Iron City Roundhouse Report

Pat and Bradd welcome Thomas Gasior to show. This episode dives into the creation of his Split Rock Mining Company layout, the mentors and clubs (especially NMRA) that shaped his techniques, and practical tips on scenery, operations, and rebuilding sections. Tom and the guys also covers how the Crossing Gate podcast started, how community feedback and events shape episode topics, and why mentorshi...

Episode 21 of Season 2 (OCS Volume 4) features guests Dave Abeles and Todd Treaster discussing real-world railroad operations — mainlines, specials, locals and branch lines — and how those practices translate into compelling model railroad sessions. They cover train names and missions, Conrail-era service, staging and scene design, research sources, and practical tips for building believable opera...

In this surprise bonus episode Pat and Brad share quick shout-outs to community members, updates on layout projects, and announce upcoming show dates and meetups (Monroeville Greenberg, Erie, Buell show, Locomotion weekend, and plans for the Amherst show). They also preview Season 3 starting in January, encourage listeners to share videos and join the Iron City community online, and thank fans for...

In this episode, Bradd and Pat sit down with two key leaders from the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA)—Standards and Conformance Manager Andy Zimmerman and Achievement Program Manager Ray Persing. Together, they dive into some of the biggest news and developments shaping the hobby today, including the record-breaking T-TRAK layout in Chattanooga, the introduction of the new Modular Railr...

Join Pat and Brad for Episode 19 of the Iron City Roundhouse Report as they preview fall showcases featuring Yardmasters, layout tours, remote ops, and practical tips for modelers at every stage. Upcoming showcases from: Tom's (Split Rock Mining Company), Jimmy's (Wheeling & Lake Erie East End), Pat's (Conemaiugh Valley Branch), Richard's (Long Valley Branch) — viewer's choice), and Todd's (NY...

Season 2, Episode 18 — “Historic Summer” Bradd and Pat welcome Kasandra Ortiz, communications manager at Norfolk Southern, for a conversation packed with railfan energy. They dive into the excitement surrounding the Big Boy tour, the railroad’s 250th anniversary commemorative locomotives, and how railfans have helped bring communities together during a landmark summer. They also explore Norfolk So...

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 17 — Mike DeSensi Returns! OG guest Mike DeSensi now president of the Ohio Valley Lines, is back to talk club life, layout building, and what it takes to keep the hobby thriving. Pat and Bradd dig into community events, module shows, and how clubs can welcome new members into the fold. The episode also spotlights hands‑on creativity: DIY projects like a Wi‑Fi DCC throttle with...

Season 2, Episode 16 brings together hosts Pat Moore, Bradd Williamson, and guest co‑host Kevin Squire as they sit down with Tim Mallon to preview the upcoming Altoona N‑Scale Weekend, happening September 12–13, 2026. They revisit last year’s record turnout, highlight returning vendors and clinics, dig into T‑Track layouts and evening events, and spotlight the Iron City N‑Scale Club’s charity T‑Tr...

Episode 15, Bradd and Pat interview John Oh, an N-scale modeler who discusses his modular work, club involvement (T-Trak, Fremo N, N-Trak), and upcoming events. He explains differences between module standards, his preference for fall/winter "dead season" modeling, and how he transports and stores modules. John highlights the Model Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's Model Railroading Days (Aug 15–1...

🚂 Iron City Roundhouse Report 🚂 Join hosts Brad and Pat for Part 2 of our in-depth series on steel mill modeling! Part 2 is packed with expert tips on modeling steel mills, designing realistic mill scenes, and improving railroad operations in and out of the mill. We also dive into a lively Roundhouse Report, recapping an unforgettable railfanning weekend following the Big Boy through Derry and P...

🚂 Iron City Roundhouse Report 🚂 Steel is taking center stage! Join hosts Brad and Pat for Part 1 of an in-depth series on steel mill modeling. They explore the different types of steel mills, explain the basic steelmaking process, and discuss how understanding the prototype can help you design more realistic and believable model railroad layouts. Along the way, they also talk about: 🔹 Why this...

🎙️🚂 Season 2, Episode 12  This episode of the Iron City Roundhouse Report is all about getting the most out of your model railroad budget! Join special guests Clem Harris and Freddie Mac as they share their experience finding great deals, including auction strategies, eBay research tricks, and ways to spot value in the secondary market. From brass and rolling stock to locomotives and accessories,...

Episode 11 — "Yardmasters" brings together 3D printing hobbyists and small-business owners from across North America to discuss getting started, safety, tools, and real-world workflows. Guests share practical tips for home and commercial printing, including resin vs. FDM differences, finishing techniques, and essential accessories.  The episode also explores the real costs and benefits of 3D print...

🚂 One year down — and the celebration continues! Join the Iron City Roundhouse Report for Part 2 of their one-year anniversary special as hosts Brad, Pat, Kevin, and Uncle Dave look back on an incredible year of railfan memories, stories, and community moments alongside the Iron City Young Guns — Blake George, Jimmy Braum, and Connor Deardoff. The crew revisits favorite segments like the office c...

🚂 Brad and Pat celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Iron City Roundhouse Report! This special anniversary episode reunites returning guests — modelers, YouTube creators, historians, and T-Track organizers — as they revisit favorite moments, unforgettable layout stories, and the incredible growth of the community over the past year. The discussion covers some of the biggest topics in the hobb...

Brad and Pat head to LA to talk with Bob Frein and Frank Hinojosa from Iron City West about their model railroading journeys and what’s trending on the West Coast. We get into: • Santa Fe, SP & Union Pacific modeling • Clubs like Belmont Shores • LCC & NCE control systems • T-Track modules • Mentoring the next generation of hobbyists Plus—don’t mi...

Season 2, Episode 7 🚂 Pat and Bradd are back with Office Car Special: Volume 3, joined by special guests Todd Treaster and Dave Abeles! From decades of real railroad experience to unforgettable railfanning stories, this episode dives deep into: • Railfanning safety tips every fan should know • Favorite hotspots like Horseshoe Curve, Crescent, and Lewistown • How prototype railroads inspire model...

🚂 Iron City Roundhouse Report – Part 2: Ron’s Social Media Bradd and Pat are back with special guest Ron Marsh from Ron’s Trains N Things for Part 2 of this great conversation! This episode dives into Ron’s perspective on the connection between model railroading and social media—and how that relationship is shaping the hobby today. They also go behind the scenes of Ron’s YouTube channel, breaking...

🚂 Iron City Roundhouse Report – Part 1: Ron’s Layout In this episode of the Iron City Roundhouse Report, hosts Brad, Pat, and Todd welcome special guest Ron Marsh from Ron’s Trains N Things for a great conversation about his model railroading journey. Ron shares details about his layout, including standout features, scenic techniques, and the section of the layout he enjoys the most. The crew als...

Iron City Roundhouse Report – Season 2, Episode 4  Hosts Brad and Pat sit down with three leading online auctioneers—Bill Jenkins of East/West Model Train Auctions, Ross Palabeski of NorCal Train Auctions, and Garrett Metcalf of Midwest Train Auctions—for an inside look at the fast-growing world of N-scale online sales. The group shares how they got started selling N-scale equipment online, why th...

In this episode of the Iron City Roundhouse Report, Bradd and Pat welcome accomplished HO‑scale modeler Tom Jacobs, whose work is deeply rooted in the railroad heritage of Reading, Pennsylvania. Tom takes listeners inside his meticulously crafted 1970s Reading Division layout, a project inspired by his family’s long-standing connection to the Reading Railroad. Tom walks us through the design and o...

Brad and Pat are back in the studio, kicking things off with a recap of the missed Springfield show and a look at the bright spots from a successful Science Center weekend. They highlight standout work from modelers Clem Harris and George Hall on the latest roundhouse report and share updates on upcoming club activities and projects. They’re joined by guest Kevin Squire for a practical, listener‑f...

Season 2, Episode 1 Brad and Pat kick off Season 2 by sitting down with DJ from DJ’s Trains for an in-depth catch-up on all things model railroading. DJ shares his journey growing up around the hobby, his professional work with CSX, and how those experiences influence his approach to modeling today. The conversation dives into scratch-building techniques, N-scale tips, and DJ’s evolving YouTube jo...

🎉 SEASON’S GREETINGS from The Iron City Roundhouse Report! 🎄 The Season 1 finale brings your hosts Bradd and Pat together one last time this year—joined by an all-star cast of hobbyists celebrating the season and wrapping up an amazing first year of the show. In this special episode, our guests share: ⭐ Favorite memories and highlights from 2025 🛠️ Layout projects and progress updates ⚡ DCC tr...

Iron City Roundhouse Report fans — Episode 17 goes "Freelanced" with special guest co-host Todd Treaster. Bradd, Pat and Todd discuss standout layouts modeling the (Lehigh Valley, Norfolk & Western, Finger Lakes), the importance of welcoming younger modelers, tips for running successful open houses and virtual showcases, and lessons learned from a multi-camera live layout showcase. They close...