t verify if that’s correct because accuracy has never been a consideration. Grab yourself a big bowl of beard shavings, a tall cool glass of Wahl’s clipper oil and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife Bubba's Anytime Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/Bubbas-Anytime-117852141607504/ |
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Episode 192: Lex Parker -
What is it they say…?? All good things must come to an end, after years of work and enjoyment model railroads are most often subjected to the same fate, total destruction with hopefully structures, locomotives and cars being saved for a future layout. Our next guest has already experienced what it’s like to take down a beautifully crafted model railroad but in its place he built a newer and better version of the Denver & Rio Grande Western. The website can be found here: http://drgwrr.com and you can follow along on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/LexParkersModelRailroad There’s only one thing that could possibly make this story have a better ending; the layout has been sold in its complete form to a gentleman on the other side of the word in Tasmania. Lex’s layout will live on and continue to bring hours of enjoyment folks in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a great story, so get comfortable in your favorite chair, throw another shrimp on the Barbie, cuddle up with your favorite Tasmanian Devil and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Waz' Happenin' with Chris Adams -
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from our favorite sweater vest model “Mr. Fitness,” rumor has it there’s been quite a bit of progress on his layout as of late, so we figured this was as good a time as any to take a trip over to Old Saybrook, Connecticut and find out for ourselves whats happening on the New haven Railroad in the fall of 1948. This a great podcast with lots of helpful discussion about learning how to push forward in order to make progress and even more conversation on backdrops, with tips on what to look for, how to string photos together, getting help from your friend Bill and learning to be satisfied with what you’ve accomplished. It’s time to grab yourself a big bowl of shredded photo paper, a tall cool glass of scenic cement and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Kelly Questions Round 68: Michelle Kempema -
There are some people in this world that just can’t help but make you feel good about life and so it is with our next contestant under the tin foil helmet. She’s been spreading happiness and joy throughout the model railroading community for several years now, whether it’s flying all over the lower forty-eight checking out the latest in railroading, both model and prototype, or holding down the fort at one of the country’s top model railroad attractions. This was one of the toughest versions of the Kelly Questions to score and after several large pads of scrap paper, boxes full of erasers and enough pencils to outfit your local high school Bruce the Mailboy was able to finally establish a score. It’s a great episode, so grab yourself a big bowl of leaded pencil shavings, a tall cool glass of melted museum floor wax and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #49 -
Did somebody say shop tour !! It’s time once again to find out what the fans are saying about the AML Nation but unfortunately we ran out of time for that, so instead we heard about the first shake down session of “the Crossline,” a trip to Greenville, South Carolina, Chris Atkins’ Dad almost playing lead guitar for the Beach Boys, “Hard Parts” trip to the Chicago O-Scale show and an almost shop tour at the Reading & Northern. The Evel Overlord finally made a visit to Scott “the Duke” Lister’s Greenville and Northern Railroad and wasn’t disappointed, especially when he found there was plenty of bacon for everyone. Get comfortable in your favorite jammies with a big bowl of shredded wrapping paper, a steaming hot mug of melted candle grease and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 191: Greg Javonillo & Hurricane Ida -
Ever wonder what it’s like to be the president of a model railroad club with a long and storied history in southern Louisiana after a hurricane?? Our next guest is that very person and after Hurricane Ida decide to cut a path of destruction through New Orleans it was time to inspect the damage. The Crescent City Model Railroad Club sustained serious damage after a neighbor’s roof came off his home causing multiple holes in the club’s permanent home, but the problems didn’t stop there. With insufficient insurance and a mountain of government regulations to overcome, Greg decided it was time to roll up his sleeves and do the best he could to save the club. It’s a great story of perseverance against what some might see as insurmountable odds. Enjoy. Donate here: https://gofund.me/a96d6a2b Click Here For the Free Download |
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Springfield Show Report #4 !! -
It’s the final Springfield show report of 2022, with another great line-up of guests as the “Queso Cowboy” interviews Neil from East Coast Circuits and Matt Herman from ESU. Plus, Queso and Scott “the Duke” Lister talk with Otto Vondrak about getting their layouts featured in Railroad Model Craftsman. We also get a chance to chat with Art Dutra, Chris Palmieri from Home Shops, Matt from Resourced Rails and show director John Sacerdote about trying to make the show successful after Covid and during the snowstorm of the century. These have been for great show reports, fun was had by all and it’s time to get comfortable in that favorite “Lazy Boy” with a big bowl of shredded microphone cords, a tall cool glass of week-old soda and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Springfield Show Report #3 !! -
It’s time for another exciting edition of the Springfield show report with a few of the same characters and some folks who’ve never heard before on the podcast. After the big Geep-30 announcement from ScaleTrains we wandered back into their booth to talk with Bailey the human ball of energy, Todd Arnett a long-time contributor and Norfolk & Western devotee. We of course talk to the big cheese Shane Wilson and Jesse the winner of the paint scheme contest. Next up is a great interview with Jeff Springer of Custom Model railroads and Tom Jacobs the “Queso Cowboy.” Finally, two fellows who made their first ever appearance of the big show, Tom Schmieder and Ralph Heiss, regular operators on the Onondaga Cutoff. It was fun to talk with everyone but Ralph’s discussion about Uncle Dave’s ability to play the triangle is classic AML material. Sit back and relax with a big bowl of shredded OC bulletins, a tall cool glass of melted cheese and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #91 !! -
Get yourself strapped in, pull those belts tight and get ready to thunder down the runway with the ever-ready AML crew as we once again take off into the clear blue sky answering our voluminous ViewerMail. As always our viewers have introduced us to a wide variety of topics as we give folks something else to think about during troubled times and figuring out why the modeler simply known as Kelly has been put in charge of live steam operations at the Medford Railroad Park. Listen as the AML gang tries to sooth the fears of the Queso Cowboy while the clock to TomStock continues to wind down, the Evel Overlord annoys his secretary to no end, “Uncle” Dave gets a shout out from Alex Mantle, Rich Wisneski becomes known simply as “the Wiz.” There’s so much mediocre information it’s best to find a seat, grab a big bowl of shredded address labels, a steaming hot mug of unused boiler water and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 190: the NMRA Goes Digital !! -
For years we were told the possibility of having the NMRA’s monthly magazine going digital just wasn’t possible, it just didn’t pencil out, there just weren’t enough electrons in the universe for such a thing to even consider doable. It seemed as if all was lost and the vision of taking the NMRA into the digital age would be gone forever, until one day a stranger sitting tall in the saddle, rode into town with little more than a sack of dreams and a trusty sidekick named Riley. People came from far and wide as the stranger stood on a mountain of blue boxes telling them not to be afraid, he’d round up the electrons and soon, they’d be able to load it on their tablet, phone, laptop, or tabletop computer without fear of the apocalypse. It’s a great story, so warm up the Motorola and gather round for another exciting tale of life in model railroading’s wild west. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Springfield Report - Part Two!! -
It’s a continuation of our report from this year’s Springfield show and we’ve got all the bases covered, starting with Tim Blackwell at “Cowcatcher” magazine to Michelle Kempema from the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. You’ll also hear from the Crossline’s electrical wiz, Val Pistilli, Lego modeler Cale Leiphart (not Phil), Dave Owens from NERPM, our very own Ron Klaiss from Mine Mount Models and we learn as much as we can about Hattons, one of Britain’s largest model railroad shops. Of course, Bruce the Mailboy joins us to get the show underway and we discuss video making techniques with the Evel Overlord. So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded train show floor maps, a tall cool glass of melted concession stand ice and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Springfield Report - Part One!! -
It’s back, it’s back, the Springfield, Big “E”, Amherst train show is back and we sent a crack team of reporters to find out what’s new in the world of model railroading. After closing down the show last year, John Sacerdote and his team decided it was full speed ahead, fighting mother nature as the snowstorm of century arrived just as the doors opened to the general public. Despite less than capacity crowds, several vendors missing in action, there was still plenty to see and do as folks from all over stopped by the ModelersLife booth to say hello and spend time in the hot seat answering questions. So grab yourself a big bowl of leftover week-old coleslaw, a tall cool glass of melted slush and enjoy!!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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"Uncle" Dave Goes Patreon -
The AML Nation is pretty well acquainted with Dave Abeles and his model railroad. Turns out his 37-part Trilogy was just the beginning with big news from The Onondaga Cutoff. "Uncle" Dave finally decided to go ahead with it, “OC” has started its very own Patreon page! After creating his very popular Facebook Live 'Trackside on the Onondaga Cutoff' shows during the pandemic it felt like something was missing so Dave decided to produce a channel dedicated to the story behind what you've seen in those Live videos and numerous articles in both Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman. So grab a seat and ride along through Central New York as we listen to how Dave is working to create videos that take you backstage to one of today's most popular model railroads. Click Here For the Free Download Check it out here: https://www.patreon.com/onondagacutoff/posts |
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Fans of the AML #48 -
So you’re a fan of the AML but would prefer not to tell us about your next railfanning trip for fear we might tag along, your shamrock shake is so green you’re not sure how old it is. Last time you drove through a train show, the guys at Rapido Trains tried to make you pay a toll with Canadian money, your flight to Atlanta, Georgia was rerouted through Boise, Idaho. We can’t help you with any of these problems but if you’re looking to buy a jet you’ve come to the right place, with the careful guidance and thoughtful insight of the gang from the AML Nation we’ll have you thundering down the runway in no time. Also “Hard Part” shows up to give us tips on getting that perfect photo in just over eight months using nothing but your phone. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded flight schedules, a tall cool glass of melted mint flavored ice cream and enjoy!!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 189: NMRA's National - Gateway 2022 -
The old cliché of: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again has never been more appropriate than for the gang of the NMRA’s 2020 convention. After the disheartening decision to cancel because of a worldwide pandemic and the subsequent cancellation of the national convention scheduled for Birmingham, England this group of tenacious volunteers has decided to pick up where they left off. Brad Joseph came by the AML studios to give us the low-down on what’s planned for the Gateway convention 2.0 and there’s no doubt this convention will be well worth the trouble of attending. Headquartered downtown at the Marriott St. Louis Grand with reasonable rates and an excellent location within walking distance to many of great attractions in the center of St. Louis this promises to be a first-rate affair. So get comfortable in your favorite chair, warm up the Motorola and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
