Techniques

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BGT Episode 18: Scenery Part 1: Terrain (Lithosphere) Building, and Springfield Presentation Update

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Greetings Patient Listeners,

After an unplanned hiatus and notable personal updates, I finally give you the first scenery episode, detailing all the different techniques for making landforms and rocks. Happy modeling!

~G4

Episode 18: Scenery Part 1: Terrain Building (Lithosphere) and Springfield Update
John H. Gardiner IV
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BGT Episode 15: Track Laying, Part 2

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Hello Poptarts!

In this episode, after four long years, you will finally be able to lay track and run trains! This episode covers:

  • Transcribing track centerlines

  • Cutting and gluing roadbed

  • Cutting, wiring, and laying track

  • Wiring the track feeders to a bus wire

  • Testing it all to ensure smooth running

  • And some general tips, techniques, and advice for derailment-free operation

I know it has been a long time, but thank you for sticking around! The next episode will be a return to the railroads of the Northeast! Happy modeling!

Episode 15: Track Laying, Part 2
John H. Gardiner IV
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BGT Episode 13: Track Laying, Part 1

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Hello Poptarts!

In this episode, after who knows how long, we will finally get ready to lay track! This episode covers all the background information you will need to actually put track to table.

Also, don’t forget to vote correctly!

Episode 13: Track Laying, Part 1
John H. Gardiner IV
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BGT Episode 12: Listener Questions 2

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Well, it seems the world has changed a tad since I last released an episode. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy out there. I, myself, am definitely putting a lot of time into building a model railroad, and I hope you all are too!

In this episode, I answer another round of listener questions, covering topics from layout design to turnouts and wiring. I also issue a correction from a previous episode and introduce you to a new scale, OO.

If you have any questions of your own, feel free to drop me a line. Good luck with coronapocalypsemageddonocaust!

Episode 12: Listener Questions 2
John H. Gardiner IV
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BGT Episode 11: Benchwork!

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Hello everybody! Dear gods, it’s been a while!

Anyways, in this episode, we finally get to start construction on our model railroads by discussing how to build benchwork. I break down all the parts of benchwork, including the support system, frame, surface, and subroadbed. I also discuss all the techniques, tools, and safe practices required to build good benchwork.

If you just found the podcast as a result of the Winterval holidays, then I issue you a hearty welcome to the world’s greatest hobby! If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line and ask any questions you may have!

Episode 11: Benchwork!
John H. Gardiner IV

Listen to the show on Apple, Spotify, iheart Radio, Youtube, or Pandora:

Have a Thought? 

Proto-Future is attempting to do something which has never been done in model railroading before. I am here to ruffle feathers, seed ideas, get rusty gears turning, and help the hobby escape the transition-era worshiping rut we’ve been in for 30+ years, thereby better appealing to younger generations and improving the world around us along the way. If you have any thoughts at all – good or bad – pause for a second, think them through, make sure they’re logical, then email me, and we’ll see where it goes.

While the podcast is transitioning to Proto-Future, I still happily accept beginner questions and will address them on-air every now and then. Feel free to email me via the contact form, and I’ll do my best to help you in your quest.

Please consider Donating

This is an expensive endeavor, not just in money, but in emotional expenditures. Any amount you could donate, even a dollar a month, is reason enough for me to keep going. Your generosity would be very appreciated.