Notch 6 podcast

Derek joins Matt and Matt of the The Matt and Matt O Scale Trains Podcast to talk about what he's been up to in 2021 and discuss everything going on currently in the world of O gauge trains. You can find the Matt and Matt podcast HERE.   

  No MTH, no York, what's a hobby to do? An update from Derek and his thoughts on the current state of the O gauge industry.

Join MTH Vice President of Marketing Andy Edelman and host Derek Thomas as they deep dive into the 2019 MTH Volume 2 Catalog. We'll discuss the recently announced Union Pacific George H. Bush funeral train, unique holiday offerings, and all the brand new road names and returns of classic favorites that grace the pages of this catalog.

In this episode of Notch 6, Jack "Hotwater" Wheelihan returns with some incredible tales from his days firing Southern Pacific 4449, Union Pacific 844, and Union Pacific 3985. We'll cover everything from what happens when your pilot engineer "forgets" to alert you to an upcoming crossover, to how hot does it really get in a tunnel when you're in the cab of one of the largest operating steam locomotive in North America. You don't want to miss this episode!

In part one of our Lionel 2019 Volume 1 catalog show, Ryan Kunkle joins us to break down the new scale offerings in the catalog. This will include everything you see in the new catalog at Lionel.com as well as some EXCLUSIVE details about a forthcoming George Bush 4141 set which will be formally announced in later 2019. We'll also have a deep look at the new LionChief+ 2.0 technology which aims to further enhance the command control O gauge market. It's a full episode with details you won't want to miss!

In this segment of the Lionel 2019 Volume 1 Catalog show, we talk with Meegan Untereker about Lionel's lineup of Traditional, Licensed, and Holiday products. This segment includes the scale Christmas offerings such as Polar Express and more. We'll also discuss many of the traditional sets and fun items that make Lionel such a unique brand.

On this episode of Notch 6, Jack "Hot Water" Wheelihan joins me to discuss his career with EMD, his time spent firing Southern Pacific 4449, Union Pacific 844 and 3985. If that wasn't enough, we'll discuss his 3 rail scale layout and why he decided to dismantle and sell the majority of his collection. It's a fascinating story of one mans passion for railroading and the wonderful journey it has taken him on. If you're interested in purchasing Madison Hardware apparel we're taking orders through December 3rd by clicking here.

The MTH 2019 catalog show is here! Join Derek Thomas and MTH's Andy Edelman as we break down everything in the new catalog from Union Pacific 150th anniversary to this catalogs celebration of moving goods across your model railroad.

In this episode of Notch 6, Evan Cihlar from Railroading in America Magazine joins me to discuss how he and the entire RIA staff have developed an exciting online magazine in just over a year. Not only does the magazine offer a diverse range of content including O gauge trains, but their staff is one of the youngest in the industry. We'll hear all about how the magazine was started and their future, plus about Evan and his Father's Nickel Plate inspired railroad which creates realistic railroading in a mid sized space.

Part two of the Lionel 2018 Volume II catalog show with Lionel’s Meegan Unterecker. This is your inside look at all the new traditional product coming in 2019 and some even delivering before 2018 is over!

Today on Notch 6 we wrap up our coverage of the LCCA National Convention in Chicago. We'll hear from the leadership of the LCCA on the positive things happening inside of the club including some exclusive Lionel products including a Vision line engine ( Not the Niagara...) We'll also talk about how the club is evolving and reacting to an ever changing market.

It's time for the big announcements from Lionel at The Lionel Collectors Club of America national convention. Ryan Kunkle, Director of Production for Lionel, returns to the show to talk about a brand new brass hybrid locomotive, plus we'll talk production updates, and much more. Our thanks as always to The Lionel Collectors Club of America and Lionel for sharing the inside scoop about these new and exciting products.

In this episode of Notch 6, Howard Hitchcock, President of Lionel LLC stops by for our annual interview. There are plenty of interesting topics covered including, Lionel's new venture into retail, the state of overseas manufacturing affecting Lionel, the future of electronics in O gauge trains, and more. It's an insightful interview of where Lionel has been in the past year and where it is going in the next. As always Al Kolis is with me to recap the days events at The Lionel Collectors Club of America national convention.

Tonight, Bob Thomas ( Husband of artist Angela Trotta Thomas) talks about what it's like to be married to a well known figure in our hobby. Plus he shares his story of building a hobby shop inspired layout, his Postwar train memories, and some of his unique experiences about collecting and visiting Lionel Trains over the years.

Download this Episode by Clicking Here Tonight in Chicago I talk with Elaine Silets, The Train Lady. For over 25 years she has designed and built many high end custom layouts around the Midwest. Some featured in famous buildings and large consumer catalogs. Her most impressive work may be the massive O gauge layout she built for her Husband before his death. You'll hear her complete story with plenty of insight about her years in the industry. Al Kolis on board with us as always to discuss the happenings at the LCCA National Convention.

Welcome to LCCA week in Chicago. Kevin Davis joins me to discuss the ins and outs of building a Lionel Fastrack modular layout specifically with Chicago in mind. We'll also recap activities from the first part of 2018 and their positive impact on the hobby. Plus, I'm joined by Al Kolis for his insight on everything happening at the Lionel Collectors Club of America National Convention.

In this episode of Notch 6 we revisit an early interview with John Schmid, President of Project Roar Publishing. We'll also update a number of projects we're working on along with our sponsors.

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In this part of Episode 115, Andy Edelman from MTH stops by to cover all things in the MTH Premier line in the 2018 Volume 2 catalog. See Episode 115-A for the Railking section of this catalog.

In this part of Episode 115, Andy Edelman from MTH stops by to cover all things Railking, Railking Scale, and Railking Imperial, in the 2018 Volume 2 catalog. See Episode 115-B for the Premier section of this catalog.

Notch 6 Episode 114 - Michael and Tom Roder join me to discuss all things related to Gargraves track. A staple in the O gauge hobby for over 75 years, Gargraves track is found on some of the best hi-rail layout in the country. You'll hear about the humble beginnings of the company all the way through present day. Michael and Tom will also share some valuable tips for using their product.

In this episode Steve Nelson, Owner of Mr. Muffins Trains, stops by to visit. We'll hear about his early experiences that led to opening a hobby store in a time where colleagues told him what a poor idea it was. We'll also explore collecting Atlas O wooden reefers, what customer service means in the hobby industry today, and he'll share some tips he's learned while building three large O gauge layouts.

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In part one of the Lionel 2018 Catalog shows we chat with Lionel's Ryan Kunkle about all of the new and upcoming releases in the world of O scale products. This includes scale steam, diesel, freight, and passenger cars. Be sure to check out episode 112-B for the traditional side of this packed Lionel catalog!

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In our second part of the Lionel 2018 Volume 1 catalog show we take a look at all of the new and fun items in the world of traditional O gauge. From the upcoming Hot Wheels set to the brand new Scooby Doo set, we have it all. Plus your holiday favorites including Polar Express, Halloween, and Angela Trotta Thomas Christmas!

In this episode of Notch 6 we visit with Steve Lukefahr, former owner of Trains LTD in St. Louis. Now retired, we discuss his time owning the store and his spectacular T W Trainworx built layout featuring scenes from The Polar Express and more. Plus, Mike Reagan stops by for his annual reading of The Night Before Christmas and to fill us in on what he's been up to.

For years the hobby has talked about how to get the next generation involved in model railroading. What happens when the talking stops and the action actually starts? You'll hear from three gentlemen who are making that actively happen through Kids Run Trains, The Mohegan-Pequot Model Railroad Club, and The Lionel Collectors Club of America. 

Download this Episode by Clicking Here A great interview with Lionel's Ryan Kunkle detailing the announcement of Lionel's 2018 Vision Line locomotive announcement. Exclusive details inside!

Download this Episode by Clicking Here An inside look at the new MTH Electric Trains 2018 Volume 1 catalog with MTH Electric Trains Vice President of Marketing Andy Edelman.

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In this episode of Notch 6, we find out what happens when you find another O gauge collector in your neighborhood. It's a story of Lionel history and amazing craftsmanship as well as a lifelong passion for Lionel trains.

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In this episode of Notch 6, we deep dive into the Lionel 2017 Volume II catalog. Ryan Kunkle joins us to give us a guided tour of this new catalog and all the details you've come to expect from a Lionel catalog show. Also, Al Kolis from the LCCA joins us to take a look at some of the special events coming in the fourth quarter of this year including the Lionel Warehouse sale in November.

In this episode of Notch 6, we go on an adventure to Tacoma Rail and get a first hand look and this unique terminal railroad. You'll also hear from Al Kolis and our special guest is LCCA Engineer for the Day Tommy and his Father Joel.

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In this episode of Notch 6, we talk with LCCA President Al Kolis,  incoming president Ken Kelley, and immediate past President Dennis Devito. We discuss some of the challenges facing the LCCA as well as some of the high points of the past year.

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In this episode of Notch 6, Lionel President Howard Hitchcock joins us to discuss where Lionel has been in the last twelve months and where they hope to go in the next twelve. It's an insightful interview with a broad look at Lionel as a company. Also, Al Kolis joins us to recap day 3 at the LCCA national convention.

LCCA National Convention Day 2 - Ryan Kunkle from Lionel joins us to give a production update, plus we talk paint colors, getting the details right and more.

In this episode of Notch 6, Lionel's Meegan Untereker stops by to introduce a pair of brand new Lionel train sets out of the 2017 Volume II catalog. We'll also look back on her year as a Lionel project manager. You'll get the inside scoop on what it takes to make the Lionel products come to life and some valuable lessons she has learned along the way. Plus, it's our first night of coverage from the LCCA convention in Tacoma Washington. LCCA President Al Kolis joins us to recap what has happened so far this week.

Notch 6 turns the big 100 with this episode! David Minarik,  drummer for The Clarks and owner of Mercer Junction,  joins us to share his story of how he was introduced to model trains, running a hobby store in the 21st century, and what drives him to create realistic operations on his layout. In addition, Al Kolis joins us to give a preview of the upcoming LCCA convention in Tacoma Washington.  

In this final double digit episode of Notch 6, we take an inside look at Lionel's Lionscale production in Concord, North Carolina. You'll hear from the small team of folks that work to put these cars together. We'll also catch up with Roger Farkash and Mike Reagan from TW Trainworx and find out about their exciting new kits and more.

In this episode of Notch 6, we go behind the scenes of Norfolk and Western J class No. 611. We spend time with the night crew of the locomotive, visit with the volunteers and engine crew. Take an inside look at what it takes to run a main line steam locomotive in the 21st Century. For more information or to support N&W 611, please visit www.fireup611.org

The MTH 2017 Volume II and Ready to Run catalogs are here. Join Derek Thomas and MTH's Andy Edelman as they break down everything new and exciting in this catalog.

If you've ever wondered who engineers some of the cool features in our O gauge trains, well then you are about to get your question answered. Dave Olson joins me today to discuss some of the unique features he has helped engineer along with some of the challenges that these revolutionary features create. You'll also hear his story about how his background and love of trains landed him a job at Lionel.

Mike Reagan and Roger Farkash from TW Trainworx join us for a special show about their new partnership. Here is the press release from TW: Dallas, TX -  February 1, 2017:  TW TrainWorx, a Dallas based company specializing in custom model railroad displays, custom one of a kind structures and “Art of the Train” products, is excited to announce a new addition to the Traingineering team.  Mike Reagan, renowned 3-rail industry expert and former Director of Customer Service and Product Development for Lionel Trains LLC, will be pursuing his passion for Train Layout and Model Building, as well as his enthusiastic pursuit of client relations, as the Director of our newly established TW TrainWorx Eastern Division, located in Concord, North Carolina. Mike’s position at this new location will allow us to better serve our ever-expanding customer base in the Eastern US region.  In addition, Mike’s in-depth experience in developing, troubleshooting and repairing products will also allow us to provide a wider range of customer focused services to our client portfolio from both our locations. TW’s Creative Director and Founder, Roger Farkash stated: “Mike’s addition to our team, with his 25 years of involvement in all aspects of the model railroading industry, is an exciting opportunity for TW to add value to our customers experience across our line of products and services, enhancing not only our unique layout presentations and environments but also static structures, right-of-way elements and signature scenic enhancements.   I look forward to Mike’s participation in every aspect of our successful business model as we take our customers Model Railroading Journey to the Next Level.” TW’s President and CEO, Dorcie Farkash, added: “ In recognition of this Milestone event, we will be initiating our expanded level of client services with a special offer to our existing customers to be the first to utilize our “Out of Warranty”  repair services and technical expertise.  Additionally, Roger and Mike have been immersed in developing our “On Site Assessment” Package for owners of operationally challenged layouts who share our goal of having kids of all ages happily running their trains on their layouts every day, yet need the technical assistance to make it happen.” For additional information please call: Dorcie Farkash aka Traindame at (214) 634-2965

Download this Episode by Clicking Here The big reveal is finally here and Notch 6 has exclusive coverage of the brand new Lionel 2017 Signature catalog. Lionel's Director of Production, Ryan Kunkle, joins us again to take a look at all of the new locomotives and notable rolling stock and passenger cars in this new catalog. It's over an hour packed with all things new and exciting in the world of Lionel Trains.

Our 2017 Lionel catalog shows continue with a sneak peek at a product that is coming in the Lionel signature catalog catalog. Lionel's Director of Production, Ryan Kunkle,  joins me to discuss this exciting steam locomotive and the history behind the model.

Download this Episode by Clicking Here We kick off day 1 of our 2017 Lionel catalog shows with the Ready to Run catalog. Lionel's Meegan Untereker joins me to discuss some wonderful new starter sets, licensed product, and gives us an exclusive look at some new technology that will be making its way into the Lionel line in 2017.