Proto-Future and the Beginner's Guide to Model Railroading

Part 2 of an interview with modeler savant, Tyler Trahan, talking about passenger trains, modeling, politics, news, and urbanism.Link to the WTYP Bonus Episode Preview on Dining Cars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikq0lP9oQgIPlease consider donating at https://www.patreon.com/bgtmrring

A bonus narration of my sole-author peer-reviewed scientific literature review in mBio: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00873-25?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmedPlease consider donating at https://www.patreon.com/bgtmrring

A bonus discussion on urbanism, advocacy, and completely banning cars.Please consider donating at https://www.patreon.com/bgtmrring

This episode covers the history of the Class III shortline and narrow-gauge railroads in the Mid-Atlantic Region, including the Camden and Amboy, Ma&Pa, and Surry, Sussex, and Southhampton.Please consider donating at https://www.patreon.com/bgtmrring

A discussion on Low, Higher, and High Speed Rail, infrastructure politics, and Lucid Stew's history and growth as a creator.Check out Lucid Stew’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@LucidStewStew’s original two videos on CAHSR:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBjsW19jak8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG_DLyxQP14Stew’s recent video on CAHSR between LA and Orange County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7wZs5-r-VIStew’s old video on Chicago to Detroit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzdKDIrBeAMStew’s recent video on Lake Shore Limited HSR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cQbqCrVTigStew’s older video on Pennsylvania HSR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFq1zwuJq8o&t=10sPlease consider donating at https://www.patreon.com/bgtmrring

Part 2 of how to ride Amtrak, finding a train, understanding service classes, booking a ticket, waiting at the station, and the onboard experience, recorded from the Coast Starlight.

Part 1 of an interview with modeler savant, Tyler Trahan, covering his history in model railroading, museum, and steam railroading, and his thoughts on manifestos, passenger trains, virtual modeling, club inclusivity, and public outreach.Please consider donating at https://www.patreon.com/bgtmrring

Part 1 of how to ride Amtrak, giving a brief history and describing the destinations and operations of every single route on the timetable, recorded onboard the Sunset Limited.

The second part of a pilot episode I recorded in 2023, exploring Pittsburgh and biking on the GAP trail back to Connellsville.The City Cast Pittsburgh episode on the Silence of the Lambs house can be found here: https://pittsburgh.citycast.fm/podcasts/spend-the-night-at-the-silence-of-the-lambs-houseGo support my friends at City Cast if you’re in any one of their 13 (soon to be 15) cities!

This episode is a layout construction progress update amid some pretty major life changes: writing my and defending my Ph.D. dissertation, and looking to move overseas for safety. What will happen next to the layout and podcast? Listen on...A final reminder to support CAN: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org

In this episode, I describe a project I've been working on with some friends to end car-dependency all across America, not just in cities, and details the many reasons why cars are always harmful to the environment, our health, and our economic prosperity.The Centre County Highway Revolt is a citizen-led organization opposing any new automobile spending in Pennsylvania, and instead promotes building a fast, frequent, regional rail system out of existing, government-owned infrastructure for intercity travel, daily car-free commuting, and transit accessible nature.Learn more at https://www.centrecountyhighwayrevolt.org

The first part of a pilot episode I recorded, testing out the concept of PFP before I released the Manifesto, where I Amtraked from Connellsville to Pittsburgh, explored Pittsburgh, and biked back.A reminder to support CAN: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org

This episode finally gets us around to the "model" part of model railroading, teaching you how to prepare, paint, glue, brace, and detail either plastic or laser-cut wood kits. The different types of kits and glues are discussed, as well as scratch-building and kit-bashing, painting with an airbrush, and how to affix structures on the layout in a realistic manner.

This episode covers the history of the Class II railroads in the Mid-Atlantic Region, primarily the Reading, Central Railroad of New Jersey, Penn-Reading Seashore Lines, and Northern Central.

G4's take on NYC's Congestion Pricing, just in the nick of too late. Plus a report of a recent trip to a live show between City Nerd and the War on Cars in NYC, as well as bicycling around Baltimore, DC, NYC, and Philly.

Much thanks to all those whom asked a question! Feel free to reach out here: https://www.bgtmrring.org/contactLink to the subsequent interview with Tom Barbalet on Model Rail Radio found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/model-rail-radio/id335536272?i=1000634820061

A one(-ish) year checkup with Tom Barbalet, talking about his incredibly enduring perspective of model railroading, how the hobby has changed over the years, the direction of modeling, transit, urbanism, geopolitics, artificial life simulations, and exobiology.Model Rail Radio/VideoListen to the original interview, from last year: Model Rail Radio November 13th, 2023: Tom Barbalet Talks with John Gardiner IVwww.barbalet.comLondon 1940

This episode addresses the elephant in the room: that America is a now a fascist, dying country. What do we do now, and how do we fight back against the racist conservative idiots that are stealing our freedoms?Please, please donate to:The Freedom from Religion FoundationNova UkraineAneraBlack Lives MatterThe Rail Passengers AssociationThe High Speed Rail AllianceThe Sierra ClubThe Parking Reform Network

This episode covers the history of the Class I railroads in the Mid-Atlantic Region, primarily the New York Central and Erie-Lackawanna.Roundhouse Podcast M497 Black Beetle Episode: https://theroundhousepodcast.com/2018/03/19/jet-powered-train-the-story-of-m497/ Well There’s Your Problem Penn Central Episode 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/well-there-s-your-problem/id1487829595?i=1000552027994 Well There’s Your Problem Penn Central Episode 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/well-there-s-your-problem/id1487829595?i=1000554232906 Well There’s Your Problem Penn Central Episode 3: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/well-there-s-your-problem/id1487829595?i=1000558986111

David Sotokarlin's Chicago 2040 Plan: https://www.davidsotokarlin.com/chicago2040Lucid Stew's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LucidStew/videosAnd the episode in which I got a shout-out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffdJAM5RZroLearn more at https://www.bgtmrring.org/Episode Patreon blog and donations here: https://www.patreon.com/bgtmrring

In this brief episode, I explain why I'm delaying Borealis 4 and offer a bonus essay on a trip to Madison, Wisconsin.The bicycle in question is here: https://www.ternbicycles.com/us/bikes/473/vektron-s10

The League of American Bicyclists Zoom given by Derrick James and Moriah Morales is here: https://youtu.be/YE6oJ7quCnM?si=CQetZzVpGOMgCHFELearn more at https://www.bgtmrring.org/Episode Patreon blog and donations here: https://www.patreon.com/bgtmrring

Learn more at https://www.bgtmrring.org/Episode Patreon blog and donations here: https://www.patreon.com/bgtmrring

Learn more at https://www.bgtmrring.org/Episode Patreon blog and donations here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/proto-future-3-99401021?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Learn more at https://www.bgtmrring.org/Episode Patreon blog and donations here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/proto-future-3-99401021?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Learn more at https://www.bgtmrring.org/Episode Patreon blog and donations here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/proto-future-3-99401021?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

This episode covers the different ways of making deciduous and evergreen trees, pouring epoxy water systems, ballasting track, and adding scenic details.

Clinics can be accessed here: https://www.bgtmrring.org/clinicsEpisode Patreon blog and donations here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/proto-future-3-99401021?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Thank you all for sticking around this long! After over two thousand days of intermittently podcasting, we now finally get to make some scenery! Herein, I discuss ground staining, dirt, grass, and bushes.

So, here’s the story: When I first wrote and recorded this episode, I didn’t know if the sultans of swearing would honor me to share their supreme statements on stateside shame, so I recorded a version of the diatribe, myself, in the event they didn’t get back. Fantastically, they did, and I’m ever so happy for it, but I was, in fact, so proud of my interpretation that I couldn’t let it go to waste. In an attempt to as much as I can further the reach of the Scathing Atheist and Puzzle in a Thunderstorm, I thought it worth putting my own version out in the world, for the entertainment of my listeners and theirs, and to be reminded of the in errantly poignant and enduringly shameful events of that wretched year.Once again, if you want to know more, you can Extra-special thanks to Puzzle in a Thunderstorm and all their podcasts. You can find their website here: https://scathingatheist.com and their podcasts following:And the diatribe in question can be sourced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW2k4qf_0mc&t=5s&pp=ygUdc2NhdGhpbmcgYXRoZWlzdCAxOTUgZGlhdHJpYmU%3D

Extra-special thanks to Puzzle in a Thunderstorm and all their podcasts. You can find their website here: https://scathingatheist.com and their podcasts following:The Scathing Atheist: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-scathing-atheist/id594676720 The Skepticrat: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-skepticrat/id969924303 God Awful Movies: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-awful-movies/id1041876428 Citation Needed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/citation-needed/id1236993492 D&D Minus: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d-d-minus/id1501850375 And the diatribe in question can be sourced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW2k4qf_0mc&t=5s&pp=ygUdc2NhdGhpbmcgYXRoZWlzdCAxOTUgZGlhdHJpYmU%3D

Much thanks to all those whom asked a question! Feel free to reach out here: https://www.bgtmrring.org/contactLink to the subsequent interview with Tom Barbalet on Model Rail Radio found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/model-rail-radio/id335536272?i=1000634820061

‘Nuff said

After far too long of a wait, I’ll examine the history of railroads in Southern New England and the Northeastern Mid-Atlantic states, as well as give you an update on whither I think this podcast will go, hinting at potentially big things later.

In this episode, I explain my absence, then tell you about making scenery landforms with plaster cloth, foam board, and other techniques, then finish with teaching you how to cast rocks. Be sure to visit me at Springfield this year to watch my new presentation!

In this episode, I’ll examine the history of railroads in Northern New England, starting with the Class Is, moving towards regionals and shortlines, and ending with a look at some of the most unique small railroads and operations with long-lasting historical significance.

In this episode, I’ll reward you for my tardiness by reading aloud a personal essay on the subjects of narrative and autonomic artificial intelligence as they relate to building and operating a model railroad, respectively.

In this episode, I’ll show you how to prepare roadbed, lay track, and wire it all up for derailment-free operation. I cover centerline transcribing, gluing roadbed, cutting, wiring, and laying track, and testing it all to ensure smooth running.

In the premier episode of a new miniseries, I will take you through the history of North American railroads, before covering the major railroads in each region in later installments.

Stay safe and healthy, everybody! Remember, being cooped up is an excellent time to get working on trains!

Hello all! It’s been a while! In this episode, we get around to finally starting construction by discussing all the ins and outs of constructing benchwork.

Wow, hi, you’re actually reading the episode notes. I never do that when I’m listening to podcasts. Whelp, here we are. I want to formally apologize for taking waaaaaaaaaaay too long to put this episode together. Graduate school is a bitch. I honestly haven’t progressed on model railroading pretty much at all in the past six months. Mount Gretna Narrow Gauge kind of lost my interest; it was too simple, too short-lived, and too demanding to successfully recreate in my space allotted. I’ve recently started looking into another railroad, the Altoona and Beech Creek (known by half-a-dozen names in its 30-year lifespan). It Is also a nearby narrow gauge railroad, and it also served a pseudo-tourist purpose, delivering them to a resort, overlook, and picnic ground on the top of a mountain (I am quite positive it is the shortest railroad to summit the Allegheny range), but it is different, and more optimal for two reasons. First, it continued past the resort to some coal mines, which add a lot more intrigue than a hilltop-resort-and-back passenger run, and second, it is shrouded in much more mystery, such that there is a good chance I will never be able to fully reconstruct a completely accurate track schematic. This would allow me much more flexibility to accommodate it to the space that I have available. No solid plan yet, but I’ll let you all know on the Patreon blog what happens as things develop.Anyway, enjoy this episode. It’s one I should have done a long time ago, but I absolutely promise we will get to construction next time!

In this episode, I describe how to choose and research a prototype railroad. The most important take-home message I can give you is that you should never underestimate the value of some good in-person research at a historical society or university library.The website I reference in the episode is thusly: https://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=262:1:19084355468963::::: and contains a complete archive of all the USGS maps ever recorded. Just search by state and quadrat name, and you will get a downloadable list of the files for maps made of that area.Also please visit the links page of the website, which has a new, very detailed section on resources prototype research.

In this episode, I answer my first listener questions! This is an important part of the show because it helps me to focus in on which subjects you still require clarification on. You can submit questions of your own through the contact page on www.bgtmrring.org. Hope to hear from you soon!

Nobody will ever be able to completely synthesize all the information you will need to build a successful track plan, but these episodes should hopefully give you a good primer. This episode will focus on layout design from a modeler perspective and in the context of a layout room. Other topics also covered are that of modeler personality, track planning software, and making a layout for your own interests.

Nobody will ever be able to completely synthesize all the information you will need to build a successful track plan, but these episodes should hopefully give you a good primer. This episode will focus on railroad operation, and the components there with associated, and the next episode will focus on space usage and design from the human perspective.

This episode gives an overview of and solutions to common beginner pitfalls, with an eye towards the future and planning properly for it. If you have any suggestions or additions that you'd like to recommend, please use the contact page on the website to submit your feedback, and I will make updated versions of this episode. Special thanks to the Scathing Atheist Podcast, found at https://scathingatheist.com or on iTunes

In this episode, I give an overview of what the beginner will find in a train set, and explain the difference between DC and DCC. This will hopefully help the beginner to understand if they should buy a train set or use DCC.

Okay, confession, for as long as I've been in the hobby, it has always driven me nuts when someone says "I model in O Gauge". No. Ultra no. Infinity no. Gauge is the distance between the rails, scale is how small the trains are with respect to the prototype. Several scales use the same gauge track to represent alternate gauges of that scale. For example, F scale uses G gauge track to represent 3ft narrow gauge, and On30 uses HO gauge track to model 30 inch narrow gauge, whereas both G and HO use their respective gauges to represent standard gauge. Thus, saying which gauge you model in can be very uninformative as to what you do with it. Hopefully, this episode will eliminate such confusion in the next generation of modelers.

In this episode, I will give you a history of model railroading as a hobby, explain a few key features about the hobby, and explain the general steps required to build a model railroad. Don't forget to check out our new website at www.bgtmrring.org