a ModelersLife

This last virtual chat of the year is open to all of the AML Nation.

Just open up Zoom and type in the meeting ID and Password.

Meeting ID: 813 1965 8126

Password:   764073

Direct download: AML_Nation_-_Virtual_Chat.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

The presents have been opened, the turkey consumed and now all that’s left is waiting for the new year to start. The week between Christmas and New Year’s always seems like halftime at the big game when we gather our thoughts and get ready for the new year. If you’re like all of us at the ole’ AML world headquarters in Busted Knuckle, a change of pace is as good as a rest and with that in mind we’ve brought in our favorite magazine editor to discuss the miracle of Christmas through television.

If you thought Tony was an encyclopedia of knowledge when it came to all things model railroading wait till you hear him talk about TV and especially his favorite network NBC. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded TV Guides, a tall cool glass of left-over egg nog and enjoy!!

Direct download: Tee_Wee_Christmas_Shows.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

There’s always something going on down at Otter Valley Railroad and even on Christmas day Lorne is getting the Evel Overlord all worked up. This is a special announcement of a very limited-edition locomotive and the AML Network slides in for the scoop, after a lengthy discussion about hamburgers and chicken the news is released. OVR in conjunction with Rapido Trains is producing this special release model and telling the AML Nation before anyone else.

Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded pine needles, a steaming hot mug of day-old hamburger grease and enjoy!!!

Direct download: Lornes_M420s.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 10:30am EDT

It’s part two of our annual “State of the Hobby” and this time we hear from Model Railroad News editor Tony Cook, Rapido president Jason Shron and our very own Gordy “Action Man”  Robinson president of the National Model Railroad Association. The future of the hobby is so bright you’ll need double strength sunscreen and the coolest sunglasses you own just to renumber your favorite locomotive.

We even got our very own “Uncle” Dave to spot by to help with introductions, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded superhero utility belts, a tall cool glass of reusable printing ink and enjoy!!!


And so, this is Christmas and what have you done in the hobby of model railroading this past year. Perhaps you got benchwork started, finally completed the plan for your dream layout, tackled your first craftsman kit or just simply made new friends. With another year over and a new one just about to begin it’s time for our annual state of the hobby, interviewing folks who spend most of their days trying to make the hobby more exciting for all of us.

These are difficult times for everyone, but the community of model railroading gets stronger with folks like Joe Fugate and Shane Wilson leading the way. So sit back with a big bowl of shredded wrapping paper, a steaming hot mug of egg nog and enjoy!!!

Direct download: Episode_183a__State_of_the_Hobby.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Road trips are always fun unless Aunt Mable insists on coming along with her soggy egg salad sandwiches and collection of 8-track tapes to play the entire audio soundtrack from War & Peace. Fortunately, this podcast takes us on a trip to Chama, New Mexico with our good friend Rich Wisneski, proving once and for all that anybody can be interesting.

Rich has been part of a group called “Friends of Cumbres and Toltec” for quite some time and he along with hundreds of others have volunteered their time and services to keep the railroad well maintained and running so that future generations can enjoy this slice of history for decades to come.

So, grab yourself a big bowl of dusty coal ash, pour yourself a two-finger old-fashioned and enjoy!!

Direct download: Waz_Happenin_with_Rich_Wisneski.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

What can we say, what is there to say but simply thanks? Along with the hundreds of articles, dozens of books and countless hours editing magazines, Tony Koester has been kind enough to spend more than twelve hours across six podcasts patiently answering our questions and telling us all sorts of interesting stories about his journey through the decades as one of the hobby’s leaders.

It’s time to wrap up this series of great interviews and we here at the AML Network feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to share with our listeners and give them an opportunity to look behind the curtain. So, sit back and enjoy another interesting podcast with one of the hobby’s most interesting personalities.

Direct download: Episode_182__Tony_Koester_Part_Six.mp3
Category:Model Railroading -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It’s an exciting time in the hobby and nothing is more exciting for us down at AML Nation headquarters than Gordy Robinson becoming president of the NMRA. It’s so great to see someone with so much enthusiasm and energy lead this great hobby of ours into the future. As we like to say up here on the forty-eighth floor of the Stewart Sterling building… Model railroading, it’s younger than you think and Gordy’s here to prove it.

With some new directors in place, new department heads, a full-scale effort to produce a digital copy of the magazine and a hopper car full of other great ideas, the sky’s the limit for the new NMRA. So, grab yourself a big bowl of old shredded paper membership forms, a steaming hot mug of envelope glue and enjoy !!

Direct download: Waz_Happenin_with_Gordy_Robinson.mp3
Category:Model Railroad, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Our long national model railroad nightmare is over, well actually, it’s more like just calmed down enough that things can finally start going back to normal. More importantly our friend John Sacerdote can get back to doing what John does best… Running the Annual Amherst-Springfield-Big E, fourteen building on 200 acres annual train show.

Once again, the annual pilgrimage to West Springfield, Mass. can take place. Friendships can be renewed, new products can be announced, hot dogs can be consumed, and all will be right with the world. Even our very own “Mr. Fitness” (Chris Adams) will be there to make sure you eat right and lead us in a series purchasing exercises.

So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded blue boxes, a tall cool glass of warm two-year-old soda and enjoy!!

Direct download: Amherst_Train_Show_is_a_Go_.mp3
Category:Model Railroad, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Social media and model railroading is a match made in heaven and our next guest is a classic example. Since his mid-teens he’s been providing a source of free learning, community, and entertainment for the hobby through his YouTube channel “NSmodeler24.”

Along with his father Tom together they’ve been building a Norfolk Southern HO scale layout for nearly eight years loosely based on the "S-Line," which runs between Charlotte, NC and Knoxville, TN. This is another great example of how the hobby is growing and modelers from all over the world are finding each other. Get comfortable in grandpa’s rocker and enjoy listening to a fantastic modeler describe his journey.

Direct download: Episode_181__Josh_Clark.mp3
Category:Model Railroad -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Yes, we were wondering the same thing… What’s “Snookums” up to now??  This podcast spans the globe as we teach an Aussie how to end each segment, Don and Mark stop by to tell us about HO scale derails and we find out about all the progress that’s been taking place on the Greenville and Northern. We even get a guided tour of the workshop with our very own Seth Gartner. 

We also learn about the South-East Narrow Gauge Museum and everything you’d ever want to know about Hickory, South Carolina. So, grab yourself of a big bowl of shredded paperwork, a steaming hot mug of scenery goop and enjoy.

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_34.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

How many episodes will it take to interview what many say is one of the most influential model railroaders of all time. Here at the ‘ole AML headquarters we fired up our IBM 5150 trying to come up with a reasonable number and decided this could be part three of a forty-seven-part Tony Koester Trilogy.

Tony had lots of stories to share about his travels with Jim Boyd whom he worked alongside during his days at Railroad Model Craftsman. We’re also joined by our very own magazine editor extraordinaire, Tony Cook who plans to someday release a book of Jim Boyd’s night photography. It’s a great episode filled with lots of interesting, fun and adventurous anecdotes from years past. So, get comfortable in your favorite pjs and enjoy!!  

Direct download: Episode_180__Koester_Part_Three.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

The world is starting to wake up again, just like Bert the Bear after a long winter’s hibernation and one sure sign is that model railroad shows are beginning to open up. We here at the ole’ AML Network pride ourselves on bringing you the latest news from around the hobby several weeks late. Our old friend Ron from Mine Mount Models is so excited about finally getting a chance to display his fine products in person again, he’s dancing around the workshop listening to his favorite Pointer Sisters album.

So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded shingles, a steaming hot mug of Titebond 2 glue and enjoy !!

Direct download: Waz_Happenin_-_Ron_Klaiss.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It’s part two of the “Koester Chronicles,” covering lots of interesting topics such as the origins of “Trains of Thought” and all those unpublished versions. We even found out where the puff ball  tree got its start and discover how a youthful “Uncle” Dave decided that cutting up one of his mom’s pillows to create an HO scale forest, probably wasn’t the best idea he’d ever had.

Pull up your favorite easy chair, grab a big bowl of dried foliage clusters, a steaming hot mug of scenic cement and enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_179__Tony_Koester_Part_Two.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

We here at the ole’ AML Network constantly strive to bring you all of the latest up to the minute news in the world of model railroading. Unfortunately, we don't think that's actually ever happened except for once, when “Kelly” drove off his driveway and give us an on-the-spot report, but all he said over and over is that he's the safety officer for the Medford Railroad Park.

This podcast is over a year old, but fortunately we keep all our podcasts in the fridge, so they have that just recorded freshness. It's another exciting round of the Kelly Questions so you the listener can learn as much about our next victim errr… I mean guest.

So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded newspapers, a tall cool glass of printing ink and enjoy!!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__Dave_Owens.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:42am EDT

When it comes to the world of model railroading our next guest literally needs no introduction after decades in the hobby, literally hundreds of articles, different magazines edited under his watchful eye, a monthly column read by tens of thousands, Tony Koester is simply an icon in the hobby. An alumnus of Purdue University, co-founder of the Nickel Plate Historical Society and some would say along with his good friend Allen McClelland, he popularized the idea of proto-freelancing.

This is part one of a five-part series in which Tony graciously takes the time to answer our questions, tell great stories and give us his “Trains of Thought.” Enjoy !!


We need a guy that’s spent quality time with the Secretary of Transportation, befriended a full-sized one-to-one railroad, worked with the governor of New Jersey to bring rail service in the Tri-State area to an exceptional level and stood knee deep in flood waters from Hurricane Ida.

In all of AML land there can only be one guy to fill this void and of course we speak of our very own “Uncle” Dave. When troubles a brewin’ there’s a job to be done, a cat to be rescued … Wait look, what’s that up in the sky, is a bird, is it a plane?? No… it’s “Super” Dave here to save the day and make your railroad big or small, operate the way it should.

So sit back with a big bag of movie theater popcorn, a large paper cup full of nearly flat soda and enjoy !!

Direct download: Waz_Happenin_Now__...__Uncle__Dave.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

This episode features a well-respected modeler from the northeast that runs his own detail parts company, spent time as an associate editor at Railroad Model Craftsman magazine, wrote numerous articles for the model railroad press and authored one of the premier books for anyone wanting to learn how to detail model railroad locomotives. Scott shares experiences from over thirty years of building exquisite models.

When he’s not building models or selling detail parts, he’s a full-time locomotive engineer with New Jersey Transit running on some of the same lines other family members worked in the past. You can find his company KV Models here: http://kvmodels.com/

Direct download: Episode_177__Scott_Lupia.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

We here at the ole’ AML World Headquarters have been concerned for quite some time that the Kelly Questions weren’t very popular anymore… Kinda boring and uninteresting, so we decided it was time to test the waters again. We held a series of meetings to determine who might be the most boring person in all of AML land and let him or her take a stab at these this hard hitting, investigative questions for a chance to find out what makes an AMLer’ tick.

So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded score sheets, a tall cool glass of tattoo ink and enjoy !!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions_with_Rich_Wisneski.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 3:06am EDT

It’s always fun to visit with old friends and catch-up with folks who’ve been on the podcast before so on this episode we visit with Tom and Bill who discovered each other through their YouTube channels. It’s a great example of the friendships that are being created through social media. They’ve become great friends and learn a lot from each other, so we thought we’d share it with the rest of the AML Nation.

Grab yourself a big bowl of shredded note pads, a tall glass of refreshing freshly squeezed electrons and enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_176__Klimoski-Sampson.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

So, you're asking yourself, “what should I do with those unbuilt kits sitting on the shelf above the cheeseballs for the last thirteen years??” Well friends, we here at the ‘ole AML Network have discovered the perfect solution, Railroad Model Craftsman’s Dremel Kitbashing Award. Each month Otto Vondrak scours the globe for suitable submissions for the award and he’s joined us in studio to tell us all about it.

So, get yourself a new number eleven blade, a fresh tube of glue, some paint and before you know it, you too could be a SuperFan!! Enjoy!!

Direct download: RMC_Kitbashing_Award.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

There’s nothing like catching up with old friends and this edition of the “Variety Hour” gives us the opportunity to do just that!! It’s always fun to find out what weathering guy extraordinaire Rob Arsenault has been getting dirty and our favorite emergency room doctor (retired) is always got something going on and this time was no different. Whether you’re interested in painting an Argus aircraft or visiting the Queso Cowboy’s layout, this podcast has it all.

So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded paint brushes, a steaming hot cup of paint thinner and enjoy !!

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_33.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Just a quick thank you for all those folks that unselfishly help with Lionel’s “One More Year” campaign to help those dealing with the mental stress of cancer. It’s the eve of another 100km/60mile walk so who better to share it with than the Moderately Agitated Mailboy and the modeler simply known as “Kelly.” Every dollar donated goes directly to the Psychosocial Oncology Clinic at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

 

Here’s a link to the webpage:  supportthepmcf.ca/ui/OneMoreYear/participant/6990129

Direct download: One_More_Year.mp3
Category:Cancer -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

“We’re building an HO Scale two-truck Shay.” This was our introduction to a fireball who answers to the name, Keith Revell. Ever wondered how to start a model railroad manufacturing company?? You google it of course.

If you haven’t heard of KR Models before, you’re about to, they’re already well known in Great Britain and primed to burst onto the high-end scale model scene in North America plus other locales around the world. Tighten up your chin straps and hang on, we’re about to set off on a journey we won’t soon forget. Enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_175__KR_Models_Ltd.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

There’s always somebody interesting dropping into the AML Studios in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky and this week is no different when Mike Deverell of the Colorado Front Range stops by to tell us all about the big move, he and his wife are making cross country to be closer to family and start a new chapter in their life. Plus, we get to hear from Rodger Coleman a knew modeler and railfan learning all about this great hobby of ours.

So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded moving boxes, a big steaming hot mug of luke warm travel center coffee and enjoy!!!  

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_32.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:28am EDT

Like so many of us our next guest’s interest in the hobby began at the young age of four when he got his first cab ride in a Southern FP7 locomotive and after a chance to hold the throttle on a KCS NW2 at the tender age of eleven he was hooked. With his father being an avid historian, photographer and accomplished modeler, Chris was exposed to many aspects of the hobby. With over twenty-five years working as a full-time railroader and a love for model railroading “Home Shops” was born.

Freelance railroading in HO scale is big a part of the hobby and now you can own equipment from some of the finest layouts around. This is an exciting new idea we’re sure you’ll want to hear about. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded dee-cals, a tall cool glass of Solvaset and enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_174__Home_Shops.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Road trips have been part of the American fabric as soon as Henry Ford rolled the first model “T” off the assembly line. Model railroads have been part of American family life for well a hundred years. What would get if you combined both of these iconic symbols of the American life??… Shane Wilson pulling the biggest RV you ever saw from town to town promoting model railroading and ScaleTrains.

Shane is about to set out on the journey of a lifetime travelling from one club to another across all 50 states and he wants to take the AML Nation along with him. So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded road maps, a tall cool glass of gas station soda and enjoy !!

Direct download: ScaleTrains_on_the_Road_.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 12:05pm EDT

The model railroad industry is more vibrant today than it’s ever been, with new manufacturers popping up almost every day. In this episode we talk to Greg McComas one who, like so many before him has created a business simply out of the need for a particular product. We first learned of Greg and his new business from our friend Stephen Atwell, owner of the very successful Midwest Model Railroad who has managed to create a destination hobby shop in a very short period of time.

It’s a great episode with a look into the future of how vibrant and exciting this hobby is going to become for all of us. So grab yourself a steaming hot plate of ground foam, a cool glass of packaging glue and enjoy !!

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_31.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

No one could ever dispute that model railroaders can be very resourceful when it comes to filling a need for their layout and this story is no different. With the need to find a realistic beaver for a small pond on his layout, Bernard Hallen has created one of the most complete 3-D printing resources in the hobby. With his imagination and suggestions from modelers around the word the possibilities are endless.

So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded beaver tails, a tall glass of warm pond water and enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_173__MiniPrints.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Image if you will, a magical town with cobblestone roads, beautiful shade trees, quaint homes, friendly folks and a large model railroad store so well stocked it wouldn’t seem out of place in any of the big city’s across America. It’s not a dream or fantasy, it’s Spring creek Model Trains in Deshler, Nebraska just twenty-seven miles from Strang, Nebraska, less than three hours from Omaha and barely two hundred miles from the AML’s own Tony Cook.  

This episode we chat with Jeff and Mike Zucker about the upcoming model railroad show that takes over the town of Deshler, for an entire weekend. Over the past decade the Zucker’s have hosted a biennial train show with many of the major model railroad manufactures represented.

So pack up your favorite AML t-shirt, your most comfy pajamas and get ready for a great weekend of home cooking, model railroading and down home fun !!

Direct download: Spring_Creek_Train_Show.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Well, it finally happened, Hard Part and LaFawnDuh have a new addition to the family and we here at HQ couldn’t be more excited. There was much rejoicing throughout the AML Nation as this wonderful news spread across the land and picking just the right name was made priority number one. There were all sorts of great suggestions and BBQSteve was certainly one of the frontrunners but after much deliberation, hand wringing and a few choice words, the newest addition to the family has been christened.

So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded winter wipers, a tall cool glass of windshield washer fluid and enjoy!!

Direct download: Name_LaFawnDuhs_Sibling.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

We've met an awful lot of interesting people here at the ole’ AML Network and our next guest is no exception. With a background in the railroad industry and a love railfanning from an early age, plus a long career in the trucking industry, two hours was really not enough time to find out everything there is to know about Chris.

But that's not all, he's one of the most prolific railfan videographers you'll find trackside just about anywhere in the lower forty-eight with dozens of great videos at Green Frog productions.

So get comfortable in your favorite folding chair with a bowl of shredded trackside weeds, a tall glass of warm puddle water and enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_172__Chris_Wehman.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

In the words of Ed Sullivan, in the heart of Manhattan, on any Sunday night half a century ago, it’s time for a “really big shoe.” This week we talk with one of the AML Nation’s favorite artists who’d just released a new print.

Check out Bob’s latest work here: https://www.olddepotgallery.com 

Plus we chat with our old friend “Mr. Fitness,” as we criss-cross the nation looking for the latest news that’s only a few months old.

So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded artist canvas, a tall cool glass of burnt umber and enjoy!!

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_30.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 7:30pm EDT

Everybody needs a video guy in today’s new world of social media, video plays a major role attracting customers and keeping everyone up to date on all the comings and goings of your favorite train manufacturer.

Rapido Trains has a guy and we here at the ole’ AML decided to get all the behind-the-scenes scoop on what it takes to create great videos, unfortunately we couldn’t find that guy, but we did find Rapido Jeremy.

So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded videotape, a tall glass of lens cleaning fluid and enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_171__Jeremy_Fleming.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Can’t get enough of ViewerMail, still trying to recover from last week’s flight. You’ve wanted to discover the deeper meaning of life and always wondered what “Uncle” Dave thinks. Still trying to figure out if Neil Erickson is Erik Neilson’s long-lost brother. Thinking about sneaking past  Michelle Kempema into the museum. Dreaming of spending a day trackside with Rodger Coleman. Hoping you’re on Ken Zieska’s Christmas list. Waiting for James Henry to give you a ride to Deshler, Nebraska??

We’ll talk to management but won’t make any promises until Andy Ambrose promises to write shorter posts with smaller words but in the meantime here’s a special episode of ViewerMail just for you. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded manila envelopes, a tall glass of washer fluid and enjoy !!

Direct download: ViewerMail_Flight_-_82.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Model railroading has a strong presence in New England along with seafood, the once mighty Patriots, ghosts of the Hartford Whalers, Springfield Train Show, Steaming Pile restaurant and a couple of guys named Mark and Don, although one of them left because the snow was getting too deep.

These two guys are a great example of how this hobby creates lasting friendships and utilizing today’s technology to enjoy the hobby together, plus what the NMRA can do for you by simply making the effort to get involved.

So grab yourself a big bowl of week-old chowder, a tall glass of warm lobster tank water and enjoy!!  

Direct download: Episode_170__Herrick__Irace.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Not many things in life are more gratifying I life than achieving a goal or finishing a big project that’s well received by the intended audience and this couldn’t be truer for one of the AML Nation’s favorite sons. Our very own “Uncle” Dave has written what some are already calling the definitive book on railroad signalling and how it pertains to the hobby of model railroading. Dave’s excitement is infectious so we thought it would be fun to chat with Dave on the very day he received his first actual copies of “Guide to Signals and Interlockings.” It’s a great discussion, so get comfortable in your favorite easy chair with a big mug of cocoa, some of grandma’s world-famous apple pie and enjoy !!!

Direct download: _Uncle__Dave_Wrote_a_Book_.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

What happens when a well-worn railroader crosses paths with a rookie… Lots of stern looks, shaking of the head, rolling eyes and gnashing of the teeth. The Mayor of Hornepayne has found himself a nice place to live, some heritage units to shove freight cars over the hump using a belt pack, while “the Spoon” tries to explain how to protect the spare board.

So find a comfortable chair, bring a big bowl of freshly buttered popcorn and enjoy the show!!

Direct download: Georges_Journal_Part_5.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

They say it’s not the destination but the journey and this thirty-seven-part trilogy was one interesting journey, it took a while but we finally heard the story of Babbi and the O-Gauge layout. Jack’s lonely summer plus the memories of times he and trusty side kick Dave Abeles spent together, reads as well as any good romantic comedy. Jack’s story didn’t disappoint, so grab yourself a stale commuter station Danish, a soggy paper cup full of lukewarm coffee and enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_169__Jack_Trabachino_Part_3.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

There are so many facets and skills to learn in this great hobby of model railroading, it's impossible to master all of them and for many of us the best we can hope for is to be really good at one or two things such as trackwork, structures, DCC programming, painting, weathering and capable of handling some others. Creating the scenery for our railroads to run through can be almost an insurmountable task for some while others look forward to this aspect of the hobby with great delight.

On this podcast we handle a late-night  AML emergency  with our buddy Chris Adams a.k.a. Mr. Fitness as he struggles to convince himself that he has any of the skills required to create great scenery. So grab yourself a big bowl of freshly mixed plaster, a tall cool glass of matte medium and enjoy.

Direct download: Scenery_Emergency_with_Chris_Adams.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

When we last left our heroes, the scares of being separated after grade five were still freshly etched into their memories. The tragedy of the Pattenburg Tunnel “incident” still lingered on through a haze of ding-dongs, train tracks and coffee trucks. This story truly reflects what life was like at the end of the last century as our intrepid travellers leapt into the twenty-first century with the intention of helping the world understand the benefits and excitement that can only be understood with a properly run commuter rail service.

Grab yourself a big plate of shredded elementary school math tests, a steaming hot mug of week-old commuter station coffee and enjoy!!


We here at the AML Nation are always look for the sunny side of the street, the positives in life, turning that frown upside down, the sun behind every dark cloud, in other words the silver linings of life. Once again, the “Nation” will pull together and keep each other’s spirits up as we patiently wait for the model railroading event of the century. Lawn-tractor pulls, hot tub activities, baseball games, barbeques and bus trips are going to make TomStock 2020 well worth “Twice the Wait for Twice the Fun.” It’ll be the “Nation’s” greatest moment bringing together AMLer’s from across the globe to meet and rejoice and most importantly…

Third time’s a charm !!!

Direct download: TomStock_Cancelled_-_Again.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 11:34am EDT

Fifty years is a long time, especially if you’re a railroad passenger service that most critics thought of as nothing more than a stop gap measure likely to meet its demise sooner rather than later. Amtrak began with one painted locomotive a bunch of borrowed equipment a few full-time employees and a whole lot of anxiety on May 1st, 1971. It’s now time to celebrate a railroad that’s become a fixture on the American rail scene and of course where better to do it than right here on the AML Network.

So jump on board, grab yourself a window seat in coach, a steaming hot mug of gusto and enjoy!!

Direct download: Amtraks_50th_with_Matt_Donnelly.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

And so begins an epic journey into the life of our next guest, we were first introduced to this gentleman by our very own “Uncle Dave” Abeles and true to his word Jack has turned out to be a very interesting study. In part one, we travel through the early years when Dave and Jack begin a lifelong friendship in grade five, it's a heart wrenching story with many twists and turns throughout that will surely bring a tear to your eye.

Grab a big box of Kleenex, some popcorn, your favorite soda and getting ready to listen to a romance of the ages.


Every podcast on the AML Network is like a bag of Cracker Jacks, you’re just never sure of what’s in the bag and this week is no different. First up is a visit with AML’s official videographer, Ron Marsh he’s been making some major changes to his railroad and this week talks about his plans to build a helix. Then after a quick visit with Bernard Hellen, the creator of MiniPrints we check in with “the Teaspoon” for another chapter of “George’s Journal.”

So grab that bag of week-old chips that’s been left on the counter, a steaming hot mug of leftover soda and enjoy !!

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_29.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

This is a great episode about a young modeler, designer and businessman named Aaron Piotraschke. His love of interurban equipment and small industrial locomotives led him to 3-D printing and an opportunity to fill a void in the hobby. Aaron started producing quality HO scale shell kits for rare and unique prototypes like boxcab diesels, standard gauge traction motors and fireless locomotives used around industrial areas where explosives and other dangerous goods were manufactured.

It’s a great story of a creative mind and a desire to conquer the world, so get comfortable by the Victrola with a warm cup of cocoa and enjoy !!


It’s often been said the best path to a balanced diet is to hold a cupcake in each hand. Here at the ole’ AML Nation we strive to offer a fair and balanced diet of model railroad podcasting.

In this episode we explore everything from what the July 4th is like in Lebanon, New Jersey, getting notes ready for an appearance on the “Dudes” show in St. Louis, Missouri and then finally discovering what life is like outback in Western Australia.

So grab yourself a big bowl of last summer’s left-over potato salad, some month old Jagerbombs and enjoy !!

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_28.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

This is it, we’ve arrived at our final destination, the last stop on the road to discovering who can best replicate the look of stunned surprise on Martyn Jenkins face as he sets off on another model railroading adventure. With almost a hundred entries we picked the best of the best that the AML Nation has to offer in order to help Martyn pick the best photo.

It’s an exciting episode with plenty of paparazzi, red carpet interviews and a cast of thousands, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded confetti, a tall glass outback pond water and enjoy !!

Direct download: Jenkins_Photo_Contest_Winner.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 1:31am EDT

This episode features two fantastic young men who found each other through the wonders of social media. Cam models the BNSF’s line over Crawford Hill and Marias Pass while John, who’s layout was planned by Bob Sprague, models the Union Pacific Mainline across the Cascade Subdivision in Oregon. These two young men typify what the next wave of model railroader will look like.

We were so excited to interview these two youthful modelers we couldn't hardly think straight, so bear with us as we talk remote operations, manned helpers, YouTubing and what the next generation of model railroader might look like in the years and decades to come. Enjoy!!


Well we finally did it, two hundred patrons and it didn't take that long at all. There's lots of excitement around the old AML headquarters here in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky with so many folks willing to plunk down their hard-earned cash just for a chance to tune in one more time each week. Bill Sampson from Minnesota wanted to do something special to recognize this momentous event with a special gift and we here at HQ decided to kick in a couple of T-shirts.

So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded raffle tickets, a tall glass of freshly squeezed coleslaw juice and find out who the lucky winner is.

Direct download: 200th_Patron.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Founded in 2003 the small family business of Otter Valley Railroad served local customers and travelled the circuit of train shows throughout Southern Ontario. In the summer of 2011 a brand new 1,200 square foot retail store was built and packed from the ceiling to the floor with model train products.

Over the years Otter Valley has worked with such manufacturing giants as Bowser and Rapido Trains becoming an important source for individual items as they continue to grow and expand.

Surrounded by a great group of employees, Lorne and his capable staff continues to grow the product line while the future looks more promising with each passing day. This is a great episode as the Evel Overlord reveals his alter-ego Captain Grumblebum, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded Canadian bacon, a tall glass of Maple syrup and enjoy.


The next generation of hobbyist is here with YouTube videos, Facebook pages and any other kind of social media you can think of this episode is a perfect example of why the argument of “the hobby is dying” needs to be put to rest once and for all. This is a great discussion with an enthusiastic young man who's all about enjoying this great hobby of model railroading.

There's plenty of other fun as Tony Cook and Ron Marsh talk about collaborating on some exciting new projects for model railroad news. Plus we hear from our very own “Mr. Intros” David Start along with the proprietor of everybody's favorite model railroad shop, Midwest Model Railroad.

So grab yourself a big bowl I've shredded videotape, a steaming hot mug of film developer and enjoy !!

Direct download: MRN_News__Drew_Warrington.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

More and more we’re finding full-time railroaders just as interested and excited about model railroading as they are with their day jobs. This month's guest is a long time BNSF employee who enjoys spending time at the workbench as much he does behind the controls of an SD40-2.

It's a great story of a dedicated railroader from his early days in the Seattle, Washington area to his present assignment in Temple, Texas and all his adventures in between. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded air hoses, a tall cool glass of spent diesel fuel and enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_163__Emory_Van_Lehman_III.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It's time for another exciting round of the Kelly Questions with one of Conrail's biggest fans, we've all got to know him up and personal from his fabulous Facebook live podcasts featuring operations in upstate New York and now it’s our chance to find out how he holds up under pressure.

It’s our very own “Uncle” Dave, as he dons the tin foil helmet and gets ready to answer some of the most toughest questions in the hobby today. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded timetables, a tall cool glass of melted aerosol cheese and enjoy!!

Direct download: Kelly_Questions__Dave_Abeles.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

What do you get when combine a lifelong model railroader with a doctor and an ex-navy guy?? A great layout built by a dedicated member of the NMRA and someone who has squeezed as much out of the hobby as possible. This is a great episode that follows the journey of a lifelong model railroader that travelled the world while serving his country.

When he finally settled down, he decided to preserve the memory the Susquehanna & New York Railroad in HO scale. Mike has also created a great website at: snyrr.com

So sit back and get comfortable for a story that we’re sure won’t disappoint !!

Direct download: Episode_162__Mike_Hauk.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

It's election time at the NMRA again and we’ve offered this podcast to anyone running for office in order for them to express their positions and answer questions about the future of this hobby and the organization. John Doehring who’s running for Eastern Director and Gordy Robinson who’s put his name on the ballot for president of the NMRA agreed to answer some questions and tell what they think is store for the future of this hobby.

These two gentlemen were more than to make time to answer our questions covering many areas of concern about where the hobby is headed. Hopefully this episode will help you decide one way or another who to vote for in this critical upcoming election. Enjoy !!

Direct download: NMRA_Elections__Doehring-Robinson.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

What happens when a guy with lots of enthusiasm for the hobby with a personality as big as Manhattan itself, twelve hundred freight cars, a wobbly car float finally decides to build an operating layout?? You get a place where friendships come first and operating a model railroad in a realistic fashion is a close second.

Welcome to the New York Harbor Railroad on the west of Manhattan set in the year 1947. Serving the Erie Railroad, Lehigh Valley Railroad and the New York Central all jammed into one basement primarily for the pleasure of other modelers to operate. Dave is a fun guy to talk with and this is an episode we’re sure you’ll enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_161__Dave_Ramos.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Starting a new career can be as exciting as anything you’ll ever do and getting to share the adventure with others might be the next best thing. When we found out our very own George “the Boy Wonder” Taylor (a.k.a. “Teaspoon”) had been hired on by the Canadian National Railway, we jumped at the chance to ride along.

These are the first two installments in a journal of life as we tag along on what we hope will be a long, exciting journey for our intrepid hero as he begins a new chapter in his life. So grab your book of operating rules, radio, some warm boots and hop onboard this train bound for the future.

 

Direct download: Georges_Journal_Begins.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Backdrops are as important to scenery as any other aspect in the overall appearance of a finished model railroad scene. This month Scott shows us how he created the Rock River on his Milan Branch of the Iowa Interstate Railroad layout. Through a series of experiments, mistakes and successes the finished product turned out beautifully. Ron Marsh is the co-host for this episode and does an excellent job of keeping the conversation on “track.”

So grab yourself a big bowl of course medium green ground foam, a tall cool glass of unfiltered river water and enjoy !!


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