a ModelersLife (Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport)

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 !!


Since the beginning we’ve checked up on the state of the hobby each year with Joe Fugate editor of the online magazine Model Railroad Hobbyist and this year is no different, but we decided to add our favorite NMRA Director-at-Large Gordy Robinson all the way from the Orkney Islands in the North Atlantic just off the coast of Scotland.

Both of these gentlemen had some interesting information to share about the future of this great hobby and with the kind of enthusiasm Gordy has the future looks very bright for everyone. So grab yourself a bowl of haggis, a pint of Guinness and enjoy !!

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

Conrail guy, flight attendant and museum curator walk into a bar… Sounds like a great lead in for a joke but instead it’s the lead in for the AML Nation’s Christmas Eve Special featuring our very “Uncle” Dave Abeles, Tracy Boyd the official flight attendant of the AML Network and Michelle Kempema the fastest talking museum curator east of the Rockies !!

This podcast is like the jelly of the month club… it’s the gift that just keeps on giving. So grab yourself a bowl of last year’s butternut squash, a steaming hot mug of leftover gravy and enjoy!!

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

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that Peter would soon be there. Matt with his tattoo and Andy with his beard had just settled down for a long winter’s podcast when outside the studio there rose such a clatter, I sprang from my chair to see what ‘twas the matter. What to my eyes should there appear but eight tiny boxcars so lively and quick lead a jolly young man with a smile on his face yelling, “come on NMRA, pick up the pace.”

The young man smiled as his ideas they did come and I’m here to tell you, the NMRA is not done. I’m Gordy, I’m Gordy so vote for me now, I’ll be your president and for sure you’ll say wow !! 

Merry Christmas from the AML Nation !!!

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

If you’re interested in the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad or you’re wondering what sort of choices a Canadian National locomotive engineer from Fort Dodge, Iowa would make under pressure, then you’ve come to the right place. If you’ve ever wonder how elitist hobby manufacturer like Scott Thornton would handle scoring on the Kelly Questions, then you’ve come to the right place.

It’s time once again to don the tinfoil helmet as we take another contestant down the precarious road of providing useless knowledge that no one needs to know. So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded score cards, a steaming hot mug of melted locomotive axle grease and enjoy !!

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

Have you ever felt that sometimes your scale locomotives get lonely and need a little support in order to make it through another operating session or maybe on those long dark nights when there’s no action on the railroad at all?? Well fear not, now there’s Decoder Buddy from Nick Santo, a former chemist turned flight instructor from New England.

Model railroaders are an inventive bunch to be sure, often times out of necessity and often times just simply looking to build a better mouse trap, making the hobby more enjoyable for everyone. The Decoder Buddy helps simplify the installation on a variety of different DCC decoders, it’s a product that’s sure revolutionize an already exciting part of the hobby. It’s a great podcast we’re sure you’ll enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_159__NixTrainz.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

There’s a new locomotive manufacturer coming to town and they’re called Aurora Miniatures, but here’s the twist. They’re based in China and have been selling high quality models to the Chinese model railroad market for several years. Now with a good foundation of creating exquisite HO scale models, the release of their first locomotive based on a North American prototype is about to hit the market.

Canadian National’s SD60F will be the first model offered by Aurora Miniatures along with several beautifully crafted HO scale containers. Ben Wang is the lead man on this side of the Pacific and he’s here to bring the AML Nation up to speed. Enjoy !!

Direct download: Ben_Wang_-_SD60F.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

The train set is a time-honored tradition every Christmas morning with boys and girls of all ages from one to a hundred delighted by the sights and sounds of a train set around the tree. Once again, we’ve called on Model Railroad news editor Tony Cook to tell us about some the best options available for this Christmas season.

 

These days the choices range form the very simple to the very expensive and everything in between and if you listen long enough, you’ll get a chance to revisit those great airport movies of the seventies with George Kennedy and Charleton Heston. So grab yourself some stale

in-flight peanuts, your favorite flat soda and enjoy !!

The train set is a time-honored tradition every Christmas morning with boys and girls of all ages from one to a hundred delighted by the sights and sounds of a train set around the tree. Once again, we’ve called on Model Railroad news editor Tony Cook to tell us about some the best options available for this Christmas season.

These days the choices range form the very simple to the very expensive and everything in between and if you listen long enough, you’ll get a chance to revisit those great airport movies of the seventies with George Kennedy and Charleton Heston. So grab yourself some stale in-flight peanuts, your favorite flat soda and enjoy !!

Direct download: Christmas_Train_Sets_-_Tony_Cook.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

This a great interview with a lifelong railroader that work at several different levels with Canadian National Railway while always learning and improving as he went along his journey. It’s also a great story of a full-time railroader who’s devoted to the hobby of model railroading and the friends he’s made along the way. Our friend Rob Arsenault introduced us, and we’re glad he did.

Just like any great recipe we added a touch of “Spoon” to liven things up. So, grab yourself a cup of steaming hot cocoa, get comfy in your favorite chair and enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_158__Norm_Skretting.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

Well poop, this isn’t any fun at all. The Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show has been cancelled and all hope has been lost, we’re not even sure there’s a reason to get up tomorrow. But wait, all is not lost, who’s that we see off in the distance leading the charge against sadness and despair?? It’s none other than everyone’s train show hero, John Sacerdote who’s been show director for the past 16 years.

John has all sorts of news about what’s going take the place in lieu of this year’s cancellation and some pretty exciting events will be happening. So sit right down in your lawn chair with some left over hot dogs and enjoy !!


Still trying to recover from the “Fans #28” the introductions, get figure out why your dill pickle scented body wash isn’t driving the girls wild. The Nicholas Cage pillowcases you ordered from Amazon were the wrong size but when you tried to exchange them for autographed Doris Day bath towels you found out she’s longer available for after dinner speaking engagements.

None of this makes sense which is the perfect introduction to “Fans of the AML Part #2.” This time our fearless heroes did manage to read five days of posts falling even further behind in their never-ending quest to catch up. So, grab yourself a big bowl of shredded  8X10 glossy’s, a steaming hot mug of stale bath water and enjoy !!

Direct download: Fans_28_-_Part_Two.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

One of the best parts of having a world-famous podcast is all the folks we meet along the way and today’s episode is no exception. Buried deep in the hills of South Carolina, we found ourselves a gem of a modeler who’s built several layouts on his way to finally settling down in S-scale and twelve miles of railroad between Greenville and Travellers Rest known as the Greenville and Northern Railway.

We here at the ‘ole AML Nation enjoyed recording this edition of “a ModelerLife” and look forward to sharing it with all of you. So find yourself a comfortable spot on the porch with a refreshing cold beverage, loosen your belt after a hearty meal and enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_157__Scott_Lister.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

This podcast is a great discussion between two railroaders about railroading over Soldier Summit, a sixty-nine mile stretch of rail through a broad valley pass joining the communities of Helper and Provo, Utah. Adam Pinales tells some great stories of running trains for the Utah Railway over the Summit.

It’s also the first AML podcast in history with two… Count ‘em two introductions. It’s a long story and not necessarily one you’re gonna want to share with the grandkids. So, get comfy on the couch and get ready for the podcast of your life.

Direct download: Abeles_Pinales_-_Solder_Summit.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

Tangent Scale Models has been producing and selling high quality, HO scale freight car replicas since 2007. Tangent’s owner and creator David Lehlbach is an avid model railroader that wanted to create exquisite models for everyone in the hobby to enjoy. All of Tangent’s cars are produced with the same enthusiasm that David has for the hobby.

If you’ve wanted to know more about the man behind the models this is a great interview with very open and honest conversation about our great hobby and an in-depth look at what goes into each and every car. So get comfortable in from of the Motorola with a steaming hot cup of cocoa and enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_156__David_Lehlbach.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

When it comes to model railroad podcasts there's only one that really counts, there's been others of course, plenty of others as a matter of fact but only one can declare itself the grandfather of them all. Of course, we speak of the AML Network’s original spinoff show, Model Rail Radio that's been gracing the airways of every self-respecting hobbyist for over a decade.

Since its inception model rail radio has set a high standard of podcasting delivering quality episodes and historic specials for old and new listeners alike. So grab yourself a big plate of shredded woofer's and tweeters, a steaming hot mug of melted copper wire and enjoy !!

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

There are far more people earning their living from railroading in this hobby then anyone realises, of course we have our very own Spoon but this episode clearly displays how one man can love his job as a locomotive engineer as much as he loves the hobby of model railroading. Turns out operating 240 car unit trains by yourself on the Québec North Shore and Labrador railroad can be just as challenging as building a truly magnificent O-scale layout.

Find out more about on Facebook at CN Sanmore Subdivision in this great episode of “a ModelersLife.” Also check out the YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyjuCVikYlaZrkAhq6rGpkA

Direct download: Episode_155__Serge_Lebel.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

There's nothing better than finding an opportunity in the basement to expand your current layout and that’s what happened to the AML’s very own how to guy Ron Marsh. After his layout demolition video turned out to be so popular we decided to find out what the future holds for Ron’s Trains N’ Things.

Along with co-host Scott Thornton we try to find out which of the “Things” will be part of this exciting new adventure. So grab your favorite sledge hammer, dump out the shop-vac and get ready for a fun filled ninety minutes of railroading and stories about Scott’s pet hamsters.

Direct download: Rons_Trains_N_Things-Layout_Rebuild.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

Bob’s Track Plans.com is probably the most comprehensive track planning website on the internet with almost a hundred different plans to view, enjoy and get ideas from. Bob simply takes pleasure from trying to replicate the appearance and operations of real railroads as faithfully as possible in miniature while applying this philosophy to his lifelong passion of track planning.

Recently Bob entered the world of 3D printing with great success and there’s many items available for purchase listed on his website. He’s lifelong model railroader with a passion for the hobby that’s easily recognizable in this episode. Enjoy. 

Direct download: Episode_152__Bob_Sprague.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

We don’t use the term All-Stars lightly here at the ole’ AML Network but this episode of the “Stars” is truly out of this universe. Everything is covered, Tracy our Official Flight Attendant tells us about learning to identify locomotives using flash cards, Kaylee fills us in on what it’s like to stuff a decoder into a HO-Scale track mobile and finally MRN editor Tony Cook shares some product news.

After all that we still find time to discuss the stellar acting career of Charlton Heston and disaster movies of the 70’s. So grab yourself a big bowl of airline pretzels, a steaming hot mug of spilled jet fuel and enjoy !!

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_25.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

Fabulous N-Scale layout, tools that will make your next model stand out from the rest, a dedicated model railroad store that’s growing like an over watered Chia Pet and much, much more all in one handy to use podcast.

On this version of the Variety Hour we visit with Walker Embry-Texas Ranger, Tim Warris of FastTracks fame and visit with Lorne James the owner of Otter Valley Railroad, a very successful hobby shop in Southwestern Ontario.

So sit right down in your favorite podcast chair with a cool refreshing beverage and enjoy!!

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_24.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

In this episode of a ModelersLife we venture into the life of maybe the most energetic person we’ve met here at the ole’ AML network. Whether she’s busy being the executive director at one of the best model railroad experiences in the country or helping expand the knowledge of an enthusiastic child, Michelle can rarely be seen sitting still.

So put down your jar of queso, strap yourself into the fastest coffee cup racer you can find and be prepared to enjoy a podcast full of twists and turns!!

Direct download: Episode_149__Michelle_Kempema.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

Still need help getting that old John Deere tractor running, can’t decide which crops to plant this season, you’ve planted an acre of garlic but don’t have enough lettuce to make a salad??

You went down to the local Ace Hardware looking for expert advice from the manager about renovating your grandma‘s bedroom and all he wanted to do was sell you a Palzer’s Plumbing Supply kit and some HO scale industrial storage racking??

Fortunately it’s time for another All-Star Variety Hour which will be of no actual use but may help to relieve the pain of day to day life. So grab yourself a big bowl of moist potting soil, a tall cool glass of Benjamin Moore’s exterior primer and enjoy!!

Direct download: All-Star_Variety_Hour_23.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

If there’s an award to be given out for the most enthusiastic person in this hobby, surely our next guest would be at the top of the list. George has been working for SoundTraxx over ten years and you’ve probably seen him at a train show or clinic somewhere in your area during that time. He’s a fan of the Missouri Pacific Railroad and willing to help any modeler with any questions.

When he’s not out on the road promoting the hobby you can usually find him between the pipes at the local arena making glove saves in rapier like fashion. George is a true ambassador to the hobby and a pleasure to be with, so put on your favorite Dallas Stars jersey, your Eddie the Eagle mask and enjoy !!

Direct download: Episode_148__George_Bogatiuk.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

Here at the ol' AML Network, there’s two things we always strive to achieve, hard hitting journalism, and ignore the facts whenever possible. So when the Evil Overlord visited Rapido Trains, it seemed only fitting to get the scoop on Jason Shron's crack team of model slingin' miracle workers.

It’s a whistle stop tour of the folks behind the scenes at Rapido, we get the lowdown on how Janet, Joshua, Jordan & Dan arrived at Rapido and what the hobby means to them.

So grab yourself a big bowl of shredded scale model flyers, a hot steaming mug of gearbox oil and enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_147__Rapido_Staff.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

We know what you’re thinking right now, what’s happening at the Medford Railroad Park right this minute. Not long ago we decided to install a direct line from AML headquarters in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky to the park so that we could stay in constant contact find with the modeler is simply known as “Kelly.”

Whether he’s spray painting the inside of his garage or pulling weeds down at the park, our little buddy is always up to something. So grab your safety vest, a handful of train club rule pamphlets and enjoy!!

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

This episode of the Kelly Questions is so old we thought they’d gone bad but fortunately the Moderately Agitated Mailboy stuck them in the fridge behind his ample supply of guacamole.

Let’s not kid ourselves, you’ve been anxious to hear another round of the questions so you could test your skills against some of brightest minds in hobby. Unfortunately none of those people listen to ModelersLife so all we have to offer is our buddy Chris from ExactRail. Enjoy !!


Turns out there’s all kinds of fascinating people working at New Jersey Transit and our next guest insists he’s not one of them. As a long time fan of the of the Susquehanna Railroad and regular operator of Dave Abeles’ Onondaga Cutoff he’s got plenty of interesting insights to share.

He’s also a operator on several layouts in the New Jersey area, works in a department with only two people and a very accomplished photographer.

So grab yourself a giant bowl of shredded waybills, frosty cold glass of Susquehanna railroad yellow paint and enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_143__Rich_Wisneski.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

So many aspects of model railroading and can be considered an art form and weathering your locomotives and freight cars is no exception. This aspect of the hobby continues to grow in popularity as the search for realism seems endless.

We’re checking in with one of the hobby’s premier grime creators to find out what he’s been up to lately. So grab yourself a bowl of shredded dee-cals, a tall cool glass of splattered engine grease and enjoy.

Direct download: Rob_Arsenault_-_WeatherMyTrains.com.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST

We know what you’re asking yourself, what’s happening in Plattsburgh, Missouri right now?? The AML Nation reaches out to every corner of the globe and a sleepy little town north of Kansas City is no different.

This is the podcast you’ve been waiting for, an in-depth look into a fast-paced world of model railroad news. It’s non-stop action for this magazine editor, keeping his finger on the pulse of the world.

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

Direct download: Waz_Happenin_-_Tony_Cook.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 12:24pm EST

It’s time to fly the friendly skies of the AML Nation with our very own flight attendant Ms. Boyd. It’s another emergency podcast about those folks so easily forgotten while they do their job tirelessly, so we here at HQ in Busted Knuckle, decided to find out more about one of our loyal listeners.

It can be tough deciding which scale you’re best suited for and our next guest is no different. Everything from experimenting with Arduino‘s, giving N scale a try and then ending up back where she started.

So grab yourself a big bowl of stale airline pretzels, I’ll tall glass complementary warm water and enjoy.

Direct download: Waz_Happenin___-_Tracy_Boyd.mp3
Category:Model Railroading, Model Railway Transport -- posted at: 2:30am EST