StackTalk

Season 3 : Episode 4 Railfan Update

Billy and Dan return with a railfan update episode of StackTalk, covering a busy stretch of news across the hobby. The episode focuses on a major summer of steam, including Big Boy’s national tour and a number of other high-profile excursions. Along the way, they talk about the realities of chasing, planning, and missing out, and whether this moment represents a high point for mainline steam activity. They also discuss Amtrak’s shifting equipment strategy, infrastructure upgrades like the Portal Bridge, and broader changes affecting passenger rail and preservation. The conversation touches on the growing move from coal to oil-fired steam and what that signals for the future. A mix of current events, context, and railfan perspective.

Season 3 : Episode 3 "Funnel Talk" Ships and Ocean Liners

For April Fools, StackTalk becomes Funnel Talk. Billy and Dan (now the “Keel Brothers”) talk about ships: why they like them, where that interest comes from, and how it traces back through family history tied to shipbuilding in Scotland. The conversation moves between ocean liners like the RMS Queen Mary, naval history, and the technical side of how ships are measured and understood. It’s a loose, slightly absurd detour from the usual train-focused format, but not as far off as it might seem.

Season 3 Ep. 2 The Union Station March Madness Selection Show

Which North American Union Station reigns supreme? Join Billy and Dan (The Railbrothers) as they whittle down a massive list of over 180 stations to the "Final 32" for our upcoming bracket tournament! From architectural icons to hidden regional gems, we're ranking them on history, train volume, and—most importantly—pure vibes. In This Episode: * The "Union" Definition: Dan breaks down why these collaborative hubs were unique to North America and the era when they dominated the landscape. * The Ranking Criteria: We balance the objective (trains per day, survival status) with the "vibes" (architectural beauty and... the presence of rats in the gift shop). * The Tournament Reveal: We start the countdown with heavy hitters like Toronto Union and several regional favorites. Cast Your Vote!The tournament begins March 1st! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to vote in the daily polls and help crown the champion. #Railbrothers #Stacktalk #UnionStation #MarchMadness #TrainHistory #Architecture #Railfans

Season 3 Episode 1: The Amherst Show (Railway Hobby Show)

Billy and Dan recap their first visit to the Amherst Railway Hobby Show on this episode of the StackTalk podcast. They discuss the logistics of the trip, exhibiting T-Trak modules with the Upload Express Modelers, and walking through one of the largest collections of operating model layouts in North America. Along the way, they talk about what distinguishes Amherst from smaller regional shows and why its value lies more in conversation and connection than in purchases. StackTalk is a podcast about railroading, modeling, and the spaces where hobby, craft, and community overlap.

Season 2 Episode 10 : Railfan News

The Railbrothers break down the latest in U.S. rail: Amtrak’s new Acela II, the Portal Bridge rebuild, Gulf Coast service updates, SEPTA’s funding troubles, and their continuing bad luck chasing steam. News, analysis, and plenty of railfan humor—all in one episode!