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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...
Recent Episodes...
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John Farrington Hanging Out With "the TableMaster" -
This podcast covers a wide range of subjects, everything from flying around the globe while occasionally listening to your favorite model railroad podcast, being an avid member of the AML Nation and frequent visitor to the Greenville and Northern Railroad owned by our very Scott “the TableMaster” Lister, John Farrington has a wealth of knowledge about the hobby and a very interesting career. John day job is a corporate pilot on privately Challenger 350 plus he’s a frequent visitor to Greenville North Carolina. This podcast was originally supposed to be broadcast on the free channel but instead our Patreon subscribers get first dibs. Mostly because the Evel Overlord was a gushing fanboy and lost control of the recording in the early stages. Nevertheless it’s a fun interview and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 247: Ray Persing -
The NMRA Achievement Program also known as the “AP” is a guide to help you master the many crafts and skills necessary in the hobby of model railroading. As you get more proficient in of each of the skills, you can through various means have your work judged by others and if certain standards are met, will be issued a certificate acknowledging your achievement and work towards becoming a Master Model Railroader. Getting involved in the AP program is incredibly easy and recently a good friend of the AML Nation was announced as the new chairman of the Achievement Program. Ray Persing, a lifelong model railroader and all-round good guy stepped up to the plate to take over this important role from his predecessor Frank Koch who’d held the position for many years. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #124 -
It’s time once again to answer our voluminous ViewerMail from members of the AML Nation all across the globe. This ViewerMail marks the start of a new “Aviation Corner” jingle produced by none other than our very own “Mr. Jingles.” The show and all of it’s intricacies continues to grow at an astounding pace with all sorts of interesting questions. On this version of the mail there’s a great discussion about newer decoders and their lack of compatibility and whether there’s anything the NMRA can do about it. This is a fun edition of the mail and one we’re sure will hurt your ears. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Kelly Questions Round #75 with Emory Lehman III -
Just like that old bean casserole that you found in the back of the freezer from your Aunt Mildred at Thanksgiving four years ago, or the twenty bucks you find in an old pair of jeans, this version of the “Kelly Questions” has aged like a fine wine. Emory Lehman III is a locomotive engineer for the BNSF and a longtime member of the AML Nation. After stopping by to remind us we’d forgotten about his attempt at the hobby’s most hard-hitting collection of questions, he tries on the tin-foil hat. There’s also a brief discussion about an upcoming showcase on the Iron City N-Scalers Facebook page. It’s a fun podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fireside Chat with Chris Adams #5 -
It’s not often that worlds collide but when they do, it can be scary, curious, interesting, or just downright nerve-racking. On this version of the “Fireside Chat” with Chris Adams not only do we find out how complicated it is to model the first couple of blocks of Washington Street in Middletown, Connecticut, circa autumn of 1948 but we also discover the long unsolved case of the “Topside Creeper.” The New Haven “Valley Local” is easily one of the nicest home layouts you’ll ever come across and one of the main reasons is the meticulous attention to detail that layout owner Chris Adams likes to focus on. On this version of the “Chat” Chris tells us about how he and Bill Schneider lower one section of the layout less than an inch to authentically recreate a selected downtown portion of Middletown and some of the hand wringing involved to accomplish this task. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 246: Ron Bohin -
Hey “yinz,” this is a really good podcast but unless you understand Pittsburgh slang you might not understand it all. Fortunately while our next guest is a lifelong resident of the area where three rivers converge to create the once hallowed ground known as “Three Rivers Stadium,” home to the “Immaculate Reception.” Ron Bohin is an avid O-Scale three rail modeler who graduated from school qualified to be aircraft mechanic, which of course explains how he ended up working for U.S. Steel and eventually became a locomotive engineer. Then after that successful career, it was time to move on to the Port Authority of Allegheny County, now known as Pittsburgh Regional Transit. They needed signal maintainers and when Ron submitted his resume it seemed as though, no one else could be better qualified. If you’re as confused as we are, it’s time to fire up the Motorola and give a listen to this podcast, it’s actually pretty good!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #123 -
It’s time once again to answer our voluminous ViewerMail and before we could even get started the modeler simply known as “Kelly” was pulled away to a very important call about all the going’s on at Medford Railroad Park. Fortunately a disaster was averted and we able to carry on with the show. The “Queso Cowboy” stops by to fill us in on all the great layouts and modelling he saw during the Mid-Atlantic RPM meet. Jerry Britton filled us in on the upcoming Central “Pennsylvania Short Lines Railroad RPM” meet coming up in the year 2025 and you can check out the website here: https://rpm.pennsyrr.com It’s another great collection of ViewerMail that we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #21 -
Once again, it’s time for another great discussion with “Uncle” Dave, so warm up the Motorola, get comfortable with a warm cup of cocoa as we settle in for a “Fireside Chat” with one of the hobby’s most interesting personalities. There’s lots to talk about and even some friendly fire as “Uncle” Dave takes exception with some of the Evel Overlord’s opinions about the NMRA. Plus, we pay homage to one of the great model railroaders of the modern era, Paul Dolkos whose contribution to the hobby has been extensive over the last fifty years. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Chris Atkins and Tom Jacobs, Together Again -
Big Men and their big layouts… It’s been a while since we’ve been able to get Chris Atkins and Tom Jacobs together in the same studio to discuss their big layouts, housed in dedicate out buildings on sprawling properties just outside two major metropolitan areas. Chris located in Denton, Texas not far from the Dallas-Fort Worth Area and even closer to Argyle, Texas… Home of the “Fighting Socks.” While Tom’s layout is located just east of Philadelphia on his sprawling oversized suburban neighborhood lot. You can check out both of these great layouts on Facebook at “HO Scale Sheridan and Everywhere West” and “Tom Jacobs’ 1970’s Reading Company Reading Division in HO Scale.” There’s lots of great discussion including Chris Atkins talk of downsizing to a North Carolina home with a fifty-three hundred-second floor that just begs to have the next great model railroad built in it. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 245: Norm Charbonneau -
Have ever wanted to see one of the best model railroads in the world, one that will take your breath away, one that seems so real it could easily be used a movie set. Well after an exhaustive search by our crack investigative reporters here at the ole’ AML Network, we’ve discovered just such a model railroad not from Detroit or as we like to refer to… HockeyTown U.S.A. One of the greatest assets of this hobby is the ability to express oneself artistically, while still be able to enjoy so much more and our next guest Norm Charbonneau has managed to squeeze every last ounce out of what this hobby has to offer. His YouTube channel about his 3-Rail O Gauge layout is full of beautiful scenes of glamorous Pennsy steamers running through magnificent scenery plus tons of how-to’s about all sorts of interesting projects. This is a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! https://www.youtube.com/@normstrains Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #122 -
It’s time once again to answer our voluminous ViewerMail. Whether it’s Shawn Karney telling us how much fun he had at TomStock or Richard Shirey talking about the latest fireside chat with “Uncle” Dave, you can be sure this edition of “the mail” will be the most exciting thing you’ve come across since Aunt Mildred won the pie eating contest at your local county fair. So sit back and relax while the gang at the AML Studios in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky, try to understand how to fold a king-sized fitted sheet without any instructions. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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T-Trak World Record -
T-Trak is one of the easiest ways for any individual to get started in the hobby of model railroading. Building a small one-foot square module can easily help speed up the learning process of building a layout of any size, plus there’s numerous groups to join where you can join with others to create sizeable layouts to run your favorite equipment. One of the most prolific T-Trak modelers is Andy Zimmerman who when he’s not busy being head of the Standards and Conformance Department for the NMRA has built dozens of modules strictly for the enjoyment of participating. Now he’s here to tell us all about the T-Trak world record attempt at the NMRA’s national convention coming up in 2026 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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All-Star Variety Hour #55 -
It’s another exciting edition of the All-Star Variety Hour with exciting guests, mediocre hosts and an audience that struggles to stay awake. This time we chat with “the Professor” about some of his frustrations with JMRI, plus we chat about some of the problems and solutions with getting space at the next train show. Next up is our resident freshly retired Norfolk Southern locomotive engineer Todd Treaster about the challenges he’ll be facing in retirement and all the exciting possibilities the future holds. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 243: Robin Felder -
Model railroading, or railway modeling, in Switzerland is alive and well, with many of the country’s hobbyists focusing on North American prototypes. We first met our guest several years ago as he was wrapping up a career as a locomotive engineer and beginning a new career as a police officer. Our guest Robin Felder is a big fan of Norfolk Southern Railroad and brass locomotives in general, plus weathering HO scale equipment for himself and others is what keeps him busy when he’s not in training to become one of Switzerland’s finest. There’s also a philosophical discussion about the hobby and where it’s headed plus information about the local hobby scene. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #121 -
And the hits just keep on coming!! It's another version of our always interesting always exciting ViewerMail !!! On this edition of the mail the crew gets down to some hip tunes from years gone by and find out there's nothing Mr. Jingles can't play!! Rodger Coleman stops by to reveal some of his favorite music and reminisce about his as roady for the the group "Sonic Youth" and his adventures in the mosh pit. Blake George a.k.a. George Blake gives a tip of the to "Mr. Fitness." There's an in depth discussion on different brush cleaning techniques and a visit to the way back machine. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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John Doehring and the NMRA -
Answering ViewerMail is one of our favorites here at the ole’ AML studios, whether it's pro or con, it’s a chance to connect with your audience, hear their thoughts, and engage in meaningful dialogue, even when the feedback is critical. Recently John Doehring the Eastern of representative the NMRA’s board of directors took exception to some our views about the way the organization is being run and sent us a very thoughtful and insightful email stating his concerns. This is a special edition of ViewerMail with John and some of the regular AML crew to discuss some of those concerns. It’s a great podcast with plenty of back and forth, in fact the discussion was so interesting we only managed to get halfway through and invited John back for a second episode. It’s a great podcast and one I’m sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fireside chat with Bradd "the Professor" Williamson -
There’s always something new to learn here at the ole’ AML Network, on this version of the fireside chat, we talk to “the Professor” about N-Scale, online auctions, Montana RailLink, and how many locomotives is to many. There’s also discussion about life in central Pennsylvania can be a unique experience onto itself and if you’re railfan, it’s a treasure trove of history and short line railroads. The “Professor” puts on his therapist hat as the “Evel Overlord” describes adventures with his neighbour to the north. (a.k.a. Flanders) So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded auctioneers aprons, a tall cool glass of sprinkler water and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Garden City Modelworks and KV Models -
What happens when you take two guys who are excited about the hobby of model railroading, add some raw talent with electronics and over the top details?? You get John McGuire of Garden State Modelworks LLC and Scott Lupia of KV Models with his specialty, etched detail parts. Aside from yelling at people across the aisle from their booth at the Springfield Train Show it’s been a very successful union between these two friends. Scotts foray into the world of 3-D printing, has also created some new possibilities for his friend John, and we discover some new ways of doing business in the model railroad industry. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Garden City here: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089120436214 KV Models here: kvmodels.com/ Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #120 -
It’s time once again for another edition of our exciting voluminous ViewerMail, tonight we learn how His Worship “the Mayor of Hornepayne” has interests in European railroading and the locomotives of ESU. We also hear from everybody’s favorite structure builder “Scoootterr” as the crew discusses the length of time it’s taking him to complete the Queso Cowboy’s station and the professor stops by to tell us how emotional it was at Tomstock 2024, when the “Scoootterr” presented him with his station. There’s much much more on this edition of ViewerMail but we don’t want to spoil the surprise and remember there’s always film at eleven. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 243: John Caffarelli -
Go west young man, these were the words that our next guest followed, leaving behind a beautiful model railroad that had been started in his parent’s mid-western basement. After spending several years refining his weathering techniques our next guest is thinking about the next great layout. With law school successfully behind him, we decided here at the ole’ AML Network it was time to catch up with John Cafarelli and find out what he’s been up to. It’s a great podcast with some weathering techniques. Suggestions of other, YouTube channels to watch and plenty of interesting conversation. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fireside Chat with Chris Wehman -
Fireside chats are becoming a regular thing here at the ole’ AML Network, one on one conversations with some of the hobby’s most interesting folks and no matter who we talk to, there’s always more material to cover then we have time for This time railroad videographer extraordinaire, Chris Wehman stops by for another visit to bring us up to date on another one of his cool railfanning trips to record railroading east of the Mississippi. This trip was with his longtime friend Jordan Long as they managed to record twenty-two trains in fourteen hours through places such as Bridgeport, Stevenson and Decatur, Alabama. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chats #20 -
It’s time for another healthy chat with your favorite “Uncle Dave.” Whether it’s discussing Scandinavian model railroaders, or the future of journalism in this great hobby of ours, you can be sure, that “Uncle Dave” has some well thought out opinions. This chat features a great story about visiting the home Tony Koester one of the most iconic names in the hobby. “Uncle” Dave took his sons Teddy and Pete to see Tony’s wonderful Nickel Plate layout and by all accounts everyone had a great time. Dave also discusses his excitement of purchasing a couple TOFC cars from Rapido Trains. Plus somebody pushed the wrong button and there’s Rapido commercials where you’d never expect them. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #119 -
It’s time once again to answer our always fabulously, very interesting, always overflowing, voluminous ViewerMail. This month as always, we hear from several different AML fans with lots of concerns, comments, suggestions, and occasionally odd question. (Those of course come from our beloved “Kelly”) Craig Williams was concerned about the grilling of the guests by the Evel Overlord, but agreed RPM meets could be somewhat more organized, and during the ensuing discussion it was discovered there is in fact an RPM Facebook page called “National RPM Meets.” We manage to forward an email for LeRoy Oddie to our friend Ken McCorry, and finally Marcus Neubacher gave us the latest racing round up on the AML Nation’s, number 42 Legends Car piloted by our very own Benjamin “Rocket” Rogers. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 242: Ryan Thoman and White Rose Hobbies -
What happens when you take a dream, start small and end up with one of the most comprehensive hobby stores east of the Mississippi?? This was the vision of our next guest Ryan Thoman the owner of White Rose Hobbies a full line hobby shop located in York, Pennsylvania right there on the Lincoln Highway. Originally in a bedroom of his parent’s home it wasn’t long until the store occupied a seven hundred square foot space. During this time Ryan started to work for Norfolk Southern and then a few years later his friend told him of a great location owned by his family and today’s version of the store was born. Plus, we find out what the future of Bethlehem Car Works is and why you should never purchase some else’s layout. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Patrick Moore and Bradd Williamson -
So you’re asking yourself what could an army Colonel, who’s an Iraqi war veteran, possibly have in common with a high school physics teacher from Central Pennsylvania?? Well the answer is simple, nothing, unless of course you add in the secret ingredient that’s created so many lifelong friendships for people who likely would never have crossed paths. Model railroading is a glue that’s helped build so many great friendships. The Iron City N-Scale group is a true example of this, born from a friendship between Patrick Moore and Bradd Williamson the group has grown to over 1200 members from all over the world, coming together with one common bond. Enjoy the hobby of model railroading as much as possible together. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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What's Jason Doing Now?? -
It’s time for another thrilling episode of what’s happening at Rapido Trains?? This time our intrepid hero Jason Shron is all hot and sweaty having just arrived from a family outing with his restored fishbowl TTC bus. (Toronto Transit Commission) On this addition of what’s “Jason Doing Now??” The only man to have a licensing agreement with Conrail, (“Uncle” Dave) his on knees with hands clasped asking for a C30-7a, while Jason is trying to find enough customers that are desperate for a MLW S13 switcher. It’s another exciting podcast, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded handrails, a tall cool glass of left-over soda found on the Rapido bus and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #118 -
It’s time once again to answer our voluminous ViewerMail and as always, the AML Crew managed to take two hours from your life that you’ll never get back. On this edition of the mail, we hear from Jessica Paulson the official Roller Derby Queen of the AML Nation fills our head with all sorts of technical information that none of us will ever remember. Next up, we hear from our very own Benjamin “Rocket” Rogers, driver of the AML Nation, Lister Properties number forty-two legends car at who won at Charlotte Motor Speedway in only his third time out. Blake George wants to know how he can get a Lister Hover Homes T-shirt and fills us in about all goings on at the Penn State Model Railroad clubs. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded derby programs, a tall cool glass of used motor oil and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 241: Todd Treaster Part Deux -
It’s part two of the Todd Treaster, twenty-seven-part trilogy, and in this episode, aside from learning that our guest is single-handedly keeping the N-Scale industry alive, we also learn how to build big city backdrops. Todd details how he re-created downtown Pittsburgh in a very realistic manner, and we try to talk him into writing up an article for Railroad Model Craftsman. This is a great podcast and one that we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Drayton Blackgrove Part Two -
What happens when you put two of the best railfan videographers in North America on the same podcast? You get tons of entertaining stories, lots of information about making videos and tips about how to make your own videos the best they can be. Drayton Blackgrove and Chris Wehman are those two guys more than happy to share some of their secrets and help you make your videos some of the finest on the Internet. These guys are going to be on the podcast plenty in the years to come and it’s only gonna get better and better. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Retail Wars Rebuttal with Shane Wilson -
With a commitment to quality and the customers they serve ScaleTrains has become one of the leading manufacturers in the model railroad industry. Shane Wilson has been the captain of the ship since the beginning and has faithfully led his team and the company through some stormy weather, but always with a smile and a determination to make his product one of the best. After the podcast entitled, “Retail Wars,” Shane didn’t necessarily agree with everything that was said and asked if he could have a chance to rebut some of the comments and give his point of view which, which we were happy to do, and that’s what this podcast is, an honest discussion about the industry, retail sales and the future. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fireside with "Mr. Fitness" Chris Adams -
It’s time for another productive “Fireside Chat” with our pal Chris Adams who unfortunately never has anything to talk about, unless of course we ask him about the control stand he installed in New Haven S-1 locomotive, the non-turbo version. We had arranged for comfortable seating to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere so that we might learn new techniques or be inspired to tackle some of our own more difficult projects. We also learn about visiting other layouts, driving in blinding rainstorms and the disappointment of viewing Manchester, New Hampshire from the interstate. Chris talks about the importance of the proper adhesive for backdrops and Mike Confalone’s fabulous Allagash Railway. It’s another great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 240: Richard Shirey -
So you’re asking yourself what do Henry Mancini, West Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Tony Dorsett, the Conway Yard and the Norfolk Southern have in common with our next guest?? Well basically nothing other than all these people and places were mentioned on this podcast as we discovered the secret of hollow core door layouts. Richard Shirey has been working for the Norfolk Southern for over a decade and has a vast knowledge of all things railroading and in particular, railroading in the Western Pennsylvania area. We were introduced to Richard by our good friend Bradd “the Professor” Williamson who claimed to have a vast knowledge of our guest. So grab a big bowl of shredded sheet music, a tall cool glass of horn spit and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #117 -
Answering ViewerMail for can sometimes be a lot more difficult than it seems, it’s always fun, and other times it can send stabbing pains down your neck if “Kelly” starts to read ahead. ViewerMail requires balancing critical feedback with encouragement and addressing concerns, like asking the “TableMaster” why he’s making so much noise while still maintaining a positive tone. However, it's always best if you're metaphorically equipped to handle the unexpected, usually wearing a green shirt and a blue hat while riding an alligator can often symbolize being prepared for just about anything while staying calm under pressure and having a sense of humor. Or… This ViewerMail Flight #117 could be considered a colossal waste of your time and you’d have been better to reorganize your sock draw while slamming your head into the nearest door post. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #19 -
Almost everybody has a favourite relative, whether it’s cousin Eddie who borrows your favorite HO scale SD70ACE, or Aunt Sally who’s always ready with a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Here at the ole’ AML Nation, our favorite relative is none other than “Uncle” Dave who’s always ready with a story or helping hand, as we travel through the hills and valleys of our model railroad experience. This month Dave talks about his desire for Rapido Trains to finally make his beloved C30-7a and talk about all the trials and tribulations of his new yard book from Kalmbach. (or somebody) As always, it’s a fun chat with our favorite relative, so sit back with a big bowl of shredded Conrail schedules, a tall cool glass of writer’s ink and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #116 -
What can be said about ViewerMail that hasn’t already been said, it’s fun to hear from listeners from all over the globe and even more fun to read with all the gang at AML World Headquarters in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky!! So grab yourself a comfortable spot on the couch beside your cousin Eddie with a big bowl of shredded Australian road maps, a tall cool glass of BBQ shrimp juice and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 239: Drayton Blackgrove -
Everybody’s got a YouTube channel nowadays, whether it’s Larry showing you how to change that all important sprinkler head, Jennie taking the family dog for a walk, or dinner at Aunt Martha’s house. There isn’t much you can find you can’t find on YouTube. However in our never-ending quest to make each moment of our listeners life’s better than the last, we’ve scoured the internet and found one of the best railfanning channels on the world wide web. Delay in Block Productions was started by Drayton Blackgrove in 2011 and along with our very own Chris Wehman, we find out what it’s like to be a premier track-side railroad videographer in North America. This is a great episode and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
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the Industry -
The Model Railroad industry continues to grow, with accessibility to the hobby better than ever, people from all over the world can connect. Small businesses can get a foothold in the marketplace and bigger manufacturers have more opportunities to identify exactly what it is the customer wants We decided it was time to get three successful industry leaders on the podcast to discuss what makes the hobby manufacturing great and some of the pitfalls of model railroad retail. Lorne James owns Otter Valley Railroad and produces his own line of freight cars. Matt Dowd owns Resourced Rails, devoted exclusively to refurbishing and reselling brass locomotives. Ron Klaiss started Mine Mount Models just a few short years ago to laser cut kits and has since branched out into 3-D printing. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Viewermail Flight #115 -
So what exactly is an RPM meet and where’s the best place to find a comprehensive listing of all the events in the coming year? That’s easy, just head over to Eric Hansmann’s blog to find a listing of all the meets during the calendar year. Dave Owens is the head poo bah of a Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet, running this event with his crew for two decades. So it seemed like a good idea to bring these two gentlemen together to talk about Eric’s event calendar and all things RPM. So get yourself a big bowl of shredded calendars, a tall cool glass of New England stream water and enjoy!! Eric's Blog: https://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/ Click Here For the Free Download |
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Viewermail Flight #115 -
It’s time once again to answer our copious amounts of ViewerMail and discuss all of the exciting happenings with various members of the AML Nation’s crew. Whether it’s Blake, George singing the praises of Bachman or telling us about his YouTube channel about decoder installations in Thomas the Tank Engine, you’ll be riveted to the family Motorola. Hard Part fills in for the Mailboy and tells us all about his adventures with Doc Gartner riding speeders and having brunch. Scooter tells us about his latest invention the “Zipper Tool” to help with the installation shingles and the crew helps negotiate a deal, Chris Costello. There’s also discussion about Scooter’s vacation and his love of “Rock Shrimp” at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, Florida. Sit back and relax because this podcast is shrimply the best!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 238: Cam Nealy Again?? -
The world is changing and so is the hobby of model railroading with an ever-increasing number of people whose primary interaction with the hobby has been via the world wide web. This is part two of talking with a twenty-six-year-old hobbyist who’s built a fantastic layout, with a countless number of incredibly well done instructional and operational videos. Kelly stops the show with one good question and Cam Nealy, takes us through the construction of his Marias Pass railroad and why he changed from Crawford Hill. The hobby is indeed changing with a tsunami of new modelers coming and sooner or later, will all be covered in model railroad goo. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Kelly Questions #74: Dave Ramos -
Some things are just better with age, fine wines, cheese, classic cars, the list is endless and here at the old AML Nation we’ve discovered that perhaps one of the best things that improves over time is the Kelly Questions. Deep in the back of the freezer where keep our podcasts fresh we found this classic from 2020. An opportunity to dig deep into the soul of model railroaders around the globe, and this particular version of the questions featuring Dave Ramos definitely got better with age, plus we hear from our old friend Kaylee Zheng. The scoring is tight at the end, and we even have an introduction from “Uncle” Dave to help set the scene. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #18 -
It’s time once again for another edition of “Uncle” Dave’s Fireside chat and as usual no topic is left uncovered from improvements to the Onondaga Cutoff blog, witnessing the eclipse in full darkness to model railroad operations with his two boys Teddy and Pete on Ted Pamperin’s exquisite C&O Hinton Division in HO scale. Plus, we hear about being the keynote speaker at this year’s Island Ops. But wait there’s more, what happens when the epicenter of a 4.8 earthquake is less three miles from your home in Lebanon, New Jersey and you’re at work in at Newark’s Penn Station. Aside from your family being on the local Fox News Station and being part of the earthquake protocol for the rail side of New Jersey Transit, it’s just another typical day in the life of “Uncle” Dave. So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded safety forms, a tall cool glass of Passaic River water and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #114 -
So you’re asking yourself what are the benefits of listening to fewer mail?? Frankly speaking, there are no benefits, unless you consider that when it’s over those annoying voices in your head are there to keep you company. On this version of ViewerMail were joined by our very own Chris “Snacks” Wehman, is worship the mayor of Hornepayne George Taylor, the modeler simply known as “Kelly”, Bruce the Mailboy, Scooter, the “Professor” and Mary Ann on a three-hour tour. Following the podcast please be careful because your will be head swollen, filled with useless information and off-the-wall topics. We do how reach an historic low by answering only three emails, discover “Snacks” has been selling photographs to every Class One railroad in America and the Professor has a foul mouth. So grab yourself a big bowl shredded emails, a tall cool glass of lighter fluid and enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 237: Todd Treaster -
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own one of the most complete collections of N-Scale in the world and a beautifully completed basement sized layout to run all that equipment on?? Well, here’s your chance to hear from the man himself Todd Treaster, with 22,000 freight cars, 2,300 passenger cars and 2,800 locomotives on a 35 x 38’ layout. But wait there’s more, Todd has been a locomotive engineer with the Norfolk Southern for almost thirty years and is about to retire. Aside from telling us about his great layout he regales with stories of running helpers across Horseshoe Curve and operating the Norfolk Southern’s office car special to places like Latrobe, Pennsylvania. This is a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Railfanning by Air -
We could say that this edition of the ModelersLife podcast is about the publishing industry and such great magazines as Southern Aviator, the Traveling Angler, and Model Railroader but to be more accurate, this podcast is really about railfanning from the right-hand seat of a 1956 Piper TriPacer. Marcus Neubacher‘s father was not only an avid aviator, but an aspiring writer and with the help of his son wrote a very interesting article about railfanning from the air. Unfortunately, Marcus never planned on telling us about it until we got him into a 10 x 10 room with no windows and a spotlight. And now we have the rest of the story, plus we talk about the end of Kalmbach and the North Carolina Transportation Museum. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Fans pf the AML Part #74 -
Are you ready for TomStock 2024?? The Queso Cowboy’s Birthday Round Up?? Of course we’ve brought together some of your favorite AML regulars from across the nation to talk about this year’s great events. We’ll kick off with ceremonial leaving the Evel Overlord behind for Wednesday’s dinner at the Shady Maple, then ride the Reading and Northerns RDC to Jim Thorpe PA. Friday will be Jerry Britton‘s fabulous cheese ball run across Pennsylvania and then finally the great barbecue with and the golden spike ceremony on Queso’s fabulous Reading layout. It’s going to be another fabulous AML gathering and here with all the details is that affable crew you’ve come to know and love. Enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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Martyn Jenkins Returns -
You’ve heard him on that snoozer podcast “Around The Layout” and now here’s your chance now to listen to Martyn Jenkins without falling asleep. Martyn got his podcasting start on the ole’ AML Network and is now busily making his way around the circuit as the Worldwide Director at Large for the NMRA, doing great things in the field of education and bringing the hobby to as many people as possible. There’s also a great discussion and explanation of the fantastic new product called Blumami that according to Martyn, is the biggest thing to hit model railroading since the advent of sound. There is even a little bit of major league baseball history for all you sports buffs. Enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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NERPM (Excuse Me) -
On this episode of a ModelersLife, our friend, the always popular Dave Owens returns to the AML studios to bring us up to date on the latest happenings in NERPM. (Excuse me) As can be expected since last year, the gang of the Northeast/New England Railroad Prototype Modeler‘s Meet, have a closed down another hotel, and have moved on to better digs with the help of the Amherst Railway Society. Dave of course is once again his fun-loving self, with lots of information about this months this year’s event, plus we discuss all the clinics and after the Evel Overlord screws up again, Ted DiIorio’s name is officially changed to Teddy Dee!! Enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #113 -
Once again, it’s time for our voluminous ViewerMail and whether your interest is deeply rooted in cheeseballs, or you thought for some time you’d like a home that could be easily located at any of your favorite railfanning spots this is the podcast for you!! Next year, Springfield could see one of the finest demonstrations of cheese ball mania, and it’s all right here. Plus, we discover that are very own TableMaster has been holding out on us all these years with a very lucrative business built around “Hover Homes.” Of course there’s plenty of exciting email to answer so once again and as always, this is one podcast you’ll want to easily forget, at least after the pain subsides. Enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 236: Gordy Robinson -
Here’s a question for everyone in the AML Nation, how many times is too many times to chat with our illustrious NMRA President, Gordy Robinson?? Not sure of the answer?? None of us here at the old AML headquarters know the answer either, but we’re thinking it’s probably something like, to infinity and beyond!! The crew was lucky enough to catch up with Gordy Robinson at his parents’ home just before heading to the local infirmary for some surgery and finding out how many of the doctors and nurses he could sign up for memberships to the NMRA. Also Gordy tells us about another great way to save on your NMRA membership. It’s another excellent Gordy Robinson interview. Enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
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PhotoShop Do's and Dont's -
There’s a dead possum on the track,” there’s a statement you just don’t hear every day but when it comes to getting the perfect railfanning shot you might not have a choice. With today’s technology and some limited knowledge of working with the different photo editing software available today, the possum can be removed and the perfect shot that never actually existed in the first place, is available for everyone to enjoy. When it comes to model railroad photography the ability to alter photos has changed the game completely, but the real question is… How much is to much. We decided to ask one of today’s experts in the field of model railroad journalism, Otto Vondrak the editor of Railroad Model Craftsman for his opinion and guidance. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Great Layouts Part Two -
It’s time for “Great Layouts Part Two” and in this episode, we cover everything from how important snacks are and if snacks are important at all. Obviously, we must all agree that abundant and plentiful snacks make for great model railroad operations, but even more importantly, when visiting one of the fabulous layouts that populate the North American landscape layout, you must approach with the attitude that you are there to bring the layout owners model railroad to life and make him feel rewarded for a job well done. There’s plenty of discussion on how and where to get experience operating model railroads and that makes for some great back and forth chatter amongst the panel members. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #112 -
Still can’t find the best souvenirs for your favorite roller derby team. You just got back from Springfield, and you can’t find any room for all the stuff you bought?? Well fear not the gang from the AML Nation is here once again to solve these problems and many more as our knowledgeable, and sometimes interesting listeners write in to keep us informed about what’s happening in their world of model railroading. The Evel Overlord helps guide our crew to answer another five emails in two hours while you try not to dose off. It’s a torrid pace that will leave you exhausted in your favorite easy chair but satisfied with the knowledge that once again you could have been much better off spending the time cleaning that old pair of sneakers. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Chris Wayman, YouTube Influencer -
Chris Wehman is becoming an increasingly popular guest on ModelersLife with a fabulous N-Scale layout, tons of enthusiasm for the hobby, unparalleled railfanning videographer skills, devoted to replicating model railroad operations and a burning desire to make this hobby of model railroading, as much fun for every around him as it is for himself. Well, it turns out he’s now a bona fide, YouTube influencer in the hobby of model railroading featuring Scale Trains N-Scale, SD 40–2 on his layout and while hosting a very informative video with tons of great information about the locomotive. This podcast was lots of fun to record, and it’ll be even more fun to listen to. Thanks for Listening!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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NJT (Rail Division) 40th Anniversary -
On a cold day January of 1983, New Jersey Transit rail operations began and quickly started to transform an ageing and destroyed railroad into one of the premier passenger railroads in all of North America. To celebrate, NJT along with the United Railroad Historical Society, created the 40th Anniversary Express and two of our very own AML regulars (“Uncle” Dave and “the Wiz”) along with several other dedicated NJT employees were key players in the development of the train. With a limited number of lucky riders boarding at New York’s Penn station or the Newark Penn station, they headed for South Amboy, where passengers witnessed a re-creation of the same famous locomotive swap. Dave Abeles and Rich Wisneski stopped by the ole’ AML studios to give us a firsthand account of how this all came together. It’s a great podcast, and well worth a listen. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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All-Star Variety Hour #54 -
It’s time for another star studded, All-Star Variety Hour with some of the biggest names in the hobby, and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. John Sacerdote the Director of the big Springfield Model Train Show held each year at the end of January and YouTube sensation Ron Marsh, who’s channel Ron’s Trains N’ Things continues to grow each week, are both interesting enough to for their own one-on one interview. We had meant to include John‘s interview in one of our previous Springfield Reports, but got distracted by Ron Marsh who kept pestering us about stopping by the ModelersLife Studios for another interview. Dave Owens gives us some great insight into what goes on behind the scenes at Springfield while Ron Marsh talks about what it takes to create an awesome YouTube channel. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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ViewerMail Flight #111 -
It’ takes a considerable amount of effort and fortitude to get all the email electrons organized so that our “ViewerMail” can be answered in chronological order, it’s even more pressure trying to get those loveable numb skulls from the AML crew to arrive on time and give thoughtful comments and suggestions as each or email is read. However, all is not lost as once again we’ve managed to help thousands of people waste another two hours of their valuable time simply by listening to the unending drivel of others. There’s one fact that cannot be denied about the AML Nation we deliver, it’s the only place to hear authentic model railroad gibberish while we occasionally construct a meaningful sentence. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Episode 235: Cam Nealy Revisited -
It’s always fun to revisit old friends in the AML Nation and we’ve travelled all the way to Missoula, Montana for a catch-up with Cam Nealy. There’s been big changes since our visit with a new emphasis on Marias Pass. Staging yardage have been removed. Track arrangements changed, and the whole layout has a new meaning with helper districts being the emphasis of operations. Cam has built a beautiful layout and then this first installment. I understand why the changes were made. It’s a great layout it’s a great podcast and one more sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fireside Chat with Chris Fitness -
As winter turns to spring and the cherry blossoms bring the promise of warmer weather it’s time once again to head down the rails to Old Saybrook, Connecticut to spend quality time with everyone’s favorite sweater model Chris “Fitness.” After a hearty discussion about unfinished freight car kits and operating on the Valley Local, the chatter turned towards the opportunity to help others in the hobby. Chris Adams has been assisting his friend and fellow modeler Pete remove one layout in anticipation of a new one. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Springfield Report Part Four -
It’s Springfield Report number four where the action is exciting, and the interviews leave you hanging on every word. Once again, we sent out our intrepid reporter, the “Queso Cowboy” to find all the latest gossip in model railroading. In this episode, we talk with the Four County Society of Model Engineers, there’s another visit with Matt Stern from Bachman, Jim Wiggin with all the latest news from Athearn, and a visit with one of our favorite freight car manufacturers, David Leilbach of Tangent Scale Models. And if that’s not enough, some of the regular gang stop by to give their opinions on everything from the world cricket championships and travelling the highways and byways of America. It’s a great podcast and we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
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Fans of the AML Part #73 -
It’s not very often we introduce a new piece on the AML Network but it’s with great anticipation that we present the very newest segment on ModelersLife… “Hey Dude… Where’s My Shirt!!” As the Evel Overlord tries to compensate for the slow and tedious delivery of shirts owed to some our most devoted Patreon members. While it’s true some members have waited an extraordinary amount of time to receive their coveted AML Shirts available only to those who seek to support the AML Nation in the strongest way possible, rolling the dice to find out if their prized AML shirt will arrive just a few weeks, months or years later, can be very stressful. Plus, on this episode we seek to either enhance or destroy “Mr. Jingles” marriage by giving him travel advice and the best way to slip out of town undetected. So, pack your bags and clean up the spare room, Mr. Jingles may be coming to a town near you!! Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Springfield Report Part Three !! -
It’s part three of the “Springfield Interviews” and this time our very own Queso Cowboy takes to floor to get the latest scoop on what’s happening around the hobby. In this report Queso stops by Mine Mount Models to find out about their first limited edition kit, there’s a visit with Rudy from Garbely Publishing and a great chat with the folks at Valley HO Trak. Plus he checks in on all the latest news from Walthers before stopping by the White Rose Hobbies booth to discuss they’re recent acquisition of Bethlehem Car Works and finally Matt Herman from 3D Central tells us all about this great new company. So sit back with some week-old candy floss, left over soda from your brothers BBQ and enjoy!! Click Here For the Free Download |
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #17 -
It’s time for another “Fireside” chat with our very own “Uncle” Dave as we cover a virtual kaleidoscope of topics while the Evel Overlord tries to keep up with model railroading’s most excitable participants. “Uncle” Dave tells a very heartwarming story of meeting a family at Springfield that discovered him through his Facebook live series of videos, how much they meant to them and particularly their youngest son. There’s also lively discussion about Conrail hotspots, prototype versus freelance, the value of giving individuals credit for their work, the pros and cons of Barb’s famous butter tarts, the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles, New York that Scott Lister worked so hard to reproduce. Finally some debate about asking manufacturers to produce rare individual locomotives and freight cars for the model railroad public. It’s a great podcast and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Download This Podcast at: patreon.com/ModelersLife |
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Springfield Report Part Two -
It’s Part Two of the Springfield Reports with more exciting interviews, more headline grabbing quotes, and an opportunity to hear about some of the exciting action in and around the ModelersLife booth in the Better Living Center. In this episode, we hear from all sorts of different folks in the hobby, including Gordy Robinson the president of the NMRA, Bill Ford an avid AML listener, Matt Stern from Bachman, Kent Carrier from the R.I.T. club in Rochester, Brandon Bolwerk the travelling companion of “Mr. Jingles,” Michelle Kempema from the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, Matt Dawson one of the AML‘s favorite sons, and finally Otto Vondrak, the editor of Railroad Model Craftsman. It’s a great episode and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Click Here For the Free Download |
