All-Star Variety Hour #58
a ModelersLife
It’s an all new “All-Star Variety Hour” without much variety. We’ve got just one guest for this show and Daniel Banks is just starting his initial term as the Superintendent of the Central Indiana Division after serving three years as train master. When he’s not busy trying to make the NMEA grow he can be found pursuing his favorite favorite parts of the hobby, building and operations. Dan has recently begun a new laser kit business called Wabash Model Works, modeling primarily 1875 Old West. It’s somewhat Disney-fied, much romanticized, just plausible enough to be believable...
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Episode 253: Train Wizard Productions
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What does Harry Potter and railfanning have in common, well nothing really, unless of course you add in an Ohio native named Adam Matthews, railroad preservationist, photographer and model railroader who was inspired by his grandfather, a retired vice superintendent of shipping at US steel in Lorain, Ohio. We’ve been wanting to interview Adam for quite sometime now, after stumbling across his website “Train Wizard Productions,” a must see for anyone even remotely interested in trains, model railroading and great photography. With more than 150,000 followers on Instagram, Adam is a...
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Trainfest Report
a ModelersLife
Started in 1971 as a one day show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Trainfest grew as the decades rolled by into a two-day show sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern division of the NMRA. Eventually the show moved to the Wisconsin State Fair Park and for decades was a huge success but as with everything, changes happened and those who took over were unable to maintain it’s popularity. Over the last few years, the shows doors have only been open sporadically with those in charge unable to keep a successful show running. Fortunately, this year a group of individuals more capable took over and the...
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a Christmas Story
a ModelersLife
Christmas stories bring a special warmth and magic to the season. From heartwarming tales of kindness and family to the whimsical adventures of Santa Claus and his reindeer, they capture the joy and wonder of the holidays. Nothing can bring the spirit of the holidays to life quicker than two grown men dressed in polar bear costumes. This is the heartwarming story of the AML Nation coming together to share the magic of the season with each other and all those around them. Our very own Seth “Doc” Gartner and Kevin “Hard Part” Marks decided to pay a visit to Marcus Neubacher at the North...
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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #23
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It’s time once again to check in with “Uncle” Dave and find out what’s happening in the Abeles clan. Whether it’s dealing with day-to-day life, unboxing of Rapido Trains fabulous new E8 locomotives or the trials and tribulations of day-to-day life. It’s always an interesting discussion while throwing another log on the fire and sitting back with your favorite wobbly pop. In this installment, Dave shows his new enthusiasm for Conrail’s Office Car Special and how much fun he’s having learning all about passenger cars, plus some modelling tips about stripping paint from a...
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Family Responsibilities
a ModelersLife
Balancing a hobby with the responsibilities of raising a family can feel a lot like a well-practiced juggling act, but it’s definitely possible and even beneficial, for both the modeler and the family!! The hobby of model railroading can provide an outlet for creativity and stress relief, which can make you a more patient partner and parent. Finding ways to involve your family in your hobby or setting aside dedicated "you" time can help strike that balance. So, we here at the ole’ AML Network in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky gathered together three of our favorite Dads to find out...
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Episode 252: the Station Inn
a ModelersLife
The Station Inn located in Cresson, Pennsylvania was built in 1866, situated just ten miles west of the famous Horseshoe Curve, it was originally built as a hotel for weary travelers heading east or west on the Pennsy Railroad. Over the last hundred and fifty years it’s gone through many changes including the early 90’s when it was purchased by Tom Davis and turned into the place railfans of all kinds from across the globe would come to stay. Fast forward to present day, after Tom passed away in 2021 it was purchased by Alex Lang and his wife Leah who over the years had built a deep...
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Talking Detectors
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It’s time once again for our courageous crew of confused modelers to gather around the studio to discuss the latest happenings. Originally this podcast was intended to be about Bradd Williamson’s new talking detector, but it quickly morphed into a loosely produced edition of the “Fans.” “the TableMaster” talks about ripping out his current layout and replacing it with something of lessor quality while the “the Queso Cowboy” describes his latest freight car model he purchased from 3D Central. In 1973, the Norfolk & Western Railroad converted a number of their F-20 53′...
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Episode 251: Magnotta Twice
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Is the hobby growing or shrinking?? If you hang around the AML Studios long enough, there will be no doubt in your mind that we here in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky are convinced the hobby is growing rapidly day after day. But the age-old question remains, how we entice the younger generation to join the old guard in the never-ending quest of introducing model railroading to the world!! This is a continuation of our discussion with Derrick Magnotta, a lifelong model railroader who as he approaches his mid-thirties can’t find any reason to join the NMRA. However, Derrick is definitely open...
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Episode 250: What's Neat This Week
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So, you’re wondering what’s neat this week?? That’s easy just check out what Ken Patterson and his gang are doing over there on YouTube with the show that’s got its finger on the pulse of the hobby. We wanted to find out more about “the Dude,” Joshua Barton, Mike Budde and James Reiger, so we sat them down in front of a microphone and let the magic happen!! This is a fun podcast that goes in all sorts of directions, and we find out all about the guys just before they’re about to record another show. Ken is an accomplished, professional photographer, featured in numerous model...
info_outlineSo, you’re wondering what’s neat this week?? That’s easy just check out what Ken Patterson and his gang are doing over there on YouTube with the show that’s got its finger on the pulse of the hobby. We wanted to find out more about “the Dude,” Joshua Barton, Mike Budde and James Reiger, so we sat them down in front of a microphone and let the magic happen!!
This is a fun podcast that goes in all sorts of directions, and we find out all about the guys just before they’re about to record another show. Ken is an accomplished, professional photographer, featured in numerous model railroad publications and marketing material over the years and is happy to share some of his secrets. Enjoy!!