On the Track: Myrtle Beach

This week on On the Track, Bill sits down with Joe Corsetti, Head of PR for the club, to talk about the upcoming 15th Annual Model Train Show happening November 1st and 2nd at 9535 Hwy 90, Longs, SC. Joe shares how the show continues to inspire a new generation of train lovers, with kids discovering the hobby alongside longtime enthusiasts. They also cover details for visitors, ticket info — just $5 for adults, free for kids under 12 — and a call for volunteers to help make the event a success. All Aboard!

In this episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, we welcome back Ed Ovsenik to talk about the upcoming Fall Train Show (set for November 1–2, 2025) and his work promoting the club on local TV stations. Ed shares stories about the strong ties between the military and the railroads, how trains are still used by the armed forces today, and why so many veterans are drawn to the hobby. They also look at how the club's layout serves as the perfect first impression for visitors walking through the door. All Aboard!

This week, Bill welcomes Angelo Gamache to On the Track: Myrtle Beach. Angelo shares how he first got into the hobby and his unique role in bringing layouts to life by building the towns that surround the trains. From crafting intricate structures to recreating landmarks like the Gone with the Wind house, Angelo walks us through his creative process and the techniques he uses to make each building a work of art. It's a fascinating look at how the scenery becomes just as important as the trains themselves. All Aboard!

In this special Memorial Day episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, Bill sits down with Ed Ovsenik to talk about his ties to the military and his experience running special trains for different branches, including the Army and Navy. Ed shares how the military still uses trains today, and what it's like to coordinate these unique runs. We also touch on plans to bring the tradition back for Veterans Day and hear stories from Pat MacAfee's visit to Parris Island. It's a heartfelt look at the connection between railroads and the men and women who serve. All Aboard!

This week, Bill welcomes new club member Mike Voisine to On the Track: Myrtle Beach. Before joining the world of model railroading, Mike was a real-life railroad conductor for the Vermont Railroad. He shares how he first got into the hobby, what drew him to railroading, and the path that led him from full-size trains to miniature ones. Mike gives us an inside look at the training process, the routes he worked, his day-to-day responsibilities, and what it was like working alongside a real train crew. It's a fascinating conversation that bridges the gap between authentic railroad experience and model railroading passion. All Aboard!

In this episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, we hit the road to visit our new sponsor—The Train Shop in Little River, SC! Bill sits down with owner John Conley, who shares how his deep railroad roots inspired both his love of the hobby and the creation of his shop. From his early days in model railroading to what you'll find in the store today, John gives us the full tour. Tune in to hear how you can visit this local gem and connect with the growing train community along the Grand Strand. All Aboard!

In this episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, Bill and guests Rick Dilcher, Jim Huffschmitt, and Pete Wheeler, wrap up their Building the Perfect Layout series with a focus on the fundamentals of success: preparation, patience, and continuous learning. They discuss why starting small can lead to big results, how proper planning ensures a smooth-running layout, and why there's always more to discover in the world of model railroading. This episode is all about setting yourself up for success and enjoying the journey. All Aboard!

In this episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, Bill and guest Bob Nehemeth continue their deep dive into building the ultimate model train layout, this time focusing on O Gauge! They explore the benefits of FasTrack, tips for using foam board for realistic scenery and elevation, and techniques to create a smooth, durable layout. This episode is packed with insights to take your layout to the next level! All Aboard!

In this episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, Bill and guests Judge Shugart, Pete Wheeler, and Bob Nehemeth kick off a multi-part series on building the perfect model train layout. From planning your track design to selecting the right scale and materials, they explore the foundational steps every model railroader should consider. This episode lays the groundwork for creating a layout that brings your vision to life. All Aboard!

In this episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, Bill and guests Frank Jackson and Rick Dilcher dive into the world of model train layouts. Explore creative design techniques, tips for maximizing your space, and how to bring your miniature worlds to life. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration to take your layouts to the next level. All Aboard!

Celebrate the festive season with this special holiday episode as Bill and guests Ed Ovsenik and Jim Huffschmitt dive into the magic of holiday train layouts, the charm of G scale trains, and the timeless joy of special Christmas-themed locomotives. Join us as we explore how trains bring the spirit of the season to life. All Aboard!

In this episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, Bill and guests Kyle DeGennaro and Ethan Guimond (HO Operator, GSMRC) dive into the exciting world of HO and N scale model trains, covering the essentials to get you on track. From choosing your first locomotive to designing layouts and finding inspiration, they share practical tips, tricks, and advice to help you build the railway of your dreams. All aboard!

This week on On the Track: Myrtle Beach, Bill and guest Peter Wheeler (HO Scale Engineer) are diving deep into the fascinating world of HO gauge model trains! Join them as they explore how this popular scale brings the tracks to life in miniature, from crafting inspired landscapes to sharing tips on building and maintaining these intricate models. Whether you're a model train veteran or just curious about the hobby, this episode offers a window into the creativity, community, and craftsmanship that define the HO gauge scene.

In this episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, Bill and guest Judge Shugart (Former Chief Engineer, N Gauge Model Railroading Judge) dive into the fascinating world of N Gauge model trains! N Gauge offers a unique blend of detail and compactness that has captivated model railroad enthusiasts for decades. Explore the benefits of this scale, from its space-saving advantages to the incredible intricacies you can achieve. Tune in as they discuss tips for building N Gauge layouts, share insider knowledge, and even give recommendations. If you've ever been curious about this popular scale, this episode is for you. All Aboard!

In this episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, Bill and guest Ed Ovsenik dive into the many benefits of joining a train club. From building lifelong friendships to sharing a passion for trains with like-minded enthusiasts, train clubs offer much more than just a space to showcase models. Discover how being part of a club opens doors to new knowledge, collaboration, and creative opportunities in the model train world. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, learn why a train club could be the perfect community for you. All Aboard!

In this debut episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, we welcome listeners aboard as we embark on a journey through the fascinating world of model railroading. Meet our host Bill Blackburn as he welcomes guests Don Brooks and Pete Wheeler to learn about the origins of the club, its mission, and the community of passionate enthusiasts that make it all happen. Whether you're a seasoned model railroader or just curious about the hobby, this episode lays the tracks for what's to come—engaging discussions, expert tips, and stories from the model railroad community. All aboard!

In this episode of On the Track: Myrtle Beach, Bill is joined by Public Relations Director Joe Corsetti as they dive into the world of model train control systems, exploring the differences between DC (Direct Current) and DCC (Digital Command Control). Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, they'll guide you through the advantages of each and what they mean for your model train setup. Plus, they'll take a journey back in time to see how real railroads influenced the growth and development of Myrtle Beach. Discover the fascinating history of the tracks that played a pivotal role in shaping the Grand Strand area into what it is today. All aboard!