a ModelersLife

Rapido Trains is one of the most recognizable names in the hobby lead by a man who’s love of railroading is undeniable. After spending a whole day at the home office it was obvious the staff of this industry leader is 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 and passion that everyone involved puts into each project. They even have a bus to pick you up in, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

It’s a continuation of the Waz’ Happenin’ series with a visit to the big island in Hawaii to find out what Neil Erickson’s been up to, then we travel to Australia’s Gold Coast and the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland to visit with Gordy and Martyn after their most recent NMRA X presentation. Finally New Jersey for some 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 enj

The great thing about this hobby is how many people are willing to share their knowledge with others. Kevin “Hard Part” Marks enjoys showing others how to custom build track just as much as he enjoys doing it for himself. Hard Part is making videos showing how to use Fast Tracks fixtures plus soldering tips and proper use of fire extinguishers, for the NMRA X program. This is an introduction to his next video, "Upstairs in the Workshop #3." So plug in your iron, get your favorite tin of flux and enj

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

We know what you’re thinking right now, what’s happening at the Medford Railroad Park right this minute. Not long ago we decided to install a direct line from AML headquarters in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky to the park so we could stay in constant contact find with the modeler is simply known as “Kelly.” Whether he’s spray painting the inside of his garage or pulling weeds down at the park, our little buddy is always up to something. Grab your safety vest, a handful of train club rule pamphlets an

At 9:30 PM Saturday April 18th, Dave Abeles will host the second ‘Virtual Op Session’ on his Onondaga Cutoff. All the action will take place at MP 279, next to the dairy farm on a clear fall morning in 1994. Grab your Dodge Caravan and head trackside for some great train watching action. This is Conrail’s Chicago Line and Dave will tell us all about each train that passes by. So grab your high vis vest a couple of bags of chips, a case of cold ones and enjoy!!!

We’ve travelled all around North America, been across the Pacific to Australia so it seems only natural that it’s time to head across the pond and find out what’s happening and in Great Britain. Peter has always been a great supporter of the podcast and he’s about to set out on another great layout building adventure so it seemed like a perfect time to find out what he has in mind. So head on down to the chippy and get ready for another great podcast.

This episode of the Kelly Questions is so old we thought they’d gone bad but fortunately the Moderately Agitated Mailboy stuck them in the fridge behind his ample supply of guacamole. Let’s not kid ourselves, you’ve been anxious to hear another round of the questions so you could test your skills against some of brightest minds in hobby. Unfortunately none of those people listen to ModelersLife so all we have to offer is our buddy Chris from ExactRail. Enjoy !!

It’s time to check out what’s happening in other parts of the world and where better to start then on Australia’s Gold Coast, with one of the AML‘s most colorful characters. Martin puts in a lot of effort with the NMRA and is very active in the virtual world of model railroading trying to reach as many modelers as possible while helping to move the hobby forward, so it seemed only natural to find out what’s going on down under. So throw another shrimp on barbie and enjoy!! Recorded March 28t

It’s time to check in with another one of our AML regulars. We’ve had a chance to talk with lots of folks and this interview was originally recorded on March 26th, 2020. There’s been plenty happening on the Reading “CrossLine” layout and this seemed like as good a time as any to catch up. Enjoy.