What's that you say, you've missed the Kelly Questions... Well fear not, there back and better than ever. This time we test our old friend Ralph (Ralphie Boy) Renzetti and he comes through like a rusted 40 foot box car with wobbly wheels on a forgotten siding.

So sit back with pitcher full of warm beer and enjoy !!

         It’s time for our annual state of the hobby address with Joe Fugate, editor and publisher of Model Railroad Hobbyist. I was sure we’d been doing this for several years but Joe was convinced it was only our second time.

         We covered all sorts of interesting subjects and Joe was an excellent guest as always.

         So sit back with a steaming hot bowl of cookie dough ice cream and enjoy Episode #40, Joe Fugate.

Barry Silverthorn videographer extraordinaire invites us into his home, theme song and all. He tells us how to saw completed models in half and explains his workbench gets clutter. Enjoy !!

ViewerMail Flight #28 – I can’t for the life of me figure out what the American Motors Corporation was thinking when they designed the Pacer. But nevertheless here’s another valuable AML show as we once again motivate modelers all over the globe to work on their layouts.

ViewerMail is similar to the Swedish delicacy Surstromming, a Baltic Sea herring fermented with just enough salt used to prevent it from rotting. When opened it releases such a pungent aroma that it usually needs to be eaten outside. Sounds about right.

This episode we talk with Shane Wilson, who's not to be confused with Shane Murphy “The Cosmic Cowboy.”

Mr. Wilson is president of ScaleTrains.com, a brand new company in the model railroad hobby industry. Learn all about what it takes to start from scratch, while dealing with manufacturers in China… It’s fascinating.

So sit back, open up a fresh tin of Spam and prepare to be enlightened.

Jim talks about the first two shows he attended with his new employer JMD Plastics and we discuss all the fun we had at Milwaukee's TrainFest. we also discuss meeting Chris Atkins from Texas and visiting the North American Prototype Modelers (NAPM) layout.

Sit back with a big steaming hot bowl of Roasted Root Vegetable soup and enjoy !!

Bruce the Mailboy wants to be a Master Model Railroader and Miles is convinced he can do it. So listen in while the secrets of being an MMR are unveiled right before your eyes.

The United States Postal Service can trace it’s roots back to 1775 when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General and for more than 200 years ran without a hitch until it began handling all of the ModelersLife correspondence. Often referred to as a gooey mess buy by today’s mail service, the AML Network as managed to bring a well run efficient operation to a mere standstill.

So sit back with your favorite hot beverage and a big bag of barbeque chips as the boys try to solve the problems of the world.

Hey everybody, it's time for part two of the 93 part Miles Hale trilogy. In this episode we learn about his model railroad business and his desire to give back to the hobby. So sit down with a large mug steaming hot homemade squash soup and enjoy.

It’s time for another Jim Rindt update as his first train show approaches with his new employer JMD Plastics. Jim discusses all things Jim and the preparations for live shows. Enjoy!!

It's time once again for our intrepid hosts to answer ViewerMail even though they have know idea how to use a letter opener. Ever wonder what's it like to milk a goat well you won't find that out here but you be able to listen to a couple of mouth breathers wade through the latest mail.

So sit back with a couple of cheese tea biscuits and a warm glass of milk and enjoy the action.

Welcome to Episode 37, I knew Miles would be an entertaining guest before I even asked him and wasn't disappointed and neither will you be. In the first part of the 87 part trilogy Miles describes his long journey to becoming a layout builder. This interesting stuff and best enjoyed while munching on a burrito. Have fun !!!

It gets closer and closer until Jim's first train show in Minnesota with JMD Plastics. Preparations continue and Jim describes how he tries to buy everything before it gets out the door.

Ever wonder who these folks are that create some of the great model railroading YouTube videos out there. Well here's your chance to meet one of the best. Luke Towan from Australia has only been in the hobby a few short years and is already starting to make an impression.

Enjoy !! 

Our first Jim Rindt update was so popular we decided to give it another try. Jim talks about building cabinets and getting ready for upcoming shows. He also manages to pronounce Minnesota correctly.

Ever wonder what it's like to spend your Saturdays helping to restore a steam locomotive, live in Alaska, plan your dream model railroad and drive an 80,000 pound bobsled while admiring the northern lights?? Well here's your chance to find out as we discuss all of this and more with former F1 ace Stewart Stirling.

Stirling was not keen on us calling him Steve but he was more than happy to share all the details of his life in Alaska over the last 40+ years.

So sit back in your favorite easy chair with some crispy bacon, the beverage of your choice and enjoy the show.

Hey kids, know what time it is ?? That’s right it’s ViewerMail time, as refreshing as a frosty mug of root beer.

So sit back with a big plate of nachos, processed cheese and napkins to wipe the stains off your shirt. Please enjoy the show but try to avoid pizza with pineapple slices.

A new series entitled, "What's on Your WorkBench??" and our first victim... Err... I mean guest is Larry Eggering an electronics genius from Jacksonville, Florida. 

Larry enjoys long walks on the beach, sunsets and desires peace for all mankind.

Enjoy !!

Episode 34: Something a little different we interview our very own Jim Rindt who recently took a trip to Durango, Colorado home of the SoundTraxx.

Jim took a course on to install these fine decoders and ride the Durango and Silverton. We here at AML world Headquarters were especially proud of the fact Jim made the entire round trip from his home in Wisconsin without losing one single sock.

Jim has started a new job in the model railroad industry and we decided it would be fun to follow along and get regular updates. So here it is the first ever "Jim Rindt Update."

Enjoy !!

Tom Barbalet decided to try his luck at the Kelly Questions. We were fortunate enough to find and about Ninja pj's and who's DNA he has in his home. He fixes more than he breaks and has plans. He's one of those community organizers types and managed to leave our very own Jim Rindt speechless on more than one occasion.

Once again it’s time for ViewerMail… Those lovable mouth-breathers that make you squint when they talk. The kind of fellows who'll have you asking yourself… Did I hear that right??

You just never know what you’ll be forced to listen to but after this edition of ViewerMail is over you’ll probably realize that whatever these guys have to say... Could probably wait till there smarter.

Shane Brother Shane... The Cosmic Cowboy. Ever wonder what it's like to meet a model railroader that doesn't sit still. Well now's your chance. We learned about Shane from Chris Atkins the star of Episode 23, he'd purchase a Texas & Pacific section house from Shane on a piece of property that just happened to have enough room left over for a house. 

Shane is one of the most interesting people you'll meet and his enthusiaum for the hobby is infectious. So we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did doing it !!

Here it is, the one you’ve been waiting for… It’s the final episode of the 157 part Smokin’ Joe D’Amato trilogy.  I didn’t think the guy was ever gonna leave, after drinking all our beer and devouring all our snacks (including 2 bags of Ruffles All Dressed potato chips) he’s finally done. 

This episode covers Joe’s position at Micro Trains and we learn all about N-Scale. Plus some thoughts on Z-Scale.

So sit back and relax… I’d offer you some refreshments but…

A hard hitting in depth documentary about what else Superfan #1 Bruce Kelly does when he’s not listening to ModelersLife.

It's Episode 3 of the 118 part Smokin' Joe D'Amato trilogy. In this exciting episode we follow Joe back to Florida where he immediately realizes he's made a mistake shortly after crossing the Alabama-Florida border. He spends the next decade revamping the world renowned Disney World as well helping all of mankind.

So sit back, relax and kick your feet up as we travel the adventure better known as Smokin' Joe D'Amato's life.

Once again it's time for your favorite mouth breathers to answer ViewerMail. With absolutely no idea what to say, they give advice and heartfelt thoughts to listeners all over the world.

Unfortunately they ran out of time before opening up the phone lines for the much anticipated discussion about the Oxford Comma which has some very vocal proponents. Some folks staunchly oppose the use of the Oxford Comma. This would no doubt make for great discussion and we'll hopefully reschedule for a future date.

Here it is Smokin' Joe D'Amato Part Deux... This story justs gets better and better. We travel through the 80's with Joe and discover more and more how he became one of the best model builders in the country.  Fortunately Lionel doesn't talk to much so it's a great interview.

Well here it is, what you've been waiting for all these long weeks, another edition of ViewerMail. Don't worry this edition of the mail isn't any better than any of the rest. So sit back, relax and don't bother to take notes.

This month we start a new series featuring Smokin' Joe D'Amato. I first met Joe through SuperFan #1 Bruce Kelly and the more we talked the more I realized this story had to be told.

So sit back, relax and take a listen to Episode 29... Smokin' Joe D'Amato !!

Well here it is, the final episode of JMRI month and we are privileged to have one of the founders of JMRI, Bob Jacobsen.  It's a great story and Clarke's Burgers in Mountain View, California will now be visited by model railroaders from all over the world.

Also in this episode Lionel offers assistance to Bob with his experiments in dark matter.  So sit back relax and find out how it all began

The search continues and this time we pick the brains of Seth Neumann. After purchasing a train set for his wife he was hooked on the hobby. Seth has been involved in all kinds of different aspects within model railroading and is well versed in JMRI.

So sit back, relax and try not to be confused by Lionel's inability to understand anything.

Part three in the search for JMRI, this time we talk with Larry Eggering a electronics expert from Jacksonville, Florida and avid JMRI user.

Lionel tries desparately to keep up without much luck but there's much to learn from Larry.

We made it… 50,000 downloads. We brought together a cast of characters to help us celebrate. Jim and Tim find true love and Tom is in a snarly mood but in the end Barry finally made to bed.

So come help us celebrate !! 

Part Two of the search for JMRI. This time we talk to Mike Deverell a seasoned modeler and long time user of JMRI. Mike explains all the advantages of using the software and gives us some of the history as well as what we can expect in the future.

It's an exciting time here at the ole' AML headquarters as we close in on our first female Superfan or is it Fanette. You'll have to wait and see as our crew desparately trys not to offend anyone from the female population.

Also we discuss exactly how to refer to a superfan from Rhode Island.

Many other topics are discussed such Airplane movies hockey teams and frozen butter tarts. So sit back, relax, open a wobbly pop and let the dulcet tones of Lionel, Jim and Bruce the mailboy put you to sleep.

JMRI, these are four letters I'd heard several times over the last few years but really had no idea what they meant. To find out what these letters mean and they mean I turned to our good friend Jim Scorse. Next we talked with Ron Klaiss a capable model railroader who's just embarked on his journey with JMRI.

There will be a quiz when we're done so pay attention.

Ever wonder what would happen if the boys didn't get any mail... Well here's your chance to find out.

It's the beginning of the slim your wallet campaign... Do they have Costco hot dogs in Australia??

Ever wonder what it would be like to have a Texas & Pacific section house devoted to your very own model railroad?? Well now you can find out, as Chris Atkins describes how it came to be that a section house ended up on the homestead.

Just when you thought it was safe to come up from the basement it's time for another edition of ViewerMail. Those lovable stooges Jim, Lionel and Bruce have once again figured out how to waste an hour of your life.

Hey kids… Know what time it is… It's time for another round of the Kelly Questions, this time featuring that lovable N-Scaler… Toni Ryan !!!

Wait, wait I've just been handed this bulletin… Directly from AML world headquarters… Episode 22 featuring Washington state's own Mike Deverell !!!

Well I got some good news and some bad news… First the good news, the long wait is over… Now the bad news, just like a bad cold sore on your lower lip that reduces you to a diet of strained soup for several days... We're back. 

I know what you're saying… "Hey, how come there's been no new episodes this month?"

You've heard about it from your friends, you know it exists and finally it's here. Round eight of the Kelly Questions featuring non-other than AML Superfan #2 Peter Burr. 

Well it's time once again for another chapter in the never ending saga that is "a ModelersLife."  This time it's something just a little different, originally it was suppose to be Sara Kelly with an update on her movie Model Citizens followed by a chat with her executive producer but that didn't work out.

So the second have of this show is an interview I did one night with our very own Jim Rindt when he didn't even know it was happening. The whole episode turned out great and I know you'll enjoy it.

Once again it's time for our illustrious heros to sort through the viewer mail and come up with intelligent answers. That being we'll just hope these guys can read and not waste to much of your time. This episode we introduce a new segment called, "Lionel Doesn't Get It."

It’s the Scotty Mason show !!! Err… Wait a minute… It’s still ModelersLife, just episode 17 with Scotty Mason. Actually he’s more comfortable with Scott but Scott Mason.com was taken so we all know him as Scotty. So come along as we beam you up to the mothership and listen to us as we listen to Scott answer all those questions you’ve been dieing to ask him.

Otto Vondrak who's father's name is Ed but not the Ed you're thinking of, was our guest for the month of March. He tries his hand at the Kelly Questions on the last day of the month and does quite well for a beginner. Play along and see how well you score.

You know them, you love them, they come to every operating session… It's the short fat guys that sweat. Once again your lovable trio of mouth breathers read viewer mail and try to figure out the correct answers. 

The main thing we learned about Otto Vondrak during these two episodes is that his father's name is indeed Ed but he's not the Ed you're thinking of. It's all very confusing but well worth the trouble. So sit back, relax and discover why Otto is the guest so nice we had him twice.

This month we talk with Otto Vondrak best known as an associate editor of Rail & Railroad magazine. Otto joined Carstens in 2011 after several years of freelance work for them. He's a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology and a founding member of the RIT model railroad club.

After an hour or so of talking with us, Otto politely asked if could leave but we refused and duck taped him to the nearest support column in the studio. Eventually he stopped screaming and we explained we merely wanted him to do a second hour with us before we'd let him go. Once he agreed not to call the police we recorded part two of Otto's interview to be presented later this month. 

Otto has since been seen wandering the streets of Rochester mumbling to himself.

It's another round of the Kelly Questions with Craig Bisgeier... We think he was using Coles Notes to study up for the exam.

This episode of viewer mail is brought to you by Jim Lincoln Chevrolet home of the Lincoln Homer. So come on down for a great deal, just past Fuller Field on the High St. Extension in Clinton, Mass. 

Episode 14, is all about FastTracks and it's owner Tim Warris. Tim explains how and why he started his very successful company. We also learn about his interest in photography and Port Dover's Friday the 13th. 

It's time to answer viewer mail or as we like to say around the ole' AML headquarters... An hour of your life you'll never get back. Listening to Jim, Lionel and the mailroom boy Bruce answering viewer mail is just like a Slinky, it's not really good for anything but it still brings a smile to your face. So sit back relax and join us as we sift through all our mail and try to make sense of world events. 

Clark Kooning, longtime NMRA member tells us why he'd be best suited for the position of NMRA President. Clark has held many offices in the association as well as running the succussful Modeling with the Masters program. So take a listen and cast a vote.

This month we talk with the creator of TrainMasters TV which can be seen on Model Railroad Hobbyist. Barry is an avid modeller who decided one day to build his own train station. The story's far to complex to tell here so listen in and find out all about it.

Once again those loveable mouth breathers Jim and Lionel answer viewer mail with the help of their trusted mailroom boy Bruce. Various subjects are discussed and apologys given in the never ending quest to educate and entertain the worldwide model railroading public.

Our very own Jim Rindt's son Peter takes a crack at the Kelly Questions. Good luck Pete !! 

Lance Mindheim is owner of The Shelf Layouts Company and a great guy.  He speaks nationally at a variety of prototype modeling conferences and is author of numerous articles for the model railroad press. An engineering graduate of Purdue University, he is a strong believer in the value of simplicity when it comes to model railroad design. Visit his website at www.shelflayouts.com.

It's been said Viewer Mail from a ModelersLife can bring drywalling to life. Never let it be said those lovable mouth breathers Jim and Lionel can't make household chores less of a chore. So sit back with your favorite beverage kick off your slippers and let us put you to sleep.

In this episode we meet Ken Patterson a well respected model railroad photographer. Ken has published more than a hundred magazine covers as well as over a dozen Walthers catalog covers. Ken also builds custom models along with several courtroom models for the BNSF.