Iron City Roundhouse Report

Season 2 Episode 12 "The price is right!!"

🎙️🚂 Season 2, Episode 12  This episode of the Iron City Roundhouse Report is all about getting the most out of your model railroad budget! Join special guests Clem Harris and Freddie Mac as they share their experience finding great deals, including auction strategies, eBay research tricks, and ways to spot value in the secondary market. From brass and rolling stock to locomotives and accessories, we talk about where to look, how to research prices, and how to make smart purchases without breaking the bank. We also dive into: 🔹 Quality locomotives vs. budget options 🔹 The value of DCC and affordable decoder choices 🔹 Clubs, testing, and learning from fellow modelers 🔹 Must-have tools like programmers and power cabs Plus, we bring you the latest Iron City Roundhouse Report updates with member highlights, event announcements, and upcoming theme weekends! Whether you’re a longtime model railroader or just getting started, this episode is packed with tips to help your hobby dollars go further.

Season 2 Episode 11 Yardmaster series "3D Printers"

Episode 11 — "Yardmasters" brings together 3D printing hobbyists and small-business owners from across North America to discuss getting started, safety, tools, and real-world workflows. Guests share practical tips for home and commercial printing, including resin vs. FDM differences, finishing techniques, and essential accessories.  The episode also explores the real costs and benefits of 3D printing for model railroading, including time investment, design work, and when printing makes sense versus buying commercial models. Experts discuss printing methods (resin vs FDM), marketplaces like Shapeways, painting and finishing techniques (priming, airbrushing, washes, dry-brushing), and tips for preserving fine detail. Guests also cover business and hobby trends: custom one-off pieces, scaling across HO/N/G, tooling for T-Track, and the future potential of full-color desktop 3D printing.

Season 2 Episode 10 "Anniversary Special" Part 2

🚂 One year down — and the celebration continues! Join the Iron City Roundhouse Report for Part 2 of their one-year anniversary special as hosts Brad, Pat, Kevin, and Uncle Dave look back on an incredible year of railfan memories, stories, and community moments alongside the Iron City Young Guns — Blake George, Jimmy Braum, and Connor Deardoff. The crew revisits favorite segments like the office car specials, dives into Pittsburgh-area railroad history, shares modeling stories, and even sparks a few DCC debates along the way. A major focus of the episode is the anticipation surrounding Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy — covering possible routes, photo locations, railfan logistics, and tips for handling crowded events. The group swaps steam excursion memories, talks railroad operations, and plans meetups to experience the action together. More than anything, this episode highlights the community behind the hobby: mentoring new modelers, storytelling through freelance and prototype layouts, and showing appreciation for the listeners and contributors who helped make the first year such a success. From the excitement surrounding steam’s return to the East Coast to upcoming events in Altoona and beyond, this episode is packed with the passion, friendships, and unforgettable moments that bring train enthusiasts together. PS Kevin gets a new nickname  🎙️ Don’t miss this milestone episode filled with laughs, memories, and plenty of railroad talk.

Season 2 Episode 9 "Anniversary Special" Part 1

🚂 Brad and Pat celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Iron City Roundhouse Report! This special anniversary episode reunites returning guests — modelers, YouTube creators, historians, and T-Track organizers — as they revisit favorite moments, unforgettable layout stories, and the incredible growth of the community over the past year. The discussion covers some of the biggest topics in the hobby today, including rising prices, buying on the secondary market, micro layouts, freelancing, sound and electronics projects, and exciting upcoming events like Altoona and the Big Boy tour. The crew also previews the massive T-Track record layout and shares ideas for showcases, club displays, and local meetups. Most importantly, Brad and Pat want to thank all of the listeners, guests, and supporters who helped make the first year such a success. From memorable interviews to deep hobby conversations, the Iron City Roundhouse Report continues to bring railroad fans together from around the world. Be sure to join the Iron City Facebook community to share your layouts, projects, tips, and stories 🚆

Season 2 Episode 8 Coast to Coast with Iron City West

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