a ModelersLife

It’s another exciting episode of the All-Star Variety Hour as two of our regular listeners have stopped by to update us on what’s happening in their neck of the woods.

First up is Brooks Willig from the Lone Star state of Texas to tell us of his latest adventures operating some of the finest layouts in the country with our very own “Speed’ Muller and then it’s William Simpson the official graphic artist of the AML Network keeping us up to date all the comings and going‘s in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area.

So grab your favorite Stetson, sharpen your ice skates and join us as we score the winning goal with another great podcast.

Rapido Trains has become one of the most recognizable names in the hobby lead by a man who’s love of all things railroading is undeniable. After spending a whole day at the home office it was obvious that the staff of this industry leader seemed to be having more fun than the customers they serve.

This interview with Jason Shron the president of Rapido, is a clear indication of the commitment, enthusiasm, passion and excitement that everyone involved puts into each project. They even have a bus to pick you up in, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

This podcast is a real pot pourri of ummm… Stuff. First it’s a continuation of the Waz’ Happenin’ series with a vest to the big island in Hawaii to find out what Neil Erickson’s been up to and then we travel to Australia’s Gold Coast and the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland to visit with our buddies Gordy and Martyn immediately after their most recent NMRA X presentation.

Finally it’s off to New Jersey for some exciting news from Dave Abeles’s and the Onondaga Cutoff, about remote operations on his railroad. So throw another shrimp on the barbie, a tall cool glass of melted ice and enjoy!!

One of the great things about this hobby is how many people are willing to share their knowledge with others. Our very own Kevin “Hard Part” Marks enjoys showing others how to custom build track just as much as he enjoys doing it for himself.

Hard Part recently began making quality videos showing how to use Fast Tracks fixtures plus some soldering tips and the proper use of fire extinguishers, all for the NMRA X program.This podcast is a quick introduction to his next video, Upstairs in the Workshop #3. So plug in your iron get your favorite tin of flux and enjoy!!

This episode we talk with the organizer of The Northeast Prototype Modelers Meet which is becoming one of the best RPM meets and continues to grow with each passing year. Plenty of clinics, a model display room and lots of great vendors.

This scale model railroad meet is the weekend after Memorial Day. People travel from all over to rub elbows with great modelers and learn new skills. Each night is capped off with a huge raffle. It a great listen, so get comfortable at the workbench and have a listen.

People walk in and out of our lives for various reasons without ever telling us why. Ray Kenny made a lasting impression on the Abeles family before losing his battle with Covid-19

Ray was the Senior Vice President and General Manager at New Jersey Transit when Dave Abeles introduced him to his family. We’ll never know for sure what effect he had on those kids but perhaps in some small way this podcast will pay tribute to Ray and all those who’ve lost the fight.

This year‘s version of TomStock 2020 will have to be put on hold. We cancelled the Disney character parade, fireworks spectacular, Goodyear Blimp and Blue Angels opening ceremonies flyover. Regrettably we were unable to rebook Oscar DeWitt and his dancing seals.

So find a safe place for those folding chairs, funny hats, pool noodles, flip flops and BBQ tools, because TomStock 2020, with “Three Days of Peace, Love and Little Trains” will happen a year later, a year better!

After the fun of his first ever virtual operating session Dave Abeles couldn’t wait to try again. With the continuing Covid-19 crisis affecting everyone’s life it seemed like more rail fanning was in order so we decided to talk with Dave before and after his next broadcast.

The Chicago Line is always busy and there’s bound to be plenty of interesting traffic to see. So grab yourself some cold ones, climb into your favorite minivan and we’ll see you trackside. Enjoy!!

Imagine watching twenty-four hours of continual clinics from around the world with a variety of subjects such as weathering locomotives, installing cell phone speakers, adding details, layout tours plus much more in the comfort of your home.

Thanks to Gordy Robinson a regular here on the ole’ AML network and leader of the NMRA’s social media team, you can do just that starting at 7pm EDT on Friday, April 24th.

So grab your favorite snack, ice cold beverage and your most comfy lawn chair and enjoy!

As so often happens here at the ole’ AML Network, we had no idea what we were doing when we gathered together for a discussion about nothing and ended up with a whole episode about something

We cover everything from the excitement re-discovering the wonders of brass locomotives, understanding the meaning of life and considering a new direction in a hobby that offers unlimited possibilities.

Lay down on your couch for a careful examination of what the hobby has to offer and what the future looks lik