Wiley's Bench Time - Model Railroading Podcast

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 applicators we have used. 

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 Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WileysScaleModeling Join our model building Facebook gro...

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 International Convention in Camp Hill, PA (May 15th - May 17th). Tune in for the usual banter, modeling insigh...

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 his layout! The other great thing about having Matt on the show (which was long overdue) was that he is l...

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 available now. We also got super into the colorized historical videos of cities from the early 1900's. Che...

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 made his homemade hay bales with transfer tape.   The rest of the episode was... Well you just gotta li...

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 construction techniques. And to keep your projects looking their best, Todd's here with invaluable tips and t...

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 downtown/city section. Then, we check in with Todd on his epic, never-ending train station project. He shares...

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 components. From intricate buildings to essential windows and doors, Mudd Creek Models offers a fantasti...

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 running soon! We also spend too much time talking about bubblegum… But we’re proud of it.  In addition...

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.    Then we talk about the monstrous train station that Todd is building along with the Merchant’s Row...

Join us this week for some layout updates and some stories from our reenacting past!

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 past six years we’ve been able to meet so many great people and with our new plans and slight changes to...

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!

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 our recent projects which include: Adding realistic scale barnacles to piers for a waterfront buildi...

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 episodes? We're working on some ideas for episode 200, but want some input from you guys too! Drop us a messag...

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 to sand down those visible edges, so to avoid them he took the step to paint them on the side of hi...

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 a challenge? Get the latest scoop on this long-term build.    Reference Photos for Old Models: We dis...

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 over a year ago, and the laying of the track roadbed. Does anyone know about the shortage of cork or cor...

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.   This week talked with Matt about his diorama work, working with the different scratch builds, shadow b...

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 mis-casting on a diorama figure into a really awesome looking hat for the lady outside the cafe! This ties into...

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 working UP from the base now. Then Brett gives us a quick update on the status of his new build, which he s...

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 coming episodes? We're always willing to share our stories and what we're building but want to hear from y...

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 be cheapskates. What are you working on currently at your workbench?

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 new home, and finally moving back in. Now that the dust has settled, Brett is ready to dive back into t...