The Thunder Mesa Limited Podcast

Jake Johnson is a professional model maker, layout builder, kit designer, and former Senior Dimensional Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering. In his last appearance on the Thunder Mesa Limited, we […]

Sam Towler is back for a second appearance on the Thunder Mesa Limited.  When we last chatted with Sam, he was still with Walt Disney Imagineering and caught up in the mess of pandemic furlows and park closures. Post WDI, he returns to talk candidly about his experiences there, from highs like making models and […]

Join me as I welcome amazing miniature sign artist Chris Raley to the Thunder Mesa Podcast. Chris is the mad maker behind Route 9 Signs, and in this episode, we chat about the creative process, the value of making models. the many pitfalls of gatekeeping in creative communities, and why the heck he hasn't built […]

The Thunder Mesa Limited Podcast is back! We're kicking off season 2 chatting with the amazingly talented Jason Jenson of Jason Jenson Trains. We cover everything from HO scale freelancing and science fiction modeling, to choosing projects and avoiding burnout. Thanks for listening, amigos! Dave Jason Jenson on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwtCiywyxpf5ed785KbAAQA Jason Jenson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonjensentrains/ […]

Model Maker and themed entertainment professional James A. Powell joins us for the final episode of the Thunder Mesa Limited's 1st season. Our talk covers everything from Malcolm Furlow's San Juan Central, to Magic Wheelchairs, to dream projects and the joys of making.

Inventing a Fictional Railroad Join me as I chat with Robert Kurner, creator of the Adventureland themed Typhoon Lagoon Railway. We get insights into the art, science, and all-around madness of inventing a model railroad prototype like Typhoon Lagoon – plus some startling late night discoveries working 3rd shift with Disneyland's horticulture department. We also […]

The Art of Model Railroading Jake Johnson is back for a second appearance on the Thunder Mesa Limited, and this time our conversation is all about the art of model railroading! We talk about how and when to use forced perspective, color choices for scenery and structures, backdrops, how to choose a scale that's right […]

Former Disney Imagineer Ray Spencer is back for a second appearance on the Thunder Mesa Limited. This time we talk everything from pirates on Tom Sawyer Island, to Tomorrowland, the PeopleMover, and the value of aspirational “edutainment.” “I like projects that are responsible; that people can take something away from… in terms of knowledge and, […]

Brandon Kleyla is a former set decorator and creative for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he helped to create the now famous “Trader Sam's” brand with locations in both Anaheim and Orlando. I had a great time laughing and chatting with Brandon about Trader Sams and the other projects he's had a hand in, as well […]

Join me for a wide ranging conversation with former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull! Jim is a 33 year veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering and we delve into the highlights of his career from Mickey's Toontown to Shanghai Disneyland. Along the way, we tackle questions like why Shanghai doesn't have a railroad, what it's like to […]

Let's talk about Disneyland! The host and creator of Fresh Baked Disney joins me for an insightful discussion about the Happiest Place on Earth. David has been covering the ins and outs of Disneyland for 9 yeas as a near full-time Disney vlogger and gives his unique perspective on the park and where it might […]

Join me for episode 5 of the Thunder Mesa Limited Podcast and a great conversation with Disney Railroading historian, Michael Campbell! Michael is a leading authority on Walt Disney’s railroading interests and has produced museum exhibits, presentations, and collectables on behalf of Walt’s Barn and the Walt Disney Family Foundation. We talk everything from Disneyland […]

Join me for a fun and informative conversation with professional model maker, Sam Towler! Sam is the multi-talented young man behind the Nature’s Wonderland model at Walt’s Barn in Griffith Park, and has worked with Walt Disney Imagineering on recent high-profile projects like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Pixar Pier, and Tokyo’s Fantasyland expansion. Here’s a […]

Join me for a fun and candid conversation with retired Disney Imagineer, William Tyson! From Epcot World Showcase, to Disneyland Paris, Animal Kingdom, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and just about every Disney Park in-between, William has some amazing stories to tell from a 37 year career with WDI. Listen in on how the magic was made […]

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Thunder Mesa Limited Podcast and my chat with former Disney Imagineer Ray Spencer! Ray is a well respected creative professional with over 20 years at Walt Disney Imagineering. As an Executive Creative Director, he oversaw numerous projects for Disney Parks around the globe, as well as the designs of […]

Welcome to the very first episode of the Thunder Mesa Limited Podcast. Join us as we talk with former Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Dimensional Designer Jake Johnson about his time in the Disney Model Shop, riding on the movie Tombstone, building miniature sets for Robot Chicken and so much more!