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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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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #8 -
There are no better memories than a fantastic family trip and on this “Fireside Chat” we learn about the Abeles clan and their epic family trip west to the four corners and every spot in between. This was a long-awaited rail excursion Dave and his wife had been planning for years covering as much ground as possible in two weeks starting at the NJT station in Lebanon, New Jersey, through the country’s capital and across the great plains. It's a fun podcast as we ride along having meals in the dining car, rolling passed old stations, deep dish pizza in Chicago, then on to the California Zephyr, crossing the mighty Mississippi and then finally arriving in Glenwood Springs. Visiting with famed rail photographer James Belmont, attending a Jayhawks concert, photos at the Continental divide and visit to Chama, New Mexico are just some of the highlights. This is a great podcast about a great experience and you the listener won’t be disappointed. |
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Episode 206: ITLA Scale Models -
Model railroad manufacturing in all forms continues to grow across the hobby and one of the most exciting companies we’ve found is “ITLA Scale Models,” producing some of the finest laser cut craftsman style kits available today. Renee and Nick Masney have been in business over ten years producing laser etched wood materials representing masonry, steel, and concrete when painted using basic techniques. One of the unique features of these kits is the ability to build in a variety of footprints and varying wall combinations including “flats” and “shallow relief” suitable for the growing shelf layout segment of the hobby. The gritty rail-side architectural look that’s still easily found across North America today is easily reproduced with ITLA’s fine line of kits and wall modules. It’s a great episode with some great insight into what makes the company tick. Enjoy!! |
Recent Episodes...
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Fans of the AML Part 57 -
What’s that you say, there’s a buzzing in your ear sending you secret decoder messages telling you to join the “miniprints of the month club” and hopefully have the chance of receiving a set of flying pigs in S-Scale. Word on the street says that Nick Santo’s travelling road show is headed your way and you only have enough jobs to keep him busy for a week?? You’ve arrived in Greenville, South Carolina only to find out Walmart hates Toyotas. This particular episode of “the Fans” had many twists and turns as the crew tries to figure out why Bernard won’t stop buzzing, why the “TableMaster” failed to take the appropriate rest after surgery and how he managed to get Nick’s car back before it was crushed into a three-foot square cube. Finally, don’t forget to purchase your tickets for “Scottapalooza ’25.” It’s two hours of action-packed excitement that could almost be classified as entertainment!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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What's the Deal with Dave - Part Two -
It’s part two of “What’s the Deal with Dave” more interviews, more questions and more insightful commentary into what makes this young man tick and why his mission in life seems to be spreading happiness and joy throughout the human race. In other words, “Uncle” Dave would like to buy the world a Coke and furnish it with love, grow apple trees and honeybees and snow-white turtle doves. In this episode we hear from even more of Dave’s guests at the Station Inn as dozens of Norfolk Southern trains continue to roll by just a few feet away as he tries to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. So imagine yourself relaxing on the porch on a warm summer’s evening with a cool refreshing Coca-Cola and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Ask Scott !! -
Have you ever met one of those guys that seem to know just about everything there is to know about model building and there’s all sorts of questions about you want to ask about techniques and modeling tricks, but you get so tongue tied the only thing you manage to mumble is… “You do great work” and then leave feeling like you still have lots of unanswered questions?? Well, we found that guy and he’s been hiding right here among us all along. Our very own “TableMaster” and resident amazing modeler who can build just about anything from an “S-scale” RS-1 to a fully refurbished 1:1 1964 Ford Galaxie in candy apple red. This is a very relaxed conversation with some great interaction, as we slowly and carefully extract plenty of excellent information from the button-down mind of our very own Scott Lister, one of the best modelers south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 205: Robert J. Zenk -
Well we found him… We actually found the guy that wrote the book. After years of searching, asking questions, tracking down leads and interviewing thousands of possible witnesses, there he was… Hiding behind a big box of “ArrowHead Models.” We first met Bob Zink eight years ago when through our mutual friend Keith Thompson. Later on we discovered he’d written the book about the Krause-Maffei locomotives, a diesel-hydraulic road switcher built in Germany during the sixties. Bob is a fountain of knowledge on this subject but the interview suddenly took a different turn when we discovered he’d visited John Allen as a teenager. Tighten your chin strap, you’re in for a wild ride!!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #98 -
Still trying to scrap ketchup off your hot dog because “Mailboy” and the “Queso Cowboy” convinced you it tasted just like aerosol cheese?? You’ve been waiting patiently for months by the mailbox at the end of your driveway hoping that the photo of “Hard Part’ and his precious “Nigel” will arrive any day now. Still experimenting with different colors of hobby-craft paint trying to decide which one tastes best straight from the bottle?? Hear the exciting mile by mile adventure of “Hard Part” taking LaFawnduh for a spin, while the crew discusses the future plans of building the AML Nation retirement home complete with its own siding and speeder track. Plus, Angela Sutton gives a full report of operating on Conrail’s “Onondaga Cutoff.’ So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded bottle caps, a tall warm glass of flat Diet Pepsi and enjoy!!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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What's the Deal with Dave, Part One -
There’s nothing like having the opportunity to meet new people and spend quality railfanning time with friends. The Station Inn - https://stationinnpa.com/ - is located along the Norfolk Southern mainline just west of Altoona is probably one of the best railfanning spots in all of North America. First opened in 1993, as the brainchild of Tom Davis a retired school administrator from New Jersey. Not long after it opened, an advertisement was placed in one of the more popular rail magazines of the day and a young “Uncle” Dave along with his brother and a couple of friends spent a weekend at “the Inn.” Dave’s been coming back every year since with an ever-growing band of characters, this was the twenty-nineth straight year for Dave and the first for the AML crew. With microphone in hand the “Evel Overlord” decided to find out what’s the deal with Dave through the eyes of his friends and brother Ben. It’s a great interview that we know you’ll enjoy!!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Waz' Happenin' with Chris Wehman -
Standing rail-side with his trusty companion Andrew, waiting for that one perfect shot is someone that’s no stranger to the AML Nation, in fact this gentlemen’s excellent videos have been a part of Green Frog’s video series for over a dozen years. Chris has been shooting railfanning videos since his teenage years with almost fifty videos available in the Green Frog catalog. Chris has already been in the AML studios a couple of times, but we decided to catch up and find out what’s been going on. Of course, there was an update all about what he’s been doing trackside, but we also got the chance to discover operations on his “N” Scale layout have been progressing quite nicely. There’s lots of interesting info in this podcast and we’re sure it’s one you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 204: Mike Burgett -
Our next guest has led a life of railroading since the day he opened his eyes, with parents that were supportive, Mike Burgett has been a railroader his entire life. Whether he was planting signals in the backyard of his childhood home or writing letters to the presidents of railroads, and sleeping in his own private caboose, high iron has been in his blood forever. This is a fantastic interview with one of the most talented model railroaders on the planet and Mike is more than happy to tell his story, share his ideas and help others achieve the same level of success he has. After a visit to the Chesapeake & Ohio, Clifton Forge Division, “Uncle” Dave insisted that we get Mike on the phone and organize an interview. This podcast is packed with information, so find a comfortable spot with pen and paper in hand to take notes!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML Part 56 -
So you say things aren’t going your way, the cat coughed up a fur ball on your team track, you accidently soldered your watch to the main line, you thought that you’d switched to “O” Scale because you forgot to take off your opti-visor, the last bottle of Floquil’s Caboose Red dried up because the last time you used it the Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl. We can’t help with any of these problems but after wasting more than two hours listening to the boys down at the local AML watering hole, getting your hair styled with a heat gun will seem like a good idea. Once again, it’s time for “Fans of the AML” and that loveable modeler simply known as Kelly will make you dizzier than a trout in a blender. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded fire hose, a tall cool glass of melted resin and enjoy !!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Waz' Happenin' with Nick Ozorak -
On this podcast we re-connect with an old friend of the AML Nation who’s taking his career to new heights. If you’ve never listened to the “Roundhouse” podcast we highly recommend it (https://theroundhousepodcast.com) Since the last time we chatted, Nick’s company Streamliner Media (https://streamlinermedia.com) and his podcast have soared to new heights making videos of all sorts while primarily focusing on railroads. His East Broad Top introduction video is of the highest quality and is an excellent example of what Nick is capable of. Whether he’s interviewing Cheryl who created her latest musical album while riding an Amtrak train or producing a video for the aerospace industry, Nick is always on the move from one project to another. We had fun recording this podcast, look forward to chatting with Nick again and we’re sure you’ll feel the same way. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Waz' Happenin' with Jason Shron -
Rapido Trains has quickly become a name in the hobby that stands for one thing, quality and the man at the front of the train is Jason Shron. We’ve had the chance to chat with Jason on several occasions to answer listeners questions and exchange stories with the AML crew. Whether he’s giving Bill Schneider more tasks, flying across the Atlantic to visit the Rapido offices in the United Kingdom or looking for another bus to replicate in exact scale, he’s always on the move!! Fortunately for us here at the ole’ AML Network Jason always finds time to stop by our world headquarters in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky and bring the AML Nation up to date on the comings and goings at Rapido. Plus, we chat about “Waz’ Happenin’” with beautiful Kingston Sub layout. Whether discovering nifty ways to create control panels for the layout or spending several hours on one tiny scene, if it’s Jason… It’s interesting. So, get comfortable in your favorite easy chair for another fun podcast!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Waz' Happenin' with Stephen Atwell -
What do Broadway musicals and model railroad operations have in common?? Well not much unless you happen to live in New York city and make your living working on the “Great White Way.” Stephen Atwell has been part of the AML Nation since the early 70’s but only recently had the opportunity to get involved in the operations scene in and around the “Big Apple.” This is a fun podcast as we learn about Stephen’s first opportunity to operate on Phil Monat’s layout and travelling just a little further west into beautiful New Jersey to operate on Tony Koester’s “Nickel Plate” railroad. While at the same time being the resident electrical guru on Broadway’s next musical hit show, “K-POP.” Get comfortable in an aisle seat and follow along with the program as we find out Waz’ Happenin’ with our next guest!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #97 -
It’s time once again to answer our voluminous ViewerMail with a variety of wide-ranging topics supplied by listeners from around the world. In this podcast we talk about some of the pitfalls that can occur when trying park a BMW in the garage after a long road trip, the pros and cons of email, how many Dairy Queens there are in Vermont and how to build an HO scale soybean field using nothing more than a few simple pipe cleaners. It's an exciting dip into the mailbag with all the regular characters, there’s even talk of the destruction caused by of Hurricane Ian, what your first thoughts should be after emerging from what’s left of your home and who the next SuperFan might be. Grab yourself a comfortable chair, a big bowl of shredded emails, a tall cool glass of soybean juice and enjoy!!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 202: TSG Multimedia -
We’ve said it before and we’ll say again, social media, the digital age and access to so much more information through the wonders of the internet is changing model railroading at supersonic speed. One of the leaders in all of this is TSG Multimedia and John Abatecola, a very talented videographer and storyteller based in San Jose, California. With an impressive catalog of over two thousand YouTube videos featuring an extensive series with Jack Burgess and his Yosemite Valley Railroad, product reviews, plenty of trackside action, chats with the always lovely Michelle Kempema, Wiley’s Wanderings and a host of other great videos, there’s more than enough to keep you busy while munching down a hastily thrown together hoagie at lunch time. So get ready to enjoy another great podcast. Click Here For the Free Download |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #7 -
You’re not always going to agree all the time about everything, the basis of a strong friendship sometimes simply comes down to agreeing to disagree and so it was with this discussion between the Evel Overlord and “Uncle” Dave. Having had the experience of operating the “OC” in person it was an opportunity for a great discussion. Probably one of the toughest parts of operating for the first time at any layout is trying to understand the what the heck is going on and how not to completely screw up. Operations is becoming more and more an important part of the hobby, with more layouts available for operation popping up all over the place. This discussion highlights some of the problems for new operators and pitfalls for layout owners when welcoming new modelers to join in the fun. Tighten up your chinstrap and get ready for a spirited discussion. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Kelly Questions: Sleepy Smokin' Joe D'Amato -
It’s time for another victim errr… We mean guest, to put on the tin foil hat and get ready to test their skills in the Kelly Questions. This time we travelled out west to the beautiful state of Oregon to find one of our favorite guests taking a nap deep in the forests of the Rogue River Valley. From doing a stint in the Navy, his roots of building architectural models, scale ships and whatever caught his fancy, Joe finally ended up at Micro-Trains in the booming metropolis of Medford with his faithful companion “Kelly.” This round of the Kelly Questions was more difficult to score as Joe had trouble staying awake through the entire process. Constantly referring to scenery techniques as landscaping, convinced the only beer that mattered was Fosters, discussions of teaching “Kelly” how to properly take a photograph and singing Supremes hits from the sixties it was a long and difficult process. Get comfortable in your favorite chair with big bowl of shredded pine needles, a tall glass of standing water and enjoy!!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #55 -
With Halloween just around the corner there’s plenty of things to be afraid of, just imagine if the Queso Cowboy opened the door to a group of trick or treaters dressed as an Iwata Air Brush or worse yet, the “miniprints” guy was greeted by a rat’s nest of wire bunched together without any proper labeling. There’s always something going on when the gang gets together and gives out email addresses. There’s talk of the AML Nation going back to its roots in 2023 for a BBQ at Rochelle Park in Illinois before returning to Robesonia, Pennsylvania for TomStock 2024. Bernard brings us up to date about the first ever tour and chow down sponsored by his 3D printing company MiniPrints. Plus, we find out about the spectacular model Nick Masney of ITLA Models built for one of his prize customers. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded airbrush instructions, a tall cool glass of melted 3D resin and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 202: Jim Homoki -
The Penn Central Transportation Company is and was, one of the most maligned and disrespected railroads to ever grace the rails in the lower forty-eight. The result of a merger in 1968 with three different railroads, Pennsylvania, New York Central and New Haven it was a disaster from the start, filing for the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history just two years later in 1970. But miracles do happen, the Penn Central is once again alive and well in the basement of the Homoki home in Central New Jersey. Jim has built an impressive layout highlighting some of the operations of the PC while combining it with the Central of New Jersey and Reading Railroad. This is a great podcast with lots of info on a variety of topics that we’re sure you’ll enjoy. So, sit back with steaming hot mug of joe in your favorite PC mug and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Waz' Happenin' with Joe Desmond -
On this week’s Patreon podcast we discover that N-Scale is alive and well, living in a New Jersey basement. Joe Desmond brings us up to date on everything that’s been happenin’ on his meticulously built and maintained Conrail layout. Between the pandemic, helping out with the kids and proudly serving as one of the boys in blue, the layout was down on the list of priorities for a while. But the action is starting to ramp up in the train room again, creating a social media clinic and getting operations going again things there’s plenty to talk about. Grab yourself a chair, slide behind the wheel or get the treadmill fired up and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #44 -
Variety is the spice of life, and this All-Star variety Hour is the spiciest one yet, with multiple introductions, on the spot reporting and a visit to the world scanning championships it sure to put you to sleep before you know it. After a poor attempt at an introduction, Kelly is brought in to help out, then Bruce the Mailboy and the Evil Overlord recount the fun they had with Hard Part in downtown Toronto. Next up is some excellent reporting from the S-Scale convention in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Finally, we visit the World Scanning Championships in Reading, Pennsylvania with three-time scanning champion Kevin Marks. It’s an action-packed podcast that’s sure to bring a smile to your face with plenty of opportunity for introspective look at why raccoons prefer to be night owls. Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #96 -
Once again, it’s time to answer our voluminous mail from listeners around the globe and just down the street. This month we have a little something different as loyal long-time AML fan Matt Dawson has summitted some new commercials for our listening pleasure. Together the AML Nation will pick one of the four commercials to be put into the regular rotation at the end of each podcast. 1-“Top Marks” 2- “Skip the Shrimp” 3- “Sal’s Sofas” 4- “AML Lawyers.” After carefully listening to each commercial, write the name of your favorite in the comments on Facebook. It’s a great podcast with lots of great chatter from the regular gang, grab yourself a half-melted banana split and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 201: Riley Triggs -
So, you‘re asking yourself, how does a guy from Austin, Texas end up modeling the Port of New York or more specifically the Hoboken Shore Railroad?? The answer is simple… Bananas, plus the desire for something different offering a lifetime of research and modeling. Long before modern day railroading there were so many railroads running into New York with lots of ports and barges etc., it seemed like a natural for our next guest to model. But that’s not all, this layout uses the CVP Products “Airwire” to control the trains, it’s DCC but there is no power to the track. Each locomotive has a receiver and a battery. There is no wiring on the layout at all. But wait, there’s more… Riley is also the NMRA’s publisher and played a major role in getting the magazine to its digital format. This a great episode and one that we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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RailFanning Do's and Don'ts -
There are so many facets to this great hobby and almost anyone who’s interested in the world of trains big or small is a railfan. Whether stopped at a local crossing waiting for a commuter train to pass or somewhere in the vast Utah waste land looking for that next great photograph, we’ve all been trackside at some point standing in awe of these great machines that are so essential to our day to day lives. It was with this thought in mind that we brought together Chris Wehman who’s produced countless videos for Green Frog Productions, Rodger Coleman who’s relatively new to model railroading and railfanning but already captured some great shots, plus or very own “Uncle” Dave Abeles who’s been trackside with a camera for as long as he can remember. Find yourself a comfortable chair, get the treadmill going or buckle up for that drive to work and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Kelly Questions: Chris Costello -
So, you can’t find a ski rack tall enough to hold your Batman snowboard, still trying to figure out why the engaging essence of your deodorant called “Salt of the Sea” smells more like worms in a can, or perhaps you’re trying to match the color of your 70’s avocado green refrigerator to paint your newly restored AMC Pacer. We can’t help with any of these problems, but we can help you waste another ninety minutes listening to the latest edition of “Kelly” Questions. This time we’ve managed to lure in another unsuspecting model railroad manufacturer with the promise of increased sales based on his ability to get the highest score possible. Chris Costello of JL Innovative stops by the studio to try his luck under the tin foil hat. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded packaging tape, a tall cool glass of acrylic caboose red and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #54 -
What can be said that hasn’t already been said about the crew here at the ole’ AML World Headquarters, an enthusiastic group of misfits getting together every so often to talk about their adventures and the folks they’ve encounter through the wonderful hobby of model railroading. On this episode of the “Fans,” the Queso Cowboy fills us in on his adventures at the “Iron Horse” ramble and all the other AMLer’s he saw that day. “Kelly” tells us all about the preparations being made at the Medford Railroad Park as the gang gets ready for a visit from Shane Wilson of ScaleTrains. The “Average Don” talks about Susan Herrick’s new car and Chris “the Registar” Atkins can barely contain his excitement about next year’s national NMRA convention in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It’s another great episode that’s sure to put you to sleep!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 200: Tom Barbalet -
Milestones are often times something to be celebrated and here at the ole’ AML Network we think Episode 200 is something definitely worth getting excited about. Thanks to the persistence of “Bruce the Mailboy,” the dedication of folks like the modeler simply known as “Kelly” and a host of others, we’ve arrived at a place many didn’t think was possible. Model Rail Radio played a significant role in the birth of this podcast and with that in mind we decided there was no one more suitable to be part Episode 200 than its creator Tom Barbalet. Tom was always available during the infancy of “a ModelersLife” ready to answer questions and offer advice. So, with that in mind it’s time to find a comfortable place on the couch with a refreshing beverage and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Waz' Happenin' with Mike Garland -
One of our favorite things to do here at the ole’ AML Network is making return visits with some of our more notable guests and this week we returned to the Seaboard Central only to find out they’d moved. After making some inquiries and carefully studying the YouTube channel, we were finally able to locate the new location and give the place a once over. It’s an exciting time for our favorite Norfolk Southern locomotive engineer with a brand-new location for his railroad and some exciting plans in the works. If you’ve ever considered having several workbenches in one location this is the podcast for you. Grab yourself a big bowl of birch plywood sawdust, a steaming hot mug yellow glue and enjoy!!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Kelly Questions: Mike Hauk -
It’s time once again for another exhilarating round of the Kelly Questions!! In this episode we travel to the shores of Lake Erie and the snowbound village of Fairview, Pennsylvania to visit with our favorite retired navy doctor. It’s an exciting episode with all the twists and turns you’ve come to expect from the Kelly Questions. Find out why Mike’s favorite spoken word song and Star Trek are one in the same. Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded snowblower drive-belts, a tall glass of melted yellow snow and enjoy!!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #95 -
It’s time once again for our voluminous ViewerMail from all across the globe as listeners write in with their comments and questions for our crack staff. Sentence structure isn’t important, composition isn’t important, we just want to know what’s on your mind and the three numbers on the back of your credit card. Whether you want to know about some of the best places to eat around Midwest Model Railroad or you’re anxiously awaiting to hear about the latest mystery solved by our very own Rich “the Wiz” Wisneski, ViewerMail is your round the clock source for the latest news, weather, and sports. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Waz' Happenin' with Chris "Fitness" Adams -
It’s always fun to talk with folks who are enthusiastic about the hobby but when you stop to think about it, I’m not sure we’ve ever talked to anyone that’s not excited about being involved in this great community of model railroading. Are next guest is no stranger to regular listeners and certainly doesn’t lack enthusiasm. This edition of Waz’ Happenin’ features the one and only Chris “Fitness.” Whether he’s fretting over the next section of backdrop, finishing up another great magazine article or trying to figure out what color to paint the fascia it’s always fun to hear why he’s doing what he does. So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded discarded backdrops, a tall cool glass of old Pullman green paint and enjoy!!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #6 -
It’s time once again for more adventures with “Uncle” Dave and there’ was so much ground to cover we just simply ran out of time. There’s an interesting discussion on what guest operators can bring to a layout and how giving the layout host a great experience is important. We discover more about the Minoa & Euclid railroad, a branch-line railroad that appeared on the cover of Railroad Model Craftsman in February 2022. Plus, a guided tour of the Station Inn alongside the Norfolk Southern mainline in Cresson, Pennsylvania and some of the best railfanning spots in and around Horseshoe Curve. So pull up a chair, lean back with your favorite beverage as we try to keep up with all the comings and goings of “Uncle” Dave. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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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. Click Here For the Free Download |
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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. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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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? |
