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 group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2189549561072602 Follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wileysscalemodeling Follow us on Instagram:

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 insights, and maybe a few live stream hiccups! Live Stream Link: https://youtube.com/live/e9rznHwdiwk AMPS Convention Link if you want to check it out: https://www.amps-armor.org/SiteMain/Main.aspx (non-affiliate link)

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 literally our neighbor as far as the hobby goes! He grew up practically down the street from us and it was long overdue to have him chat with us and tell us what he's been up to. Matt also recently started a model railroading YouTube channel and it's taking off as he shares his techniques and layout progress with the world. Check it out, he's making some pretty awesome videos and sharing a lot of great tips & answering questions about scenery and more on his channel. Link to Matt's My HO Scale of Model Railroading is here: https://www.youtube.com/@mattprobst2321   Episode artwork credit to Matt Probst

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. Check out this great YouTube channel that colorizes old historic videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1W8ShdwtfgjRHdbl1Lctcw Make sure to follow all of James pages to check out everything he is up to here: Dirt Spot.7 Monster City Studios  

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 listen because we were all over the place on this one!

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 tricks for maintaining your paint brushes and paints, preventing that dreaded gunk buildup. Whether you're a seasoned modeler or just starting out, this episode has something for everyone – just maybe keep your fingers away from power tools while listening! Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a little bit of shop 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 downtown/city section. Then, we check in with Todd on his epic, never-ending train station project. He shares his recent progress and discusses the details of his latest modeling endeavors. Plus, Todd recounts his experiences at the Great Scale Model Train and Railroad Collectors Show, sharing insights and highlights from this must-attend event for any model railroading enthusiast. Join us for a dose of inspiration and practical tips for your own layout!

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 fantastic range of products to elevate your layout. Join us as we chat with Frank and Natalie about their design process, the challenges of laser cutting, and their commitment to quality. Whether you're a seasoned model railroader or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Check out Mudd Creek Models' website for their full product line: https://muddcreekmodels.com/ And be sure to follow them on Facebook for the latest updates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289147449717697/ There are no affiliate links or paid promotions by this manufacturer. This information and links in this podcast are all to pass along a great manufacturer in the hobby for you to enjoy or pass along.

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 we also talked about the price of the insulation foam that we use for the layout and how it seems to keep going up every time we need more of it. It’s crazy, but that’s the times we’re in.  There was also a discussion about including videos in the instructions of craftsman kits, which we’re both in favor of! Todd goes on a rant about hobby knifes and acrylic paints at the end too, so stay tuned for that!

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 I kit that Brett has started!   We wrap up the week talking about some plans for the background/upper section of the city on our layout!

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 this podcast, we plan to meet many more!  We thought it would be fitting to check in on a few of our friends and bring on a new guest to the show for the 200th episode. So what better way to share the episode with 4 great individuals in the hobby! First up is Wayman Humphrey of Pro Scale Models! Check out his great work and YouTube at these links (non-affiliate links):  Pro Scale Models on YouTube Pro Scale Models on IG Pro Scale Models on FB ProScaleModelsco.com  Second on the list are Ryan and Tom from White Rose Hobbies, the local Hobby Shop in York, PA (non-affiliate links): WhiteRoseHobbies.com  White Rose Hobbies on FB Also, since he was mentioned check out Fred Eisen’s grat YouTube videos, including the store tour! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnRYfX7Cwq_obGLyIuPGGHA/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0 We had a blast with Ryan and Tom and we hope that we can focus on other aspects of the scale modeling and general hobby world in the future on the podcast! Thanks for joining guys! Last but definitely not least was return guest Ron Klaiss of Mine Mount Models, LLC! Ron has a great line of fine scale models across a variety of scales! Check out all of the great stuff that Mine Mount Models has on their site, including the Mine Mount Minutes for tips & tricks: (non-affiliate links) MineMountModels.com Mine Mount Models on FB Mine Mount Models on IG It’s been such a great time, and we appreciate that there are a few people that tune in and listen to us ramble… Here’s to 200 more!

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 building Using UV resin for covering up / filling in gaps in scale figures and models  

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 message on our FB page to suggest something fun for us to do or a new topic to cover!

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 his building!   Brett will also be going live this week on Facebook and YouTube for some of his wharf buildout on the layout! Stay tuned for details on live workshop sessions later this week!

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 discuss the importance of using reference photos when building older models. How do you find the right photos? And how do you use them to bring your models to life? We share our tips and tricks.   Shelf Queens: Let’s be honest – do you have any shelf queens? We talk about those half-finished, long-neglected projects collecting dust on our shelves. Why do we abandon them, and will they ever see the light of day again?   Todd’s UV Resin/Light Gripe: Todd is back with another rant – this time about UV resin and lights. What’s grinding his gears? Tune in to find out.   Restoring the Original Craftsman Kit: Todd takes us down memory lane as he works on restoring an old original craftsman kit that he built years ago. What’s it like to breathe new life into a project from the past?   Did You Ever Lose Your Shit?: We get real about those frustrating moments when things don’t go as planned. What’s the most aggravating experience you’ve had while modeling? We share our stories – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.   The Most Overrated Aspect of This Hobby: What part of modeling is overhyped? We each share what we think is the most overrated aspect of the hobby, and we’re not holding back.   Temu - HOrrible or HOt?: Finally, we delve into the world of Temu. Is it a treasure trove of HO scale goodies, or just a pile of junk? We sift through the offerings and give our honest opinions on whether Temu is worth your time and money.   Join us for another week of modeling madness, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on this week’s topics in the comments!

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 cork board? Apparently there is no current cork shortage after in-show research but why is it so hard for the hobby stores (at least around here) to stock the cork roadbed? Or are they just not ordering as much inventory anymore? We’ll get to the bottom of this…

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 box builds and how keeping the variety of work changing allows him to keep his attention span fresh.   Then he goes into his scratchbuilding process for all the different wood sections he builds on his structures. From some sections being the modular wall sections from FOS Scale Models to using strip wood to layer on all of the different features on more unique buildings.   We also talk a lot about the different styles and the different things that drive each of us as modelers… It’s not the destination, it’s the journey!   Watch Matt’s videos on his Patapsco Falls Division YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@patapscofallsdivision2579    Check out his Patapsco Falls Division facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064555072590    The Patapsco Falls Division website at: https://patapscofallsdivision.net    Feature photo credit: Matthew Hankins - Patapsco Falls Division