Brad and Pat are back in the studio, kicking things off with a recap of the missed Springfield show and a look at the bright spots from a successful Science Center weekend. They highlight standout work from modelers Clem Harris and George Hall on the latest roundhouse report and share updates on upcoming club activities and projects.

They’re joined by guest Kevin Squire for a practical, listener‑friendly deep dive into DC, DCC, and DCCEX control systems. Kevin breaks down the strengths of each approach, offer several recommendations, and walks through essential tools like circuit breakers, power management, and troubleshooting techniques.

The conversation gets hands‑on as the crew tackles common layout issues — from buzzing and overheating caused by PWM frequency mismatches between coreless and iron‑core motors to wiring best practices. Kevin offers clear guidance on feeders, block separation, safe operation, and how to fine‑tune DCCEX settings to keep layouts running smoothly.

Whether you’re new to model railroading or refining an advanced setup, this episode delivers practical insights you can put to work on your own layout.