Model Rail Radio

Model Rail Radio #225: Proto Throttle and Podcaster [February 3, 2024] Feb 03, 2024

John Syzemanski is now retired and reports on tasks for his own projects, participating in ops sessions, and visiting a few layouts in the area. Tom and John discuss the steam proto-throttle development. Martin Coombs has several updates from a game-changing laser cutter upgrade, to new fox-proof ballasting techniques, to the latest on upcoming layout exhibits. Martin describes a successful Christmas season at Bredgar. Tom asks about 16mm modeling, when Martin describes a smoke generator technique with "ultrasonic chuff generation". Martin is happy to be back on a role with several projects and colleagues in the hobby. Martin goes on to describe Light Burn software and use with Illustrator files. Dave Barraza is building a staging yard where no one should build a staging yard. He continues to challenge operators, and signal installation looks a bit too much like his day job. John Gardiner IV is back from the Springfield show and is feeling like a real podcaster. John is working on a layout set in the 2040s with a fine back story. Tom hopes to record more frequently. Thanks to Robert J. Thomas for editing the recording and providing the show notes.

Bonus: Tom Barbalet talks with John Gardiner IV [November 13, 2023] Nov 13, 2023

Tom and John discuss John's new Proto Future podcast.

Layout Design Contest Winners / Tom Barbalet Starts A Podcast (the Pilot) [Nov 11, 2023] Nov 11, 2023

Ron and Tom finish some overdue business and kick off a new set of podcasts.

Model Rail Radio #224: Broom Handles [August 12, 2023] Aug 12, 2023

Gordy Robinson has a number of updates including his plans for the Nationals. Jeff Shockley gives an update on the DelMarVa club and an upcoming open house. Tom and Ralph Renzetti discuss Tamiya paint, mixing colors and application including weathering with an airbrush. Tom discusses the Mine Mount Models Layout Design contest. The constraints for the contest are a 10-ft X 12-ft room. Entries can be HO, S, or O scale -- the current scales offered by Mine Mount Models. Two $50 gift certificates will be awarded as prizes. The room should include a door but is otherwise unrestricted in configuration (around the room, central island, etc. Plans should include Mine Mount Models structures, and you can scale up any kit to S or O where not yet offered. Entries should include the track plan and a narrative describing the plan (history, design, operation, etc). Submissions go to Tom's last name @gmail.com and should be submitted by October 31st. Enter multiple times if you like. Tom mentions that he is in the market for a new layout and is in correspondence regarding a candidate. Thanks to Robert Thomas for doing this show edit.

Model Rail Radio #223: Buying a Layout [July 15, 2023] Jul 15, 2023

John Szymanski has been operating his layout having moved to smaller weekend op sessions. Mike Slater gives an update on the hottub layout. Neil Erickson talks about a layout that can fly. Ted Roy gives a layout update. Ron Klais and Christina Zambri call in to give an NMRA update and talk about the 2023 Layout Design Contest.

Model Rail Radio #222: Hot Afternoon [April 29, 2023] Apr 29, 2023

Clark Kooning is returning to Canada and has plenty of plans when he gets back to the north. Ralph Renzetti has been on and recommends a new podcast. Peter Stempel might be moving and provides a brief garden update. Mike Slater has summertime plans.

Model Rail Radio #221: Gone Fishing [March 25, 2023] Mar 25, 2023

John Szymanski discusses operating on Bob Hayden's layout and how having phones can reduce the noise level (or maybe not). John has a friend David on the call, and they discuss current (including Breaking Bad diorama) projects with Tom. They discuss operating on layouts in the area. John discusses simplifying aspects of his layout to make it user-friendly for operators. Linton Towell calls in while fishing in Australia. He has been working on a 7mm truck for the layout. He laments missing Tom when in Las Vegas. Dave Barazza describes the latest Bay Rails experience an operating on David Park's layout. Dave discusses "Signals and Ops is what's been happening," the current update on his own layout, now known as "The Simulator" by prototype operators. Martin Coombs discusses plug-in modules, 30 wagons to paint, an update on several garden layout projects, an update on Bredgar later, and seems a bit of an understatement. Martin laments downsizing 7mm collection. Tom and Martin discuss overseas travel with little ones. Malcolm Johnson has a home but alas, no model railroad. Malcolm discusses a potential move to modeling in On30, and the possibility of selling off the remnants of his old layout. Thanks to Robert J. Thomas for producing this recording.

Model Rail Radio #220: The Meat That Cooks Itself [February 4, 2023] Feb 04, 2023

Tom starts the Lawerence Eggering memorial show with Massimo Piras who is interested in hearing from folks in his area. Toni Ryan has fond memories of Uncle Larry. Jim Gifford braces an early morning to talk about his memories of Larry. Tom Gassior talks about his podcast and Uncle Larry. Tim Harrison also has fond memories to share. Andy Zimmerman was with Lawrence at Springfield this year. A band of misfits round out the show with their Larry memories.

Model Rail Radio #219: Show Contention [January 21, 2023] Jan 21, 2023

Clark Kooning is laying out a new empire. Thomas Brown has some catching up to do. Martin Coombs and the Professor provide interesting show discussion on come contentious issues with Giles Favell providing input. Ralph Renzetti has been helping Chris Adams with his locomotive weathering. John Szymanski rounds out the show. This show is dedicated to Lawrence Eggering - a generous gentleman in the hobby.

Model Rail Radio #218: Have Traction Will Travel [January 7, 2023] Jan 07, 2023

Toni Ryan has been playing with some new tech. Mike Slater has been 3d printing in O-scale traction and has been to a magazine with his crew. John Szymanski has building oil pumps for visual interest. Nigel Gartshore has a quick update.

Model Rail Radio #217: Chickens [December 10, 2022] Dec 10, 2022

John Szymanski has been operating and talks about his friendship with a famous star of the hobby. Mike Slater has been getting his model railroading mojo back and attended a show that he holds some history with. Neil Erickson hasn't called in for a while but has some updates. Nigel Gartshore has plans for a no-lix now his layout is no longer battling the elements.

Model Rail Radio #216: A Cattleyard of Foxes [November 26, 2022] Nov 26, 2022

Martin Coombs is planning on making videos in the near future. They discuss many interesting aspects of railroading in Kent. Lawrence Eggering has been doing stuff with 3d printers and provides some interesting discussion associated with DCC and the NMRA. David Rees provides an update to his bluetooth developments including a very interesting product in a shade of blue.

Model Rail Radio #215: One for the Books [September 10, 2022] Sep 10, 2022

This is the Craig Bisgeier Memorial Show. Tom decides to make this a regular MRR in the European friendly time. Tom starts the call with Giles Favell talking about some die cast cars from Terry Terrance's layout. Mike Slater calls in from a local show. Tim Harrison talks about doing the ModelRailCast Show with Craig Bisgeier. We have on one final special guest and Tim talks about Craig's impact on his life.

Model Rail Radio #214: Short Show [July 30, 2022] Jul 30, 2022

Short show - thanks to Robert Thomas for the edit.

Model Rail Radio #213: Eco Coal and Vehicles That Move [July 9, 2022] Jul 09, 2022

Jim Lincoln calls in and Tom asks how COVID has changed the model railroading hobby. Simon Hill provides updates on some of the locomotives he's been building and a guillotine building project for the heat. Martin Coombs has a few updates in the hobby and introduces his friend, Giles Favell. Giles makes radio controlled vehicles for model railroad layouts in his own particular way. Tom and Giles talk about that and some of the other aspects of small vehicles on layouts that have been discussed in prior shows. Jamie Fenton has a few updates including LCC signals a-how-to. Tom wants to know about the garden layout. Mike O'Dorney might be catching up with Tom in September. Mike has been experimenting with making modules with large curves. How can conventions be run with training people through the process? Tom concludes the podcast with some sad news and special memorial show coming up. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#213

Model Rail Radio #212: Tight Three and Half [June 25, 2022] Jun 25, 2022

Nigel Gartshore calls in and has a few updates about his space and what he plans to run in the area. No-lix is the central theme. Ron Klaiss discusses his latest kit and what happens after COVID. Clark Kooning is going to be a snow goose. Clark wants to talk about local politics. Dave Falkenburg calls in and gives a Silicon Valley Lines update after some time away from the club. Martin Jenkins has a quick chance to talk about automated cars, both end sounds and how his work has taken over his hobby time. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#212

Model Rail Radio #211: The Right Height For Both Worlds [May 28, 2022] May 28, 2022

Dave Barazza has finished his layout sufficient to get on remote operators with live operators. John Szymanski has been experimenting with something similar on his own layout. Tom asks about tower cameras and combining those images with moving train cameras. John Garaty gives a few updates including on the Professor who is still building micro-layouts. Tyler Reabe has found what he wanted in the wild in terms of new model rail roaders. Mike Slater provides a much anticipated layout update and talks about his Summer show plans. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#211

Model Rail Radio #210: No Regrets [February 12, 2022] Feb 12, 2022

Tyler Reabe kicks off the show introducing his model railroading interests. Ted Roy has been working through the model railroading hobby - and has a number of locos that are now reprogrammed. Robert Thomas re-introduces his model railroading interests and offers some insight into the hobby in Texas as well as how difficult it turned out to model more than a hundred years ago. Linton Towell calls back in to talk O scale in Australia and Tom asks about the Model Rail Radio Australian O Scale Fraternity. Mike Slater has been bugged by snow on his powerhouse hot tub layout. Dazzy J. provides some updates on his perspective with 3d printing as a business. Ron Klaiss entered the blizzard of Springfield. Seth Gartner has been working towards an operating session in the near-term. Bruce Wilson has done a lot since he last called in. He covers the interesting topic of World War One rail. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#210

Model Rail Radio #209: Variable Temperature Soldering Iron [January 29, 2022] Jan 29, 2022

John Szymanski (aka John Z) has been exploring remote operations. What has been happening in Kent with Simon Hill and Martin Coombs? Martin has a kit to build that came through unusual circumstances. Chris Adams isn't at Springfield but he thinks it will continue. Peter Stempel has a whole lot of updates now he's a new place with so much potential. Brian Dougherty calls in quickly to say hi and provide a brief update. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#209

Special: Terry Terrance Jan 26, 2022

Tom talks with Terry about his subway origins, how he ended up in two rail O-scale and what advice he has to model rail roaders planning a basement empire. Tom also wonders if there are folks around Terry's new location who coul offer some model train fun.

Model Rail Radio #208: Surprise Guest [January 15, 2022] Jan 15, 2022

Terry Terrance surprises Tom with a call into Model Rail Radio. Clark Kooning and Mike Slater have memories to share with Terry. Mike Deverell has been exploring LCC while he lone wolfs his new layout. Speaking of new layouts Gordy Robinson explains how he acquired his new layout and maintains fatherhood and the NMRA with equal vigor. Linton Towell provides a brief update. Where Mike Slater formerly had a hot tub, he now has a model railroad. John Dohering doesn't stand a chance with Clark Kooning on his tail - modules are the topic but also the new affordability of the first train set. Jeff Schockley provides a Del Mar Var update from strength to strength although they've moved from Delmar, DE. Martyn Jenkins is running for the NMRA Board but his layout is way more interesting. Mike O'Dorney and Tom talk, where possible, about modules. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#208

Model Rail Radio #207: Not Jaded [December 4, 2021] Dec 04, 2021

Mike O'Dorney schools Tom on shipping alternatives as they discuss modules. Ted Roy is building for himself through the new normal. John Yates is calling in from home with a new 3d printer. Who has been making things in silver with a 3d printer? The usual suspects don't appear to be. Jim Gifford has been changing things up a bit with his controller hardware and software. Linton Towell introduces his interests in model railroading and touches on a favorite topic of Tom's what has happened for Australian HO modelers over the past two decades. Mike Slater has made some changes. But he has some ideas about what the Christmas Train should be. Tom wonders about John Garaty's model railroading health with Corrimal and the hobby. John Garaty has been finding ways to introduce the railroad concepts to his granddaughter. Clark Kooning talks about the thick skin you need to have to work in a club. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#207

Model Rail Radio #206: Moving to Martin's Shed [October 16, 2021] Oct 16, 2021

Tom explores the history of birthday shows. Tom talks about the two modules he is acquiring with John Szymanski who provides a fascinating history of his own module experiences. Simon Hill has made a difficult decision. Neale Brodie provides a long awaited update. Martin Coombs explains the blueprint for the new modules between sheds idea and it doesn't require people spending large periods of time at any location. Tom gets an update from Martin on their local 1:1 railroad. Clark Kooning has some pieces on the history of modular standards. Thanks to Robert Thomas for editing this recording. I really appreciate his assistance here once more. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#206

Model Rail Radio #205: Slumbering Layout [October 2, 2021] Oct 02, 2021

John Garaty has been dealing with day light saving and has an update for Corrimal featuring the usual suspects. Jeff Shockley provides a Del Mar Var update for his much celebrated club. Jeff seems to have some good contacts to save his club from being homeless. Jim Gifford's crew are doing more operating thanks to a reduction in COVID restrictions. He provides a detailed update accordingly. Mike Slater recommends a Texas Outfit that builds modules. (Tom purchases a couple of these modules and a future topic is born). Tom wants to know about Mike's former hotter area. Tom also wants a Jim Rindt update - in particular what is happening with the laser and the grandchildren. John Yates wanted to know more about there video conferences with the quilting community that Tom has historically mentioned through lockdown. Brenton Spackman has a number of updates about his living conditions but the hobby is central to his updates. Mike O'Dorney's brain is picked on prebuilt modules. Other topics include the new normal for buying a car. Thanks to Robert Thomas for editing this recording. I really appreciate his assistance here. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#205

Model Rail Radio #204: Least Threatening Structure Kits [September 18, 2021] Sep 18, 2021

Mike O'Dorney fills in the gaps from the last conversation about structure building for people with certain lifestyles. Tom and Mike Slater catch up after a few months. Mike is having trouble getting his local NMRA onto Zoom calls. Mike has been able to find some fun through his trolley meets. It's when Mike talks about what he has done and his plans were the interesting details come out. Jim Gifford provides a detailed update for his crew which seems to be growing in number. Tom asks for some specific updates in there too. After a brief COVID update, Tom asks about Jim's move to NCE. John Yates introduces himself and his model rail roading interests. Tom and John talk about the difficulties of maintaining model rail clubs in rural Australia. John Doehring has a number of updates too including a giant module meet in Wyoming. Module model railroading is an ongoing topic for the next few recordings. Thanks to Robert Thomas for editing a vast majority of this recording. I really appreciate his assistance here. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#204

Model Rail Radio #203: Jerry [September 4, 2021] Sep 04, 2021

Martin Coombs kicks off the show with Tom talking about his new garden layout of five phases currently. Simon Hill is responsible for the track plan. Martin is also the proud new owner of an as-yet-unused 3d printer. Simon Hill goes through some of the basic tweaks that were needed on make Martin's new garden layout come to life. John Szymanski has been tuning his layout for frequent operating sessions. For now, cleaning is his most interesting problem. Model Rail Radio classic participant Anders Wirten calls in to provide an update on his model railroading interest. Why does Tom have an interest in German 1930s locomotives? Lawrence Eggering has discovered the missing link in connecting CMRI to JMRI. This produces an interesting discussion. Tom and Lawrence talk about the second-hand market. Roger Chrysler has returned to his lead collection while attempting to sell his lead collection. In his own words, he's being more selective about what he does in the model railroading hobby. Clark Kooning is out of the water and picking up sessions thanks to Mike O'Dorney. Fredrik Just calls back in following his introduction on Show 200. What ideas does he present in this call? That we should embrace the childlike wonder in our hobby with inventive storytelling. Mike O'Dorney raises a sociological phenomenon which Tom can't leave alone. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#203

Model Rail Radio #202: The Afternoon-Evening Version [March 27, 2021] Mar 27, 2021

Mike Slater discovered a Lionel tunnel at an estate sale - questions ensue. Jim Gifford has still been mopping up from his disastrous 2020. Roscoe's layout has released some gremlins which seems to require pulling wire out. Jim as been doing modeling to bring his crew together. Tom welcomes on Lawrence Eggering to talk about how things have changed in the hobby for him. Tom calls out Lawrence RPO cars as being important in the legal problems for his layout's OC family. This podcast is here in the feed thanks to Robert J. Thomas who has been taking shows and editing them down for posting while I have been in Southern California waiting for the girls to arrive. Many thanks Robert for all your efforts here. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#202

Model Rail Radio #201: A Shortage Of Volunteers [March 27, 2021] Mar 27, 2021

Martin Coombs has been exploring a new garden rail building material, PVC FoameX. Tom and Martin discuss the structures and the form of the garden layout. Simon Hill gives a brief hobby update then Tom and Simon talk about how folks at Bredgar are planning for the longer-term new normal. Gordy Robinson has been modeling snow in N scale. The snow provides information about the layout based on the speed of the trains through the snow. Tom wonders how Gordy's perspective has changed now he's on the NMRA board. Mike Kenefeck's layout reflects a problem Tom finds himself in too. Paul Best has made progress through lockdown with MERG (https://www.merg.org.uk). Mike O'Dorney has been vaccinated and wants to help out with Silicon Valley Lines on location. Tom has some light teasing for Mike Slater before they talk about preparing for Trainfest 2021. Clark Kooning has a timed update on what is going on in the hobby. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#201

Model Rail Radio #200: Part 4, 9 pm to Midnight Jan 02, 2021

Uncensored and semi-unedited!

Model Rail Radio #200: Part 3, 5 pm to 8 pm Jan 02, 2021

Uncensored and semi-unedited!

Model Rail Radio #200: Part 2, 1 pm to 4pm Jan 02, 2021

Uncensored and semi-unedited!

Model Rail Radio #200: Part 1, 9 am to Noon Jan 02, 2021

Uncensored and semi-unedited!

Model Rail Radio #199: Paint-On Face [December 19, 2020] Dec 19, 2020

Tom starts chatting with Neil Erickson about whether the end of year holds anything special for Neil about model railroading. When that topic fails, they explore American Flyer in contrast to that other big(her) manufacturer. Mike O'Dorney provides some advice about the hobby and as a parent in the hobby. Mike Slater has some serious opinions about Lionel and American Flyer. Ralph Renzetti has been exploring new techniques with AK Interactive Pencils. John Garaty has a few updates including one from the Prof remotely. This podcast is here in the feed thanks to Robert J. Thomas who has been taking shows and editing them down for posting. Many thanks Robert for all your efforts here. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#199

Model Rail Radio #197: An Important Question for Martin [November 14, 2020] Nov 14, 2020

Tom and Simon Hill share a very particular locomotive. What's Simon doing for the new normal? Martin Coombs has a historical question which is important with Tom's news. Clark Kooning could create a podcasting empire with his address book. They explore two building spaces for the one layout. This podcast is here in the feed thanks to Robert J. Thomas who has been taking shows and editing them down for posting while I have been in Southern California waiting for the girls to arrive. Many thanks Robert for all your efforts here. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#197

Model Rail Radio #193: Yet Aluminum Remains Allusive [October 3, 2020] Oct 03, 2020

Mike O'Dorney has been observing modules from the UK. Clark Kooning has returned to the basement as the weather is moving towards freezing. Clark and Tom talk about a number of the topics raised by Mike. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#193

Model Rail Radio #192: Aiming for Comfy Slippers [September 12, 2020] Sep 12, 2020

Mike O'Dorney wants to talk about a favorite magazine (not included in a recent parcel from Tom) and something about an abbey. Gordy Robinson is on the ballot for NMRA President. Simon Hill and Martin Coombs have some ideas about moving what they do onto YouTube and maybe an NMRAx in the future too. Gordy describes his layout space. Tom wraps up with Mike O'Dorney covering a number of additional topics mostly around module layouts and transporting them. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#192

Model Rail Radio #191: The Track Design Feud of the Late 2000s [September 5, 2020] Sep 05, 2020

Mike O'Dorney is the perfect guest as Tom has a lot of points to discuss with Mike. David Karkoski has been taking the lockdown seriously and has been using JMRI to create operation sessions (which he details through the recording). Lawrence Eggering occasionally sees European trains in his area but he has a bunch of work ahead thanks to some friendly clients. John Abatecola is recording remotely through the new normal. Clark Kooning is planning for some fall hobby time. Tom wants to conclude his chat with Mike O'Dorney about European modules. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#191

Model Rail Radio #190: Hands-On Call [August 22, 2020] Aug 22, 2020

Gordy Robinson calls in following the somewhat controversial NRMA Leadership Forum. Tom welcomes back on David Rees. David provides a series of updates about Blue Rail Trains. Lionel Strang returns to Model Rail Radio to talk about AML and the future of the hobby. Ted Roy has been building water-related structures for a harbor with some strong selective compression. Lawrence Eggering has been teaching a hands-on Arduino call for the NMRA. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#190

Model Rail Radio #189: A Layout Near the Ceiling [August 15, 2020] Aug 15, 2020

Mike Kenefeck has raised his layout nearly to the ceiling. Simon Hill has been to Bredgar (and Wormshill Light Railway) and he has plans for the next few months. They discuss Show 200 and what it means to have longterm peer pressure to help you improve. Mike O'Dorney received some stuff from Tom and wants to use some of it for his NMRA Golden Spike. Mike talks about what he's working on during the new normal. Dave Barazza feels connected with Silicon Valley Lines in terms of their remote operating layout technology. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#189

Model Rail Radio #188: Sounds Like Another New Normal Project [August 8, 2020] Aug 08, 2020

Mike Deverell talks about scale of size and why arduinos are no the device of choice for his layout. Jamie Fenton is researching garden railroading while assembling a garden railroad and also will be returning to HO. Ron Klaiss and Tom discuss the upcoming Model Rail Radio/Mine Mount Models Layout Design Contest. John Garaty continues being a solitary modeler and has a designed cave-in on his layout - listen in to learn more. Tom offers an apology to Mike Slater who thankfully has called back in to MRR. Mike has been repainting some evilBay projects and playing with his 3d printer. Martyn Jenkins has made three tiny HO RC models. Tom wants to know what happens with twenty RC cars on a layout. Tom brings Clark Kooning in to talk with Martyn about the NMRA's skin in the game of NMRAx and the direction it should take. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#188

Model Rail Radio #187: Schooled! [August 1, 2020] Aug 01, 2020

Joe Collins introduces his model railroading interests in south New Jersey. Dave Falkenburg is working on a new kind of camera car for remote layout operations. Jeff Shockley provides a Delmarva update - thankfully the club has good savings for the new normal. Roger Chrysler has been introducing the hobby to his grandson and has discovered specialist YouTube content relating to JMRI and signaling. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#187

Model Rail Radio #186: Rapid Digression [July 25, 2020] Jul 25, 2020

Martin Coombs provides the new normal in England. Tom asks about the scale of a structure that Martin is building and Tom knows. Gordy Robinson talks very candidly about some of the problems he's encountered with NMRAx and sadly this is mainly non-technical in nature. What's in the future for Gordy? Lawrence Eggering has picked up a couple of new clients and has been working on weathering projects. Mike O'Dorney is being buzzed which digresses into a discussion of WW2 aircraft and YouTube channels Tom and Mike both enjoy. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#186

Model Rail Radio #185: Larry is Still in the Building [July 18, 2020] Jul 18, 2020

Ralph DeBlasi's new normal is distinctly different due to an extension of tax season. Ralph's Horizon Modules have fixed his workspace. Lawrence Eggering is still very much alive and he's been working on some new installations. Tom enjoyed seeing Neil Erickson's hobby space through NMRAx. Philip Taylor is essential so his new normal hasn't changed however he's now exploring what can be done for his NRMA region. Philip and Tom talk about NMRAx. Jim Gifford has returned home after six month exclusion. He outlines what can be recovered. Seth Gartner has been working outside but has missed out on the basement recently. Tom asks what features make a memorable scene for Seth and they discuss the many modeling forms of corn. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#185

Model Rail Radio #184: Top Brass [July 11, 2020] Jul 11, 2020

Mike Slater has been working on old projects that he's been finally fixing for friends. Mike talks brass in his collection. Tom wants to know more about virtual Trainfest. What will change in Clark Kooning's presentation through the new normal video clinics. Tom asks about how to provide more joy in the virtual experience in the hobby. Chris Adams was part of the 24-hour NRMAx. What would a layout tour in a box look like? What technical equipment is needed for a layout tour to be filmed? They discuss the social aspect of the hobby and how to maintain it through the new normal. Chris identifies what the new normal has meant for him. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#184

Model Rail Radio #183: In Support of Soldering [June 27, 2020] Jun 27, 2020

Hunter Hughson introduces his interests in the Penn Central and his paper manufacturing modeling. He talks about the movement into a high quality home layout. Simon Hill has been working on a gantry crane and talks about exploring painting and weathering with the assistance of Martin Coombs. Simon and Tom explore soldering as a must-have skill. Martin seconds the discussion on soldering. What's been going on with Martin's garden layout? Ralph Watson has retired, moved and joined some local clubs including a model train club based in a mall. Roger Chrysler has some feedback on virtual clinics. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#183

Model Rail Radio #182: Virtual Joy [June 13, 2020] Jun 13, 2020

Lawrence Eggering has been working on a grade crossing with Arduino sensors. Tom asks Lawrence about working on the same layout for twenty four years. Lawrence provides some new information about the origin of his layout. Tom talks about his experience observing a quilting event of his wife's in contrast to the model rail remote events. Mike Slater announces the reposition of Trainfest to a virtual event for this year at least. Clark Kooning has some thoughts on the future of clinics. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#182

Model Rail Radio #181: Mastering Super Trees [June 6, 2020] Jun 06, 2020

Mike Slater has been building super trees for his module. Tom has watched the show Hoarders recently and wonders how Mike Slater and Mike O'Dorney avoid the hoarding aspect of the hobby. Clark Kooning and Tom talks about direction at the end of life. Clark and Tom also explore the hoarding issues in the hobby. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#181

Model Rail Radio #180: Swinging Bridge Geometries [May 30, 2020] May 30, 2020

Simon Hill has some thoughts about how the hobby will learn from the new normal. Tom raises Hornby as a model railroading company close to Simon. Simon has been adding a sound chip to a critter. Martin Coombs continues the discussion about Kent Garden Railways. Martin has been trying to fit the hobby into his lockdown. Martin and Simon talk about the speculative future of the Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway (this is also revisited in a future recording with a full update). Paul Best also has a light railway that he's actively involve with and has some insights to the experiences there. What has Paul Best been up to? Martin is planning a lifting/swinging bridge. Roger Chrysler is going to be presenting a clinic at a virtual RPM meet. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#180

Model Rail Radio #179: Leave Written Notes [May 23, 2020] May 23, 2020

Tom asks Mike Slater about how he thinks the hobby will change through this period. Tom asks Mike about the bridge he is building in module form. Tom asks after James Rindt. (Please note we will be discussing the change with Trainfest 2020 in an upcoming recording with Mike Slater. The old audio is left in for coherency.) Clark Kooning offers a problem with deceased estates and the current time. In terms of modeling, Clark has finished his mountains and some grass but has been exploring micro-lighting on his layout. Will Merrell has been building modules for operations. Will would like to learn from the folks in the UK. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#179

Model Rail Radio #178: Catalog Inspiration [May 16, 2020] May 16, 2020

Roger Chrysler has put down some benchwork amongst putting up drywall. Richard Kowalski is getting back into his 1900s shelf layout and going through a Sears catalog to provide inspiration. Mike O'Dorney talks about how his modular layout is very similar to Richard's layout and continues the discussion on the Sears catalog. The discussion of the hobby and technology demographics gets so esoteric only Clark Kooning can be called upon to give analysis. Tom talks with Mike Slater about his hopes for the future of the hobby and continues to provide an update on the bridge module he's building. Nigel Gartshore is nearly done with his shed sealing and has been planning his layout space with a no-lix. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#178

Model Rail Radio #177: Virtual Socializing [May 9, 2020] May 09, 2020

Mike O'Dorney has been thinking about social capital through the current times and what can be done for the future with these ideas. Martin Coombs has been thinking about model rail shows with the current crisis and they talk about Neale's 3D printing. Simon Hill has used Zoom quite successfully to keep in contact with his crew. Mike Slater has been thinking about Trainfest with the new normal and more practically he's been working on a prototype bridge. What does Clark Kooning think will happen to train shows? Lawrence Eggering has some thoughts about what he'd like to see continuing train shows. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#177

Model Rail Radio #176: New Luminaries [May 2, 2020] May 02, 2020

Mike O'Dorney talks about his favorite show. Mark Clemmens provides a much needed update and talks about the locomotive restoration in Astoria, Oregon. John Garaty knows the Prof is still out there. Gordy Robinson introduces his model railroading interests and discusses the vision for NMRA-X. Martyn Jenkins talks about some of the technology behind NMRA-X and then Gordy jumps back in to discuss ideas for the near future. Tom asks about Martyn's Melbourne layout which turns into a conversation about micro radio controlled vehicles and the insanity of wiring such things. Clark Kooning and John Garaty also have some ideas on the topic of model radio controlled vehicles. Bryan Schilling has a number of updates since he last called in. Luke Lemmens introduces his layout and what it was like to be featured in the Twin Cities Facebook group live layout tours. Darren Johns (aka Dazzy Jay) talks about the changes he's making in his YouTube channel and the changes the hobby is experiencing through the lockdown. Just as Tom is wrapping things up, Ron Klaiss calls in and they have a chance to formally announce the winners of the Layout Design Contest 2020 and they talk about the follies of kit manufacture. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#176

Model Rail Radio #175: Favorite Train Show Memories [April 25, 2020] Apr 25, 2020

Tom kicks off the show with Clark Kooning asking about favorite train show memories. Mike Slater has many train show experiences. Tom asks about Mike's experiences with his father attending train shows. Andrew Chisholm provides an update and talks about his favorite train shows. Richard Murphy's favorite memory of a train show incidentally also involves Tom but only tangentially. Dave Barraza has some feedback for Richard Murphy's ideas on remote operations. John Abatecola is still working through the new normal for YouTube video conversations. Dave Barraza knew what to do when his prizes arrived. Lawrence Eggering explains how he makes his kits do what people want. Seth Gartner has been on the frontlines of the virtual operating sessions and he has some experiences to talk about. Roger Chrysler has been working on a new layout in his new home with a familiar theme. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#175

Model Rail Radio #174: Burnt Out Capacitor [April 18, 2020] Apr 18, 2020

Tom is recording from a sacred space. Andy Dixon is back in the hobby and is fully engaged. Simon Hill has been working on a gantry crane but also creating video conferences with his crew. Simon and Tom reflect on the passing of Bill Best Snr the owner of Bredgar. Martin Coombs has been laying track in his garden line and making building mock-ups. Tom Gasior has been leading the charge for live video layout tours. David Karkoski has been hunkered down, building models. Alex Gregg calls into the show for the first time but he's already a well known participant in the Facebook group. Marty McGuirk is nearly done on the track-work of his new layout. Tom asks about Bernie Kempinski's new layout direction. Paul Best has been doing some modeling and using Decoder Pro. Ralph Renzetti has been weathering N-scale locomotives and cooking meat. Randall Hammill introduces his railroading interests in the New Haven 1946-54 and his company. Randall and Tom discuss the future for Kickstarter in the hobby. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#174

Model Rail Radio #173: Acrylic Wash Techniques [April 11, 2020] Apr 11, 2020

Ted Roy presented at Amherst before the lockdown, since then he's been working on a bridge and has some painting techniques he's found very useful. Brian Dougherty has been using paints at the other end of the extreme and has an infinite resource for making trees. Ed McNamara has found the ultimate elevator for the hobby - could this mean the end of helixes? Ed also provides some much needed updates from other Oregonians. Terry Terrance has found a new state to call home and has been making some progress even with lockdown. Jim Berg is still looking for a new home for his club. Andy Estep introduces his UK two rail O scale shelf layout. Lawrence Eggering is traveling to maintain sanity and working on his own layout. Brenton Spackman offers what the situation is like in rural South Australia. Dave Falkenburg and Tom talk about their shared experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#173

Model Rail Radio #172: The Rise of Remote Layout Tours [April 4, 2020] Apr 04, 2020

Dave Barraza has been on lockdown and Tom remains hopeful Dave will be streaming video at some stage through this craziness. Nigel Gartshore escaped back to Australia with a number of items from Trainfest and may actually get his model railroading space ready for some serious layout development. Not fires, nor floods, nor plagues will stop Jim Gifford from calling in. Mike Slater, Clark Kooning and Tom have a round-table discussion on what the Twin Cities Facebook group is doing for the hobby in providing live (and archived) videos from people's layouts during the lockdown (Thomas Gasior is on an upcoming recording to talk more about this). http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#172

Model Rail Radio #171: Anticipated Coffee Machine [March 28, 2020] Mar 28, 2020

Mike Slater is on lockdown, working through NMRA regulations and hopes Trainfest will be the first train show after the lockdown. Mike and Tom talk about the Twin Cities live Facebook videos they have been publishing. Mike O'Dorney is maximizing his productivity, saving money in not traveling and building lighter modules. Will Lawrence introduces his Nova Scotia model railroading interests. Tom talks with Clark Kooning about the difficulty of judging models. Seth Gartner may no longer be on the front lines but he could be doing a video operating session if his friends have anything to do with it. Ron Klaiss is working through the day and designing kits at night. Ben Rechel has a couple of updates for the show. Neil Erickson is about to golden spike his layout. He and Tom talk about travel and meeting people. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#171

Model Rail Radio #170: The Hallowed Room [March 21, 2020] Mar 21, 2020

Joel Middleton kicks off the first lockdown show talking about the shelf layout he's working on somewhat inspired by the Professor. Simon Hill has been on lockdown and working on car cards and waybills. Martin Coombs has been finding procedural task to take his mind off things and provides his usual range of updates. Mike Deverell has been producing model railroading YouTube content and talks about the benefits of mock ups. Neale Brodie has been working on a computerization project. Matt Goodman has been working from home and exploring some updates to his layout. Dave Ramos is embracing the new normal and maybe video operating sessions in the future. Dave and Tom talk about willed cars and the importance of legacy in the hobby. Richard Murphy has been working on his new layout design. Richard's friend, John Abatecola, calls in to talk videos for the hobby and video conversations specifically. Mike Kenefeck has just moved house and although his layout room is packed with other stuff, he remains hopeful for his layout to be setup. Todd Hermann has been building some terrace houses that look like company homes. Chris Adams had a great operating session and has been working though his stockpile. John Garaty provides an Australian update of cancelled shows. Tom asks about what more John can add in the next twelve months. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#170

Model Rail Radio #169: Head Space [February 1, 2020] Feb 01, 2020

Kaylee Zheng has been to Springfield this year, has some phenomena to describe and is also looking into layout lighting. Martin Coombs provides his list of updates - including a layout on full-time public display, un-retiring an old layout, the dynamics of hurtling passenger trains and a foxing fox update. Simon Hill has a year to update, he's taken a break following building his layout but his 16mm fine detail work has called him back to the hobby. Joe D'Amato provides updates on Bruce Kelly who is infinitely more famous than Joe. Joe and Tom talk scratch building briefly and then onto Joe's incredibly lucky career. Tom concludes with the rules for the layout design contest. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#169

Model Rail Radio #168: Detectors [January 11, 2020] Jan 11, 2020

Tom introduces the show talking about catching up with some Australian participants. Mike O'Dorney is exploring modular industries. John Garaty provides some discussion to the fires in Australia and Tom tries some on call crowd sourcing for John's current water problem. Lawrence Eggering has strong feelings about the largest publication in the hobby. Mike Slater has been very productive building things and exploring his new 3d printer. Neil Erickson has been showing his trains to people around him and is excited about Blue Rails new offerings. Brenton Spackman have been continuing his lighting development and Jock is considering redoing his layout. Jamie Fenton has some new year's resolutions and they talk about layout design. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#168

Model Rail Radio #167: The Brothers O'Malley [December 14, 2019] Dec 14, 2019

Terry Terrance's final operating session at his current location was a success and they discuss Tony Koester's two rail O scale article in the hallowed publication. Dave Barraza has been holding regular operating sessions and discusses his weekly round-robin group. John Garaty has a couple of early Christmas gifts. Eric O'Malley (brother of Will) introduces his model railroading interests. Will O'Malley has been working on terminal modules. Todd Hermann has been working on his HO Lehigh and New England Railroad layout. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#167

Model Rail Radio #166: The Canadian Man [November 30, 2019] Nov 30, 2019

Mike O'Dorney provides an update for Trainfest West. Neil Erickson has been doing some Hawaiian 1:1 railroading. Seth Gartner has been hosting nephews and is working through scenery as his layout now has a Facebook page. Darren Johns (aka Dazzy Jay) has been creating new Youtube videos. Tom and Darren discuss COPPA as it applies to Darren's content. Lawrence Eggering is enjoying his partial retirement. Ron Klaiss is on so it is contest 2020 time and he has been to his first show. Ralph Renzetti talks commissions. Jim Walsh has been going to shows and conventions. Clark Kooning talks about a particularly Candian subculture organization. Jim Gifford is still waiting for the magic parts and provides an update. Mike Slater is breaking into 3d printing with a Mr. Rogers trolley. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#166

Model Rail Radio #165: So Cal Traction [November 9, 2019] Nov 09, 2019

Tom welcomes on Andrew Chier who introduces his history in model railroading and talks about some of the great clubs in Southern California he attends. Will Merrell has five years of updates to provide including the success his club had finding a new space. Tom wants to know more about N-Trak and Will is the right person to talk to on this topic. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#165

Model Rail Radio #164: Dinner Party Metaphor [October 26, 2019] Oct 26, 2019

Brenton Spackman has been installing lights and Jock has been swapping out motherboards on locomotives. Don has been encouraging a lot of stuff but hasn't been doing much model railroading himself. Tom has some questions about the Orient Express. Kaylee Zheng has a new position in the NMRA which gives a chance to chat about the state of the hobby in her area. Jim Gifford is missing a critical piece for his layout but he's still been having fun. Ted Roy has been building an On30 module. Dave Falkenburg has some reflections on what can be learnt through teenage robotics contests in the model railroading hobby. Mike O'Dorney missed the Narrow Gauge Convention. Mike Slater chimes in to talk more about Trainfest with Mike O'Dorney. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#164

Model Rail Radio #163: Rough Seas [September 28, 2019] Sep 28, 2019

Terry Terrance is giving a clinic and then showing his layout for one last time. Darren Johns (aka Dazzy Jay) introduces how he got interested in the hobby. Tom and Dazzy talk Train Controller. Eric Hansmann introduces his interests in model railroading Wheeling, West Virginia. Clark Kooning was that someone who knew about N scale ten years ago, now he's our friend who lives very far away. Mike Deverell has been working on the sugar mill on his layout but mainly working away. Martyn Jenkins has some updates for his Melbourne layout and they discuss some interesting ocean storms. Richard Murphy provides a Silicon Valley Lines update and is changing his layout. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#163

Model Rail Radio #162: Uncovering a Gem [September 14, 2019] Sep 14, 2019

Tom provides a travel update and discusses Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway with Neale Brodie and Martin Coombs. Jamie Fenton recommends the Ruby. Mike Slater gives a live update from a train show. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#162

Model Rail Radio #161: Bring on the Narrow Gauge Convention [July 27, 2019] Jul 27, 2019

Mike O'Dorney is planning to show a layout for the Narrow Gauge Convention. Neil Erickson can't wait for the Narrow Gauge Conversation. Brenton Spackman and Don Moyses are luxury camping and rail-fanning. Ros Flint is looking forward to photographing the trains. Jim Gifford isn't camping but has some updates. John Garaty gives a Prof update and then Tom has some questions about Corrimal turning into a train layout. Clark Kooning is concerned about the smaller manufacturers retiring from the hobby. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#161

Model Rail Radio #160: Live From Port Augusta [July 6, 2019] Jul 06, 2019

Jim Gifford's friend (David aka) Jock from Port Augusta who provides a history Australian industrial locomotives and Brenton Spackman returns to discuss rewiring decoders. Jim Gifford has been fighting gremlins. Mike Slater knows a little bit about Australian locomotives. Bob Thomas (winner of this year's layout design contest) introduces his model railroading interests in 1920 on the Frisco. Will O'Malley continues on restoring his historical layout. Ron Klaiss talks about some of his new kits and how a wedding anniversary trip provided a bunch of inspiration. Ben Rechel has been running live steam. Mike Slater provides some updates about Trainfest 2020. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#160

Model Rail Radio #159: Never Fight a Two Front War [June 15, 2019] Jun 15, 2019

Martin Coombs discusses what First Sunday in June means and an unusual connection to Woodstock. Nigel Gartshore is in Canada. Dave Barraza has been pushing the speed of operations for interesting results. Clark Kooning talks about his club's long journey to recovery after the roof caved in. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#159

Model Rail Radio #158: Mentorship [May 25, 2019] May 25, 2019

Jamie Fenton has been working through two model railroading projects in different scales. Tom wants to know how Jamie's layout travelled. Jim Berg has moved locations and provides a number of updates. Tom asks Mike Slater about layouts in his area we may never have heard of (yet). Mike O'Dorney wants to talk about the spirit of Trainfest in the context of a maker-faire. Jim Walsh returns in good health to talk about a model railroading photography clinic he is working on. Nigel Gartshore provides a building update on his train-room and is going to Canada. Clark Kooning can find you folks in Canada if you are traveling through and has a roof collapsing update. Tom Gasior discusses mentorship in the NMRA and now through Facebook's Model Rail Radio mentorship program. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#158

Model Rail Radio #157: Small and Super Detailed [May 4, 2019] May 04, 2019

Terry Terrance has been peer-pressured into showing his layout and he needs to clean it up accordingly. Jim Gifford has a few updates on his crew and a local train show coming up. Mike Slater provides some updates for his region. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#157

Model Rail Radio #156: Beano Magazine Inspiration [April 20, 2019] Apr 20, 2019

Tom has a chance to chat with Neale Brodie about how he makes radio controlled lorries for his crew's layouts. Martin Coombs has been in quite a few magazines and provides some insight into his crew's process. Mike Deverell has been rewiring his layout for JMRI sensor additions. Tom chats with Mike Slater about an unusually serious topic and then wonders if Mike Slater is running for the President of the NMRA? They discuss cars named after places amongst other topics. Neil Erickson talks more about his On30 plans. Joel Middleton introduces his model railroading hobby which delves into a philosophical discussion about what makes an English town. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#156

Model Rail Radio #155: A Hobby Dating Service [March 30, 2019] Mar 30, 2019

Mike O'Dorney is physically in a hole but not metaphorically with the model railroading hobby. Dan Pickard is approaching the Australian Narrow Gauge Convention this year with a number of updates. Murray Scholz has doubled his layouts and provides a much needed update. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#155

Model Rail Radio #154: Next Generation [March 16, 2019] Mar 16, 2019

Stuart Baker provides updates to what is coming out with Open LCB/LCC at the NMRA National this year at Salt Lake City. Terry Terrance isn't advocating hacking a 3d printer but he has been exploring some interesting layouts local to him. Tom welcomes on Todd and Brett Wiley from the Bench Time podcast: they introduce their background and what they love about the structure kit part of the hobby. John Garaty is on the call and provides a Corrimal ongoing work update. Ashton Herring introduces his model rail and rail fanning interests. John Garaty has some ideas for Ashton. Mike Slater has an important announcement. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#153

Model Rail Radio #153: The Nozzle [March 2, 2019] Mar 02, 2019

Ken Marshall discusses Lionel's various size offerings. Martin Coombs has been dealing with some four legged vandalism and talks with Tom about his trip to see their layouts. David Karkoski has been mislead in the hobby up until recently. Craig Bisgeier has upped his 3d printing game. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#153

Model Rail Radio #152: Remembering John Armstrong [February 16, 2019] Feb 16, 2019

Tom welcomes on David Vaughn who introduces his time with John Armstrong and how he managed to integrate elements of John Armstrong's layout into his own layout. Jim Berg continues the discussion started by Terry Terrance last recording on the Baltimore Society of Model Engineers. Ron Klaiss calls in to announce the winner and runners up to the Mine Mount Models Track Plan Contest (2019). Ken Marshall provides an update on his new layout (Ken will also feature in the next recording discussing more details about Lionel models). Jim Gifford provides an update for his posse. Jamie Fenton provides a garden layout update. Tom tries to record an outro but is blocked splendidly by the chat asking for more information about Tom's time in the UK. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#152

Model Rail Radio #151: Hawaii On30 [January 19, 2019] Jan 19, 2019

Clark Kooning has been working on electronics through the winter and provides an update to his club. Neil Erickson introduces his garden layout in Hawaii and his On30 layout in planning. Seth Gartner has been upping his presentation not en masse but in presentation form too. Mike Slater talks decals: vintage and new. Terry Terrance talks about unifications of 3d printing software and introduces Tom to a new railroading term. Dave Ramos has been making changes on his layout. Don Rupp introduces his model railroading interests. Terry Terrance discusses the Baltimore Society of Model Engineers: this will also be discussed at length in the next recording. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#151

Model Rail Radio #150: Raw Audio Part 3 [January 5, 2019] Jan 05, 2019

Raw audio from Show 150 part 3.

Model Rail Radio #150: Raw Audio Part 2 [January 5, 2019] Jan 05, 2019

Raw audio from Show 150 part 2.

Model Rail Radio #150: Raw Audio Part 1 [January 5, 2019] Jan 05, 2019

Raw audio from Show 150 part 1.

Model Rail Radio #149: Luxury Mole Spaces of the East Coast [December 22, 2018] Dec 22, 2018

Ralph DeBlasi has been preparing his layout for a photograph rich article in RMC. Terry Terrance is back in the hobby after recovering from the O Scale National, Tom and Terry do a debrief about the O Scale National and then talk about 3d printing. Dana Driskel has personal experience with the 3d printing phenomenon, provides an update on his model railroading and discusses the beauty of Rainbow Canyon, Nevada. Roger Chrysler provides an update to his new layout space. John Garaty is starting a building spurt on Corrimal and provides an update on his overseas travel (some relating to trains). Lawrence Eggering has been exploring some new industries on his layout and presents Tom with an invitation he can't refuse. Dave Barraza has been filling gaps from banished white goods. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#149

Model Rail Radio #148: Neale's Agent [December 15, 2018] Dec 15, 2018

Tom starts with the layout design contest. Jim Gore discusses his new space. Mike Kenefeck reintroduces his love the Canadian prototype. Barry Silverthorn is making some changes so he can do more modeling. Martin Coombs and his crew have won an award for a show layout. Neale Brodie fills in some gaps and answers questions from Mike Kenefeck with input from Martin Coombs too. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#148

Model Rail Radio #147: A Mixed Bag of People [December 1, 2018] Dec 01, 2018

Tom starts the podcast talking about the contest. Chris Adams won't be thinking small but he has been to a show today which provides a number of interesting topics. Mike Slater has been modeling troop trains which covers a number of interesting questions. Dave Falkenburg talks about his N scale weathering project and the Silicon Valley Lines. Jim Gifford provides an end of year update. Donn Thomson introduces his model railroading interests featuring an iconic Sierras vista. Jim Walsh has been recovering from an injury and optimizing his hobby experience around this recovery. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#147

Model Rail Radio #146: Canada's Most Wanted Video Clinician [November 10, 2018] Nov 10, 2018

Stephen Vaughan Sr has been moving some equipment and is planning a basement layout. Ralph Renzetti has been video streaming to an Australian NMRA convention, Tom has a question about pastel weathering on points of contact and they nerd out about painting tanks. Dennis Drury has just shown his layout to a number of guests. Kaylee Zheng and Tom cover a number of different topics in the hobby. Jamie Fenton and Jennifer Stanberry have moved recently and a new location provides new possibilities in the hobby. Chris Adams and Tom talk about why Chris models his particular prototype and how his layout continues to grow. Ben Rechel has a question for Chris and a brief update. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#146

Model Rail Radio #145: Clearly A Stale Beer Element [October 27, 2018] Oct 27, 2018

Tom starts the show with an introduction. Clark Kooning also provides an introduction and talks a little bit about what has been going on with his layout. Clark recommends Paul McWhorter's Arduino YouTube videos. Mike Slater introduces his extensive model railroading interests. Ron Klaiss introduces his model railroading interests and Tom announces a track plan contest with a couple of Mine Mount Models Craftsman Model Kits as prizes. Jim Gifford provides his model railroading interests. Tom would like Ron to make a trailer kit. Ron floats a topic about 3d printers. Martyn Jenkins has just returned from a trip to the US where he went to the NMRA National amongst other things. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#145

Model Rail Radio #144: The Prototypical Bredgar Bounce [October 13, 2018] Oct 13, 2018

Mike Slater and Tom start discussing the Great Model Railway Challenge (frequently misnamed through the recording). Simon Hill talks about building his home layout. Craig Lennox calls in from North Glasgow to introduce his interests in the hobby. Martin Coombs provides a detailed list of updates. Neale Brodie doesn't have much to add from Martin's update but Tom is curious about the signals he is building. Marty McGuirk and Tom chat about a particular layout where they caught up, what about 3d printing and the potential for Marty to change eras. Dave Barraza will be running trains for his father and removing some items for the benefit of his layout. Mike O'Dorney clears up the Wig-Z Show 100 cage story with some new information, they talk a little about Mike's son, Evan, and actually some model railroading discussions. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#144

Model Rail Radio #143: Shrinkage [September 29, 2018] Sep 29, 2018

Dennis Drury has completed his lower level staging yard in preparation for the Reno Area Open House Weekend. Clark Kooning reflects on the new NMRA and talks a little bit about his local model railroad developments. Mike Slater has become a board member on his division of the NMRA and sets Tom straight on what the position means. Tom asks Mike about traveling with a trolley layout. Mike and Tom discuss ShapeWays versus home 3d printing. Jim Walsh has been working on a viaduct work crew, a 1910-1930 New Jersey mineral layout and has inherited a layout. Mike Deverell has been working on a structure for his layout and talks to Tom about Sears kit homes. Ron Klaiss is introduced early, actually Clark has a question for Mike Deverell. Ron Klaiss has launched his kit company, Mine Mount Models, and talks about where he finds inspiration for structures. Jason Reis has been passing the hobby on to the next generation through the simple virtue of lawn mowing. Seth Gartner has been filling in some gaps in his layout. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#143

Podcasting: the Future of the NMRA [September 14, 2018] Sep 14, 2018

Tom talks at the NMRA North East Regional Convention in Mahwah, NJ, about his experiences recording Model Rail Radio and why he believes podcasting is the future of the organization.

Model Rail Radio Update [September 3, 2018] Sep 03, 2018

Tom describes what has been happening and the return of the podcast before the end of September.

Model Rail Radio #142: One Sunday in May [May 27, 2018] May 27, 2018

Stuart Baker has been planning LCC clinics for the National. Mike Deverell built a laser cutter and is already reaping the rewards. Kaylee Zheng introduces her model rail interests including currently building a chicken car and the industry that is trash. Mike Slater is continuing with his traction creations. Ben Rechel is moving to a larger space and also has started dabbling in garden scale. Stephen Vaughan Sr will be crossing tracks with Tom on two occasions. Lawrence Eggering has been working on new industries and talks a little bit more about his new model rail business. Robin Talukdar has moved on to P48 with a switching layout based in Ontario. Jeff Shockley is restarting the Delmarva operating sessions getting ready for open house season. Mike O'Dorney has been building three modules but he really wants to talk about TrainWest with additional Trainfest context from Mike Slater. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#142

Model Rail Radio #141: Taking on the United States of Model Railroading [March 31, 2018] Mar 31, 2018

Mike O'Dorney has joined a module club and is planning a set of three modules. Marty McGuirk has two years worth of updates condensed into a move, possible new layout choices but he's returned to a familiar theme. The Professor is on a live maintenance session with the Corrimal layout and introduces Guy Gadson. John Garaty fills in the gaps. Ken Anderson introduces his model railroading interests including a narrow gauge the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (an Appalachian line) and a standard gauge modular layout with the Sipping and Switching Society of North Carolina. The Professor manages to ask a question in a somewhat unique way. Mike Slater has been working on some traction models. Andy Breaker has been having fun with a Shapeways modeler. Will O'Malley introduces his restoration work on a historic traction layout. Alex Welch has been working on his club's layout and Mike Slater has been to Alex's club. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#141

Model Rail Radio Special: South Australian Take Over 2 [March 19, 2018] Mar 19, 2018

In a another fantastic day organized by Jim Gifford, Tom talks to Don who he first met seven years ago at the Orient Express in Unley, South Australia. They then stop in on Wayne's layout. The show rounds up with an extended set of introductions following a bonza BBQ. Rounding off the evening with the spotlight put on Jim Gifford.

Model Rail Radio #140: Viva La Springfield [February 10, 2018] Feb 10, 2018

Neale Brodie touches on the Yard and has been experimenting with 3d printers. Martin Coombs introduces the Yard and talks about the technical distinctions with their other layout-in-progress First Sunday in June. Simon Hill has been using a lot of wire with some class. Andy Dixon calls back in after a long time away and there have been some changes in his model railroading hobby. Tom Conboy provides an update on living in a basement-less house and many changes in his life. Jim Lincoln was bullied into a bridge purchase and offers some insights into locomotive baking. Find out why Jim hates parades. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#140

Model Rail Radio #139: The Role of the Mole [January 13, 2018] Jan 13, 2018

Mike Slater has been getting into traction in a big way and it is all thanks to Andy Breaker who also calls in to provide some traction advice. Mark Zagrodney is building a UK-style Canadian layout in O scale thanks to the usual gang of Canadian suspects. Jim Walsh is preparing for the NMRA North Eastern regional convention featuring an less than qualified presenter and a bunch of masters. Mike King returns to the show to provide an update on his operating sessions and also ask the assembled group about their operating session experiences. Dana Driskel is surviving through natural disasters impacting his area. Tom welcomes on Nick Ozorak from the Roundhouse podcast: they talk a San Diego railcar restoration, Nick's modeling interests, podcasts and micro-layouts. Jason Reis updates the podcast on his 3d printer and how he managed to catch up with Peter Stempel recently. Ron Klaiss is starting a craftsman kit company. Ben Rechel gives a brief update on his model rail interests but has a pressing question and Jason Reis, Mike Slater and the chat have all the answers. Steven Haworth introduces his model rail interests. Matt Goodman has made some progress since his neighborhood open house but he's also fighting the elements. Philip Taylor has been to an NMRA devision meet in Fredericksburg, VA, and is forming two modular groups. Dave Barraza has been spending focused weekends on his layout with a helix but redeems himself with some relay discussions. Ralph Renzetti and Tom discuss some miniature painting and paying it forward in terms of skills. Martyn Jenkins is paying off some debt so he can now focus on Melbourne but there's more. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#139

Model Rail Radio #138: Scenery and Digitization [December 2, 2017] Dec 02, 2017

John Garaty provides an update associated with the Liverpool (NSW) train show. Jamie Fenton has been installing Digitrax LNWI and Malcolm Johnson calls in to provide an update too. John Garaty provides some ideas for Malcolm's layout. Tom talks a little bit about his road trip and the lack of modeling possibilities for mobile homes. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#138

Model Rail Radio #137: Arduino Kool Aid [October 7, 2017] Oct 07, 2017

Bruce Kelly provides a long overdue update touching on the NMRA and the impact of the homeless on his local club. Jim Gifford has been preparing for an NMRA Australasian weekend. Dennis Drury introduces his Southern Pacific Klamath Falls Subdivision layout (Mark III). Jeff Shockley has been adding some Ohio scenery to Delmarva. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#137

Model Rail Radio #136: Wired for Sound [September 9, 2017] Sep 09, 2017

Terry Terrance has some sage words on sound. Lawrence Eggering has moved the hobby to a job. Clark Kooning has decided to make some changes to recharge and has fallen for OpenLCB. Josh Cohen introduces his operating interests in the hobby and also his use of YouTube to present the hobby. Joe Drury has found time for the hobby after some time off. Jamie Fenton provides an update on Jennifer's handiwork and perhaps an upcoming move. Alex Welch introduces his model railroading interests. Stephen Vaughan Sr. has been to a 1 gauge meet. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#136

Model Rail Radio #135: Where's Andy? [August 5, 2017] Aug 05, 2017

Stephen Vaughan Sr. introduces his model railroading interests and talks about his first experiences with railroads. Ralph DeBlasi is putting something together for October-November with his layout. Bob Richard profited from Brexit in live steam and thankfully Simon Hill and Martin Coombs provide some details on Irish steam. Martin talks about adding live steam to his garden and a few other updates. Simon gives a show layout update and a shed layout update. Mike Deverell has been touring Europe and returned to work with a laser. Jeff Shockley received an award recently. Seth Gartner has been helping friends move a large layout and a motorcar. The American Chris Adams has been updating his layout. Mike Slater finishes up the show talking about the NMRA and moving a layout cross-country. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#135

Model Rail Radio #134: Architectural Plans [July 15, 2017] Jul 15, 2017

Terry Terrance will be co-chairing the 50th O Scale National Convention, August 22-26, 2018. Jim Gore will be giving a clinic on paper and card-stock modeling. Jim is preparing for the Orlando NMRA National Convention and wants to see more local NMRA podcasts. The Prof has been moving around, gives a non-glowing review of a 3d scanner, provides some graphic discussion of how Brooklyn was destroyed and offers many other topics. Brad Donovan has recently migrated to the US and brought the hobby with him. Dave Falkenburg has escaped to Switzerland for a couple of weeks. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#134

Model Rail Radio #133: Bequeathed the Chocolate [June 17, 2017] Jun 17, 2017

Rob 'Bambi' Grootarz has been meeting the local luminaries. Jim Lincoln is back in the hobby. Ron Klaiss has been diverted into a switching layout. Brad Howard has been six months in the hobby and has utilized YouTube to build his layout (apologies to Stephen and Seth Arnold too.) Jim Gifford reflects on the year since his and Ros' epic tour. Martyn Jenkins has been posting videos to YouTube that demand some discussion. John Garaty had an interesting time at the Australian Narrow Gauge Convention and has some sad news. Dana Driskel has some updates. Simon Hill has been doing a lot of work in his train shed. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#133

Model Rail Radio #132: Toggle Switch to Keep the Generations Happy [May 13, 2017] May 13, 2017

Tom's a little under the weather but MRR can't be stopped with a little assistance from Mike Slater. Dana Driskel introduces his 1920s layout. Martin Coombs provides an update on Ken's annual open house, a year ago visited by Tom himself, and a number of other updates. Malcolm Johnson is seeing Tom's advice on a situation with his layout and Tom is pleased to offer advice. Morgan Pavia has been going through starts and stops but still has a fascinating update. Dave Barraza describes a much increased garden layout and an update on LCC. Mike Slater has been working on the trolley line wiring and discusses the generations in the hobby. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#132

Model Rail Radio #131: Seven Milli-Dixons [April 8, 2017] Apr 08, 2017

The need is great for Joe D'Amato to provide an update on his Los Angeles themed layout. Jonathan Jones is a regular on the Facebook group but a first time caller, he introduces his prototype layout. Brian Dougherty provides a brief introduction to his model railroading interests. Tom welcomes back on the American Chris Adams who has some splendid updates on his layout including a visit from Dave Ramos. As Dave is on the line he provides an update on his iconic layout. Clark Kooning has been buying up a lot of wood and provides a few choice updates. Jeff Shockley is about to hit his thirtieth model railroading merit badge class. David Hahn introduces his model rail interests including a basement switching layout. Jim Rindt gives a long-awaited update including link-and-pin couplers in N scale. Mike Slater has been learning how to lay traction wire. Nigel Gartshore has been learning about plastering. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#131

Model Rail Radio #130: HO Mullet Modeling [March 11, 2017] Mar 11, 2017

Mike Slater will be going to the O scale meet in Chicago. Richard Murphy provides a SVL update and has been working on his home layout through the floods. Matt Goodman is working to a deadline and has been to Toronto. Jim Gifford provides a layout update and a crew update. Jamie Fenton is about to be part of a movie on a community of model railroaders and has a slower layout update. Gregory Baker is selling some modules and realigning his model railroading hobby. Martyn Jenkins introduces his multifaceted exploration of the hobby. Dan Pickard talks all things Narrow Gauge Convention including a fascinating discussion about a set of structures. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#130

Model Rail Radio #129: Forty Pounds of Static Grass [February 4, 2017] Feb 04, 2017

Neale Brodie introduces his model rail interests. Martin Coombs and Ken Jackson provide a description of the layout Neale DDC-ized. Ken provides a series of updates including an extension to his full-sized narrow gauge layout. Martin has been keeping the kids interested with live steam and railway modeling. Simon Hill is planning a cement works of a trans-Atlantic proportions. Ralph Watson bought his friend's train and borrowed a piece of a friend's layout. Ben Rechel provides an update with some discussion added by Mike Slater. Dave Barraza went to Springfield and the burden is on his shoulders. Bill Lawson introduces his model railroading hobby with a great discussion about a line once owned by Henry Ford with some footnotes from Mike Slater and Matt Goodman. Matt Goodman has a timeframe and Mike Deverell can give some advice. Mike Deverell has been finishing more and more of his layout. Stuart Baker welcomes on Balazs Racz to provide an update on OpenLCB/LCC including load testing on Anthony Park's layout close to Tom. David Rees beat the industry for Christmas, talks about consisting and a few additional features. Paul Best has been going through a design phase over five levels. Ralph Renzetti has been dabbling in a post apocalyptic prototype very near and dear to Tom. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#129

Model Rail Radio #128: Freeze a Soldering Iron [January 7, 2017] Jan 07, 2017

Rob 'Bambino' Grootarz (occasionally referred to as Bob in this recording) introduces his model rail interests. Roger Chrysler provides two years worth of updates. Mike Slater has acquired some brass models. Jim Gore has a new clinic up his sleeve involving plastic and he's a regular visitor to the island south of Miami. Nigel Gartshore has moved since his last update. The Professor returns to discuss a wooden track layout he may be building for the narrow gauge convention. Dave Barraza has been to Poland amongst other things. Richard Murphy discusses the changes at Silicon Valley Lines and the potential to eliminate real water effects on his own layout. Tom wraps up the podcast noting he has to record a pilot for his new podcast, http://thiscomesnext.com/ and clarifies other points for the Prof concluding with the cutting room floor. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#128

Model Rail Radio #127: Model Rail Missionary [October 22, 2016] Oct 22, 2016

Andrew Chisholm provides an update nearly four years in the making. The newly retired Clark Kooning has been working his new area quite literally. Terry Terrance provides an update on his busy summer and offers some lesser known locations for scenery materials. Toni Ryan and Clark Kooning add some feedback for Terry. Toni Ryan provides many different updates. John Garaty gives an aesthetic critique of a creek and many on the call have feedback for John. Mike O'Dorney wants to talk about cases/covers for modules and asks about operations. Jamie Fenton provides some discussion to open operating. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#127

Model Rail Radio #126: Slater, Coombs and Pavia [September 24, 2016] Sep 24, 2016

Mike Slater provides a much needed circus modeling update and provides some interesting facts about Lionel. Tom has an extended chat with Martin Coombs touching on vintage cars, a trip to visit a fascinating operations-centric layout, working on the Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway, shed rebuilds with lighting tips, building a new show layout search for First Sunday In June to find it on Facebook, how technology can improve layout scenery and the plans for a family layout. Morgan Pavia talks about an ice house on his layout using SketchUp as a visualization tool. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#126

Model Rail Radio #125: A Paper Industry for the W.C. [September 10, 2016] Sep 10, 2016

Mike Deverell has been traveling quite a bit and has some updates. Jamie Fenton has made some significant layout progress primarily thanks to Jennifer Stanberry's efforts. Ben 'Mikado Otter' is working on restoration projects. Mike Slater has an interest in a very particular regional railroad with a major industry that seems to fit it well. Dave Barraza is going to be exploring Polish narrow-gauge. Ron Klaiss is bracing himself for his first open house. Tom raises the hallowed topic of aquamarine railroading with Dave Falkenburg. Todd Hermann introduces his basement HO Lehigh and New England Railroad layout. Matt Trawn introduces his Victorian Railroad layout with an open invite from Richard Murphy. Richard also provides an update on the Silicon Valley Lines and wine season. Ralph Renzetti has been meeting participants and discusses the finer points of wine making. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#125

Model Rail Radio #124: Dazed and Confused [August 13, 2016] Aug 13, 2016

Mashall Stull returns to talk about his new module layout featuring a ferry. David Rees has added consisting to Blue Rail. Malcolm Johnson has updated his layout in small portions and offers some insight into the contentious issue of tree sizes. Glenn Joppich met Tom at Grand Rails and provides an introduction to his model railroading hobby and local crew. Mike Slater talks about Lionel's new HO offering. Jamie Fenton describes a recent MRR visit and has updated the layout. Jennifer Stanberry describes her work on the layout too. Tom announces that 150 will be a big show like 100. Bruce Kelly provides a multi-part update. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#124

Model Rail Radio #123: Return of the Unicorn [July 23, 2016] Jul 23, 2016

Craig Bisgeier has been part of the Jim and Ros Tour, he also provides updates on the Housatonic, Here-To-There and the Model Railcast Show. Anders needs an alternative to modeling clay and Jim Gore has such an alternative. Jim provides an update on his experiences at the National Convention in Indiana and trying to find a historical figure. Toni Ryan has been building a substantial module. Stuart Baker gives an OpenLCB National Convention update. Simon Hill has been varnishing a locomotive, gives a review of the Slo-Mo and talks with Tom about servos for live steam. Ken Jackson introduces his full-size narrow-gauge layout and building a steam locomotive. Martin Coombs has attended a show with Ken. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#123

Model Rail Radio #122: Meeting the Unicorn [July 2, 2016] Jul 02, 2016

Gregory Baker has built an impressive module club in just a year. Ralph DeBlasi is bracing himself for Australians. Morgan Pavia is kitting for his layout. Jim Walsh has been exploring fiber optics for his layout and invites Tom to New Jersey in 2018. Seth Gartner is back from Australia and has people coming to operate. Malcolm Johnson has moved his layout to a classic 1950s donut formation. Mike Slater provides a much needed update. Andy Dorsch is working on his first module. Jim Borcz got to meet a Model Rail Radio celebrity and will be attending a live steam convention. Ron Klaiss is a prime candidate for a garden layout. http://www.modelrailradio.com/archive.html#122

Model Rail Radio #121: Appeasing the Ten to Twelve Year Old [June 4, 2016] Jun 04, 2016

Terry Terrance provides a number of updates now he's retired and he will be presenting at the NRMA National Convention. Jim Gore has been getting ready for the National and spiffing his layout for tours. They talk the pitfalls of photo backdrops. Jim Gifford and Tom chat about Tom's UK tour and Jim's US, Canadian and UK tour. Joe D'Amato has been working on his Pacific Electric layout room. Tom and Joe discuss research methods. Ralph Renzetti has won a prize and has plenty of interesting information. Peter Stempel talks about his travels and some of his current projects. Ed Novit has moved and his layout is no more. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #120: Old Media Meets New Media [April 30, 2016] Apr 30, 2016

Peter Borcherds has been working on a yard and some early computer control on his layout. Bruce Kelly provide a multifaceted update including a fascinating account of working at Campbell's kits. Simon Hill introduces what Tom is going to see south of London and talks about the parts that have arrived from the US. Eric Ruthenberg gives an update on his Chicago layout. Martin Coombs provides updates prior to Tom's trip. Marty McGuirk has been emulating artwork of the 1960s and working on a cannery with a familiar name (but no relation). David Rees provides an update on Blue Rail Trains. Tom Gasior brings the example of the two NMRA Facebook pages. Mike Deverell provides a lightning update featuring backdrops, RFID and shout outs. James Wright has been working with the folks at Model Railroader magazine. Mike Slater makes a last minute cameo. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #119: Australian Narrow-Gauge Convention 2016 [April 2, 2016] Apr 02, 2016

Mike O'Dorney kicks off the show with good audio talking about a local group of friends who do a round-robin. Wayne Mollohan introduces his model railroading interests and they are extensive. Andy Dorsch is returning to the hobby and restarting his interest with some hand-laid track and turn-outs with a mine module. By chance our local mine expert, John Garaty, is on the line to answer questions and raise questions. Malcolm Johnson provides an update on his ever changing layout and they chat about the NMRA. John Garaty make some sense of it all. Bruce DeYoung has been attacking (finishing?) sections of his home layout and provides a number of pros of the NMRA. Jeff Dombrowski provides an update on the North Metro Model Rail Club in Minneapolis, MN. [Editorial Note: I've taken an artistic license on April Fools Day somewhere here.] This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #118: Formerly Teetotal [March 5, 2016] Mar 05, 2016

Ben 'Mikado Otter' provides a number of updates. Mark Clemmens calls in and chats about the experience in Astoria versus Ben's experience with the Illinois Rail Museum. Mike Slater has much to add to the topic too. Mike Slater provides a Lionel update. Ralph Renzetti is going to be near greatness shortly. Ken Marshall is restarting his hobby interest. Richard 'Murf' Murphy had a YouTube celebrity guest stay overnight and working through issues at Silicon Valley Lines. Jamie Fenton and Jennifer Stanberry provide a group update. Seth Gartner has had enough with hot CFLs. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #117: A Lent Locomotive [February 20, 2016] Feb 20, 2016

Simon Hill talks castings and his future garden layout. Martin Coombs introduces his father's layout, his weathering techniques and a number of other interesting items. James Wright provides an outstanding review, talks about his YouTube channel and a train show he attended in Lincoln, Nebraska. David Rees calls in to chat with James and provide some updates with Blue Rail Trains. Henry Bagley-Gurtner provides a much needed update including 3d printing and test shelf layouts. Stephen Arnold has a new space for a layout. Ralph Watson provides an update on his modules being displayed with other folks and a lent locomotive that he may soon own. Michael Hauk has been adding decoders to engines and offers some points on the food and drinks analysis of operating sessions. David Karkoski has finished his modules and rediscovered his old model railroading area. Peter Stempel provides a much needed update on his new layout space and 3d printing. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #116: Barbecued Beavers and Banjo Music [January 30, 2016] Jan 30, 2016

Jim Gifford will be in the US in June. Ralph Renzetti talks about what is on his modeling table. Chris Smith introduces his N scale layout being set up for operations. Bruce Wilson has some minor updates apart from the sad news about his Chewie. Dave Falkenburg has come from an operating session at Silicon Valley Lines and a new Blue Rails purchase. Mike Deverell is all in favor of stronger beverages in operating sessions. Lionel Strang is at Springfield with his selfie stick. Lionel wants to stir things up with some assistance from Bruce Wilson, Jim Rindt and Ralph Renzetti. Seth Gartner has been doing a bit of traveling and seeing layouts Lionel appears to be banned from. Jim Rindt lives! Ron Klaiss provides a belated update. Toni Ryan has been working during the show. Ed McNamara has hit a brick wall of sorts but still converting locomotives. Dave Barraza has been playing that drinking game on location in Germany. Jim Lincoln has been to Springfield. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #115: Let's Blue Sky This Thing [January 9, 2016] Jan 09, 2016

Matt Goodman gives an update on his father's structure work. Jamie Fenton offers a layout update and as with Matt delegating structure building seems to be the way to go. Malcolm Johnson has been packing more detail in. Simon Hill, Andy Dixon, Paul Best and Mike Kenefeck have updates and work with Tom on solidifying a plan for Tom in the UK in an April-May timeframe. Stuart Baker and Tom discuss OpenLCB and LCC developments. Devin Siglin talks about working in his uncle's hobby shop. David Harris provides a higher level view. Murray Scholz can see again which means he can fix issues with his track work. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #114: How To Welcome New People [December 5, 2015] Dec 05, 2015

Peter Borcherds introduces his BNSF N Scale layout. Jamie Fenton has a new layout in a new space. Larry Eggering provides a layout update highlighting some new optical circuits. Ralph DeBlasi is trying to pack in an operating session before tax season hits. Terry Terrance has updates in all directions. David Rees has been adding music to trains. Mike Slater has been very busy but there's always time to chat about Trainfest. Matt Goodman keeps learning through his basement layout. Jim Borcz, Ron Klaiss and Tom rap about creating an inviting hobby. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #113: Bad Influence Friend [November 7, 2015] Nov 07, 2015

Dustin Fisher announces the Operation Christmas Trainset Foundation is now a 501c3 charity. Terry Terrance has had a busy summer. Jim Gifford is swapping out some decoders. Barry Silverthorn has been to China. With Clark Kooning, they discuss the NMRA's role in China. Clark Kooning provides a retirement update. Jim Lincoln breaks in to spread mis-information [Editorial Note: sadly podcasting still isn't in the Author Achievement Program]. Jim Lincoln has been doing a variety of things O scale related. Stephen Vaughan provides a New Jersey live steam update. Ron Klaiss has been building heavily. Ralph Renzetti is offering a Skype service for his fans. Tom Gasior reminds Tom about the Berties. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #112: Jim Lincoln Had Nothing [October 10, 2015] Oct 10, 2015

Stuart Baker talks about controlling trains with LCC including DC trains. Jimmy Simmons breaks down how Monster Modelworks functions through Christmas with shows. Andy Dixon provides a long awaited update. Simon Hill brings on his friend Martin Coombs to talk about UK exhibition layouts. Anders Wirten is back on track with his layout. Massimo Piras provides a lightning update. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #111: It's All About Portland [September 19, 2015] Sep 19, 2015

Dustin Fisher talks about his experiences in Portland. Duncan McRee and the Professor explore more realistic thunks and clunks. Dave Barraza provides a real world sound offer. Jim Gore breaks down the Master's experience from Portland and talks a little bit about the future. Toni Ryan gives his impressions of Portland. Jim Gore is heading to Australia for the Australian Narrow Gauge Convention next year. Ed McNamara talks about the LDSIG feedback at Portland. Mark Clemmens explains his 1:1 restoration work and his other model railroading interests. Marty McGuirk reflects on Portland and what is coming in the near future. Stuart Baker had a very LCC-focused Portland and Dave Barraza also spent some quality time learning about LCC at Portland. The Professor plays a future Lionel Strang in a strangely poetic moment. Eric Ruthenberg is interested in computer controlling his Chicago prototype N scale layout and the Professor provides some feedback. Mike Deverell breaks down how to create good YouTube content with additional insights from Lionel Strang. Mike O'Dorney gives a debrief on his Portland experience including airbrush and used tools purchases. Tom concludes the recording with a thirty five second piece of sound concrete simply titled Three Minutes of the Professor Audio Offcuts. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #110: What Took You So Long? [August 22, 2015] Aug 22, 2015

Simon Hill is planning a garden layout. Ali Alemady introduces his model building and explains how modelers can help modelers in Iraq. Dustin Fisher is going to Portland. Ron Pare is making a hospital layout. Mark Williams introduces his structures and his modeling. David Rees makes time to call in even though he's still getting things ready for Portland. Edward McNamara is putting his layout up to LDSIG scrutiny in Portland. Thomas Gasior is the NMRA tweeter. Jim Lincoln is on the mend. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #109: the Tucker of Pigsville [July 18, 2015] Jul 18, 2015

Dustin Fisher is moving forward with the 501(c)(3) paperwork for the Operation Christmas Train-Set Foundation. Jim Gifford gives a South Australian crew update. Dan Pickard has been doing a bit of Welsh modeling. Mike Slater provides a detailed update. Marty McGuirk has been dealing with too much detail disturbing his operating sessions. Joe D'Amato has a culinary insight into Portland and the Professor calls in to quiz Joe on a particular release. Dustin Fisher also has a question for Joe. Your humble host gives Joe an update. Ralph Renzetti has been doing some weathering. When Matt Goodman and Jim Gifford get together, bullet-proof DCC becomes very real. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #108: Warbird Bass and Spouse Excuses [June 27, 2015] Jun 27, 2015

Tom kicks off the show with Toni Ryan talking about his 3d printer. Mike Deverell explains some of his experiments in lighting and his decision about the height of the layout. Tom chats with William Brillinger about his Canadian prototype layout and his business. Check out William's blog http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/blog/23320/ Dustin Fisher provides an Operation Christmas Train Set update and Clark Kooning is looking to get energy behind Operation Christmas Train Set. Tom asks about what it takes to run the national train show. Tom and Bob Richard catch up on some interesting basement liberating renovations (with a couple of cameos from Seamus Richard too). Malcolm Johnson is expanding his layout through the wall. Malcolm's blog is always amazing http://n-rail.blogspot.com Jim Gore isn't crazy about 1990s dance music when he cuts paper and he is still learning from international paper and card-stock modelers. Massimo Piras provides the missing European flavor with an update on his Canadian layout. Stephen Vaughan has be hanging out with Mr. Barraza and Mr. Ramos. Tom and Terry Terrance catch up on N scale 3d, the loss of Weaver and Tom's new track and room modifications. Bruce Kelly gives his model railroading update. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #107: Wild Donkey Hunt [May 30, 2015] May 30, 2015

Ralph DeBlasi kicks off the show with a layout update and the background behind his layout. Tom welcomes on Dustin Fisher to talk about Operation Christmas Train Set. George Sinos has been doing some serious NTRAK module scenery. David Rees is going to Portland and he's been stuck in the matrix. Dave Barraza has been simulating his future layout. John Garaty sold Tom some two rail O scale track while in Australia. Clark Kooning and Jim Borcz have some touring layout feedback. Clark Kooning has found himself a house for his retirement. Jim Borcz has an interesting question that brings in David Rees, John Garaty, George Sinos and Dustin Fisher. Stuart Baker talks about manufacturers supporting OpenLCB/LCC. Ron Klaiss is a perfect example. Jim Lincoln provides some 3d printing updates. The Professor joins the show to talk about Australian rail magazines - there are plenty. Rumors that the Prof is leaving the hobby appear to be untrue. Tom quietens the Prof's need for a live on-location broadcast at Portland. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Special: Chez Prof [May 20, 2015] May 20, 2015

Tom is on location Chez Prof. The Prof takes the floor to talk about Brooklyn 3am. John Garaty provides a Corrimal update. Mrs. Prof makes a cameo. The audio is a little patchy but listenable. Enjoy!

Model Rail Radio #106: Short Show [May 2, 2015] May 09, 2015

Tom chats with Simon Hill about his friendly local club http://www.bwlr.co.uk that runs some serious locos. Tom welcomes back on Gregory C. Baker who talks about his freemo club. Barry Silverthorn has been building a layout of his own and provides some insights in filming an N scale layout. Terry Terrance and Tom extend Terry's critter challenge until July 1, 2015. They continue to explore 3d printing now Terry has the bits of a 3d printer. Dave Falkenburg provides some feedback from being a member of a local maker community. Jim Lincoln provides the interruptions. Terry's blog is worth looking up http://2railoscale.blogspot.com Tom brings together Peter Burr and Lee Dixon to talk about a particular theme. Jim Lincoln is an obscure Lionel gondola fan. Dave Falkenburg is having a party with some solvents and has been offending three-year-olds. David Karkoski is writing an article. Ralph Watson's club held a festival the weekend before with more than a thousand visitors. Ron Klaiss provides an update on his son Aidan's N-scale layout. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #105: Pass The Kitty on the Left Hand Side [April 18, 2015] May 06, 2015

Anders Wirten provides some clarity on his new layout. Jamie Fenton introduces her apartment sized layout and gives some tips for people in similar spaces considering a layout. Jim Borcz has many model railroading interests (including live steam) and he teaches Tom a little something about the railroads. Bruce Kelly adds to the live steam discussion. Tom brings Jim Gore up to speed with his reduced Portland news. Jim has been maintain standards within his local NMRA division. Some things only Clark Kooning knows and some things he doesn't. Jim Lamagdeleine interjects a little time trivia. What will Clark do now he has the power in the NMRA? Nils Moberg has been making 3d printed N scale items and talks about the cat damaged module. Bryan Schilling has made Tom jealous with his recent travels. Jim Lamagdeleine and Lionel Strang are recovering from surgery by coming on Model Rail Radio: doing it right. Georgie Li is suffering from first world problems. Mike O'Dorney is the Abraham Lincoln of cats. Lionel Strang provides the end of show conversation. It's high brow with punchlines from Clark 'Koondog' Kooning. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Simulcast Short Funk #18: In the Key of Grateful D [May 5, 2015] May 04, 2015

Someone Jones is ready, watch your speed.

Simulcast Short Funk #14: Model Rail Radio Theme [May 1, 2015] Apr 30, 2015

Tom has a new daily podcast - http://www.shortfunk.com/ In this simulcast, Tom explains one of his more famous podcast themes.

Model Rail Radio #104: The Size of St Louis [March 28, 2015] Mar 28, 2015

Tom kicks the show off talking with Ed Traxler about his layout. Dave Barraza has some questions for Ed. Tom and Ed switch the topic to 3d printing. Tom welcomes on the new favorite part of the show, Marty McGuirk, to talk about his layout and old hobby stores long gone. Michael Hauk talks about his Pennsylvania short-line. Ron Klaiss provides an update. Terry Terrance and Tom chat about metal on Shapeways and pick up on the hobby stores long gone in the broader DC area. Ed Traxler provides feedback on Terry's Critter Challenge. Seth Gartner is hijacked by Jim Lincoln with a cameo from Toni Ryan. Tom, Jim Lincoln and Terry Terrance talk about owning a 3d printer. Tom commends Seth Gartner for taking the Show 100 ethos one step further. Mike Slater sets the record straight. Tom chats with Tim Harrison about the legacy of Ryan Andersen. Lionel Strang joins the fray to talk about podcasting with some final words from Jim Lincoln and Ed Traxler. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #103: Will Work For Credit [March 14, 2015] Mar 14, 2015

Tom and David Rees talk about converting folks to Bluerail on existing DCC club layouts and how about N-scale? Ralph Watson introduces the Central Railway Model and Historical Association http://www.crmha.org/ (for more) and Ralph's own On30 layout. Phil Fimiani returns and Tom is curious about the bread factory. Stuart Baker provides an update on OpenLCB. Joe Drury introduces his double shelf layout. Dave Falkenburg realizes that he has unleashed the beast. Richard 'Murf' Murphy joins the conversation to discuss some club problems. David Karkoski has completely changed his layout plans. Bruce Kelly has a lot going on. Lee Dixon introduces his future northern Californian layout. Dave Barraza is considering a garden layout. Mike King has been photographing things for the Facebook group. Jim Lamagdeleine is a great-grandfather and he may scrap his layout. Tom and Jim conclude the show chatting about the finer points of bachelor time for the married man. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #102: Sixty Dollars a Month [February 28, 2015] Feb 28, 2015

Tom chats with Massimo Piras who is adding a rail-fanning club to his layout plans. Thierry Lach introduces his model railroading interests. Terry Terrance talks a bit on the Critter Challenge and talks about what he has to do before his next open-house. Larry Kedes is building an inspirational what-if Californian layout and belongs to a particularly legendary southern Californian club. Murray Scholz has shifted some unused standard gauge track. Tom and Rich Murphy provide an update on the Silicon Valley Lines. Marshall Stull is finishing a cityscape Freemo module and talks with Malcolm Johnson about going underground. Mike Slater has been experimenting with mixed media 3d printing. Matt Goodman gives an update on his layout and wants some more live steam. Lawerence Eggering offers a long overdue update on the meat that cooks itself. Stuart Baker has news on LCC (the NMRA adoption of OpenLCB). Stephen Vaughan Jr calls in to talk about live steam: the audio is a little choppy but it is well worth listening in. Toni Ryan has been working on modules and videos. Jim Lincoln has appeared in DVD form recently. [Editorial note: As soon as Tom got off the call, Mrs Barbalet asked 'So what is $60 per month?'] This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #101: Ninja Pyjamas [February 7, 2015] Feb 07, 2015

Tom chats with Dave Barraza about his shelf layout design contest entry and his plans for the basement. James Wright gives a one year update, talks about the bluetooth offering in the hobby and about what he is going to put in a new set of layout build videos. Bob Richard has changes his layouts since he last called in and provides an Old Sparky update. Simon Hill builds live steam locomotives in the UK. Al Popwell has an O scale distillery layout. Mike King has a powered switching layout he is working on. Ron Pare has been on a road trip and talks about carnival modeling. Lionel Strang joins the fray talking about experts. Mike Deverell is making solid progress with his layout. Andy Dixon provides a recap of the past six months. Jim Lincoln provides an update on Springfield before he's called back to the rails. Bruce Kelly has been disassembling a donated layout. Dave Falkenburg provides an update on the Silicon Valley Lines and other miscellany. Tom Cutting has been outed as a layout builder. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #100: Raw Feed 8pm Session [January 17, 2015] Jan 17, 2015

No show notes...

Model Rail Radio #100: Raw Feed 4pm Session [January 17, 2015] Jan 17, 2015

No show notes...

Model Rail Radio #100: Raw Feed 10am Session [January 17, 2015] Jan 17, 2015

No show notes...

Model Rail Radio #99: The Dueling Chocolates [January 3, 2015] Jan 03, 2015

Tom kicks of the show exchanging New Years greetings with Terry Terrance and an update on Terry's layout. Terry raps with Ben 'Mikado Otter' about dwarf signals. Conor McCormick introduces his layout plans. Lex Parker describes his layout and his particular passion of super detailing and realism in layout creation. Clark Kooning is a known associate. Cesar Luna has been exploring different aspects of the hobby as a business. David Harris and Tom chat with a message from Blue Rail Trains. Fred Patton provides an update on his many interests in model railroading. Guy Mason is building a resort. Chris Atkins is changing layouts. The Professor returns to provide a travel journal with occasional pieces of model rail content [Editorial note: the Prof is one of the few people who actually reads these show notes...] perhaps. Tom and the Prof go through the finalists of the 2014 Shelf Layout Design Contest. For those following along http://www.modelrailradio.com/shelf14/ to view while you listen. Bruce Wilson, Dave Falkenburg, Jim Lincoln, Sven Frank and John Garaty add some feedback to the layouts. Tom congratulates all the finalists and the winner in the Shelf Layout Design Contest 2014. The Professor and John Garaty have a short rapping session. Dave Ramos is doing a couple of months of renovations to his layout and provides some feedback on quick setup. Ron Klaiss is the missing link when it comes to a particular Lehigh Valley layout in south Jersey. John Paulson introduces his model railroading interests in Southern California. Tom asks about Bruce Wilson's latest projects. Lionel Strang and Jim Lamagdeleine provide some light banter. Ben Rechel has been planning a piano layout. Peter Burr makes a long awaited update. Mike Slater helped out one of Tom's non-model railroading friends. [Editorial note: Show 100 will be recorded January 17th, 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern US. Break around 2pm Pacific, 5pm Eastern US. Resume 4pm Pacific US, 7pm Eastern US.] This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #98: The Weathering Bug [December 20, 2014] Dec 20, 2014

Alex Shepherd introduces his digital passions in the hobby and his new modular layout. Ralph Renzetti introduces his layout and his weathering passion. James Rybka has been suffering under peer pressure. Bruce DeYoung and Ron Klaiss chat about narrow-gauge in Pennsylvania. Tom chats with Seth Gartner about smelters and Ron Pare's recent visit. Roger Kujawa introduces his layout. What has been going on with Mike Slater? Clark announces Jim Gore will be at the NMRA Nation in Portland 2015. Stuart Baker talks about a JMRI perspective on Blue Rail Trains' bluetooth technology. Clark is hosting a large get-together at Credit Valley (2900 Argentia Road, Unit 24, Mississauga, Ontario) for Show 100 on January 17th. Tom returns to chatting with Stuart about his interests in the hobby (other than electronics). [Editorial note: searching online for Hinkle Locomotive Service and Repair Facility will provide some additional details.] John Garaty provides an update on his 1:1 layout. Tom raps about his upcoming time in Australia. [Editorial note: Show 100 will be recorded January 17th, 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern US. Break around 2pm Pacific, 5pm Eastern US. Resume 4pm Pacific US, 7pm Eastern US.] This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #97: The Dining Car is Closed on the Troll Limited [November 8, 2014] Dec 11, 2014

Tom starts the show announcing some special news with Ralph DeBlasi. Jim Lamagdeleine had a visitor stop by. Jim Gore has a small number of vocal enemies but who cares. Greg Wolfe is building a dream layout. Ron Pare's KickStarter is in full steam http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/91055281/learning-kit-crowdfunder and he needs your assistance. Marty McGuirk is a well-respected participant who pays particular attention to detail. Barry Silverthorn will bring the chloroform. Tom Wilson adds elegance to the recording. Lionel Strang is a busy man. Marty and Lionel spill some Model Railroader deep secrets. Tom and Ed Traxler talk techniques. Bernie Kempinski needs to be warned about the Chili Line purists and is slanging tobacco in HO and N. Stephen Arnold is making the most out of his last days in Kansas City. Nigel Gartshore has a new turntable. Vote for Toni Ryan. [Editorial note: Show 100 will be recorded January 17th, 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern US. Break around 2pm Pacific, 5pm Eastern US. Resume 4pm Pacific US, 7pm Eastern US.] This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Special: David Rees of Blue Rail Trains [November 19, 2014] Nov 19, 2014

Tom chats with David Rees from Blue Rail Trains about their new bluetooth controlled model rail solution. Thanks to George Sinos for submitting some of the questions for David.

Special: Please Vote in the Berties [November 7, 2014] Nov 07, 2014

Voting is now open in the Berties: http://www.modelrailradio.com/berties2014.html

Model Rail Radio #96: Let's Just Say Screw [October 18, 2014] Oct 18, 2014

Tom starts out the show explaining the insanity for Show 100. Mike Slater is paying his annual hajj to Trainfest. Terry Terrance has a number of updates. Sven Frank has some thoughts on the Bachmann bluetooth controller. Joe D'Amato outlines some of the procedures used by Micro Trains to produce highly detailed models. Bruce Kelly talks about his 7.5 inch club. Mike Deverell explains Youtube model railroad documenting and corners Bruce Kelly on recording some Youtube on rail morse. Seth Gartner provides an update and offers an invite to listeners in his area to check out some layouts including his. Current favorite part of the show, Jim Lincoln, doesn't have much of an update but does have an idea about how to find engineers from your prototype. Ron Klaiss has advice for all the husbands via a gentleman called Ralph. Jim Rindt provides a podcast update and Tom talks smack about Cafepress. [Editorial note: Show 100 will be recorded January 17th, 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern US. Break around 2pm Pacific, 5pm Eastern US. Resume 4pm Pacific US, 7pm Eastern US.] This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #95: Brakeman Oppenheimer [October 4, 2014] Oct 04, 2014

Jim Walsh has been devoting his model railroading time to the NMRA. Bruce DeYoung has been working with Jim's local NMRA division too and introduces his model rail interests that includes narrow-gauge PA. Dave Barraza has built a layout in an artist's studio soon to be moved to a house. George Sinos found a local engineer from his layout. Robin Talukdar is building two layouts and Roger Chrysler has some prototype assistive information. Chris Abbott has an update based on his local wandering. Murray Scholz has been adding locomotives to his roster. Stephen Arnold is moving to the Bay Area. Matt Goodman provides a belated National update and Tom asks about an old topic. Jim Gore talks about the characters on his layout and the MMR program. Ron Newby is still away from his layout but he'll be home soon. Toni Ryan is the glue of the show. Jim Gifford has been exploring electronic component of yesteryear. Tom provides a house update. Tom revives the Chris Abbott layout intervention (with some assistance from Mr. Kooning). [Editorial note: Show 100 will be recorded January 17th, 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern US. Break around 2pm Pacific, 5pm Eastern US. Resume 4pm Pacific US, 7pm Eastern US.] This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #94: Strang of Green Gables [September 6, 2014] Sep 06, 2014

Norm Wolf talks about the Mid-Atlantic RPM Meet and his new layout. Bernie Kempinski talks about what killed Marty and his new layout book. Joe D'Amato introduces his job and his model railroading interests. Bruce Kelly is a railroading polymath. Bernie breaks in to provide some code information. Chip Anderson created a game for his module group. Terry Terrance describes the P48 layout he worked on for the National and now Tom has seen the layout they talk more about the track plan. Just when Clark Kooning thought he was out, they pulled him back in. Barry Silverthorn has a layout update and the usual discussion associated with what he will be filming next. Marty McGuirk is in a construction mode. Chris Mears lives somewhere familiar to Australian women who want to get engaged. James and Mrs. Rindt provide some fireside updates. Tom and Lionel chat about the Modeler's Life podcast and starting a podcast. Jim Gifford has renewed his passport and is looking to travel to the NMRA National 2015. Jeff Shockley is living through his club. Mike Slater looks back at what the show has meant to him. Tom needs more entries for the Shelf Layout Design contest. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #93: Three Large Signals [August 2, 2014] Aug 02, 2014

New caller Glenn Draper wants to know more about DCC and it just so happens Lionel Strang is on the call to help out. Mark Gurries talks more about DCC. Ron and Rachel Klaiss call in to provide a father/daughter diorama building update. Chris Adams is modeling Connecticut. Ron Pare introduces his Facebook modeling group. Ben provides a rail fanning and rail museum update. Mike Slater and Ben rap on collecting items from real railroads. Terry Terrance has many model railroading updates including helping building a P48 layout. Jim Gore, Lionel and Mike gives an update about the NMRA National show. Clark has been recognized by the NMRA. Bruce Wilson has a modeling update. Dave Ramos has been building grain cars. Dave Falkenburg and Will Merrell have the chance to chat about how to do N modules at shows without the typical headaches. Tom launches the Berties this year. Please submit your nominations now. Tom and Marshall Stull rap on the Shelf Layout Design contest. Marshall also went to the National. Sven Frank has been putting together his large scale layout. Tom Wilson has been working on his layout and started a larger version of the hobby too. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #92: I'd Use the Dogs [July 12, 2014] Jul 12, 2014

Georgie Li kicks off the show with a troubled tale about restoring a historic station. Mike Slater and Ted Picraux give their feedback to Georgie. Ted gives an update. Fred has a number of updates from the Illinois Rail Museum. Andy Dixson is laying track and applying scenery to the kingdom of wood. Jimmy Low has been working on his layout and running trains with his junior apprentice train driver. Mike Slater will be meeting Lionel Strang at the National Train Show. Barry Silverthorn outlines his plans for the National too. Toni Ryan has been modeling through the show. Peter Stempel has seen the kingdom of wood and the UK too. Mike Deverell has been putting up YouTube clips of his layout's progress. Dave Falkenburg has been posting teasers. Bruce Wilson has a new kitten and a coffee-pot-mod plan. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #91: Caviar [June 14, 2014] Jun 14, 2014

Tom and John Garaty discuss some structure building on John's famous layout. Tom provides his condolences to Jim Gifford and his crew. Jim's layout has been officially launched. Jim's friend Peter Rees introduces his layout. Stephen Arnold has been learning new things through working with Stephen Priest. Ralph DeBlasi is considering structures to build. Barry Silverthorn and Tom explore what at the NMRA National will be filmed. Marty has been laying grass and backdrop painting. Clark represents the NMRA once again. Ron Klaiss talks about Father's Day and the hobby. Peter Burr's been off the show for a while but he has a lot to provide in an update. Chris Abbott talks flea market live steam. Lionel Strang breaks the new top secret reality TV show and Tom is changing his Facebook interaction. Anders calls in to give Lionel some tips on comedic timing. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #90: Professor Pairings [May 24, 2014] May 24, 2014

Chris and Tom rap about the Great British Train Show. There is breaking news from Jim Gifford. Richard Kowalski calls in to introduce his layout and his philosophy on layout design. Malcolm provides a layout update and it features fish. The Professor (somewhat choppy) and Ron Klaiss explore narrow-gauge. Peter Stempel provides some Martian banter and a move. Tim provides some discussion on the future of the hobby with the Professor. Fred and the Professor have a chance to chat. Niel Wilson calls in to introduce his South African layout. Matthew calls back to talk about his new house and his train room. Jeff gives an update on a section of his club that has been out-of-service for four years. Mike Deverell discusses his new layout. Murray's decided to cut back on structures. Lionel raps with Murray. Tom encourages Mike and Lionel to explore ripping out a layout. Mike and James Rindt have been rail-fanning. Tom Cutting calls in to give an update. Toni Ryan has been working on the hobby through the show. Editor's Note: This show is dedicated to Pam Shields. The show was recorded prior to her passing and there is some discussion through the show about her trip with Ros to the US. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #89: the JLow Show [April 26, 2014] Apr 26, 2014

Andy Dixson has a layout update. Will more trees have to die for this layout? Time will tell. Jimmy Low introduces his model railroading interests. Will Merrell provides a blueprint for a successful NTrak club in particular working through a busy show season. Will and Jim Lincoln answer some questions from Jimmy Low. Winston Norton has been working on a module for the Great British Train Show and is exploring a new scale. Winston has a question for Tom. Anders Wirten provides an update on his plans. Sven Frank answers some pressing questions. Mike Deverell has broken records in layout removal. Brace yourself for this discussion. Toni Ryan is similarly stunned but he stands by Mike. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #88: Closet Layouts [April 12, 2014] Apr 12, 2014

Tom shares some good news. Jim Lincoln and Terry Terrance chat about two rail O scale and P48 (Groundhog Day?). They also discuss their recent 3d printing projects. Ben provides some rail-fanning and model rail product updates. Sven Frank talks about his layout entry in the Garage Layout contest and also an HO layout he is working on. James Scorse introduces his O scale layout and a DCC company he runs, North Coast Engineering. What rate is the hobby growing? The answer will amaze you. Ron Klaiss provides a much anticipated layout update. Tom has some additional questions for Seth Gartner since he was last on about his layout. Georgie Li introduces his model rail and his rail-fanning interests. Terry Gaskin has broken Shapeways and Jim Lincoln is ecstatic. Jim Gore is now an official MMR and he is also a virtual clinician. Clark Kooning thinks virtual clinics are already a precedent for vast NMRA divisions. Mike Slater gives an update. Mike and Lionel Strang give some editorial discussion associated with the Garage Layout design contest and Tom announces the winner and runners up. The crew welcomes back Jeff Shockley. Jeff talks about the Model Rail Scout Merit badge. Jim Rindt provides a company update. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #87: Non-P48 O-Scale Mikado to the Head [March 1, 2014] Mar 01, 2014

Jim Lincoln and Terry Terrance gather for the much anticipated two-rail-O-scale should be more like Proto-48 discussion. Terry and Jim then discuss their respective projects. Ben talks about a train show he attended. Ben also talks about some new products and some old products that have appeared on his radar recently. Dave Falkenburg explores how crazy you need to get to get extra detail in aqua-marine N-scale. What have serial killers got to do with David Karkoski's layout? Matt Goodman talks lighting, videos of other folks layouts and the NMRA national. Chris Harker has been living vicariously through the podcast and talks about traveling with a layout. Mike Slater joins the conversation on module/layout combinations. Lionel discusses some techniques from his layout. Bruce Wilson provides archivist information on Lionel's layout and he may actually be starting the much anticipated WWI layout. Jim Lamagdeleine introduces his two layouts. Mike Slater provides a model railroading update. Guy Mason has some train show updates. Seth Gartner describes his layout and friends layout where he operates periodically. Jim Walsh provides a quick update. Lionel and Tom wrap up the show. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #86: Coupler in the Snow [February 15, 2014] Feb 15, 2014

Cesar Luna calls in for the first time to discuss multifaceted layouts he is planning in O and HO. Terry Terrance and Cesar talk about using video monitors providing movement in your layout. Chris Abbott jumps in to talk about collecting in the hobby. Cesar and Tom also rap on Mexican railroads. Dave Frary and Bill Sartore call in to discuss LEDs in a variety of sizes. Dave talks about the best way to cook lobster and George Sellios' retirement. Ben aka Mikado Otter introduces his layout and his model railroading interests. Ben and Fred rap on the Illinois Railway Museum. George Sinos and Chris discuss how sound can force people to operate at more prototypical speeds. Rich Murphy provides an introduction to his layout and has recently become the president of the Silicon Valley Line. Dave talks about creating a different kind of NMRA regional and talks about his exploration of rail marine. Bob Richard gives a much anticipated update. Potty mouth Jim Lincoln brings more of his old religion on the show. Stay tuned for the show down in the upcoming episode. Jim Gore has been tutoring his paper structure building techniques. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #85: Half Past Midnight [February 8, 2014] Feb 08, 2014

Mike Slater and Chris Abbott join Tom talking about what has happened to Atlas track: in particular N scale track. Murray also contributes to the track discussion and then provides a layout update. Stephen Arnold has been hanging out with former guest, Stephen Priest, who is building an interesting layout. Peter Burr is a little perplexed now he has some more space on his layout. Toni Ryan dispels some myths about hand-laid track and turnouts. Jason Reis provides a life and a club update. Fred Van Dorpe introduces his model railroading interests and talks about his local club and other clubs in his area. Fred also raise the topic of cyber-bullying in the rail-fanning community. Terry Gaskin has been putting rivets on girders but he hasn't counted any as yet. Peter Stempel has been enjoying doing test printing with his 3d printer. Producing benchwork at speed has been Andy Dixson's recent model railroading experience. Dan Pickard provides some updates including a local weather report and some projection for the near future. Peter Little is planning multiple layouts in the same space. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #84: The Peanut Butter and BriteBoy Incident [January 18, 2014] Jan 18, 2014

New caller Jim Walsh introduces his model railroading interests. David Karkoski is working on a new copper-mining layout. Matthew Clendenen has been getting into the hobby very rapidly. Tom provides a little family legal work for the Rindts. Clark Kooning thinks people should just try model railroading. Ed Novit provides an update on his Model Rail Radio get-together and some sound advice for grandfathers who want to utilize varying degrees of grandchild labor. Bernie Kempinski provides an overview of his new book associated with mixing military modeling with model rail. Bruce Wilson has some questions for Bernie. Tom and Bernie also talk about corn fields in N scale amongst other things. Marty provides some interesting tales from an NMRA op session. Lionel has some wisdom to provide on the topic. Tom reminds listeners that the garage layout contest is still on. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #83: Two Miracles [December 21, 2013] Dec 21, 2013

Chuck Catania introduces his model railroad and a project he is working on with Seth Neumann to update CMRI for the Arduino micro controller. Will Merrell is a member of an N-trak modular club. Seth provides some assistance for operating on a modular club and John Garaty suggests a roll of the dice. Terry Terrance is playing hooky to provide a model railroading update. Peter Rindt lays down the law with James. Jim Gore has been using Pan Pastels on wood. Tom quizzes Ron Klaiss on his benchwork and convenes a meeting with Clark Kooning of Crackstone Anonymous. Lawrence Eggering is winning friends with his layout membership. The Professor calls in to talk about Puffing Billy in plastic, Taiwan and a layout he's building in a limited timeframe. Thomas Gasior and Jim Lincoln provides some fascinating prototype banter. Lionel Strang rekindles some of that classic Prof banter. Jim Gifford provides a South Australian update on his crew and his layout. Jim Lincoln has been making Shapeways structures for Mike Rose. Mike Slater provides a post show update in the show. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #82: The V and Oh No He Didn't [December 7, 2013] Dec 07, 2013

Sven has a new layout for a new space. Ron Klaiss introduces his model rail interests and he has quite a layout to be seen on YouTube. James Rybka provides a model railroading update of diversion. Ralph has some advice for those interested in operating and something about the turnout of the beast. Edward Novit is going to do an end of year get-together for Chicago and surrounds listeners. Contact Ed for more details. Mike Slater and James Rindt will be there. James has been creating catenary towers for the masses. George Sinos introduces his model railroading interests and has some questions on operations answered by Andy Zimmerman, Mike Slater and Dave Ramos. Dave has been considering pulling out his layout. Stewart Sterling throws down the gauntlet. Lionel takes over the show briefly. Bruce Wilson has been doing model railroading. Ron Newby has escaped to the northern white part of the Great White North to do some serious modules. Greg Sadler explains his interests in N scale Victorian model railroading. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #81: More Forgotten than Remembered [November 9, 2013] Nov 09, 2013

Sven Frank starts a discussion on rust with Edward Traxler. Sven also introductions a discussion on LED strips with Peter Burr. Anders provides an update on a new space and a new layout. Ted Picraux talks local museum layouts with Peter. Terry Gaskin and new caller, Guy Mason, chat with Ted on the topic of neighborhood layouts. James Wright has been to TrainFest and he's recovering. Matt Goodman provides a much anticipated update on his layout. Longtime FB regular, Aaron Wheeler, calls in to the show to introduce his layout. Darick Tucker describes his Southern Pacific layout. Jeff Dombrowski calls in to describe the North Metro Model Railroad Club (responsible for the amazing YouTube videos of the substantial layout assembly over a weekend that went viral about a year ago). Marshall Stull has been building a two level micro, the Brewery Tramway, based on a particularly famous location. Murray Scholz has become a prototype modeler and it is easier than freelancing. Jim Lincoln has taken the Chocolate to a show and he answers a question many have wondered. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Special: Malcolm Johnson chats with Rios Tam [November 6, 2013] Nov 06, 2013

Malcolm Johnson chats with Hong Kong model railroader, Rios Tam. You can see more of Rios' work on YouTube and Instagram.

Model Rail Radio #80: Ed's Effects [October 5, 2013] Oct 05, 2013

Tom chats with Edward Traxler about new ways to make wild grass. Jim Gore is showing his layout. Tom and Jim talk about the NMRA. Ted Picraux calls in to talk rail podcasting and a substantial garden layout he's in the process of building. Chris Abbott has some advice to provide on the subject. Andy Dixson has a new train room and he has some substantial plans. Andy and Tom rap about Swiss model railroading. Mike Kenefeck is thinking of redesigning his layout. Roger Chrysler has some ideas for Mike's layout too. Roger has some updates for the show too. Sven Frank introduces German industrial narrow-gauge in 1:8 scale. Tom floats the Garage Layout contest. Jim Lincoln provides a Chocolate update. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #79: Weaponizing the Traveling Turnout Priest [September 21, 2013] Sep 21, 2013

When you are going to leave the country, there's one thing you have to do first. Terry Terrance does his departure to London right by calling in to Model Rail Radio and getting the information he needs on what to visit thanks to Jim Lincoln. Marty is safe and well. Jim Lincoln gives his account of saving Marty's operating session. Mike Slater explains why there is high density of circus modelers in his part of the world. John Garaty has been all over North America. Ron Newby is quizzed by Lionel about Ron's interest in On30. Rod Hutchinson explains the Australian On30 true prototypes. Tim Shenton gives some of his larger layout design secrets. John Hunter gives an update on Tim's designed layout. Jim Gifford provides a Ros/Pam update on their behalf and what's been happening on his layout. BJ will soon have an operating session. Hoffy has been doing some LaunchPad work with Toni, Jim and Terry. Toni Ryan explains why it is good not to be fussy. Clark has been all over California. Peter Burr has some strong ideas in the hobby. Lionel has a special request for the audience. Stewart Sterling is getting back into the hobby. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #78: Poodle Skirt [August 24, 2013] Aug 24, 2013

Terry Terrance kicks off the show talking about the O-Scale National and his time at the NMRA National. Jim Lincoln has been catching up with Terry too. Jim Lincoln discusses pealing painting techniques. Nigel Gartshore has enjoyed some painting DVDs recently too. Marty talks a little bit about removing paint from lettering. Marty invites Jim down for an operating session. (Editorial note: stay tuned for next episode where Jim and Marty jam on the operating session.) Jim Gore provides an update about the NMRA National. Terry Terrance has been converted to card thanks to Jim's clinic. YouTuber James Wright calls in to describe what it takes to produce a successful model rail review channel (youtube.com/jlwii2000). Mike Slater rounds out the chat with James. Dominic Fewver has attended his first operating session. Peter Burr has a new profession relating to model railroading. Toni Ryan has been to Mike Deverell's layout. Bob Dye forgot a workbench in his layout room. Peter Stempel, Toni and Tom rap about the shelf layout contest Mk 2. Barry Silverthorn is now able to talk about his video project officially. James Rindt provides a brief review of MR's video offering. Brian Wong may be moving soon and he has some model rail topics relating to moving. Chris Mears built a fantastic layout about twenty years ago. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #78: Poodle Skirt [August 24, 2013] Aug 24, 2013

Terry Terrance kicks off the show talking about the O-Scale National and his time at the NMRA National. Jim Lincoln has been catching up with Terry too. Jim Lincoln discusses pealing painting techniques. Nigel Gartshore has enjoyed some painting DVDs recently too. Marty talks a little bit about removing paint from lettering. Marty invites Jim down for an operating session. (Editorial note: stay tuned for next episode where Jim and Marty jam on the operating session.) Jim Gore provides an update about the NMRA National. Terry Terrance has been converted to card thanks to Jim's clinic. YouTuber James Wright calls in to describe what it takes to produce a successful model rail review channel (youtube.com/jlwii2000). Mike Slater rounds out the chat with James. Dominic Fewver has attended his first operating session. Peter Burr has a new profession relating to model railroading. Toni Ryan has been to Mike Deverell's layout. Bob Dye forgot a workbench in his layout room. Peter Stempel, Toni and Tom rap about the shelf layout contest Mk 2. Barry Silverthorn is now able to talk about his video project officially. James Rindt provides a brief review of MR's video offering. Brian Wong may be moving soon and he has some model rail topics relating to moving. Chris Mears built a fantastic layout about twenty years ago. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #77: Delicious BBQ [July 20, 2013] Jul 27, 2013

Terry Gaskin introduces his interests in three-rail O scale. Mike Slater chimes in on some traction midwest O scale and he's been depot measuring with the Rindt family. Ralph DeBlasi has been visited by model rail riffraff royalty. Dave Falkenburg introduces a regional NMRA show in San Francisco (now confirmed Janet Pomeroy Center, September 22). James Rindt lays down the law on modern children - they aren't dumb and they can be amazing model railroaders - and also what it takes to make a kit. Fritz Milhaupt talks about Grand Rapids' rail history in a layout he's planning. Marty and Bruce Wilson rap about World War One model railroading. Tom gives Marty a few methods of how to avoid being filmed. Jim Gifford provides a long anticipated update on the South Australian crew. Lawrence Eggering has some important information for people looking to add some new sound to old noisy locos. Hoffy provides an update. (Editorial note: I recommend you check out Hoffy's layout web cams. You may catch Hoffy working on his layout.) Chip Anderson gives an update on his club's recent shows: the highs and the lows. Peter Stempel has been to Korea and he wants to build a contest shelf layout (these two things may not be directly connected). Toni Ryan has been visiting a clam train from the 1880s. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Special: Jim Lincoln Hosts an Off Show Chat [July 27, 2013] Jul 27, 2013

Favorite Part of the Show, Jim Lincoln, hosts an off-show chat with a surprising quantity of model railroading and prototype discussion. The audio quality is patchy in parts but well worth a listen.

Model Rail Radio #76: For the Benefit of the NSA [June 29, 2013] Jun 29, 2013

Ed Traxler has been pranking the Facebook group. Tom and Ed rap on the Civil War and computer history too. Peter Burr introduces his lifetime of model rail interests and his plans to integrate craftsman structures on his new layout. Dave Falkenburg calls in for the first time to talk about a layout he is planning and discusses a number of the south San Francisco Bay Area model rail clubs and causal get togethers. Clark Kooning provides an overview of the NMRA National Convention. Lawerence Eggering has an interesting freelance New York Central layout featuring strange meat-like substances with a little organized crime and a dinosaur thrown in for good measure. Ralph DeBlasi has been making some changes to his layout. Mike Slater has lost a rail-fanning friend and appears to be the godfather of all things model rail in Racine. Mike Deverell calls in to discuss the philosophy of the HO Railroad that Grows and his layout, the Colorado and Coyote Creek. Scotty Mason provides a layout vision featuring HOn3. Barry Silverthorn has some interesting stories to tell and will be doing it in video very shortly. Lionel is going to be feature in some of these videos, with his clothes on, hopefully. Bruce Wilson is in good health and ready to build a layout. Tom is trying to hunt down Brian Wilson (no relation to Bruce) and Chris Abbott doesn't seem to care as he owns Brian Wilson's magnum opus. Chris and Tom rap about getting model rail equipment into the hands of children. Ben Rechel has been to Canada to operate on Trevor Marshall's layout. James Rindt provides an update on Peter's enjoyment of a parcel sent by Tom. Toni Ryan has been posting amazing video. Somehow Toni and Chris get into a discussion on 3d print on demand and tools. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #75: Bogie Bling [June 1, 2013] Jun 01, 2013

Tom and Jim start the show talking about what Jim's taking to Atlanta for the NMRA National. Mike has been using Shapeways. Ben Rechel is heading to Canada and he's visiting Chris Abbott. Chris gives an update associated with a recent show attended by a number of Model Rail Radio's prior guests. Tom gives Chris the rapid fire topic challenge. Rod has been dabbling in precious metals and miniature wargaming. Dan has been playing with miniature bricks. Terry's layout has been operated on recently. Tim Warris has been outed as a model rail philosopher. Toni Ryan has a lot to say to Tim Warris. Tim Harrison has some real estate tips. Tim Harrison floats a topic idea. John Hunter raps with Tim Warris. Tom throws down a challenge that John Hunter jumps on 100%. Jim Rindt is getting into G scale. Murray and Tom rap about interesting areas in Australia and teaching history through model railroading. David Loman introduces his interests in the model railroading hobby. Toni Ryan asks a question on behalf of Jim Gifford. Roger Chrysler isn't slowing down in his model railroading over the summer. Bob Dye provides an update on his layout plans. John Garaty explains the incline has some family importance and what railroading and air travel have in common. Mike Slater takes the show postal. Matt Goodman gives a layout update. Anders ask the questions. John Garaty gives a sleeper 101. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #74: Again, I Think You Have Pressed the Mute [May 11, 2013] May 11, 2013

Tom starts the show with Andy Dixson who introduces how he got interested in model rail and his current plans for multiple layouts. Dave Frary calls in to talk about BBQ, lobster fishing secrets and his early experiences with trains. Somehow Tom sways the conversation to magazines: Dave gives his insight. Tom congratulates Terry for his Bertie win and they talk about his clinics in Canada (reviewed by Bryan Schilling) on the Launchpad and some discussions of Shapeways too. Terry thinks model railroaders should occupy hackerspaces too. Tom predicts a revolutionary Terry Terrance scenery clinic coming to a trainshow near you shortly (with the next two years at least). Tom asks if John Armstrong's layout sections ever get updated scenery. Tom starts the ongoing discussion associated with setting up an operating session clearing the air with Lionel on the previous show's discussion. Clark Kooning provides his own perspective on number of layouts in a lifetime. Tom asks Clark Kooning how he is going to educate the next generation on putting on amazing conventions. Tom asks about Clark's layout (Bryan Schilling provides another review). Seth Neumann calls in to fill in some of the gaps in the operating session discussion. Marty calls in to ask Seth the questions missed last show. Seth advice is to keep things simple initially. Duncan has released the device formerly known as the Professor Silencer now known as the Train Shuttle (primarily because it didn't fulfill the role of silencing the Prof). Check out the Tam Valley Depot site for more information. Duncan raps about some of his operating experiences. Bob Dye is starting a new prototype layout. Bob provides a blueprint for his prototyping philosophy. Vera has been having fun with the layout contest build. Mike provides a National Train Day update. Tom and Mike rap about Chicago rail modeling possibilities. Brian Gilhuly discusses a local shop that has celebrated an amazing anniversary recently. They lament the hobby store as a potentially declining phenomenon. Tom Wilson wraps up the show talking about repairs on the layout and he wants to provide a dispatching session in audio session. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #73: Full Circle [April 20, 2013] Apr 20, 2013

Mike and Tom chat the Bertie winners this year starting with Mike's particular passion, O scale. Mike talks about an operating session with the Rindts. Ralph is trying to teach himself weathering. Jim Gore jumps in to talk about his weathering techniques and his latest passions in the hobby. Clark gets a little wacky on weathering and don't show him a boxcar fresh from the box either. Tom chats with Clark about a few emails he has received through the week. Vera has been working on a shelf for the shelf layout contest. Tom Wilson calls in for the first time (although his layout has featured in a previous show) to introduce his model railroading interests. Tom wanted to ask the important questions. Jim Rindt calls in to confirm Tom's suspicion on an operating session long overdue. Peter Rindt provides an update on his perspective of the operating session too. Marty provides an update on his layout. Marty asks about organizing an operating session with particular questioning to Lionel and Bruce Wilson. From picking the crew to what to expect. This is a part one of a topic that will no doubt be continued in future shows. Have people ever been removed from Lionel's layout? Tom will not rest until this question is answered. Clark Kooning refuses to do an impersonation. (Editorial note: this is part one of this discussion. The crew returns with Seth Neumann next show to finish this topic.) Tom regains control of the show to let Jim Lincoln know he's won a Bertie. Jim announces some sad news. Jim gives a Chocolate update and talks about the effects of the Boston Marathon bombing on commuter rail. Jim has a question for the Prof. C-clamp fans get your complaint emails ready. Jim reminds Tom that he is responsible for the Lionel/Professor feud. The Prof gets a second wind and continues the discussion of bolt connections. Jim notes the teenagers have left the building. The Prof has found a novel used for one of his layouts: exactly what it was originally intended for. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #72: Live from Melbourne [March 30, 2013] Mar 30, 2013

Tom chats with Marshall Stull about his two winning entries in the Shelf Layout Design contest. The Professor calls in from the Australian Narrow Gauge Convention. Murray is the first punter to the mic to talk about his experience at the Convention. Gavin Hince introduces his model railroading interests and talks about his magazine, Narrow Gauge Down Under. John Hunter delivers his highlights of the Convention. The Professor gives his update from the Convention. Dan Pickard had a fantastic show. Ian Hodgkiss Modeller's Warehouse introduces his model railroading interests. Tom asks the Prof about the growing volume of micro layout information online. Brian Wong provides his plans for a layout starting with a small footprint. Brian chats with Ben Sutton and Gordon about color matching. 'N-Scale' Jim introduces his Ntrak club and his home layout. Rob Hinkle calls in the show for the first time and discusses his 1970s Redding layout featuring a sweet factory with a lot of detail. Chip Anderson calls back in to give an update on his Freemo-N club and an impressive configuration they have been running recently. James Rybka introduces his HO layout. Bryan Schilling gives an update on his club. Mike Slater provides an update on the new location of his Lionel's club. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: 2012 Bertie Awards [April 18, 2013] Mar 17, 2013

Tom presents the 2012 Bertie Awards. Congratulations to all the winners!

Model Rail Radio #71: What's Not to Heavy Breath About? [March 16, 2013] Mar 16, 2013

Tom starts the show talking with Vera about the part one winners of the Shelf Layout Design Contest and a few entries who didn't quite make the winner circle. Toni Ryan talks about his winning track plans. Mike Slater did not spend his gas or his lunch money thankfully at the Two Rail O Scale meet in Chicago. Tom catches up with Toni early in the show. Lionel Strang is the Barbara Walters of model railroading. Jimmy Simmons calls in to give an update and he brings a friend: some unknown guy called Scotty Mason. Tom jumps Scott into the Model Rail Radio fraternity with some hard questions. The crew discuss a favorite topic with Scott. Tom introduces the Silencer to the Professor. The Professor gives his general observations of the winners of the Shelf Layout Design Contest. Terry explains his speed matching introductory problem for potential operators. Ted Roy has discovered Backwoods Miniatures. (Note: this is a dangerous gateway to On30 - do not look up this site online.) Dave Ramos inhabits a different universe. Andy Zimmerman likes some of the Shelf Layout Design Contest winners and provides an update. The Prof and Rod rap about the Australian Narrow Gauge Convention. Rod has made some progress. Dave Ramos has been creating view blocks. Ed Novit asks for Model Rail Radio listeners in Chicago to get in contact and come by and operate. Please contact Ed through the mailing list or the FB group if you would like to operate with Ed. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #70: The Silencer [March 2, 2013] Mar 02, 2013

Duncan McRee starts the show chatting with Tom and Terry about his new dead-rail module, some of his historical product line and a new device dubbed the Professor Silencer. John Hunter promises to demo the Silencer to the Professor and discusses the progress on his NYC harbor layout. Rod Hutchinson talks about a monorail he rode on recently. David Harris returns to talk about the latest open source technology in the hobby. Mike Slater discusses his home layout. Jim Gore and Mike explain the means to find well-loved model rail items. Jim and Terry explore paper bricks. Rick Devlin gives a detailed layout update. Edward Traxler gives some discussion on brickworks and an update on a project or two. James Rindt calls in to talk about extreme prototype layout design and an N scale layout he's planning with his son. Rod asks a question about water and Jim Lincoln is happy to help out. Jim also provides a chocolate update. Matt Goodman gives a long overdue update. Tom insists on a Toni Ryan update. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #69: Dudes! [February 16, 2013] Feb 16, 2013

Tom starts the show by saying sorry for the lack of shows through January and giving thanks to Mike Slater for filling in on the audio content. Tom continues discussing the Berties and the new Shelf Layout Contest with feedback from Vera and Chris. Terry and Tom chat about modeling the New York waterfront. Springfield purchases and show experiences are peppered through the show featuring Jim Lincoln, Chris Abbott, Terry Terrance, Ben Rechel, Clark Kooning and Lionel Strang. Richard St. Clair introduces a fantastic area to model turn of last century. Ralph DeBlasi talks about his Lehigh Valley layout. Tom welcomes fellow rail podcaster Tim Harrison on the show to talk about his layout and his hosting duties with the ModelRailCast Show. Brian Gilhuly, Mike Kenefeck and Tom chat about the distinctions between the Canadian Pacific and the Canadian National in terms of structures and modeling big Canada in a small space. David Karkoski provides some feedback on Inglenook uncoupling. Andreas Kold Skensved has joined an HO club. Peter Stempel describes a new machine he is repurposing from his job to his hobby. We catch up briefly with Bob Richard. Clark Kooning introduces Lionel Strang. Lionel and Jim talk about their operating experiences in Florida. Anders Wirten has nothing new in model railroading but calls in to say hello! Mike Slater makes it to the end of the show to describe the show he attended. Tom provides some late Valentine's Day advice. Please check out the front of the site to vote in the Berties and also the Shelf Layout Design contest. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #68: The Talent [December 29, 2012] Dec 29, 2012

Jim Gifford and Tom start the show talking about documenting an empire. Seth Neumann adds to the discussion on documentation. Clark Kooning talks about new folks entering the hobby through the holiday season and his aluminum layout building kits. Tom introduces the Shelf Layout Design contest (please check out the Model Rail Radio website for more information). John Hunter explains how his new layout is going. Rod Hutchinson gives a couple of updates on his island hopping and an update on what is on his workbench. Edward Traxler is planning a coal washer and discusses On18. Bob Richard talks about 'Old Sparky' (his 1930s Lionel train) that comes out for the holidays and Mike Slater joins in on one of his favorite subjects. Dan Pickard talks about a diorama he's working on for a show and Australian color. Dave Frary starts off talking about ballast and continues with his usual question answering. Chip Anderson talks about modeling Southern California in N scale modules. Chip asks about JMRI and Seth jumps in to answer questions. Lionel quizzes Marty McGuirk about his layout. Seth talks about a show he runs in the San Fran Bay Area. (Sorry folks, the show was edited too late for the meet.) Murray Scholz is removing hidden staging. The Prof has some concerns with Murray's plans. John Hunter talks about Australian pubs and halls. He also discusses rapid prototyping for Australian prototypes. John Garaty and the Prof talk about John's amazingly engineered layout. The Prof and Tom explore custom sounds for layouts and what is going on with DCC loco sounds. Joe Duckworth describes his layout plans. Joe, Tom and Lionel rap about how there is room for everyone in the hobby and how there are many right answers to any given question. Tom welcomes back Richard Stoehrer to give an update on his new interest in operations and building a shelf switching layout. Tom apologizes for January (this turned out to be most factual). Please check out the front of the site to vote in the Berties and also the Shelf Layout Design contest. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: You Might Be A Model Railroading Redneck [December 22, 2012] Dec 22, 2012

Mike Slater hosts another offshow chat with the usual suspects and special guest, Joe Duckworth.

Model Rail Radio Announcement: Bertie Voting + Shelf Layout Design Contest [January 19, 2013] Dec 15, 2012

Tom posts a quick audio update about voting in the Bertie Awards and also a new layout design contest.

Model Rail Radio Special: Bleeping, Spiking and Other Stuff [December 15, 2012] Dec 15, 2012

Mike Slater hosts a sometimes heated off-show chat. There's some model railroading content including discussions on the order of scenery and the best stuff for water. Topics also include classic cars, adventures on motorcycles and where John Hunter lives.

Model Rail Radio #67: DCC is Not a Solution (to World Peace) [December 8, 2012] Dec 08, 2012

Tom and Terry start the show chatting with Tim Shenton about his winning layout for the John Hunter Layout design contest. The Prof and Peter Stempel add some analysis on Tim's design. Tom winds the Prof up and leaves him running old-school analog-style. Greg Shadle calls in to introduce his interest in steel mills and how he is building a steel mill modular layout. Terry talks about a new discovery and how he is helping the hobby with open source software. Tom and Hoffy have a number of questions for Terry. Dan Pickard discusses some sections of a previous layout he's been able to obtain and what he plans to do with them expanding into a new layout space. Tom and Dan talk about trees. Jim Lincoln provides a non-update update. Fred discusses running live steam in OO and the challenges it provides in terms of control. Bertie wants to discuss the Berties. Tom actually has a model railroading update. Peter Stempel explains his use of paper and card. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Post #67: Return of the Post-Show [December 8, 2012] Dec 08, 2012

Back by popular demand (actually I just left the recorder running), the usual postal crew gather with Dan Pickard to discuss the finer points of bush boxes, the phenomenon of selling layouts on, the difficulties of dating in southern Utah and a wide variety of other topics. I censored a lot of smack talk from this post show. Also Peter gave out his street address repeatedly to Lionel. Sometimes at unexpected times. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #66: The Internet? Good or Bad? [November 17, 2012] Nov 17, 2012

Tom starts the call chatting with Andrew Chisholm about his experiences having an operating session. Roger talks about his brother's layout and some of the techniques Roger will be featuring in some upcoming clinics. Chris Abbott returns to talk about the other Christmas trains show and an upcoming War Department garden layout. Spanky and the Prof joins the crew to discuss Model Railroader magazine's latest offering. Spanky and Roger provide the main event clothed. Bob Richard introduces the idea of a house with two layouts. The crew discusses backdating layouts and some interesting conditions of boxcars. David Karkoski returns to the show to discuss his current adventures in model railroading. Winston Norton gives an update about adding JRMI to his layout and some advice for folks in North America interested in UK model rail. Bryan and David chat about David's club. Toni Ryan's secret weathering secrets involves bats. The crew talk modular layouts. TJ Moes talks San Fran Bay Area module clubs and some problems on mixing rail and road. Hoffy calls in to say hello. John Garaty provides an update on his engineering marvel work-in-progress. Tim Shenton provides a quick update on his club's layout. Wayde Gutman talks Welsh live steam and some repairs he is making on his own locomotive. Tom reminds the listeners about the Bertie Awards. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #65: Locked Out [November 3, 2012] Nov 03, 2012

Tom kicks the show off talking about the John Hunter layout design contest and the return of the Berties. Mike Slater talks about a service center he maintains to work on his trains. Clark and Mike are going to Trainfest. Longtime friend of the show, Mike King, calls in to discuss his layout and Jim Lincoln's role in the layout. Tom may not be able to make Springfield. Clark's been on a layout tour featuring the late Rich Chrysler's layout. By popular demand, Tom grills Clark on his modeling methods. Bruce Wilson calls in and Tom tries to get his local crew in gear on assisting Bruce with his layout. The Prof attempts an intervention. John Hunter sets the record straight about his layout design contest. Phil calls in to talk about a flour blending plant he is working on and Dave Ramos knows knows the prototype very well. Tim Shenton introduces his layout. Henry gives a quick update about his layout. Hoffy and Tom discuss the Challengers forum and getting electronics components. Murray is in an interesting dilemma on his layout. Fred Patton introduces modeling the UK in the US. Toni provides an update. Ben blasphemes on multiple fronts. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #64: Taking Fall To a New Level [October 6, 2012] Oct 06, 2012

Vera's working in On30 now? It's just a once off. Tom and Vera chat about a layout tour with the Prof and co in the SF Bay Area (an ongoing theme throughout the show). Jimmy Simmons provides an update. It's time for the Berties! Hoffy gives an update and chats with Jimmy about getting teenage sons involved in the hobby. Terry Terrance talks about the problems with Shapeways and some writing his working on to get more people into rapid prototyping for their layouts. The Professor returns and he's got a lot to discuss - he's been to Vegas, the Seattle area and even spent some time with your humble host. Ed Novit breaks the Prof discussion to dig deep into Inglenook mathematics. DCC listeners need not dwell. The Prof regroups on the SF Bay Area part of his trip. Marty provides a Phd in model trees for those interested in New English foliage and he's also had some visitors. Clark Kooning tries to call in and is frequently dropped from the call. Ben Sutton and Tom nerd out on 40k layouts. Dave Ramos doesn't talk about rail-marine at all. Nigel introduces his model railroading interests. Peter Stempel defects onto Facebook and talks about remote uncoupling. Please don't forget to enter John Hunter's layout design contest! This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #63: Spanky's Revenge [September 22, 2012] Sep 22, 2012

Edward Traxler starts the show talking about a three-rail scenic-ing clinic he's working on. Paul Best gives an update on his wonderful club. Tom gives an account of failed technology (a theme that continues through the show in one form or another) and his experiences meeting the Professor and co the day before the recording. Mike Kenefeck introduces his Canadian Pacific layout. Spanky and Mike Slater take control of the show. There is an ongoing discussion about the distinctions between the UK and the US. Andreas Kold Skensved gives an update of his changing layout. The crew discuss free-mo. Peter Stempel chimes in to ask a question about Danish prototypes. Terry Terrance muses about the possibility of O-scale free-mo (Free-MoO? perhaps). John Hunter calls in to make an announcement about a track planning contest he is running currently. Roger stirs the pot a little. Tom gets back on the show briefly, enough to chat with Mike Slater on swap meets. The show ends early but the post show features Charlie Shulz: an up-and-coming videographer and model railroader. Well worth staying around until the end of the show for this chat. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #62: Ben's Favorite Restaurant [September 15, 2012] Sep 15, 2012

Tom starts the show with Mike Slater talking about a Lionel conversion he's been working on. Dan Pickard introduces his interests in the hobby namely Australian narrow gauge. Hoffy talks about some radical changes in his layout. Tom Conboy provides an update on his progress in the hobby and some local layouts. Edward Traxler talks about narrow gauge in the Carolinas. Rod Hutchinson recommends some books and a reason or two to attend the Australian Narrow Gauge Convention. Toni Ryan gives an update about the US Narrow Gauge Convention. Terry talks writing and his problems with Shapeways. Jim Lincoln shares Terry's concern about Shapeways. John Garaty introduces his substantial layout. Spanky interrupts the show. Peter Stempel has a substantial hobby update. The crew raps about Clark Kooning. Ben Rechel talks about a productive day. Craig calls in and is promptly insulted by Spanky. It's the third year anniversary show and it's all gone to pot. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #61: Send Someone Competent [August 25, 2012] Aug 25, 2012

Tom and Vera start the call chatting about impressionism in model rail. Danish listener Andreas Kold Skensved introduces his N scale layout. Henry discusses how he is expanding a previous layout to a new layout. John Hunter calls in from the AMRA show in Melbourne and discusses what he's seen at the show and how it is dangerous to have $1,000 in your pocket at an AMRA show. John also introduces Laurie Green who talks about his Denver and Rio Grande layout. Jim Gore opines on how there are too many people and automobiles on some dioramas. Anders provides an update on the music that will be playing on his layout. Clark chats about all things NMRA. Jim Gifford introduces BJ who talks about how to tackle artistic problems on layouts. Translating artistic styles over continents is carried over from BJ to the Professor. Lionel talks about why On30 will be his next layout. Jim Lincoln calls in from a fast train. The Professor impersonates Steve Janninck. Matt Goodman and Mike Slater rap with the crew about storing cars on a large layout. Tom tries to move the Professor out of his comfort zone. Dave Ramos returns to talk more rail marine. Murray provides an update on his layout. Toni talks about his YouTube videos. Rod Hutchinson calls in to talk about his interests in HOn30 and the Australian Narrow-Gauge Convention. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #60: Minty Mikado [August 11, 2012] Aug 11, 2012

Tom and Mike chat about Grand Rails and the recovery from Grand Rails. Anders provides a book review and discusses what will make an iconic layout going forwards. Terry joins the discussion to talk about layouts that have directed his layout design. Ros Flint provides an update on her layout as does Jim Gifford. Chris talks about his father's latest layout. The crew discusses the future of the hobby. Would the Professor have a basement empire given the opportunity? The answer may not surprise you. Seth Neumann gives his Grand Rails update. Jason Reis introduces a new aspect of the hobby he is exploring and also offers a novel use for a commonly used household item. Roger tells tales from the hobby store. Gordon Dobson gives some wisdom about simplicity and talks about his future conversion to DCC. Dave Ramos and Ben Rechel talk rail-marine modeling. Malcolm talks about some interesting problems with a road product and provides an update. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: Grand Rails 2012, Day 4 (for Tom) [August 4, 2012] Aug 04, 2012

Tom wraps up his coverage of Grand Rails by throwing down some cash and crossing the divide from Working Media to having a really good time!

Model Rail Radio Special: Terry Terrance's Two-Rail O-Scale Take-Over [Late July, 2012] Aug 04, 2012

Taking the initiative over a quiet month, Terry took his recorder along to the 2012 O Scale National Convention and recorded a little audio early with Rich Martin of the New York Society of Model Engineers. Through the course of the convention, Terry talked with David Schneider about his company and 19th Century railroading. Terry took some time with Brain Scace to discuss the important topic of layout design elements with modern day careers and movement. Brian also talked about his returning passion of 7mm UK modeling. Dave Vaughn explains how to have multiple heritage layouts through extraction to redesign and combination. By chance, Terry catches up with Tony Koester to talk about the NMRA and the future of the hobby.

Model Rail Radio Special: Grand Rails 2012, Day 3 (for Tom) [August 3, 2012] Aug 03, 2012

Tom talks about the first day of the Train Show.

Model Rail Radio Special: Grand Rails 2012, Day 2 (for Tom) [August 2, 2012] Aug 02, 2012

Tom travels to the outer suburbs of Detroit, MI, for an epic layout tour.

Model Rail Radio Special: Grand Rails 2012, Day 1 (for Tom) [August 1, 2012] Aug 01, 2012

Tom provides an update on his trip so far and the first day of Grand Rails in Grand Rapids, MI.

Model Rail Radio Special: Tom and Chris have a Chat [July 7, 2012] Jul 07, 2012

It's a rare thing for Tom and Chris to have a chat these days. The special starts with some sad news about the passing of Rich Chrysler. The show moves on to an extended discussion of live steam. The special concludes with a reminder about Grand Rails for those attending and a promise for much more audio for those who don't.

Model Rail Radio #59: And Take Your Kangaroo With You! [June 23, 2012] Jun 23, 2012

Tom starts the show talking with Seth Neumann about his modeling interests including the industry of the East San Francisco Bay and operations. Mike Slater provides a quick update for Grand Rails. Vera and Seth chat about layouts of whimsy in the area. Terry provides an extensive update but refuses to discuss his moonshine experiences. David Harris introduces his interests in N scale and the OpenLCB project. Bob Jacobsen of JMRI fame calls in to talk JMRI, OpenLCB and some layouts that use aspects of JMRI. If you use JMRI, please consider donate to cover Bob's extensive legal costs. Even if you don't use JMRI, please consider donating to the project. Murray discusses building O scale farm buildings with sticks from trees on his property. The Professor and Murray talk about a clinic that has taught thousands of young Australians about building phenomenal scenery. Tom quizzes the Professor on some of his local shops and the perennial discussion on what makes a great hobby shop. They continue on the other perennial topic of magazines. Ted Roy reminds Tom of the Jimmy Simmons kit contest that will continue past Grand Rails. Ted talks about his exploration through JMRI and programming locos. Graeme Nitz and the Professor rap about modeling Australian broad-gauge in Oklahoma. Tom provides an update on Grand Rails - he will be there and recording all the audio he can find. There will be a short show coming out in July prior to Grand Rails featuring Chris and Tom chatting like it was an early show. If you are attending Grand Rails, please contact Tom (tom at modelrailradio dot com). This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #58: The Monologue That Ended the Feud [June 2, 2012] Jun 02, 2012

Tom starts the show chatting with Barry Dupler about 7 1/2 inch live steam, then Barry continues the discussion with Russ Segner on the National Narrow Gauge Convention held in Seattle later this year and their narrow gauge interests. Peter De Keles introduces his garden railroad. Malcolm provides a layout update. Tom and Vera rap on a local hobby store. Stephen Arnold introduces his prior layout and his inspirations. Marty provides an update on his layout. Dominic Fewver introduces his part of the San Francisco Bay Area. The Prof and Marty agree that they can cast their differences aside, although Tom remains the Jerry Springer of model rail podcasts. Jimmy Simmons calls in to introduce his first kit (also two of these kits will be awarded as prizes to listeners). Spanky quizzes Jimmy on the finer details of structure manufacture with some light assistance from Tom Brown. Lee gives a birthday update on his layout. Jim Gifford has been helping Pam and Ros create blogs for their respective layouts and gives an update on his own layout. Second birthday boy Anders and Mike Slater talk about their favorite magazines. The ever-patient Toni Ryan introduces his model railroading interests. Resident statistical operator, Edward Novit, offers some ideas and the fact that sometimes everyday life presents random operations. Roger Chrysler explains how working in a train store has changed some of his techniques. Tom Brown gives a show update. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #57: Brain Freeze and a Splinter in the Tongue [May 12th, 2012] May 12, 2012

Tom starts the show chatting with Vera Sepulveda about her more to HO scale and Ben Sutton about acrylics. Wayde Gutman talks about traction, books and logging redwoods. Mike Slater offers some of the things that keeps him interested in the hobby. Anders continues the theme of books that inspire. Mike gives a module update. Tom announces a contest involving two kits purchased from Jimmy Simmons' Monster Modelworks. Mike Slater talks about the north shore. Chris Abbott has found the perfect train show and explains the problems acquiring 16mm steam. Murray carries the train show discussion. John Hunter continues the train show discussion then introduces his model railroading interests. John provides a detailed account of how he creates Australian and US based kits. The Professor does his thing through the conversation. Tom chats with Spanky about his contributions to Model Railroader magazine and what is going to replace his current layout. Ted Roy talks about On30. Spanky and Jim Lincoln attempt an impersonation. Jim Lincoln is touring Denver CO in early June and he gives a sad tale. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #56: Island Railroads [April 21st, 2012] Apr 21, 2012

Tom and Mike Slater start the show talking about modules. Terry plays a little audio addition when the Professor joins the call to opine about an appearance on the Model Railway Show. The discussion returns to Terry's track-laying plans. Michael Graff introduces his New York Harbor interests. Dave Frary discusses Cuban railroad prototypes in HOn30. Tom Brown presents problems with HOn30. Dave, Tom and the Professor rap about the Nantucket museum layout. Anders offers an account of catching up with Troels Kirk. Tom gives a sorry account of the revenge intervention. Tom prompts the Professor to discuss what he is going to do with his spare micro layouts. Ben Sutton introduces his new layouts. Tom catches up with Tom Cutting and Tom Brown. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #55: For Test Purposes Only [April 7, 2012] Apr 07, 2012

Jim Lincoln and Tom talk tie-plates. Tom Brown calls in to talk about shelf layouts in Lyon amongst other things. Jim Gifford and Ros give updates. Ben Sutton calls in to talk paint and NZ120. Pam chats with Malcolm Johnson, Jim Gore and R. L. Jenkins about building a steel mill with cars in N scale. Lionel and Clark call in for a revenge intervention (yes that's right folks, only on Model Rail Radio). Terry Terrance talks about laying track. Lionel offers a tip for making rock castings. Jeff gives a speed update. Bryan Schilling asks some additional questions of Lionel. The Professor continues the revenge intervention with some initial advice that follows into some rapping with Terry about Australian narrow gauge. The conversation returns to the invention. Jim Lincoln offers a title for the show. Lionel realizes the revenge intervention has gone too far. Rick Devlin introduces himself and talks about model railroading in Florida. Jim Lincoln concludes the show finishing what he started at the start of the show. Extra thanks to Mike Slater for recording an impromptu show at the end of March. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: No Show, No Problem [March 31, 2012] Mar 31, 2012

Due to work commitments Tom wasn't able to record a formal show, but Mike Slater picked up the slack and introduces newcomer Phil, and the company rappers, the Professor and Jason Reis.

Model Rail Radio #54: Intervention [March 17, 2012] Mar 17, 2012

Tom starts the show with Fred Thompson about his model railroading interests. Terry kicks off the box car conversation. Tom talks with Chris and Jeff about live steam in a variety of sizes. Marty calls in to talk layout disassembly with Lionel, box cars and more tales from manufacture. Clark is about to run trains. The intervention with Chris on why (after years co-hosting the show) he doesn't have a layout. Bruce Wilson chimes in on his lack of layout too. Craig provides some fun in operations. Matt is congratulated for his Bertie win. Jason offers some explanation of his completely incomplete club layout although Lionel is a fan. Mike will be at Grand Rails as will Tom. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #53: Return of the Co-Hosts [March 3, 2012] Mar 03, 2012

Mike, Tom and Jeff start the call talking about restoring Lionel. Duncan McRee and Craig Bisgeier talk about wireless and track-power-free DCC with some feedback from Anders, Terry and other crew members. David Ramos describes what it takes to make a social epicenter operating layout. Chris describes his latest work on Trevor's layout. Bruce, Chris and Tom rap on the difficulty finding some UK prototype items. Terry provides an update on his helix. The discussion continues on the Berties. Ed adds a little something random to the discussion. Clark Kooning and Tim Warris call in to talk about Cuban railroading, winning a Bertie and what's coming up this year for Fast Tracks. They discuss changes in the NMRA MMR classification coming up. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #52: Europe Slightly Censored [February 11, 2012] Feb 11, 2012

Tom starts the show chatting with Matt Goodman about the many uses of the iCar. Winston Norton introduces his layout. Dave Frary talks briefly about HOn30 versus HOe. Anders Wirten begins his co-hosting duties introducing Kathy Millatt who is modeling New England in England. Troels Kirk takes the floor to discuss his splendid On30 layout of the Maine coast complete with specially created sound modules. Lionel Strang talks about Springfield. Vera Sepulveda talks about her new layouts in a small space with addition assistance from the Professor. Jim Lincoln talks about designing tie plates amongst other topics. Yainnis Hazapis offers his model railroading interests including being a store owner and a layout designer. Jan Reijnders and his friends, Peter and Hans, explain their particular perspective on the hobby. Roderik Vanderkelen talks about his Nepalese HOe layout. Richard Stoehrer re-introduces himself to the show. Paul Best describes his south east London shelf layout. Jeff Shockley drops a bombshell. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: 2011 Bertie Awards [February 28, 2012] Feb 10, 2012

Tom presents the 2011 Bertie Awards. Congratulations to all the winners!

Model Rail Radio #51: Yahoo?! [January 28, 2012] Jan 28, 2012

Tom, Jeff, Terry and Peter Stempel start the show talking about Springfield photo streams. Peter Verheyen calls in to talk about paper modeling and German modeling. Marty McGirk calls in to talk about the changes in his layout. Terry gives a Springfield update. The crew talks about a particular yahoo operator and the economy's disconnection from the hobby. Jim Lincoln and Lionel Strang call in from the Springfield dinner. Edward Novit introduces his old layout and his future layout plans modeling fruit row in Washington. Murray Scholz calls in to chat with the Professor and Tom about possible future articles in Narrow Gauge Down-Under. Murray turns the tables and asks Tom what he's modeling in the near future. The Professor and Ros talk about brass: a topic throughout the show. Jeff gives the Del Mar Va update. Jim Gifford provides a wiring and track-laying update on his layout. Hoffy creates a new means to call in to the show. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #50: Stockholm 3am [January 8, 2012] Jan 14, 2012

Tom starts the new year chatting with Chris about working on Trevor's layout. Jeff from Dover asks about putting out the wide variety of Model Rail Radio Skype chats that seem to go on through the weeks where the show isn't being recorded. The Prof calls in from a mystery location (aka Stockholm). Jim Gifford introduces his layout. The crew talk about N scale and aesthetics. Terry describes the work he has been doing on his layout including a huge helix. Wayde Gutman introduces his interest in early logging. Using card in the hobby is discussed by Jim Gore and the crew. Terry leads a discussion on photo backdrop printing with the crew. Hoffy continues his running overview on computerization with interesting feedback from Jason, Jeff and Mike. Ros asks a question about vintage scenery techniques. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: South Australian Take Over [December 29, 2011] Dec 29, 2011

In a fantastic day organized by Jim Gifford, Tom talks to Fred of the Orient Express in Unley, South Australia. They then travel on to resident artist and post-colonial apocalypse modelrail enthusiast, BJ. They stop by Bill2's shelf layout and then on to the home of Rosslyn and Pam to discuss how many locomotives you need to own, where to put them and the benefits of N-ormal scale. Jim and Tom swing by Ross' layout to explore the use of a purpose built structure to recreate a very familar area (for Tom). The show rounds up with an extended discussion following a bonza BBQ. Hong Kong listener Paul stops by and the crew introduces Barry, Bob and Chris. Rounding off the evening with the spotlight put on Jim Gifford.

Model Rail Radio #49: Where Angels Fear to Railfan [December 10, 2011] Dec 10, 2011

Anders, Terry and Tom talk model rail metaphysics briefly joined by Jim Gifford followed by some discussion of New York Railroads (now a common theme). The Professor calls back to discuss the Chocolate, shelf layouts with Terry and Tom. Mike Slater introduces his interest in three rail O scale. David Karkoski and Mike talk about the local scene. The crew discusses some of the politics of problem modelers at clubs. Peter Stempel calls back in to address Anders metaphysical model rail questions. D. Tom Conboy fills in more information on his layout experience and also how to find similar model rail enthusiasts. Jim Gifford gives an introduction of what the South Australian layout tour special will show. Jim Lincoln discusses his rail/road trip with Craig. Through the show the Listener Submitted Item finalists for the Bertie awards are repeated from the previous show. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #48: Not a One Layout Kinda Guy [November 26, 2011] Nov 26, 2011

Tom starts the show welcoming on model railroader and podcaster, D. Tom Conboy. Chris gives a sombre update on the annual Christmas Train Show. Internet model rail legend, Prof. Klyzlr, calls in to discuss his many small layouts. Terry provides a background to modeling New York. Former Model Railroader magazine contributing editor and layout/chainsaw artist, Lionel Strang, calls in to describe some of his experiences. Uncommitted O Scaler Peter Stempel discusses laser ownership. Hoffy stops by to talk about computerization. Through the show the Listener Submitted Item finalists for the Bertie awards are announced. The usual crew also provide their gap filling and question prompting behavior. Even at more than five and a half hours, a lot of stunned silence was cut from the Prof's section of the show. You may want to play certain sections at half speed, and like Jeff from Dover, write very quickly. This episode contains a lot of information - some of it model railroad related. We promise! This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #47: No Sound Editing Til Brooklyn! [October 29, 2011] Oct 29, 2011

*** STOP THE PRESSES *** Due to the late arrival of this show, the listener submitted item voting for the Berties will be extended through the month of January. More than USD200 of stuff on offer plus the chance to reward great work in the hobby. Check out modelrailradio.com for more. Email awards at modelrailradio dot com to vote! *** Tom mentions the show will be recorded on Skype going forward. If you want to participate or listen in live via Skype, just add tom.barbalet on Skype and enjoy the show as normal. Terry Terrance starts the show talking about a recent two rail O scale meet he attended. Tom recounts a day of trains in the San Francisco Bay Area with Matt Goodman. Jimmy Simmons calls in to provide an update on life with a laser. Ted Roy gives an update on his N scale traction layout. The show rounds out with Swedish listener, Anders Wirten calling in to talk about his fascinating 1970s layout. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #46: They Get Skype in East Twiddle? [October 15, 2011] Oct 15, 2011

*** STOP THE PRESSES *** Less than a week to vote in the Bertie awards. More than USD200 of stuff on offer plus the chance to reward great work in the hobby. Check out modelrailradio.com for more… Email awards at modelrailradio dot com to vote! *** Tom starts by introducing the show will be recorded on Skype going forward. Not that much of a different procedure - if you want to participate or listen in live via Skype, just add tom.barbalet on Skype and enjoy the show as normal. A number of new guests start out the show including Lee Weiss who talks about his layout in development and the plight of being passionate about a prototype. Matt Forcum calls in to discuss his new shelf layout. Jeff Adam discusses his company and how to cater to the particularly passionate. Andy Zimmerman has a few previously unasked DCC questions. Craig Bisgeier fields a series of benchwork questions. Matt Goodman calls in to discuss his new shelf project. Something about Happy Birthday Mr. President and the usual crew provide filler material. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #45: Bruce Lincoln [September 24, 2011] Sep 24, 2011

Tom starts the show with an appeal for last minute votes in the Berties. Terry and Tom talk about Terry's open house with a famous former club member. Jim, Terry and Gordon discuss Jim's layout update. Bob Scott and Clark Kooning call in to talk about what it takes to run a successful train store. Jim leads a spirited discussion on a wide variety of topics and the show ends with Tom appealing to South American and Eastern European listeners to participate. Don't forget to vote in the Bertie awards! Email awards at modelrailradio dot com to enter. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #44: Layout Planning and Figures and Bears! Oh My! [September 10, 2011] Sep 10, 2011

The crew discusses track laying and layout design. Trevor Marshall calls in to give an update on his new layout plans. Malcolm Johnson calls in to discuss his Japanese layouts. Jeff Shockley gives an update associated with a huge layout tour that his club is organizing. The show is rounded out by Andy Zimmerman talking about T-Trak modules and his local club. Don't forget to enter the Berties. With more than USD200 in prizes, you'd be crazy not to cast a vote or two! This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #43: Model the Trains Down Under [August 26, 2011] Aug 26, 2011

Tom starts the show on a Friday night with a small announcement and a reminder on voting in the Berties. The crew talking with Bill Denton about Modutrak. Murray Scholz calls in to discuss Narrow Gauge Down Under (both the magazine and the religion) and some great hobby tips for weathering and regional trees. The crew continue to talk about their projects and a new alternative to DCC. William from San Diego calls in to talk about real railroading and magazines. Thanks to Terry Terrance for doing the call traffic control for the start of the show! This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #42: The P48 Is Strong In This One [August 6, 2011] Aug 06, 2011

The show starts with an Australian narrow gauge discussion with Gordon Dobson, Chris Abbott. Terry Terrance and Bruce Wilson talk about 3d printing possibilities. The crew discuss magazines throughout the show. A listener submitted question on what to do with inherited model rail items is covered by the crew. Tom asks a question about what is the appropriate time to lay cork roadbed. David asks Tom about how to model the UK if you have never been there. The outro is thanks to some rail fans from New York who have released a substantial portion of their vocal work. Don't forget about the Berties! Please submit your entries through awards at modelrailradio dot com. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #41: Early Post Apocalyptic Era Modeling [July 23, 2011] Jul 23, 2011

The crew talk with Gordon Dobson about OO UK model railway in Australia and a Gold Coast train show. Rene Gourley discusses 3d printing and Proto 87. Jimmy Simmons and Bill Sartore talk about craftsman kit lighting and how to model the apocalypse. Clark Kooning calls in to chat with Jimmy and co about the NMRA show. The usual crew discuss how little model railroading they have done and how to get folks in Sweden and Hong Kong to participate in the show. Matt Goodman provides a last minute update on his shelf layout and potentially what the basement layout will be based on. Don't forget to vote on the first annual Berties! This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #40: Something like Golf [July 2, 2011] Jul 04, 2011

The show starts with an NMRA show update from Clark Kooning and Nobby Clarke. There is an extended update from Chris Abbott who is lost for the remainder of the show due to an electrical outage. Tom and Terry continue the show discussing reliable locomotives in a variety of scales with a call from Jeff and the show's expert on this topic Jason Reis. An exhausted Jim Lincoln calls in to discuss Tom's recent corn syrup plant purchase. Bruce Wilson provides a fascinating update on his WWI layout plans. Bryan Schilling, Terry and Jason finish the show with a discussion on rockwork styles. Don't forget to vote on the first annual Berties! This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Special: Roundtable/Mike Rose's Golden Spike [May 15, 2011] Jul 01, 2011

Steve in Chicago hosts another roundtable chat one off-show weekend with the addition of Mike Rose's golden spike operation following the completion of the epic Jim Lincoln turnout project.

Model Rail Radio #39: Hail to the Hales [June 11, 2011] Jun 11, 2011

The crew welcome on Fran and Miles Hale to discuss scenery tips and techniques and professional layout building. The crew also discuss competitions and David Karkoski's signature rockwork technique. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Post #39: The Post-Show Must Go Through [June 11, 2011] Jun 11, 2011

Jim and the post-show crew gather together to discuss the weather, flooding, Jim's track environment philosophy and other related topics. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #38: Clark's Gone to Bed?! [May 21, 2011] May 21, 2011

It may be entering Canadian summer but there is no sign of the show slowing down. Tom, Terry and Chris explore Chris' recent published exploits. Jeff provides an update on scouting and trains. Bryan, Clark, Chris and David discuss what you would find in a small steam train shop. Jason calls in with an update as does Matt Goodman. The show concludes with a short Post Show were Jim and Tom discuss Jim's article on a real-world piece of operations. The conclusion of the show is dedicated to Steve in Chicago who has asked for the hip-hop version of the theme for many months. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #37: Travelling Turnout Priest [April 30, 2011] Apr 30, 2011

Chris, Tom and Jim welcome back Matt Goodman. Jeff Shockley calls in to give an update on a small layout he is planning. The crew welcomes on Marty McGuirk for a patented rapid topic Model Rail Radio grilling session concluded by a call from Jason Reis. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #36: Midnight to 4am Shift [April 16, 2011] Apr 16, 2011

Chris, Tom, Clark, Jim and Terry welcome on Bill Kaufman to talk about San Francisco model railroading. Ralph Parker calls in to talk about his developing N scale interest with Bryan Schilling. The crew welcomes on Bruce Wilson to talk about doing a UK layout remotely and narrow guage First World War style. The crew also discusses Tom's new tactile fixation with O scale and steps to keep your layout clean. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: Craig Bisgeier [April 14, 2011] Apr 16, 2011

Chris and Jim chat with Craig Bisgeier.

Model Rail Radio Special: Marty McGuirk [February 17, 2011] Apr 16, 2011

Chris and Jim chat with Marty McGuirk.

Post #35: I Hear the Train a Comin' It's Rollin' 'Round the Bend [April 2, 2011] Apr 02, 2011

The crew continue the discussion from the show about introducing people to the hobby with an idea for Springfield next year. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #35: The Gift of the Hobby [April 2, 2011] Apr 02, 2011

Chris, Tom, Clark and Terry discuss introducing model railroading to others. Tom Cutting calls in from the UK. David Karkoski provides an update. Kevin gives his perspective as a forum owner and Jeff explains teaching scouts the hobby. Steve Janninck (in Chicago) and Jim Lincoln round out the show with a surprise arrival at the very end. The audio quality is patchy through the recording but as much has been done to correct it as possible. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #34: Committed [March 19, 2011] Mar 19, 2011

Tom, Clark and Jim welcome back Chris Abbott with an update from David Karkoski, Roger Chrysler and Jason Reis. Surprise guest Tim Warris calls in to answer questions from the crew. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Post #34: Hail DC [March 19, 2011] Mar 19, 2011

Clark Kooning, Jim Lincoln and the usual string of post-show participants discuss numerous model rail and other topics. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Post #33: The New Jim Lincoln [March 5, 2011] Mar 05, 2011

Clark Kooning fills in for Jim Lincoln as the Post show continues with Stephen M. Priest and various other guests. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #33: We're All Moving to Kansas City [March 5, 2011] Mar 05, 2011

Tom, Clark and Terry are joined by Karl Smith to discuss hobby shops, short runs and the NMRA. New callers Jeff Shockley and Dick Stoehrer provide their experiences with a substantial club layout and sharing the hobby with a grandson respectively. We then welcome on Stephen M. Priest to discuss his work designing trains and rolling stock for a variety of manufacturers. Tune in to the Post show follow with much more of Stephen's experiences. The show concludes with our second crank call - the first that can be aired. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #32: Can O Soup? [February 26, 2011] Feb 26, 2011

Tom is joined by Ted Roy and Terry Terrance to discuss the NMRA CANBUS standard versus ethernet, entry level O scale and a little traction. Jim and Matt join in too to discuss layout progress and planning with Ben arriving at the end of the show for a special announcement. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: Al Mayo [February 25, 2011] Feb 25, 2011

Chris chats with Al Mayo about how he got into the hobby, how he became a YouTube phenomenon and weathering in the modern era.

Model Rail Radio Special: NMRA in Vegas [February 24, 2011] Feb 24, 2011

Clark Kooning, Tom Barbalet and special guest Jimmy Simmons meet with a majority of the National Model Railroaders' Association board and other related folks. This is a noise reduced raw audio of the session. There was a loud airconditioning unit that had to be filtered out and various other effects from the recording. Rather than editing this down, the audio is released as it was recorded.

Model Rail Radio Special: Something about a Cat on Leave [February 12, 2011] Feb 12, 2011

Steve Janninck (from Chicago) hosts an impromptu chat with some of the usual suspects and some new callers.

Model Rail Radio #31: Dave Frary et al [February 5, 2011] Feb 05, 2011

Tom and Chris welcome Dave Frary to the show to answer questions from Bryan Schilling and Ben Rechel and talk about his life in model railroading. Clark and Jim provide phone-in updates. The show welcomes two callers from the UK, Nick and Tom Cutting. Karl Smith provides a Springfield update. David Karkoski calls in to talk about his interests. Ryan Andersen calls in at the end of the show to provide a quick update on the Little Miami and some discussion of model rail podcasting. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: Jim Lincoln on Springfield 2011 [January 29, 2011] Jan 29, 2011

The one-and-only Jim Lincoln provides a pre and post account of Springfield with a guest appearance from a fan of the show...

Model Rail Radio #30: Expect Indictments [January 22, 2011] Jan 22, 2011

Tom, Chris, Clark and Jim are joined by Terry Terrance, Paul James, Bryan Schilling, Roger Chrysler and a brief cameo by Trevor Marshall. They discuss troublesome turnouts, airbrush information, starting a club and O-scale two-rail (amongst other topics). This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Post #30: Partial Past the Post [January 22, 2011] Jan 22, 2011

The usual post-show crew assemble to discuss a wide variety of topics unfortunately due to some TalkShoe hijacking problems only part of the post show was listen-able. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #29: The Don Ball Show [January 8, 2011] Jan 08, 2011

Don Ball joins the show to talk about pre-1900s model railroading with Tom, Chris, Clark, Jim and new regular Karl Smith. With calls at the end of the show from Ted Roy and Ben Rechel. The show is dedicated to Mary Matheny and Dr. John Hardy. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Post #29: With a Ticking Clock [January 8, 2011] Jan 08, 2011

The usual post-show crew assemble to discuss a wide variety of topics including holiday gifts, where the Model Rail Radio meet-ups will be at Springfield and an Australian On30 manufacturer. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #28: This'N'That [December 18, 2010] Dec 18, 2010

Tom and Chris are joined Tom Knapp, Karl Smith, Mike Skibbe, Ted Roy and regulars Jim Lincoln and Clark Kooning to discuss a wide variety of N related things. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Post #28: Formerly Known as the Jim Lincoln Show [December 18, 2010] Dec 18, 2010

By popular request, here is the infamous post-show featuring Jim Lincoln, Tey Roy and Matt Goodman for most of the call plus some intro banter from Ben Rechel, Clark Kooning and Chris Abbott. Due to the threat of legal action from Harvard, CSX, the City of Mansfield MA, Dave Frary, TalkShoe (as you'll hear), Cuba and the Catholic Church a good portion of the post-show had to be cut. To paraphrase Jim Lincoln, the only way to understand the post-show is to hear it live. That being said, here's a rough recording. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #27: A Fraction of Traction [December 4, 2010] Dec 04, 2010

Tom and Chris are joined Ted Roy, Paul James, Phil Spencer, Will Flatt, Glenn Whitehouse, Roger Chrysler and Alex Postpischil to discuss traction in a variety of scales. David Karkoski and regulars Jim Lincoln, Ben Rechel, Matt Goodman and Clark Kooning talk about a variety of other things model rail. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: Clark Kooning and Friends at Trainfest [November 16, 2010] Nov 28, 2010

Clark Kooning talks with a number of manufacturers and friends at Trainfest.

Model Rail Radio #26: Show Business [November 20, 2010] Nov 20, 2010

Chris and Tom are joined by Clark Kooning, Jim Lincoln and Ron Hurlbut to discuss shows and show survival. Matt Goodman calls in to give an update too. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio Special: Steve Janninck at Trainfest [November 14, 2010] Nov 14, 2010

Steve from Chicago gives his update going to and coming from Trainfest.

Model Rail Radio Special: Jim Lincoln interviews Mike Rose, Norm Wolf and Jeff Adam [November 13, 2010] Nov 13, 2010

Jim Lincoln reporting from the Craftsman Structure Show 2010 interviews Mike Rose, Norm Wolf, Jeff Adam and Jim presents his closing thoughts.

Model Rail Radio Special: Jim Lincoln interviews Dave Frary [November 12, 2010] Nov 12, 2010

Jim Lincoln reporting from the Craftsman Structure Show 2010 interviews Dave Frary.

Model Rail Radio Special: Jim Lincoln interviews John Hunter and Laurie Green [November 12, 2010] Nov 12, 2010

Jim Lincoln reporting from the Craftsman Structure Show 2010 interviews John Hunter and Laurie Green.

Model Rail Radio #25: Let There Be Light [October 30, 2010] Oct 30, 2010

Chris and Tom are joined by Trevor Marshall to talk about recent projects. Clark Kooning and the gang welcome Gerry Cornwell to the show to discuss wood and lighting. Pierre Oliver calls in to add to the discussion of lighting. Jim Lincoln and Matt Goodman also call in to give updates. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #24: Modules and Store Discounts [October 16, 2010] Oct 16, 2010

Pierre Oliver joins Chris and Tom to discuss module building, woodwork tips and resin boxcars. Jim Lincoln stops by the show to stump Chris and offer some painting and weather tips. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #23: First Coat [September 25, 2010] Sep 25, 2010

Tom and Chris are joined by Ben Sutton to talk about painting and Clark Kooning to talk about narrow gauge, the NRMA and Master Model Railroading. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #22: A Year in the Attic [September 11, 2010] Sep 11, 2010

Celebrating a year of the show, Tom is joined by guest co-host Duncan McRee with sections featuring Ben Sutton, Chris Abbott and Matt Goodman. Long time contributor and first time caller Ron Hurlbut discusses a wide variety of narrow-gauge topics and the show concludes with celebrity model railroader, Brandon DiCamillo, proving he's no jackass when it comes to model railroading. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #21: All the Livelong Days [August 21, 2010] Aug 21, 2010

Chris and Tom are joined initially by Ben Rechel to talk trains and then Jim Lincoln visits the show to talk about life on the railroad and Proto48. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #20: Subterranean Layout Muse [August 6, 2010] Aug 07, 2010

Ben Sutton from New Zealand stops by the show to share his layout plans, Matt Goodman provides an update of his recent trips to the UK and has Steve from Chicago finally stumped Chris? This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #19: Canadian Take-Over [July 17, 2010] Jul 17, 2010

Michel Boucher and Rob Peck make a friendly take-over of the show to talk about their respective layouts and operations with questions from Andrew Chisholm, Ben Rechel and Chris Abbott. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #18: That Could Be a Medium-Sized Layout [July 3, 2010] Jul 03, 2010

Chris Abbott and Tom Barbalet are joined by Andrew Chisholm to discuss Andrew's layout and club, lesser known lines of Canada and the little matter of the stump. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #17: Left Out to Dry [June 19, 2010] Jun 19, 2010

Chris Abbott and Tom Barbalet catch up after a couple of weeks off due to ill-health. They discuss a show Chris attended, what books and magazines they have been reading and a little matter about stumping someone. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #16: In Pursuit of Trivia [May 22, 2010] May 22, 2010

Chris Abbott, Tom Barbalet and Matt Goodman talk trains and launch a new segment where listeners try to stump Chris for Model Rail Radio swag. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #15: Magazines by the Pound [May 8, 2010] May 08, 2010

Chris Abbott and Tom Barbalet are joined by Ben Rechel to talk model rail magazines, Matt Goodman calls in to discuss some mail. Chris and Tom continue their ongoing discussion about UK rail with a special show Chris attended. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #14: A Narrower Gauge Than Usual [April 17, 2010] Apr 17, 2010

Chris Abbott and Tom Barbalet talk about Chris' recent operating session and a morning at a narrow gauge show. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #13: Burnt Fingers [April 3, 2010] Apr 03, 2010

Chris Abbott and Tom Barbalet give their updates for the past two weeks including Chris' live steam experiences. They then go on to discuss a listener question on DCC on a budget, project planning your hobby and layout planning software good or bad for those starting out in the hobby. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 4.30pm Pacific on Saturday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #12: A Thousand Pictures is Worth a Million Words [March 20, 2010] Mar 20, 2010

Chris Abbott and Tom Barbalet are joined by Ben Rechel, Matt Goodman and Steve Jannick to discuss a wide variety of topics. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #11: Couple of Splined Questions [March 6, 2010] Mar 06, 2010

Chris Abbott and Tom Barbalet answer some questions provided by listeners and offer updates on their respective projects. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #10: Shops, Turnouts and Foam [February 6, 2010] Feb 06, 2010

Chris Abbott returns to talk with Tom Barbalet about hobby shops, their current projects, turnouts and foam. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #9: Full Throttle on Turnouts [January 23, 2010] Jan 23, 2010

Tom Barbalet is joined by Ben Rechel. They discuss turn-out dos and don'ts. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #8: Teens and Too Many Choices [January 8, 2010] Jan 08, 2010

Chris Abbott and Tom Barbalet are joined by Ben Rechel. They discuss teens in model railroading and the many choices Chris has with his new basement. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #7: The Future on Two Rails [December 18, 2009] Dec 18, 2009

Chris Abbott and Tom Barbalet are joined by Duncan McRee. They discuss some of Duncan's favorite layouts, the future of model railroading and some projects for 2010. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #6: Chris Shorthouse's Questions [December 4, 2009] Dec 04, 2009

Chris Abbott leads the discussion with Tom Barbalet on questions from Chris Shorthouse, Chris Abbott's father's shelf layout and a number of other model rail related topics. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #5: Update from the Christmas Train Show [November 21, 2009] Nov 21, 2009

Tom is joined by Chris Abbott to discuss Chris' group's layout at the Christmas Train Show, children in the hobby and inspiration. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #4: Choices in the Hobby (Part 2) [November 6, 2009] Nov 06, 2009

Tom is joined by Chris Abbott to discuss structures, finescale and garden railways. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #3: Choices in the Hobby (Part 1) [October 23, 2009] Oct 23, 2009

Tom is joined by Chris Abbott to discuss the many choices in the hobby. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #2: Planning a Shelf Layout [October 9, 2009] Oct 09, 2009

Tom explains his methods of planning a shelf layout including the importance of a design feedback loop and a layout narrative. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #1: So Many Possibilities [September 25, 2009] Sep 25, 2009

Tom discusses using Google Maps to plan a modern layout, his experiences laying track and the difficulty international rail modellers face. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

Model Rail Radio #0: An Introduction [September 14, 2009] Sep 14, 2009

A brief introduction to the show. This is a live internet radio show recorded at 6.30pm Pacific on Friday every-other-week. For more information, http://www.modelrailradio.com/

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