PODCAST · games
Model Rail Radio
by Tom Barbalet
Tom Barbalet hosts the first live internet radio show devoted to the model rail hobby
Episodes
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Model Rail Radio #225: Proto Throttle and Podcaster [February 3, 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...
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Bonus: Tom Barbalet talks with John Gardiner IV [November 13, 2023]
Tom and John discuss John's new Proto Future podcast.
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Layout Design Contest Winners / Tom Barbalet Starts A Podcast (the Pilot) [Nov 11, 2023]
Ron and Tom finish some overdue business and kick off a new set of podcasts.
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Model Rail Radio #224: Broom Handles [August 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…
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Model Rail Radio #223: Buying a Layout [July 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...
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Model Rail Radio #222: Hot Afternoon [April 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.
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Model Rail Radio #221: Gone Fishing [March 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…
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Model Rail Radio #220: The Meat That Cooks Itself [February 4, 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...
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Model Rail Radio #219: Show Contention [January 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...
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Model Rail Radio #218: Have Traction Will Travel [January 7, 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.
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Model Rail Radio #217: Chickens [December 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...
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Model Rail Radio #216: A Cattleyard of Foxes [November 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...
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Model Rail Radio #215: One for the Books [September 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...
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Model Rail Radio #214: Short Show [July 30, 2022]
Short show - thanks to Robert Thomas for the edit.
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Model Rail Radio #213: Eco Coal and Vehicles That Move [July 9, 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.…
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Model Rail Radio #212: Tight Three and Half [June 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...
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Model Rail Radio #211: The Right Height For Both Worlds [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...
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Model Rail Radio #210: No Regrets [February 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…
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Model Rail Radio #209: Variable Temperature Soldering Iron [January 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...
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Special: Terry Terrance
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.
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Model Rail Radio #208: Surprise Guest [January 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...
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Model Rail Radio #207: Not Jaded [December 4, 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...
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Model Rail Radio #206: Moving to Martin's Shed [October 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...
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Model Rail Radio #205: Slumbering Layout [October 2, 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...
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Model Rail Radio #204: Least Threatening Structure Kits [September 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.…
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Model Rail Radio #203: Jerry [September 4, 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…
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Model Rail Radio #202: The Afternoon-Evening Version [March 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...
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Model Rail Radio #201: A Shortage Of Volunteers [March 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...
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Model Rail Radio #200: Part 4, 9 pm to Midnight
Uncensored and semi-unedited!
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Model Rail Radio #200: Part 3, 5 pm to 8 pm
Uncensored and semi-unedited!
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Model Rail Radio #200: Part 2, 1 pm to 4pm
Uncensored and semi-unedited!
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Model Rail Radio #200: Part 1, 9 am to Noon
Uncensored and semi-unedited!
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Model Rail Radio #199: Paint-On Face [December 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…
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Model Rail Radio #197: An Important Question for Martin [November 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...
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Model Rail Radio #193: Yet Aluminum Remains Allusive [October 3, 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
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Model Rail Radio #192: Aiming for Comfy Slippers [September 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...
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Model Rail Radio #191: The Track Design Feud of the Late 2000s [September 5, 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...
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Model Rail Radio #190: Hands-On Call [August 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...
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Model Rail Radio #189: A Layout Near the Ceiling [August 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...
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Model Rail Radio #188: Sounds Like Another New Normal Project [August 8, 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…
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Model Rail Radio #187: Schooled! [August 1, 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...
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Model Rail Radio #186: Rapid Digression [July 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...
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Model Rail Radio #185: Larry is Still in the Building [July 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...
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Model Rail Radio #184: Top Brass [July 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...
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Model Rail Radio #183: In Support of Soldering [June 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.…
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Model Rail Radio #182: Virtual Joy [June 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...
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Model Rail Radio #181: Mastering Super Trees [June 6, 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...
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Model Rail Radio #180: Swinging Bridge Geometries [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...
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Model Rail Radio #179: Leave Written Notes [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…
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Model Rail Radio #178: Catalog Inspiration [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...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Model Rail Radio have?
Model Rail Radio currently has 276 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Model Rail Radio about?
Tom Barbalet hosts the first live internet radio show devoted to the model rail hobby
How often does Model Rail Radio release new episodes?
Model Rail Radio publishes regularly with 276 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Model Rail Radio?
You can listen to Model Rail Radio on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Model Rail Radio?
Model Rail Radio is created and hosted by Tom Barbalet.
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