a ModelersLife

Get ready to learn everything you need to know about photography, what exactly a HEMTT is (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck.) Take a trip down memory lane with the Missouri Pacific or discover the joys of operating a GP-15.

We discuss everybody’s favorite condiment as we investigate some the most compelling issues of the day, right here in on another exciting edition of the Kelly Questions. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded 36 mm film, a cool tall glass of used developer fluid and enjoy!!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__Aaron_Maue.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It’s Christmas and with the new year almost upon us, Bruce the Mailboy will explain why it’s to early to get excited about the new decade. We can hardly contain our excitement for the future and all we have planned here on the 48th floor, in the Joe Cummings Studios high atop the Stewart L Sterling building in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky.

We want to wish all of our listeners a very merry Christmas and hope your stocking is filled with everything you’d hoped for, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded walnut shells, a steaming hot mug of last year‘s eggnog and enjoy.

Direct download: Christmas_With_Ralphie_Boy.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

As another year draws to a close it’s time once again to invite one of model railroading’s gate keepers to give us their views on the current state of the hobby. This year we’re fortunate enough to have the editor of Railroad Model Craftsman and the social media expert for White River Productions.

It’s an interesting discussion on the future of the hobby and which direction we might be headed next. The population of this hobby is much younger than the age put forth by the NMRA and this podcast helps explain why. Enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_136__Annual_State_of_the_Hobby.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Can't remember what you were doing six months ago?? Well if you were in Benton, Tennessee at the end of May we’ve got you covered, otherwise you’re on your own.

It's more interviews from the ScaleTrains.com Hiawassee River Rail Excursion, a very relaxing fifty mile round trip with a good time had by all. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded tunnel motor radiator grills, a tall glass of standing puddle water and enjoy !!!

Direct download: AML_All-Star_Variety_Hour_14.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 1:49am EDT

Have you ever wanted to find out firsthand what it’s like to takeoff and land from an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam war or perhaps you’ve wondering what it’s like to be the NMRA’s director at large.

Maybe you’ve considered moving from Florida to a four hundred acre farm in New Hampshire or perhaps you’re considering building structures from cardstock and just not sure where to start.

It’s time to clear the decks as the AML Nation gets ready to take off another exciting podcast assignment. Enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_135__Jim_Gore.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Here’s the audio from our first ever full length feature film entitled “Slide Night.”

It’s a stirring drama about a man and his love of the steel rails that’s bound to tug at your heartstrings, starring Tony Cook and the Evil Overlord.

We decided to release the audio from this epic film because “a ModelersLife” podcast is basically audio anyways so use your imagination and all the slides will be there in living color for you to benefit from.

It’s pretty easy listening, so grab yourself a big plate of shredded Fujifilm, a tall glass of development fluid and enjoy!!

Direct download: Slide_Show_1.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

We are spanning the globe to find you all of the most interesting people in this great hobby. This episode of the All-Star variety hour as I was talking to YouTube sensations, modelers with enough modules to sink a ship and future of the hobby.

It’s an interesting collection of folks so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded road maps, steaming hot mug of recycled wash bay detergent and enjoy!!

Direct download: AML_All-Star_Variety_Hour_13.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Ever wonder how it feels to be the president of a leading model railroad manufacturer?? Rapido Trains has been creating high-end model trains and accessories in HO, OO and N (North American 1:160 and British 1:148) scales, with fully-detailed cars and locomotives.

Jason is well known in the model railroad community and author of the book TurboTrain: A Journey. He’s also “the guy” with a train in basement and recreating a model railroad featuring CN’s Kingston Subdivision between Toronto and Brockville, Ontario.

Enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_134__Jason_Shron_Rapido_Trains.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

We’ll travel anywhere in the world to ask the “Kelly Questions” just so long as we don’t have to leave our studios on the forty-eighth floor of the Stewart L. Sterling building in downtown Busted, Knuckle, Kentucky.

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. So throw another shrimp on the barbie and enjoy !!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__Martyn_Jenkins.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It’s not all doom and gloom for every model railroad shop around the country, in an era when so many of today’s hobbyists are going online to do their shopping, Midwest Model Railroad is bucking the trend having just opened a brick and mortar location.

Social media continues to make our hobby more exciting everyday with the availability of YouTube videos like those seen on Ron’s Trains N’ Things. On this episode we here from two very successful people each which their own special niche’ in the hobby.

So grabbed yourself a big bowl of shredded video tape, a tall frosty glass of acrylic paint thinner and enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_133__Atwell_and_Marsh.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Another great podcast with the usual cast of characters.

 

Enjoy !!

Direct download: ViewerPosts_Vacation_Cruise_36.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 1:59am EDT

The AML crew gathers together to share stories and memories of Joe Cummings who passed away suddenly at the all to early age of fifty-three.

Direct download: Episode_132__Goodbye_Joe.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

This month the director of The Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show a.k.a. the “Springfield Show” dropped by the AML studios to try his hand at the toughest series of questions in the hobby. It’s an inside look at what makes the man who keeps the biggest model railroad show in North America running smoothly for all of to enjoy.

It’s a fun podcast for all to enjoy !!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__John_Sacerdote.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

This is the first year for the Tracks Ahead Youth Summit, a new program from the Colorado Model Railroad Museum which houses America's largest HO Scale prototypical model train layout. The building is 9,500 square feet featuring a 5,500 sq. foot HO gauge model railroad layout and displays over 1,100 railroad artifacts from across the United States.

Visitors can also “train watch” during their visit to the museum because it’s located between two actual railroad properties: the Union Pacific on the east and the Great Western to the west in Greeley, Colorado.

The summit is headed by Norm Wolstein the “Grateful Dude,” and is expected to get bigger and better every year. Enjoy.

Direct download: Tracks_Ahead_Youth_Summit.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 10:26pm EDT

This hobby welcomes all sorts of personalities, from those who just want to enjoy the most basic of what model railroading has to offer, to those who dare challenge themselves by taking part in the Master Model Railroader program.

This month we get a first hand account of what it takes to reach the hobby’s highest honor. MMR #635 discusses the pros and cons of such an undertaking and explains all the positives associated with completing such a rewarding journey. Enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_131__Tom_Gasior.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It can be easily said one of the hobby’s most influential modelers John Allen and his Gorre & Daphetid Railroad. John was a pioneer in the hobby, as a professional photographer with artistic talent and attention to detail, he was able to create some incredibly realistic scenes.

Through his numerous published articles he was able to share what many consider to be one of the greatest model railroads of all time.In this podcast Bruce the Moderately Agitated Mailboy takes us on a tour of his railroad and the man behind it all. Enjoy!!

Direct download: Scale_Legends__John_Allen.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

What sort of questions would you ask someone that is a lighting engineer on “The Great White Way” and owns one of the finest model railroad shops in the midwest?? The Kelly Questions of course, a series of hard hitting questions and insights designed to discover the man under the no nonsense exterior of a tough businessman.

Unfortunately Kelly didn’t write down any of those questions but we do manage to waste another hour of modeling time. So grab yourself a large bowl of shredded blue box kits, a tall glass of Solvaset and enjoy!!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__Stephen_Atwell.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

What happens when you mix a Norfolk Southern engineer together with a freelance modeler and an active YouTube creator?? It’s a very interesting ninety minutes of podcasting. Tim has a great layout which he uses to relax from the day to day stress of being 1:1 railroader.

There’s lots see and do on his Seaboard Central Railroad, so sit back and enjoy some great railroading stories and unique insights from another interesting guest of the AML Nation.

Direct download: Episode_130__Tim_Garland.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It’s time for another fabulous round of the Kelly Questions!! Each envelope has been hermetically sealed in the front pocket of Mike “the Spoon” Ostertag’s coveralls… No one… I repeat, no one has been given access to these questions until now.

Find out what happens when a drummer, waiter, guy that prepares taxes, teacher and lonesome devil is put to the test. So grab yourself a bowl of shredded tax returns, a tall glass of recycled table water and enjoy!!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__Joey_Guinto.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Ever wonder what it’s like to be an outstanding architectural modeler and the vice-president of a well respected company like ExactRail??Is it possible to have a one foot by seven foot layout featured on the cover of one our hobby’s top magazines. Can a small layout provide enough entertainment to host operating sessions for as many as six people??

The Hudson Terminal Railway and is a fictional subsidiary of the New York Central that’s heavily influenced by the multiple terminals that were once served by car floats. This a great interview which we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

Direct download: Episode_129__Chris_Brimley.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It’s time for another exciting round of the Kelly questions and once again our victim… errr… Our guest has been strapped to the couch with his tinfoil helmet securely attached. We first met Cale in September of 2018 when he introduced us to the world of Lego trains.

When not building models he can be found researching railroad history, and riding trains. You can find out more about Lego trains at: https://brickmodelrailroader.com/

So grab yourself a bowl of shredded bricks, a tall glass of axle grease and enjoy!!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__Cale_Leiphart.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Another model railroad manufacturer steps up. This time Rapido Trains and Jason Shron have produced a limited run of TTX's "On Track for a Cure" Husky-Stack well car. With every car purchased, Rapido will donate $10 to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, in support of the Psychosocial Oncology Department.

This car includes two limited edition Rapido Trains refrigerated domestic smooth-side containers and sold out in less than 48 hours.

Thanks to Jason and Janet Shron and the hard working team Rapido Trains!!

Direct download: Rapido_Trains_-_Well_Car.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

We’ve returned once again to CP Rail’s Galt Subdivision, an exquisitely detailed layout modeling a relatively short section of busy mainline that incorporates the towns of Woodstock and Zorra, Ontario with it’s landmark cement plant.

Bob is always full of passion about the hobby as we cover everything from the cross pollination of military modeling, the ease of taking photos with his iPhone, the Fallowfield effect, painting brass hoppers with a rattle can and all the comings and goings at ESU. Enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_128__Bob_Fallowfield.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

So you’re disappointed that you didn’t get to the National Train Show in Salt Lake City?? Well neither did we but that hasn’t stopped us from being excited about all the new products being offered by dozens and dozens of manufacturers. So our crack staff headed by Model Railroad News editor Tony Cook have compiled pages and pages of copious notes in order to keep all those in the AML Nation informed about all the latest comings and goings in the hobby.

Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded floor maps and enjoy!!!

Direct download: National_Train_Show_Report.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

What happens when a professional audio engineer and a model railroader combines his love of sound and trains into one product?? Spectacular model sound and realism is the never ending pursuit of J.T. Burke who has managed to create, what some are saying is the best sound in the hobby.

This is a great interview suggested to us by Scott Thornton of ProtoThrottle fame after he was fortunate enough to experience first hand some the best sound effects he’d ever heard. It’s all pretty nifty, so enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_127__Scale_Sound_Systems.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

The model railroading community has once again proven how much it cares about those who need help and Nathan Holmes, Michael Petersen and Scott Thornton are no exception . They’ve decided to donate two ProtoThrottles to help the Evil Overlord’s charity “One More Year.”

Enjoy.

Direct download: ProtoThrottle_Auction.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Another ModelersLife barbeque is in the books and a fun time was had by all. The AML Nation came together, to celebrate our friendship and mutual respect for each other. Folks came from Switzerland, England, New Jersey, Ohio, Massachusetts… the list goes on and on.

We broke bread at breakfast, lunch and dinner together, went to SuperDawg, had a tremendous picnic at the Rochelle Railroad Park, visited Steven Haworth’s awesome layout and even chatted with a member of the Des Plaines fire department. Enjoy!!

Direct download: AML-BBQ_Post_Game_Show_Part_1.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

This week we talk it’s a short chat with Adam Pinales the latest recipient of AML Nation company issue headset official and discover more interesting stuff about the Amtrak conductor that refuses to sit still.

Then we travel to Rhode Island to ride the rails with the official AML fit guy and his wife Debby as they take a scenic ride across historic Aquidneck Island on the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad. Enjoy!!

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_6.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Our very own Mike “the Spoon” Ostertag travelled all the way from Green Bay, Wisconsin (home to the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field) to Minneapolis, Minnesota in search of interesting modelers to interview and hit one out of the park.

This talented graphic artist and creator of a documentary/tutorial style YouTube series about his SOO The Milwaukee Road is a wealth of information about railroading in the upper Midwest. It’s a great interview covering a wide range of topics which we are sure you’ll enjoy.

Direct download: Episode_126__William_Sampson.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Our very own Mike "the Spoon" Ostertag looks outside the window for the most accurate weather forecast in model railroading.

Direct download: AML_Action_Forecast.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Once again it’s the annual gathering from around the globe of the AML Nation. This year is even more exciting as this annual event for the first time in history stretches over two full days.

If this is your first time you’re in for a treat and if you’ve come before there’s no reason for you to be any more disappointed than last year. The pregame show is just as much of a tradition as the picnic itself and the share is no different as we prepare to descend on the sleepy town of Rochelle Illinois.

So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded leftover parking lot hotdogs and a tall glass of trackside bottled water and enjoy.

Direct download: AML_-_BBQ_Pre-Game_Show.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It’s been almost a year now since the disastrous news of the Affa plant closing in China swept across the model railroad world like wildfire. The future looked bleak for the hobby industry and much hand wringing was the note of the day.

We decided to check in again with the president of Arrowhead Models who’d just begun his company and was one of the manufacturers relying on Affa to produce their products when trouble across the Pacific struck. It’s an interesting look behind the scenes that we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

Direct download: Episode_125__Blaine_Hadfield.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

People are fascinating and as far as I’m concerned those of us involved in the hobby of model railroading are as interesting as any.This week two completely different stories tied together by nothing more than a love of this great hobby.

If you’re a regular listener to the podcast you’ll recognize both names as regular contributors to the podcast, the host of Tomstock 2020 and a modeler that regularly posts to the Facebook page.

So it back with a big bowl of shredded thesis papers, a tall glass of used stable water and enjoy!!

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_5.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a professional model railroad builder? It’s a return visit to one of the premier layout builders in the industry, Lance has been building layouts as his sole source of income for over twenty years, catering primarily to those who demand the highest levels of craftsmanship and realism for their railroads.

In addition to building layouts that operate with bullet proof reliability, Lance creates works of art and that’s what we stopped by to chat about. Our guest has recently published a new book called the art of Model Railroading.

It’s a great episode that we know you’ll enjoy.

Direct download: Episode_124__Lance_Mindheim.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Still trying to figure how fast your hotcakes will sell, not sure how far east you can go before you start heading west. You’re waiting for the day that mattresses aren’t on sale, you’ve planned a surprise birthday party for your favorite psychic but he already knew about it.

We can’t help with any of these questions but you’ll get a chance to match skills with our next contestant on the Kelly Questions. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded pillows, a steaming hot mug of gooey pancake mix and enjoy !!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__Shawn_Becher.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 3:17am EDT

What do you get when we mix N-scale, garden railroading, two and half inch scale, 1:1 scale, a guy that’s qualified to operate full size locomotives, an Amtrak conductor, a custom painter, DCC decoder installation wizard and a helix building machine?? A guy named Adam with a personality as big the great plains of Kansas and refreshing as a clean pair of underwear. 

This is one interesting dude and I’m glad to call him friend, so grab yourself a tall cool glass of acrylic primer, a big bowl of shredded overalls and enjoy !!!

Direct download: Episode_123__Adam_Pinales.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:13am EDT

The “Big Boy” steam locomotive was a big deal, with barely more two dozen built beginning in1941 and then after what seemed like an almost super human job to restore an engine barely good enough to be used for a static display but the Union Pacific railroad along with Ed Dickens and his capable crew achieved the impossible and our very own Adam Pinales was there to witness it all in person.

There’s room for one more in Adam’s Ford Expedition so come along with us as we recreate this exciting railroad event for those unable to attend.

Direct download: Adam_Pinales_Chasing_the__Big_Boy_.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

If you’ve been in the hobby for any amount of time, more than likely you’ll recognize the name of our next victim… Errr, I mean guest. His photography is second to none and his numerous magazine and catalog covers are spectacular. 

Ken has ventured into the world social media with a successful YouTube show entitled “What’s Neat This Week.” Along with his newest sidekick Michelle Kempema, he’s taking the hobby on a magical carpet ride.

Grab your favorite Doobie Brothers t-shirt, a warm Mexican Coke and enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_122__Ken_Patterson-Michelle_Kempema.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30pm EDT

Some shows are good, some shows are great and some shows are historic. Firefighters are always there when you need them and this time was no different. We here at the AML Nation knew we had something special on our hands but it took a retired fire captain from Miami, Florida to finally identify that at best our efforts were marginally adequate.

So join us for this historic round of Kelly Questions as we learn as much about ourselves as we do about our guest. Enjoy !!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions_-_Tim_Klimoski.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

From the deep recesses of “Professor” Tony Cook’s mind, come the musings of a life long model railroad enthusiast and more interesting information on the history of this great hobby.

Life-Like Trains introduced an HO Scale model of EMD’s BL2 in 1989, the first in their series of higher-quality Proto 2000 models.

The release made a big impact on the hobby of model railroading, as it was the first serious attempt by a manufacturer to mass-produce an accurate ready-to-run model.

Plus there’s plenty of TV trivia and we try to answer the question, where would we be without the “Cone of Silence.” Enjoy !!

Direct download: XF2_Files_Episode_3.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 1:54am EDT

As an accomplished drummer in and around Melbourne, Australia model railroading wasn’t a part of Martyn’s life until his early forties 40’s but he’d always had an interest in scale models. After wandering into a hobby store with the intention of building a scale model of a travelling carnival the large O-scale layout in the shop gave him the bug and he never looked back.

His current layout resides in a dedicated building based on the bi-directional line between Newport and Geelong in 1983. He’s been an active member of the NMRA since 2008 which he believes provides inspiration and knowledge in the hobby as well as providing friendship with like minded people. Enjoy !! 

Direct download: Episode_121__Martyn_Jenkins.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Still not sure which armrest is yours at the movie theatre, can’t help wondering if vegetarians eat animal crackers?? Why does it take so long to sink in quicksand, if your child refuses to sleep during nap time is he or she resisting a rest??

We can’t help with any of these problems but we can help you waste another hour of your life with another awesome podcast from the AML Nation. We have two great interviews with our very own Shane “the Young Gun” and Aaron Maue a frequent post of all sorts of interesting stuff. So grab yourself a bowl of ground foam and ballast, a tall glass of wet watery plaster and enjoy.

Direct download: AML_All-Star_Variety_Hour_4.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 3:10am EDT

Still wondering if you can buy an entire chess set at a pawn shop. Do vegetarians eat animal crackers, when does it stop being partly cloudy and start being partly sunny? Can’t stop wondering if it’s illegal to park beside a fire hydrant even when your car is on fire??

We can’t help you solve these problems but pull up a chair ringside as we introduce you to another exciting round of the Kelly Questions. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded cowboy boots, a tall glass of crude oil and enjoy!!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__Brooks_Willig.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

What happens when you can’t get all the parts and pieces you need to build your dream N-Scale layout… Simple, you start a successful business called MidWest Model Railroad.

Stephen and along with his mom, Alice and dad Gary decided to make the hobby more accessible to everyone with great prices and timely delivery. Early on they decided to keep the cost of operating their business to a minimum and pass the savings along to the individual modeler.

It’s a great story and one I’m sure you’ll enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_120__Stephen_Atwell.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 1:23am EDT

You still have questions about extra terrestrials that helped the stranded astronauts on Apollo 13?? Still not sure if your multiple choice answers on your grade ten geography test were correct?? Still wondering about the viability of turning Star Trek into a musical??

We can’t help with any of this but if you’ve always wondered what sort of super hero the host of Ron’s Trains and Things would be you’ve come to the right place.

So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded SATs, a tall glass of spent rocket fuel and enjoy.

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__Ron_Marsh.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

The HO scale Piney Fork Branch re-creates a New York Central branch line in eastern Ohio during the 1960s. This is a multilevel layout featuring an extensive steel-mill scene.

An emergency room doctor by day and an avid model railroader at night, Seth as been in and around railroading since his boyhood days in Minerva, Ohio, about 50 miles southwest of Youngstown.

This is a great railroad recently featured on the cover of the August, 2018 edition of Model Railroader Magazine.  Enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_119__Seth_Gartner.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It’s the Down and Dirty Weathering Contest over at Ron’s Trains and Things and the AML Nation needs your vote !!

So vote early and vote often, the boys are counting on you !!!

Direct download: Down__Dirty_Weathering_Contest.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

The weekend is over and you’re fill of great stories from the weekend, you went deep sea fishing only to realize the boat was in dry dock the whole time. You entered the world of competitive jig-saw puzzling and finished third when because you three of the pieces that looked bruschetta.

We can help you relax from all the excitement by spending quality time with three of the hobbies most dynamic personalities, Tom Barbalet, Peter Borcherds and Ed Olszewski. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded life jackets, a big glass of melted propeller grease and enjoy !!

Direct download: AML_All-Star_Variety_Hour_3.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Follow the journey of a young boy as he discovers the joys of model railroading from his humble beginnings in Staten Island to the bright lights of Nashville. A professional musician, waiter and he can do your taxes while you wait, Joey’s interest in the hobby has been there since the beginning. 

He loves to weather rolling stock and if he’s not on stage or getting familiar with the ladies you’ll find him working on his latest project. So grab a tambourine, a harmonica or your favorite cigar box bass guitar and get ready to jam with Joey.

Direct download: Episode_118__Joey_Guinto.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from the “Young Gun” so this seemed like as good a time as any to check in. Of course as always it wasn’t hard to fill up a couple of hours talking about all sorts of things but we managed to keep it to forty-five minutes.

However as an bonus, turns out Shane and Tony Cook the editor of Model Railroad News had already done a great interview Chris Palomarez the brand manager at Athearn Trains.

So grab yourself a big smoking bowl of crushed decoders, a steaming hot mug of melted soldering paste and enjoy !!

Direct download: Shane_Show_6_with_Chris_Palomarez.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Well they did it, they done went and got dirty. Mike “the Spoon” Ostertag and Andy “StraightBall” Dorsch have entered a weathering contest on the YouTube channel of Ron’s Trains and Things. So it’s up to the AML nation to support and vote for your favorite cast member in this historic showdown.

In the tradition of those great Chicago mayoral elections remember to vote early and vote often. So grab yourself a hot steaming plate of shredded mail in ballots, a tall glass of North Branch Canal discharge and enjoy.

Direct download: Down_and_Dirty_with_Spoon__StraightBall.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

This podcast is about a retired fire-fighter from Miami living the quiet life in Georgia, Tom’s passion for model and prototype trains has been there most of his life, from the first Lionel set to his current layout, the Georgia Northeastern, model railroading has been a constant.

Working part time for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad afforded him the opportunity to learn about prototype operations and focus on running a short line railroad. Many friends have helped with this great story that we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

Direct download: Episode_117__Tim_Klimoski.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Rob Arsenault takes his chances with the Kelly Questions, we take a trip out to New Jersey to find out what’s on the workbench of Ron Klaiss of Mine Mount Models and finally we check in with Joe D’Amato of Micro Trains as he tells us some excellent techniques for applying decals.

So pull up a chair, grab yourself a tall glass of Solvaset, a big bowl of damp shredded backing paper and enjoy !!!

Direct download: AML_All-Star_Variety_Hour_2.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

White River Productions is pleased to announce that Otto Vondrak, associate editor of Railfan & Railroad, is the new editor of Railroad Model Craftsman. The eighth editor of RMC, he’s a native of New York state and graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) graphic design program.

A lifelong model railroader, he’s a member of the National Model Railroad Association Northeast Region, and a co-founder of the RIT Model Railroad Club. We here at the ole’ AML world headquarters think Otto is a great choice for the position and look forward to what he’ll bring to this already great magazine.

Congratulations !!

Direct download: Episode_116__Otto_Vondrak.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Gordy Robinson is young, enthusiastic and ready to make the NMRA the best it can be… Find out why right here.

Direct download: Vote_for_Gordy_.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 1:51am EDT

Another trip to Springfield is in the books, it was another great show with nine acres of model railroading to see in just two days.

Now it’s time to find out from all your favorite AML characters what they saw, who they talked to and what they bought.

So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded Tyco hopper cars, a tall glass of re-useable hot dog water and enjoy !!!

Direct download: Springfield_Review.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

We first met Brooks about a year ago through an email we received at the ole’ AML headquarters. (It had fallen behind one of the filing cabinets.) He seemed like the perfect candidate for an interview, young, self motivated and dedicated to model railroading. This is an excellent interview exploring the many facets how life intertwines with this great hobby of ours and helps to strengthen the fabric of who we are as individuals.

When he is not busy searching for Blue box models he’s running his business, Western Audio Works check out his website at:

westernaudioworks.com

Enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_115__Brooks_Willig.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Still wondering what those bright lights were last night above your house, your Aunt Mabel claims she was abducted by aliens on Tuesday and they took her ’79 Pinto wagon with them. You’re convinced Area 51 is nothing more than a cover for the real UFO’s in Area 73. This all sounds quite reasonable but be prepared to go back… Way back.

It’s the latest edition of the X2F Files as we take a look back at some of the hits and misses from model railroading’s yesteryear with Model Railroad News editor Tony Cook.

Direct download: X2F_Files_-_Krauss_Maffei.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Scott Thorton is on the road again spreading joy throughout the model railroading world with the new ProtoThrottle from Iowa Scaled Engineering. We managed to take Michael Petersen the builder of throttle away from the booth for a few moments for a quick insight. Enjoy!!!

Direct download: ProtoThrottle_at_Springfield.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

You need a vacation, somewhere warm to go, someplace exciting, a new adventure. Well here at the ole’ AML Network that’s a no can do but we can help you waste an hour and a half of your life without even going outside. Come with us as we once again cruise the murky waters of your imagination and try to figure out why socks are shaped like the letter “L”.

Grab yourself a big bowl of discarded train show hot dog wrappers, a tall glass of reusable fountain water and enjoy !!!

Direct download: ViewerPosts_Vacation_Cruise_28.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 7:40pm EDT

Lego trains are definitely part of the model railroading community and BrickModelRailroader.com is quickly becoming an important representative by building the Lego train hobby one brick at a time.

Lego trains constantly evolve and this segment of the hobby continues to grow. Many scale modelers are drawn to Lego trains and many folks are introduced to scale model railroading through the Lego trains.

So sit back and enjoy another great podcast about another piece of this great hobby.

Direct download: Episode_114__Brick_Model_Railroader.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It’s an all star cast with Kaylee Zhang answering the Kelly Questions and Shawn Becher providing all sorts of interesting thoughts to ponder. Shawn’s segment was found under the soda machine in the cafeteria near the bouncy balls.

After a brief investigation it would appear Shawn’s segment scheduled for an earlier virtual hobby shop show somehow was lost.

If we hadn’t been power washing the office we’d would have never discovered Shawn’s on air segment jammed under a filing cabinet covered with green goo created when the model railroad hobby simply exploded. Enjoy.

Direct download: AML_All-Star_Variety_Hour.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

All the news that is the news is right here at your fingertips thanks to our crack reporter Tony Cook – editor of Model Railroad News. Tony has risked life and limb traveling around the globe looking for the latest and greatest products helping to turn your dream pike into a reality.

On this episode learn all about the evolution of using a forty foot box car for bulk transport to the development of covered hoppers and some of the new models available such as Tangent’s High Side Covered Hopper.

Direct download: AML_Product_News_January_11th.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

“Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show” the biggest model railroad show in North America, dating back to the‘60s when a group of students and faculty members from the University of Massachusetts hosted a swap meet on campus. In ‘82 they took a risk moving to the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.

Fast forward almost 40 years where show president John Sacerdote and his tireless army of volunteers is ready for a crowd of 25,000 folks excited to see what’s new and different this year. Enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_113__John_Sacerdote.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

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