Best Modelrailroading Podcasts (2025)

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ViewerMail Flight #134 1:23:25

Play Pause

2d ago1:23:25

1:23:25

If your current day to day life is getting you down and you were hoping that ViewerMail would never make a comeback, we can promise you this day is not going to get any better, but we can assure that listening to this latest version of ViewerMail will surely make even the biggest problems seem small. After dealing with catastrophic climate change, …

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Marcus Goes to Durango 1:14:34

15d ago1:14:34

1:14:34

For those of you that don’t know our very own Marcus Neubacher is the Director of Administration for the North Carolina Transportation Museum and every few years or so he’ll get the chance to attend a convention for the Heritage Rail Alliance where the free exchange of information among members and working industry professionals is available. This …

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Episode 272: the Return of Serge Lebel 1:08:05

22d ago1:08:05

1:08:05

Old friends can be the best kind of friends, those folks you haven’t talked to for several years and then strike up a conversation as if you’d seen them yesterday. That’s what this podcast is about, catching up with our old friend Serge Lebel from Sept-Iles Quebec on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. We first met Serge several years ago wh…

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JL Innovative vs Chris Costello 1:16:17

29d ago1:16:17

1:16:17

It’s another trip to the “Cow Palace” keeping up to date with all the comings and goings at JL Innovative and who better to do it with than the man himself, Chris Costello. There’s a great discussion about the new world of freight car manufacturing plus owning private rail cars and tearing up rail in beautiful downtown Salamanca, New York, all in o…

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Episode 271: the Station Inn 1:14:39

1M ago1:14:39

1:14:39

Located just 10 miles west of Horseshoe Curve the “Station Inn” is a unique bed-and-breakfast alongside the old Pennsylvania Railroad mainline. Built in 1866 only a dozen years after the completion of the “Curve,” it became a sanctuary for weary travelers headed east or west and a summer retreat for many folks that lived in the Pittsburgh area. Run…

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Episode 270: Scott Teague 1:08:15

1M ago1:08:15

1:08:15

N-Scale is alive and well living in North Carolina, not far from the Hickory Motor Speedway. Scott Teague’s previous layout graced the pages of some of the finest model railroad publications out there, but that wasn’t good enough for Scott and not long after that layout was dismantled and a new one started. Some people just have the knack for getti…

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JL Innovative 1:09:17

2M ago1:09:17

1:09:17

There’s plenty of action down at the old “Cow Palace” serving as the world headquarters of Costello Manufacturing and Chris Costello has stopped by to fill us in on all the excitement at the world center of model railroading just north of Bradford, Pennsylvania, and just east of Salamanca, New York. We spend some time talking about the machine that…

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Remembering the MudFather 1:13:05

2M ago1:13:05

1:13:05

This episode started out to check with Wallace Locomotive Works, but before we got a chance to do that, we lost a good friend and longtime supporter of the AML Nation. The one and only Ralph Renzetti a.k.a. the MudFather. Ralph was a regular on the Wednesday night chats, ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who might have questions about their mo…

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Return to Texas - Emory Lehman 1:19:23

2M ago1:19:23

1:19:23

It’s a return to the “Lone Star” state and a visit with locomotive engineer Emory Lehman. We haven’t talked to Emory for a few years since and decided it was about time to check up on what Emory‘s been doing. Things have changed quite a bit with his new job at the BNSF in Temple, Texas, a model railroader living across the street and his friend Mik…

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Episode 269: Peter Stempel Returns 1:09:25

2M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

It’s part two of the Rob Bennett thirty-two-part trilogy as we try to figure out what makes this modeler tick. Is it the vast array of instructional videos he’s created or his fabulous weathering or maybe it’s just simply a love for the hobby that he’s anxious to share with others. Rob tries to learn something everybody while not taking the hobby t…

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Episode 268: Rob Bennett 1:06:14

3M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

After years of travelling about the country working on transformers, not the plastic kind like you’d see in the movies such as “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” but actual transformers that do all sorts of cool electrical things. Our next guest finally settled in Erie, Pennsylvania because like his friend and fellow modeler Mike Hauk his love o…

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Lorne and Otter Valley 1:18:34

3M ago1:18:34

1:18:34

There’s nothing more fun than a visit down the road to Tillsonburg, Ontario with the sole purpose of a visit to the Otter Valley Railroad shop and visit with our friend Lorne James. You can always be sure that there will be lots of editing, lots of dizzying questions and answers with fun being had by all. Lorne stopped by the ModelersLife studios t…

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Episode 267: Dave's Dad - Herman 1:18:46

3M ago1:18:46

1:18:46

If you live in the Chicago area and a fan of railroading, you will no doubt be well aware of the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad that’s been jointly owned by several railroads over the years. With over 320 miles of track in and around Chicago it’s kind of hard to avoid seeing this famous railroad that began in 1896. We here at the ole’ AML world headq…

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Episode 266: Ray Brown and the B&LE 1:13:24

3M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

The Pittsburgh, Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad Company was founded in 1897 by Andrew Carnegie to haul iron ore and other products from the port at Conneaut, Ohio on the Great Lakes to Carnegie Steel Company plants in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. At the end of 1925 B&LE operated 228 miles of road on 631 miles of track; at the end of 1970, m…

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Episode 265: James "Murr" Murray 1:15:06

4M ago1:15:06

1:15:06

Have you ever wondered what happens to all those great model railroad clubs that don’t own their own building or eventually the owner of a private home that houses club passes away?? The most common answer is nothing and so was the case with the Southern Pacific Model Railway club in Rocky Hill, New Jersey. Except in this case a successful TV who a…

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It's Just Thomas 1:12:38

4M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

It’s a return visit to White Rose Hobbies, in York, Pennsylvania. Only this time we’re talking with the non-model railroad partner get Thomas who apparently is in charge of ordering paint. We still haven’t gotten around to talking about some their great stories from the days of working on the Norfolk Southern but with White Rose agreeing to be the …

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Episode 264: N&W 300 Restoration 1:17:04

4M ago1:17:04

1:17:04

While it might seem to the naked eye that the preservation of America’s railroads from the past is sporadic at best, we here at the AML Nation would argue that it’s exactly the opposite. Recently, we had the chance to talk with Bryan Lalevee from the Norfolk and Western Business Car 300 Preservation Society an enthusiastic group of volunteers that’…

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Episode 263: Hawkins Rails 1:05:42

4M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Have you ever stumbled across a website and an hour later realized you’re still looking at it because of how much material was available?? That’s what happened to us at the ole’ AML World Headquarters in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky. Surfin’ the internet we stumbled across “Hawkins Rails” one of the most comprehensive railfanning websites you’…

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Return of the Mud Father 1:12:26

4M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

On this podcast, we welcome back Ralph Renzetti a.k.a. “The Mudfather.” The Evel Overlord had lots of questions about paint, glues and everything else that’s needed to build an award-winning model. There’s plenty of discussion on the mixing of paints, which ones are best suited for each individual application and lots more. Ralph Renzetti as well-k…

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RPM Meets 1:06:35

5M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

RPM Meets have created a community for sharing information and experiences about and around the hobby of model railroading, what others are doing in the hobby, why they’re doing and what each individual is trying to accomplish. There are many RPM events throughout the country. Some are national conferences like the Chicagoland or St. Louis events, …

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Episode 262: Wallace Locomotive Works 1:06:19

5M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

Details, details, details, with today’s HO and N-scale locomotive manufactures delivering engines with just about every detail you can imagine, we here at the old AML headquarters have discovered someone that’s producing even more details for every facet of your layout, including locomotives and rolling stock. Chris Wallace is like almost everyone …

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Episode 261: Wally Swaitly 1:00:12

5M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

One of the great things about this hobby of model railroading is that it’s always there when you need it, like a faithful companion, whether you choose to work on your current project every day, once a week or just a few times a month, it’s always there ready for the next adventure. Our next guest, Wally Swaitly is typical of folks who revisit the …

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Central Pennsylvania Short Lines RPM 1:14:41

5M ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Here at the ole’ AML Nation’s world headquarters in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky… It seems increasingly evident to us that RPM meets are becoming more and more popular with each passing year. On this podcast, we talk with Jerry Britton and Matthew Hurst about the second edition of the Central Pennsylvania Short Lines RPM. There’s going to be p…

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Mike Hauk: Cover of the Rolling Stone 1:02:35

6M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Imagine the excitement of having your model railroad appear on the cover of the hobby’s premier magazine for the first time?? That’s exactly what happened to Mike Hauk When his Susquehanna and New York, Railroad appeared on the cover of the May issue of Railroad Model Craftsman. This HO scale railroad is based on a short line located in the central…

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Episode 260: Robin Mountenay 1:00:48

6M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

After a lifetime of serving a higher calling and a lifelong obsession with model railroading, it was time for our next guest to buy a basement with a house on top of it. Robin Montenay spent most of his life with the Lutheran Church and without a permanent site to build a model railroad. What he ended with is a spectacular shelf layout called the “…

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Episode #259: White Rose Hobbies 59:25

6M ago59:25

59:25

Have you ever wondered what would happen if two guys with beards that worked for the Norfolk Southern joined forces to create a destination hobby shop in York, Pennsylvania?? The same question occurred to us and after an exhaustive search we stumbled across Ryan and Tom who just so happened to own White Rose Hobbies, a full-line hobby shop located …

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Tariffs, Tariffs, Tariffs !! 1:14:44

6M ago1:14:44

1:14:44

Until recently, most model railroading products were imported from countries like China, Germany, or Japan under a specific harmonized tariff schedule. The tariffs were typically low and often duty-free under most trade agreements. For many imports valued under $800 shipments could often enter the country duty-free But all that’s changed so we here…

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Episode #258: Linda Eskin 58:32

7M ago58:32

58:32

Getting started in model railroading can be an overwhelming experience, with questions like what scale to choose, who makes the best products, do I need to be a skilled carpenter, will there be a need for a vast knowledge in electronics?? The questions are endless and in today’s world of social media the places to find answers can be almost as conf…

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Episode 257: Chris Wolfe 1:11:05

7M ago1:11:05

1:11:05

Our next guest may not be well known in the world of model railroading but he’s the son of Larry Wolfe, AMA Hall of Fame member and world-renowned RC jet pioneer. Chris Wolfe grew up in the back room of Jet hanger Hobbies while being exposed to all aspects of the radio control hobby. His passion for the hobby started at an early age when he began b…

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Episode 256: Bill Ford 1:06:54

7M ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Getting back into the hobby after a long hiatus isn’t as simple as it might sound, things have changed, prices are different, tools are better, the models run so much more smoothly, and the AML Nation is now here to help. On this episode, we talk with Bill Ford who’s always been a Model Railroader, but took time off for to pursue his career in punk…

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Episode #255: Spikey Bits 1:01:10

7M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Turns out there’s other hobbies besides model railroading, who knew??... So here at the ole’ World Headquarters in downtown Busted Knuckle, Kentucky have decided that for the second decade of “a ModelersLife” we’re going to occasionally explore life outside this great hobby of ours. The hobby of wargaming has been growing in popularity over the las…

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Episode 254: David Lund 53:10

8M ago53:10

53:10

It’s always fun when we talk to somebody for the very first time and on this episode, we head to the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois to talk with David Lund an avid model railroader, brand new dad of beautiful twin girls, son of a full-time railroader and a man that understands the finer things about hotdogs. If you’re interested in anything other tha…

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Andy Zimmerman: Mr. T-Trak 1:09:29

8M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

One of the great things about this hobby of model railroading is the ability to meet people from all walks of life and while we’ve talked with Andy Zimmerman before, it’s always interesting to start the discussion talking about life on an aircraft carrier and around the world. But after that, there was plenty of talk about T-Trak, the evolution of …

1
Joe Desmond Part Two 53:58

8M ago53:58

53:58

It’s part two of the Joe Desmond chronicles, and in this episode we discover some very cool 3-D printed pick-up truck models at Showcase Miniatures, from the original Mad About Cars series. There’s also a great discussion and some excellent instruction on how to paint these particular models while Joe introduces us to the Army Painter series of pai…

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Waz' Happenin' with Joe Desmond 48:03

8M ago48:03

48:03

It’s been a while since we checked in with our friend Joe Desmond, an N- Scale modeler with a passion for the hobby, Conrail and connecting with other hobbyists through social media. There’s a great discussion about the pros and cons of spending valuable modeling time making YouTube videos versus working on the layout. Joe has for some years now pu…

1
the OverLord Screws-Up 48:54

8M ago48:54

48:54

Bad behaviour or making hurtful statements can often be an insight into one’s soul, sometimes showcasing the dark and often unexpected sides of our personalities. It challenges traditional notions of morality and explores the complexity of human spirit. Bad behavior can help analyze the intricacies of the human thought process, showcasing how past …

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Smokin' Joe D'Amato 1:46:16

9M ago1:46:16

1:46:16

We’ve interviewed so many folks over the last decade sometimes it’s hard to remember who we’ve missed over the last little while, but thanks to the modeler simply known as “Kelly,” we’ve once again teamed up with one of the most prolific and imaginative folks we’ve ever met on our travels throughout the model railroad world. Smokin’ Joe D’Amato has…

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Central of Georgia RPM 1:36:00

9M ago1:36:00

1:36:00

On this episode of who has the Evel Overlord managed to lure into the studio, the story about three guys who’ve taken it upon themselves to move the Savannah RPM to a new location is revealed, continuing a tradition in the great state of Georgia, and making it bigger and better than ever. Paul Spilman, Stephen Floyd, and Ken Preston have taken it u…

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the Big Springfield Show 1:33:00

9M ago1:33:00

1:33:00

It’s that time of year again, the best train show in all of North America (and maybe the world) is just a few days away, and has become our yearly tradition, John Sacerdote the show Director has stopped by the AML World Headquarters in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky to tell us all the latest news that’ll get us so excited we won’t be able to sleep until …

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All-Star Variety Hour #58 1:26:41

9M ago1:26:41

1:26:41

It’s an all new “All-Star Variety Hour” without much variety. We’ve got just one guest for this show and Daniel Banks is just starting his initial term as the Superintendent of the Central Indiana Division after serving three years as train master. When he’s not busy trying to make the NMEA grow he can be found pursuing his favorite favorite parts …

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Episode 253: Train Wizard Productions 1:31:11

10M ago1:31:11

1:31:11

What does Harry Potter and railfanning have in common, well nothing really, unless of course you add in an Ohio native named Adam Matthews, railroad preservationist, photographer and model railroader who was inspired by his grandfather, a retired vice superintendent of shipping at US steel in Lorain, Ohio. We’ve been wanting to interview Adam for q…

1
Trainfest Report 1:41:51

10M ago1:41:51

1:41:51

Started in 1971 as a one day show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Trainfest grew as the decades rolled by into a two-day show sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern division of the NMRA. Eventually the show moved to the Wisconsin State Fair Park and for decades was a huge success but as with everything, changes happened and those who took over were unabl…

1
a Christmas Story 1:47:58

10M ago1:47:58

1:47:58

Christmas stories bring a special warmth and magic to the season. From heartwarming tales of kindness and family to the whimsical adventures of Santa Claus and his reindeer, they capture the joy and wonder of the holidays. Nothing can bring the spirit of the holidays to life quicker than two grown men dressed in polar bear costumes. This is the hea…

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"Uncle" Dave's Fireside Chat #23 1:46:10

10M ago1:46:10

1:46:10

It’s time once again to check in with “Uncle” Dave and find out what’s happening in the Abeles clan. Whether it’s dealing with day-to-day life, unboxing of Rapido Trains fabulous new E8 locomotives or the trials and tribulations of day-to-day life. It’s always an interesting discussion while throwing another log on the fire and sitting back with yo…

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Family Responsibilities 1:55:26

11M ago1:55:26

1:55:26

Balancing a hobby with the responsibilities of raising a family can feel a lot like a well-practiced juggling act, but it’s definitely possible and even beneficial, for both the modeler and the family!! The hobby of model railroading can provide an outlet for creativity and stress relief, which can make you a more patient partner and parent. Findin…

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Episode 252: the Station Inn 2:03:25

11M ago2:03:25

2:03:25

The Station Inn located in Cresson, Pennsylvania was built in 1866, situated just ten miles west of the famous Horseshoe Curve, it was originally built as a hotel for weary travelers heading east or west on the Pennsy Railroad. Over the last hundred and fifty years it’s gone through many changes including the early 90’s when it was purchased by Tom…

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Talking Detectors 1:40:28

11M ago1:40:28

1:40:28

It’s time once again for our courageous crew of confused modelers to gather around the studio to discuss the latest happenings. Originally this podcast was intended to be about Bradd Williamson’s new talking detector, but it quickly morphed into a loosely produced edition of the “Fans.” “the TableMaster” talks about ripping out his current layout a…

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Episode 251: Magnotta Twice 1:52:10

11M ago1:52:10

1:52:10

Is the hobby growing or shrinking?? If you hang around the AML Studios long enough, there will be no doubt in your mind that we here in Busted Knuckle, Kentucky are convinced the hobby is growing rapidly day after day. But the age-old question remains, how we entice the younger generation to join the old guard in the never-ending quest of introduci…

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Episode 250: What's Neat This Week 1:43:08

11M ago1:43:08

1:43:08

So, you’re wondering what’s neat this week?? That’s easy just check out what Ken Patterson and his gang are doing over there on YouTube with the show that’s got its finger on the pulse of the hobby. We wanted to find out more about “the Dude,” Joshua Barton, Mike Budde and James Reiger, so we sat them down in front of a microphone and let the magic…

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John Doehring Part Two 2:14:41

12M ago2:14:41

2:14:41

John Doehring might be the most enthusiastic man in the National Model Railroad Association, as the Eastern Director he is obviously putting his heart and soul into figuring out how to make the organization and the hobby of model railroading grow. This is part two of a response and discussion about his email pointing out his view of what direction …