BGT Episode 19: [Railroad History Miniseries 3] Railroads of Southern New England

Greetings even more Patient Listeners,

In this episode, I’ll give a history of railroading in Southern New England and the Northeastern Mid-Atlantic States, covering the Class Is, IIs, and IIIs of note. Don’t worry, something else fun is coming down the pipeline hopefully soon.

~G4

BGT Episode 18: Scenery Part 1: Terrain (Lithosphere) Building, and Springfield Presentation Update

Greetings Patient Listeners,

After an unplanned hiatus and notable personal updates, I finally give you the first scenery episode, detailing all the different techniques for making landforms and rocks. Happy modeling!

~G4

BGT Episode 17: [Railroad History Miniseries 2] Railroads of Northern New England

Greetings Patient Listeners,

In this episode, I’ll give you a history of railroading in Northern New England. I’ll cover, in order, the Class I, II, and III railroads of note, then end with an interesting story regarding railroad preservation. I hope you all enjoy!

~G4

BGT Episode 16: Bonus Essay: Westworld

Greetings, Poptarts!

Well! It has been a while. You know, as I do.

This episode is a bonus essay on the philosophy of model railroading, one of my favourite subjects. It covers the ethos of narrative and autonomic artificial intelligence in building and operating a model railroad. Tell me how you like it!

The next episode will be a return to the railroads of the Northeast! For realizes, this time. Maybe only Northern New England. I don’t know! We’ll see! I’ve learned to not make plans! I give up!

~G4

BGT Episode 15: Track Laying, Part 2

Hello Poptarts!

In this episode, after four long years, you will finally be able to lay track and run trains! This episode covers:

  • Transcribing track centerlines

  • Cutting and gluing roadbed

  • Cutting, wiring, and laying track

  • Wiring the track feeders to a bus wire

  • Testing it all to ensure smooth running

  • And some general tips, techniques, and advice for derailment-free operation

I know it has been a long time, but thank you for sticking around! The next episode will be a return to the railroads of the Northeast! Happy modeling!

BGT Episode 14: [Major Railroads Miniseries 1] A History of North American Railroading

Hello Poptarts!

In this episode, I’ve decided to start a new miniseries, wherein I will cover all the major railroads throughout history. In this first episode, however, I will give you a brief overview of the entire history of North American railroads, from the 1820s to the present! Hopefully, as this series goes on, you will be inspired by a railroad or two to research more and maybe even start building a model railroad thereof!

BGT Episode 12: Listener Questions 2

Well, it seems the world has changed a tad since I last released an episode. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy out there. I, myself, am definitely putting a lot of time into building a model railroad, and I hope you all are too!

In this episode, I answer another round of listener questions, covering topics from layout design to turnouts and wiring. I also issue a correction from a previous episode and introduce you to a new scale, OO.

If you have any questions of your own, feel free to drop me a line. Good luck with coronapocalypsemageddonocaust!

BGT Episode 11: Benchwork!

Hello everybody! Dear gods, it’s been a while!

Anyways, in this episode, we finally get to start construction on our model railroads by discussing how to build benchwork. I break down all the parts of benchwork, including the support system, frame, surface, and subroadbed. I also discuss all the techniques, tools, and safe practices required to build good benchwork.

If you just found the podcast as a result of the Winterval holidays, then I issue you a hearty welcome to the world’s greatest hobby! If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line and ask any questions you may have!