Iron City Roundhouse Report

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.

🎉 SEASON’S GREETINGS from The Iron City Roundhouse Report! 🎄
The Season 1 finale brings your hosts Bradd and Pat together one last time this year—joined by an all-star cast of hobbyists celebrating the season and wrapping up an amazing first year of the show.
In this special episode, our guests share:⭐ Favorite memories and highlights from 2025🛠️ Layout projects and progress updates⚡ DCC troubleshooting tips and tricks🚂 Operating sessions & community events🎟️ A sneak peek at what’s coming up—including Springfield!

Iron City Roundhouse Report fans — Episode 17 goes "Freelanced" with special guest co-host Todd Treaster.
Bradd, Pat and Todd discuss standout layouts modeling the (Lehigh Valley, Norfolk & Western, Finger Lakes), the importance of welcoming younger modelers, tips for running successful open houses and virtual showcases, and lessons learned from a multi-camera live layout showcase.
They close with event news, Thanksgiving wishes, and how to connect with Iron City online. 

Episode 16 of the Iron City Roundhouse Report features hosts Brad and Pat with special guest/co‑host Chuck Rockwell. They discuss Chuck’s career with CSX, his Mega...Mega...Mega three‑level N‑scale Chessie layout, signaling and DCC plans, and recent railfan adventures.
Other highlights include a showcase of a British division modular cement plant, the Redding & Northern’s patriotic #1776 locomotive, and coverage of an office car special and weekend railfan meetups.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ironcitynscale/
 

Episode 15 of the Iron City Roundhouse Report explores larger model railroad scales beyond N-scale. Hosts Pat and Brad talk with accomplished modelers about techniques, layout design, trackwork, showcases, remote operations, and recent community highlights like cover photo winners and club shows.
Yardmasters "Dave Abeles, Scott Lister, David Heyde and Chris Adams" introduce their layouts and share what drives their modeling — from Conrail to the New Haven to the Greenville Northern and the Katy.
The conversation covers practical tips on value brands, scratch building resources, decoder programming, and scenic techniques, plus frustrations like electronics and the learning curve for scenery.
Key trends highlighted include 3D printing, animation and sound integration, dead‑rail and battery power developments, and the strength of the online community and operating culture that keeps the hobby growing.
https://flickr.com/photos/77452817@N08/
https://onondagacutoff.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/modelingGandN?mibextid=LQQJ4d&rdid=dHi3HldGHdDGsK0x&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1KNvz1cZ9R%2F%3Fmibextid%3DLQQJ4d
http://blog.thevalleylocal.net/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNvnbtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1aTVZWGdXd09LQ0E5dXBQAR4d3wi8cRN_5co-b-TiAHFLEfx5JMFV4MetpNrVTAO0Eb5e_1Ua-G6F8CY7NA_aem_51UTeXFX23jnSjW4uCSzew&brid=JJ6Wr6rp9omBQqzF7iru8w
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mktrailroadinhoscale/
 

Iron City Roundhouse Report Episode 14 "Snap it features hosts Brad and Pat with guests Marty Jenkins and Andy Zimmerman  discussing T‑Trak and modular model railroading. They cover T‑Trak fundamentals, real‑world tips for layout design and troubleshooting, and stories from recent shows like Altoona.
The episode also explains how T-Trak modular railroading began for Iron City, how easy modules snap together, and why it draws new and young members.
They discuss standards, practical tips (testing modules and wiring), modern electronics and wireless throttles that simplify setup and remote operation at shows.
Overall, the conversation highlights community, accessibility, creativity, and the ways T-Trak brings people together at train shows and club events.

 
 
Your host, Bradd Williamson and Pat Moore welcome back Todd Treaster and Uncle Dave Abeles for the Office Car Special, sharing stories from Altoona, Conrail train symbols, and life at Conway Yard.
They explain manifest and intermodal symbols, special dimensional and military trains, cabooses and shoving platforms, and how to use prototypical details in model railroad operations.
The episode blends technical discussion with modeling tips, and the camaraderie that keeps the hobby thriving.
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ironcitynscale/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1844612842561884/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1755684164943067/ 
https://www.patreon.com/c/onondagacutoff
 
https://www.facebook.com/onondagacutoff/

Live from the Altoona N‑Scale Weekend, Iron City members walk through a busy show featuring large layouts, DCC and DC loops, vendor booths, clinics, and a module contest.The episode highlights vendors and new sound-equipped locomotives, fundraising in memory of organizer Mike Phillips (proceeds to the SPCA), community meetups, and evening events like a pizza party and open houses.