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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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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!! |
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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!! |
Recent Episodes...
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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 |
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All-Star Variety Hour #25 -
We don’t use the term All-Stars lightly here at the ole’ AML Network but this episode of the “Stars” is truly out of this universe. Everything is covered, Tracy our Official Flight Attendant tells us about learning to identify locomotives using flash cards, Kaylee fills us in on what it’s like to stuff a decoder into a HO-Scale track mobile and finally MRN editor Tony Cook shares some product news. After all that we still find time to discuss the stellar acting career of Charlton Heston and disaster movies of the 70’s. So grab yourself a big bowl of airline pretzels, a steaming hot mug of spilled jet fuel and enjoy !! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Prototype Posse #4 -
It’s time to get crack-a-lacking here at the ole’ AML headquarters as the “Posse” rides into town once again singing show tunes and getting down to the oldies. In this exciting episode our fearless gang tries to decipher the difference between Class 1, 2 and 3 railroads, learns the true meaning of the word “demerge” and plays an exciting round of what’s your horn. The team discovers that “pool service” can mean more than checking chlorine levels in your neighbours backyard and that daily inspections are mandatory even in the bustling metropolis of downtown Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 151: David Heyde -
We here at the ole’ AML headquarters in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky are always looking for an opportunity to broaden our horizons and elevate our cultural standing in the community. Unfortunately we were unable to do that with our next guest but we did discover that being a world class horn player, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and model railroading goes together like ice cream and brownies. So grab yourself a seat upfront as we discover how classical music and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad live together under one roof. Enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
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All-Star Variety Hour #24 -
Still trying to figure out which boxed wine is best to serve while interviewing prospective new operators for the layout you’ve been dreaming about since the last time Toronto Maple Leafs won the cup?? You’ve decided to make some major changes in your life, unfortunately you’ve neglected to tell your wife so you’ve calmed your nerves by purchasing another one of Rapido’s Royal Hudson’s. You’re a closet Conrail fan so you started combing you’re hair like Dave Abeles with a plan of sneaking into an operating session at the “Onondaga Cutoff.” Kaylee’s rebuilding your locomotives and you’ve taken out a second mortgage to pay for all the detail parts. It’s another action packed version of the “Fans” podcast, so grab yourself a big plate of leftover hor d’oeuvers, a three gallon box of wine and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #24 -
Fabulous N-Scale layout, tools that will make your next model stand out from the rest, a dedicated model railroad store that’s growing like an over watered Chia Pet and much, much more all in one handy to use podcast. On this version of the Variety Hour we visit with Walker Embry-Texas Ranger, Tim Warris of FastTracks fame and visit with Lorne James the owner of Otter Valley Railroad, a very successful hobby shop in Southwestern Ontario. So sit right down in your favorite podcast chair with a cool refreshing beverage and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #75 -
We here at the ole’ AML Network can’t think of anything more exciting than sending a new SuperFan out into the world and that’s exactly what we did on this episode of ViewerMail. We also discussed BBQ etiquette, the Sturgis motorcycle rally and the possibilities of “Hard Part” and the “Evil Overlord” rooming together. We finally put the wheels in motion for a cage match between Adam Pinales and newcomer Scott Lister, the crew is in agreement that poutine is yummy and unanimously agree that the word party is actually two words... “Hard Part.” So grab yourself a big bowl of soggy poutine, a tall cool glass of BBQ sauce and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 150: Jim Lincoln -
Most people will tell say that to much chocolate is bad for you but for our next guest when it’s comes to model railroading you can never have to much chocolate. It’s seems as though Jim has done just about everything you can do when it comes to the hobby and still can’t get enough. From his earliest days of owning a trucking company, hiring on with the CSX, soldering together turnouts in his car, discovering Proto 48 and becoming a conductor on the MBTA. (Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority) It’s a great story and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy… Listening to Us… Listening to Others. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #20 -
What started out as another edition of the Prototype Posse turned into “Fans #20” when we suddenly found ourselves without a captain. We lit the sky with the AML bat signal, opened up a fresh bag of Cheetos and before you could say, “Holy Schnikees,” we had a show!! Hard Part dropped everything and rushed into the studio with a box of wine and a lovely cheese tray, the “Queso Cowboy” rushed in with his new laser cutter quickly making everyone party hats. Spoon regaled us with stories of the Milwaukee Road, Kaylee quietly toiled away on the rebuild of a Pratt and Whitney CFM56-3 while “the Boy Wonder” read the instructions. Within minutes the gang was creating some more ear grinding listening pleasure, so grab yourself a box of three week old cabernet and enjoy !! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Let's Hug it Out #4 -
It’s been a tough four months for everyone and in the AML Nation and this seemed as good a time as any to check in with some of our regulars to find out they’re coping with life. Before we knew it was the longest podcast in AML history with everything from audio checks to stopping by the local car lot to pick up some new wheels. Peter in England, Gordy in Scotland, Martyn in Australia, Neil in Hawaii plus many more. So find yourself a comfortable spot with a refreshing beverage and discover how “the Nation” is doing in these troubled times. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Prototype Posse #3 -
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about locomotive turbos is right here. Does your turbo lag under load, does it surge when it’s not suppose to or does it just explode unexpectedly when you’re only a few miles from the terminal?? And which of the different locomotive cabs do you prefer, Spartan, Wide cabs, (which aren’t any wider than regular cabs) Standard or the ever popular Crescent cab?? Plus the gang decides that the SD-70 with almost 6,000 units built since the early 90’s is one of their favorites. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded turbo fans, a tall glass of fire retardant foam and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Fans of the AML #19 -
In this episode of a ModelersLife we venture into the life of maybe the most energetic person we’ve met here at the ole’ AML network. Whether she’s busy being the executive director at one of the best model railroad experiences in the country or helping expand the knowledge of an enthusiastic child, Michelle can rarely be seen sitting still. So put down your jar of queso, strap yourself into the fastest coffee cup racer you can find and be prepared to enjoy a podcast full of twists and turns!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML #19 -
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to eat a million miles of red twizzlers, have you dreamed about watching the Queso Cowboy play with his food?? Well you’re in luck these subjects and more are covered in this episode of “Fans” plus we cover a wide range of other subjects as the AML Network dulls your brain cells for another week. Find out what it’s like to get a tattoo on a moving bus, “Hard Part” gets a package from home, find out how to spend $4,000 on a thirty cent and on top of all that we even crown and a new super fan from across the pond. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded stale licorice, a tall glass of green tattoo ink and enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Brokered Deals: Ron Marsh -
Here at the old AML network we’ve been wondering for quite some time now what exactly are those things that pop up from time to time on Ron’s Trains ‘N Things?? So we decided it was time for some hard hitting investigative journalism in an effort to find out exactly what the “things” are but unfortunately we were met with a series of vague answers and enough side-stepping to create a new dance craze. Ron Trains ‘N Things has been the official how-to video channel of the AML Network longer than “Kelly” has lived in one place. But what if we brought together two of our favorite Rons to create one of the best product review videos ever seen on YouTube?? Unfortunately that wasn’t possible but we did manage to create a moderately adequate podcast. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Springfield is a Go: John Sacerdote -
Train shows are being cancelled all over the world these days, one right after another and with the recent news that Milwaukee’s TrainFest won’t be happening this year we decided to find out what’s the status of the number one train show in America. The crack news team here at the AML Network scraped together enough cash to get bus tickets for the whole gang and made their way to Springfield, Massachusetts the home of the Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show to find out what the future holds for this great event. So grab yourself a bowl of shredded floor plans, a steaming hot mug of boiled hot dog water and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Dave Abeles: Remote Operations -
Imagine what it would be like to operate a train across Western New York’s Finger Lakes region while at the controls of a 7000 horsepower lash-up during Conrail’s golden era. The possibility of such an experience may be closer than you think as model railroaders all around the world face the new frontier remote operations. Remote dispatching has been a reality for several years now on the “Cutoff” but just like searching for a vaccine to save the world, Dave and his crew of wisdom keepers are trying to figure out better ways to bring the hobby closer to those who can’t necessarily attend operating sessions in person. Grab your notebook, your favorite fountain pen and get ready for another great podcast AML’s Uncle Dave. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
