Episodes
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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 YouTubePro Scale Models on IGPro Scale Models on FBProScaleModelsco.comSecond 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 FBAlso, 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.comMine Mount Models on FBMine Mount Models on IGIt’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!
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Missing episodes?
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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 buildingUsing 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!
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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!
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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!
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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…
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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
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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 what we talk about with getting creative and being true modelers!
Brett is also currently working on editing up two new YouTube videos, so keep an eye out for them on our Wiley's Scale Modeling YouTube Channel!
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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 spent some time this past Monday night showing his work on during a Facebook/YouTube live session.
After that, Todd discusses the finishing steps to his diorama of the French Cafe that he's wrapping up before he gets into his HO scale model building again.
Then we jump into some listener questions and of course, Todd had a complaint and grievance that he aired out on the show (or two, or three).
Since we mentioned RailroadKits & Microlumina, we figured we would give you guys a link to check out some of their awesome kits, details and lighting options for your model railroad layout! Check them out here: RailroadKtis & Microlumina. Don't forget, they also have the F&SM Metal Castings! (neither of these two links are affiliate links, just wanted to direct you to awesome things)
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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 you what are some content topics you'd like us to discuss next week?
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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?
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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 the bench, and we’re both gearing up to piece together a brand new, much larger, and way improved layout.
In this episode, we’ll fill you in on what Todd’s been up to in the modeling world, including some cool new clubs he’s joined and all the latest projects he's been working on.
We're thrilled to be back and can't wait to share our journey with you. So tune in and let's get back to some fine scale modeling fun. Happy to be back, Fine Scale Freaks!
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This week we had James A. Powell on the show for a long-overdue appearance! James talked with us about some exciting new things he's working on including a soon available pre-order of a new book he is featured in from White River Productions. https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/swts
NOTE: Brett was incorrect about White River productions and the Civil War History book, it was not WRP and instead a different publisher with a similarly scenic sounding name.
We started a TikTok, it may be available for the next week, or the next decade... who knows. But follow us there! https://www.tiktok.com/@wileysscalemodeling
Follow James A. Powell's different pages and adventures at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/MonsterCityStudios
https://www.facebook.com/DirtSpot/
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Wayman Humphrey from Pro Scale Models on Facebook, YouTube and even TikTok joined us for his first guest appearance! We talked about everything from his intro into scale modeling, his love of art, music, tattooing, and everything in-between. Make sure you check out Wayman's art and videos at the links below. We can't wait to have him back for some deeper model building and bench time talks!
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LXm7buhIQJzcxylBzhUMg
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/proscalemodels
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This week we talk to Brian Wolfe from Mainline Hobby Supply! This is one of our favorite hobby shops in the PA / MD region and if you have a chance to stop by when you're in the area, definitely pay them a visit!
Another interesting thing we hear from Brian about his history with the hobby shop is how he literally had his blood sweat and tears in the shop build. It's these kinds of places that we need to keep in business as the hobby evolves.
At the end of the show we go into a little news and history of the East Broad Top Railroad. They're operating and running Engine No 16 which was recently restored. Check out more about the EBTR here: https://eastbroadtop.com/
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Welcome back for Bench Time #184 where we featured Bernard Hellen of Miniprints.com! We were very excited to get Bernard back on the show, and coincidentally it was almost two years to the day since we had him on last, you can catch his other episode here: Bench Time #159: Bernard Hellen of Miniprints
Bernard talks about some new developments from miniprints and how we can't believe that he's coming up on the 4th anniversary of the business!
We also discuss some of our favorite miniprints models, oddities, processes for sourcing 3d models, and some info on the new space for miniprints. You should also check out miniprints.com/halloween for some neat and unique prints!
Another point of note, is his peanut butter lid challenge (which Brett is very interested in!), and to check out his live sessions on YouTube on the 1st Wednesday of every month.
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This week, Brett talks about his holiday week off and a visit to NYC and American Girl Doll store.... We also cover some measuring mess-ups (or was it), Todd's canyon fears, adding fine snow from woodland scenics to the white water of a waterfall, some more glue talk, and Todd's mishap with his fine scale eagle.
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It's the holiday season, so we decided to kick back, let loose and we definitely went all over the place!
Todd discusses his Neopolitan-like build and Brett chats about the new rocks and progress on the Terminal area of the layout where he's adding a gulley/storm water runoff area.
We also talked about some more affordable plaster that a long-time listener and original guest of the show, Steve had recommended to us. The details on it, directly from an email to us from him are below:
"This is from AGES ago, but I use Durobond 45 for all my rockwork - it is a fraction of the cost of plaster in hobby stores. Here's an old blog post on it:
https://rgsrr.blogspot.com/2013/11/enterprise-and-hesperus-scenery-update.html
For example - here's 25lbs for it - $10 at Menard's:
https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/drywall/joint-compound/sheetrock-reg-durabond-reg-45-pre-mixed-setting-type-joint-compound/381110/p-1444445395321-c-13060.htm?tid=-6689639879862189084&ipos=2"
Enjoy!
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Jason walks us through the setup process of his business, how he got off the ground what it was like when he first opened up selling kits with Jason Jensen Trains.
Then we go over the two new kits he’s now made available, the process of coming up with the new kits, and the trials & tribulations of getting them ready for sale.
After going through the new and exciting news Jason Jensen Trains has to share, we cover the listener questions and banter more about current work, modeling talk, and more!
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