Wiley's Bench Time - Model Railroading Podcast
by Brett Wiley
Welcome to the Bench Time model railroading podcast! If you came to this podcast looking to hear about the latest in trains, you probably came to the wrong place... We focus on fine-scale modeling, craftsman style structures, and pay close attention to the small details. This is a weekly podcast created with the intention to help you, the model railroader or fine scale modeler, or modeler of whatever floats your boat. We want to be able to get the best products, techniques, and ideas out in front of you, and talk about how we learned the right and wrong ways to model. We'll share our mistakes too so you can avoid them!We aren't trying to sugarcoat anything either, so kick back, grab a beer, and go work on your layout as you listen to our model railroading podcast, because we're probably doing the same thing right now too. pb
Episodes
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Bench Time #212: Dirt, Post-Vacation Update, Building Updated & Static Grass Applicator Evolution
This week we talk about Todd collecting up some dirt for the layout and how he doesn't bake it in the oven to make sure all the critters are out of it. Brett has returned from his vacation, we both give our building updates & we go on a funny evolution of the different types of static grass...
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Bench Time #211: SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER
It's Summer break and now that sports and activities are winding down, Brett is getting some more time back at the bench and layout! This week we pulled off the second live stream of the podcast and you can watch the replay here: https://www.youtube.com/live/TWRqKsBErlI?si=LF1eRjn1x8oyYnQq...
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Bench Time #210: First Live Stream - Scale Modeling, Spring Updates, and AMPS 2025 Convention Plans
Catch Bench Time #210, our first ever live stream episode! Join Todd & Brett as we dive into the world of scale modeling, discussing our latest projects and updates after a brief spring break. We cover various aspects of the hobby and share our tentative plans to attend the AMPS 2025…
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Bench Time #209: Matt Probst of MY HO Scale World of Model Railroading
This week we had the pleasure of having a long-time listener and supporter of the podcast, Matt Probst on the show to share with us his history and journey in model railroading and how he has really exploded onto the scene of our hobby online by putting together some amazing scenes and work on…
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Bench Time #208: James A Powell of Dirt Spot.7 & Monster City Studios
Welcome back to the show James A Powell of Dirt Spot.7 and Monster City Studios! This week we had a blast talking with James about setting scenes, working with limited resources or forcing yourself to do more with less, and the fun and differences of the various types of detail parts that are...
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Bench Time #207: Let's Just Go Wild on This Episode!
We really don't have much to say about this week's episode other than it was full of some really off the wall topics and we just let it rip! Brett and Todd do go over some layout updates, Brett's recent build of Ligget's Hay Kit of the Month by FOS Scale Models (not an affiliate link) and how he...
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Bench Time #206: Brett's Poor Finger & Tips & Tricks for Paint & Brushes
Ouch! This week on Bench Time, Brett shares the gory details of his recent encounter with a miter saw, a cautionary tale for all hobbyists. (Spoiler: fingers and spinning blades don't mix!) We'll also dive into some inspiring model railroad layout discussions, exploring creative design and...
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Bench Time #205: Layout Updates & General Bench Talk!
This week's episode is packed with exciting updates from our world of model railroading and model building. We dive deep into the latest transformations of our layout. Brett's been hard at work adding hills, planning a serene "wooded" area, revamping the wharf, and developing the intricate...
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Bench Time #204: Frank & Natalie Saladino of Mudd Creek Models
Welcome back to Bench Time with Wiley's Scale Modeling! In this episode, we sit down with the talented duo behind Mudd Creek Models, Frank and Natalie. We delve into the world of laser-cut wood structures and detail parts, exploring their passion for creating incredibly realistic N and HO scale...
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Bench Time #203: We haven't recorded since last year (technically)
It’s been a few weeks since our last episode, but we’re back from the holiday break and we’ve been cranking out some great model railroading work and progress on the layout. Brett Finished the Walthers Merchant Row I, and had been adding track to the layout, so you’ll soon be seeing some trains...
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Bench Time #202: Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
This week we talk about the difference between going 50%, 90% or 100% on a model kit build, what it takes and doesn’t take to make a kit more realistic. Todd’s example is how he built the Merchant’s Row II kit to look almost real as if you were walking down the sidewalk in front of that building....
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Bench Time #201: Layout City Updates & Old Reenacting Stories
Join us this week for some layout updates and some stories from our reenacting past!
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Bench Time #200: Grateful to Share This Together - Feat. 4 Pro Scale Models, White Rose Hobbies & Mine Mount Models
How grateful are we to have been able to record 200 complete episodes of the Bench Time Podcast together as Father and Son? We can’t even begin to explain how much we’ve learned by sharing our journey together in the model railroading and fine scale modeling community with all of you! Over the…
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Bench Time #199: Todd's busting out the 1:87 work again!
We're one away from 200! And Todd's busting out the 1:87 scale again on his workbench as we are looking to make some major progress in the coming weeks on the layout. We've got a lot planned for the next episode, but enjoy this week's as we ramble on in our typical fashion!
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Bench Time #198 - Brief History of Narbonne, Harper's Ferry Architecture, and BARNACLES!
This week we chat about some architectural history after Brett's recent visit to Harper's Ferry and todd explains the history of the small town in France that he is building his diorama from, Narbonne, FR. In addition to the brief history lessons, we give some model building updates and discuss…
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Bench Time #197: Who Cut the Cheese?
Well, where do we start? This week we had an explosive mix of topics... From Brett's new Temu tools that he picked up, nipples, things that anger us at the workbench and items that you wouldn't want to accidentally sit on from your toolkit or workbench. Can you believe we're almost at 200…
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Bench Time #196: Todd's Hand-Painting Signage, Brett's Wharf Work & New Soda Flavor?
The new Roast My Build Facebook group which is already at 46 member. Join now for some model build roasting! Brett gives his update on the new Coke Zero Oreo Limited Edition - it’s awful Todd talks about applying paper signs to his 1/35 scale diorama and how the paper edges look unless you work…
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Bench Time #195: Progress, Shelf Queens, and UV Resin Rants
In this episode of the Bench Time Podcast, Todd and Brett dive into another week of modeling, griping, and a few laughs along the way. Here's what we cover: Westboro Sandhouse Progress: Brett shares his latest updates on the ongoing Westboro Sandhouse project. What’s coming together? What’s been…
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Bench Time #194: Where’s the Cork?
Bench Time #194 This week on the Bench Time Podcast, Todd answers a listener question about how he sets up his work area to help him work better and setting up his work area for his impatient personality. The we both talk about unpacking the boxes of all of our buildings that we had packed up…
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Bench Time #193: Matthew Hankins - Patapsco Falls Division
Welcome back to the Bench Time Podcast, this week we have Matthew Hankins back on the show for his second appearance! The last time we had Matt on the show, it was for Episode 127 when we talked about his work with the Four County Society of Model Engineers as well as some of his modeling work....
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Bench Time #192: Updates on the Diorama & The Great Hat Gripe
Todd gives us a bunch of updates, gripes, and tips as Brett works to kickstart working again after a long vacation the past 10 days. In addition to Todd's updates on the French Cafe diorama, he also talks about a creative and innovative modeling technique that he used to turn an error or...
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Bench Time #191: New FB Live's this week, Westboro Sandhouse, and Diorama Updates
This week's episode felt more like old times! We figured it would take a few episodes to get back into the swing of things, but damn this week was a ton of fun. Brett and Todd give us an update on the new "E" layout because it finally has all of the bench work completed and is ready to begin...
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Bench Time #190: Getting Ready to Assemble the Layout
Hey gang! We're back with Bench Time #190 and the typical internet problems that Brett loves! This week we give you all some updates on our newest work, plans for the layout, gripes, and a funny eye doctor story. Question for all of you: What are some topics that you'd like us to cover in the...
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Bench Time #189: Memorial Day Bench Talk
We hope you all have a safe memorial day weekend and take time to remember the reason we all have the ability to enjoy this holiday. This week we're back with the usual rants and discussions about the hobby. Brett also talks about his crusty paint bin and the things we save in the hobby trying to...
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Bench Time #188: Let's Get Building! The Long Awaited Return and Reboot
Hey Fine Scale Freaks! Guess what? Todd and Brett Wiley are back at the bench, and we couldn't be more excited! It's been over a year since our last episode, and boy, do we have some catching up to do. So, here's the scoop: we've been through a lot – layout teardown, house demolition, building a...
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Bench Time #187: James A. Powell of Dirt Spot.7 and Monster
This week we had James A. Powell on the show for a long-overdue appearance! James talked with us about some exciting new things he's working on including a soon available pre-order of a new book he is featured in from White River Productions. https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/swts...
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Bench Time #186: Wayman Humphrey from Pro Scale Models!
Wayman Humphrey from Pro Scale Models on Facebook, YouTube and even TikTok joined us for his first guest appearance! We talked about everything from his intro into scale modeling, his love of art, music, tattooing, and everything in-between. Make sure you check out Wayman's art and videos at the...
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Bench Time #185: Brian Wolfe from Mainline Hobby Supply
This week we talk to Brian Wolfe from Mainline Hobby Supply! This is one of our favorite hobby shops in the PA / MD region and if you have a chance to stop by when you're in the area, definitely pay them a visit! Another interesting thing we hear from Brian about his history with the hobby shop…
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Bench Time #184: Bernard Hellen of Miniprints.com
Welcome back for Bench Time #184 where we featured Bernard Hellen of Miniprints.com! We were very excited to get Bernard back on the show, and coincidentally it was almost two years to the day since we had him on last, you can catch his other episode here: Bench Time #159: Bernard Hellen of...
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Bench Time #183: Todd’s Canyon Fears, Snow in Water, Glue Talk, and an Eagle Nightmare
This week, Brett talks about his holiday week off and a visit to NYC and American Girl Doll store.... We also cover some measuring mess-ups (or was it), Todd's canyon fears, adding fine snow from woodland scenics to the white water of a waterfall, some more glue talk, and Todd's mishap with his...
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Bench Time Podcast #182: Every Episode has a Porpoise
It's the holiday season, so we decided to kick back, let loose and we definitely went all over the place! Todd discusses his Neopolitan-like build and Brett chats about the new rocks and progress on the Terminal area of the layout where he's adding a gulley/storm water runoff area. We also talked...
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Bench Time #181: Jason Jensen of Jason Jensen Trains
Jason walks us through the setup process of his business, how he got off the ground what it was like when he first opened up selling kits with Jason Jensen Trains. Then we go over the two new kits he’s now made available, the process of coming up with the new kits, and the trials & tribulations…
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Bench Time #180: Halloween & Model Building Fun!
We covered a VERY wide range of topics this week, starting with some Halloween fun, updates on what Brett & Todd have been working on, and some plaster tips from Todd! Vote for Brett's Cocoa Puffs Pumpkin here: https://verberdentalgroup.com/poll/pumpkin-contest-2022/
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Bench Time #179: Jeff Grove of Carolina Craftsman Kits
The last time we had Jeff Grove on the show was in March of 2021 for episode 169. This week we talk with Jeff about: Layout up-date, where he's at currently with his double-decker layout. The top level is 1945 era; bottom layer is 1970's. Coal mining & lumbering. New Kit: Cape fear Supply…
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Bench Time #178: Trip to Oklahoma, Rants, Ways to find modeling time & more!
We summarize our trip out to Oklahoma, Todd goes on a rant, we talk about cats on a plane and Brett gives you insight on how he finds time to work in the workshop with his busy work/life schedule!
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Bench Time #177: Modeling, Spice, and College Football
Brett’s been working on Pap’s Pizza, a new road that follows an old railroad grade, and he goes off into a whole story of the red light district which turns into a funny and typical story of the podcast. I mean, what 40’s city didn’t have a little shenanigans going on? He also discusses the…
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Bench Time #176 - Doug Foscale from FOS Scale Models
Join us this week as we talk with Doug Foscale of FOS Scale Models about some of his new developments, adventures in 3D printing and the new limited run kit available now at https://fosscalemodels.com You can pick up the Axel Road Limited Run kit at the following links: USA Orders:...
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Bench Time #174: Back to the Grind, Ants, Rants & Horseradish
We want to welcome everyone back to the Bench Time Podcast with the Wiley's! This week we go on our usual rants, talk about a little history, go over our current work updats and we even go way off track on a rant about horseradish and wrap up with some aimless sports banter! Enjoy, we're glad to…
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Bench Time #173: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It's been a hot minute since we last recorded and we've decided to bring back a monthly version of our show! The same old us, a little less censored (you may hear some word fly), and just as colorful as we used to be. We've been busy working and you can see all the pics of our work here:...
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Bench Time #172: A Good Time for Some New Model Building Content
It's been a while, and we told you that we weren't going to completely disappear... So here we go for some fresh new content and some shop talk about what we've been up to since our last episode back in the Spring. We covered a lot in this episode, so just give it a listen and check in with us in...
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Bench Time #171: Grand Finale & Thank You
We've been fumbling our way through the podcast world since 2017 when my Dad and I launched this show together. There have been many laughs, memories and great times shared together between us and ALL of the listeners and we both believe that this is the right time for us to hang up the…
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Bench Time #170: What's on your workbench?
What's on your workbench this week? We go over what's on our workbenches this week and chat about the current group build! If you missed this week's live-build, you can watch a replay here: https://youtu.be/cg46HQJZa2c We PROMISE to have a way better video resolution next week!!! If you want to...
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Bench Time #169: Jeff Grove of Carolina Craftsman Kits
Jeff Grove was this week's guest and we covered what's new in his Carolina Craftsman Kit world as well as what he's up to in his "retired" life now. We covered some of the benefits of having a great local group of fellow modelers and we even chatted it up about Brass locomotives! We all had a…
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Bench Time #168: Doug Foscale - The Tips & Techniques Episode
We packed this week's episode full of techniques straight from Doug Foscale! So get your pen and notepad ready because this week's show is jammed with great techniques and tons of great things to try at your workbench. Big thanks to Doug for the time this week and we can't wait to do more…
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Bench Time #167: It's almost spring! Todd & Brett Bench Talk
This week it's just us two chatting, ranting, and listing off the builds we've been working on and what's been keeping us out of (and in some) trouble! What are you working on? Comment on our FB page with some pics of your own build! Group Build Kit Link:...
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Bench Time #166: Jason Jensen & James A. Powell
This week Jason Jensen and James A. Powell join us for our longest episode ever recorded as we chat about what we're all up to and some new developments from both of them as to what they're working on! If you're not following their pages and channels, you should check them out here: Jason Jensen...
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Bench Time #165: Dave Stanton & D.A.R.E. Model Railroad Club
This was a fantastic episode this week as we talked to long time listener and D.A.R.E. Model Railroading Club organizer Dave Stanton about everything that he is doing to help the kids in his local community connect and create with the hobby of model railroading! Dave has a long-standing passion…
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Bench Time #164: Ron Klaiss of Mine Mount Models
What's up, everybody? We're back after an unexpected week off due to some unforeseen circumstances... And we're happy to be back in front of our microphones and talking to this week's guest, Ron Klaiss! Ron, from Mine Mount Models talked with us this week about his newest kit release (which he...
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Bench Time #161: What can you do without an airbrush?
In this weeks episode, we talk about what you can do WITHOUT an airbrush and what it means to get the kids into arts, crafts and participating in model building!
About this show
Welcome to the Bench Time model railroading podcast! If you came to this podcast looking to hear about the latest in trains, you probably came to the wrong place... We focus on fine-scale modeling, craftsman style structures, and pay close attention to the small details. This is a weekly podcast created with the intention to help you, the model railroader or fine scale modeler, or modeler of whatever floats your boat. We want to be able to get the best products, techniques, and ideas out in front of you, and talk about how we learned the right and wrong ways to model. We'll share our mistakes too so you can avoid them!We aren't trying to sugarcoat anything either, so kick back, grab a beer, and go work on your layout as you listen to our model railroading podcast, because we're probably doing the same thing right now too. pb
Hosted by
Brett Wiley
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