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 miss details on the Southern California N-Scale Show: 📅 May 30, 2026 ⏰ 9 AM – 5 PM 🎟️ FREE admission ❤️ Fundraiser supporting a church children’s group

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 layouts • Tools of the trade—scanners, online feeds & more • The impact of heritage units on the hobby

We’re also celebrating a huge milestone—10,000 downloads! 🎉

Plus: 👉 Community highlights & modeler spotlights 👉 A preview of the Burnham Rally (April 11), featuring Iron City T-Track and Todd’s NYS&A layout

Whether you’re trackside or working on your layout, this one’s packed with insight, stories, and inspiration.

🚂 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 down what’s really driving its success.

Plus, the crew brings you the latest Roundhouse Report, featuring two upcoming events you won’t want to miss: 📍 Clinton Central Spring Train Meet – March 22 📍 Rally in Burnham – April 11

All aboard—don’t miss it! 🚆

🚂 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 also covers the latest Roundhouse Report, highlighting two upcoming events: • The Clinton Central Spring Train Meet – March 22 • The Rally in Burnham – April 11

Todd also gives an update on the progress of his steel mill project.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where the guys dive deeper into Ron’s YouTube channel, modeling tips, and his social media presence!

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 operation of his layout, which centers on the east–west Cross Line and the heavy industrial traffic that once fed Bethlehem Steel. He shares how he approaches operational sessions, implements CTC signaling, and continues to expand scenery and structures across the layout.

Listeners will enjoy Tom’s insights into:

• Prototype‑based operating practices

• Balancing realism with practicality in model railroading

Tom also offers thoughtful advice for modelers of all experience levels: stay curious, embrace new tools and technologies, ask questions, and—most importantly—make a little progress on your layout every day.

Whether you’re a Reading Railroad enthusiast, an operations‑focused modeler, or simply love hearing from passionate hobbyists, this episode delivers inspiration and practical wisdom in equal measure.

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‑friendly deep dive into DC, DCC, and DCCEX control systems. Kevin breaks down the strengths of each approach, offer several recommendations, and walks through essential tools like circuit breakers, power management, and troubleshooting techniques.

The conversation gets hands‑on as the crew tackles common layout issues — from buzzing and overheating caused by PWM frequency mismatches between coreless and iron‑core motors to wiring best practices. Kevin offers clear guidance on feeders, block separation, safe operation, and how to fine‑tune DCCEX settings to keep layouts running smoothly.

Whether you’re new to model railroading or refining an advanced setup, this episode delivers practical insights you can put to work on your own layout.

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 journey, including the unique aerial perspectives he captures using drones. Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience, this episode offers practical advice, behind-the-scenes railroad insight, and plenty of inspiration.

Brad and Pat also cover what’s happening in the community, including highlights from the Science Center Locomotion Weekend, upcoming Amherst/Springfield show coverage, live video plans, combined ops session ideas, and ways to stay connected through the Iron City Facebook group.

A concise but content-packed episode that blends real railroad experience with hands-on modeling, this Season 2 opener sets the tone for what’s ahead.