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The Roundhouse: Episode 6 featuring Tony Koester and Neil Besougloff
Great questions and answers. How about more desert layouts like Pelle? Definitely sauce on ribs!!!
I would model the Monon in Indiana. As a 10 year old kid I would be at my Grandmothers house in the summer. The back property line met the right of way for the Monon and I remember seeing switching operations as they moved blocks of lime stone from the Bedford pits to the finishing factory. Loud horns and noisy cars. Some cars had seen better days.
And on the other note dry rub is very tasty! I have had both and enjoy often.
Big Tony Koester fan!! Have read several of his books but where he really helped me was on some videos (perhaps on the Dream! Plan! Build! DVDs?) - love his laid back way of explaining things but most important to me was how he taught me not to worry about everything being perfect - sometimes good enough is good enough!!
Since I tend to be a perfectionist, Tony’s presentations helped me to understand - it’s a layout - not a museum display! Thanks!! Would love to see him do some segments for Video Plus!!
I can’t join in the discussion in the halls of Kalmbach, so…
1 - Glad I’m already planning on ditches and culverts on my new layout, even though its mostly flat.
2 - Freelancing, with two railroads offering me prototype details to follow. Easier!
3 - My very small layout is designed with railfanning, photography and operations in mind right from the start.
4 - The internet has made me a better researcher and modeller.
5 - No limits? The Long Island Railroad in 1854. Yes Eighteen fifty four! And in Proto 48!
Bonus question - I smoke my own ribs and they are so good they don’t need sauce! 
As a fellow Rock Island modeler, I can confirm that even the flatlander railroads’ terrain is anything but.
…and ribs should be rubbed and slow smoked, not sauced. lol
I always enjoy listening to Mr. Koester! I too would love to see him do some segments for Video Plus!
On the subject of operation, three words might be as good an explanation as up to a year of talk - one name and one word really - John Allen Timesaver.
The bonus answer to the unasked question is Filipino marinade (pork or beef - in that order of preference), cooked low and slow - best if done on a charcoal grill. I offer free samples if you are willing to pay my ticket and room while i prepare them.
Great question and answers guys. I always enjoy hearing Tony’s point of view on model railroading subjects and have been been enjoying his “Trains of Thoughts” column since it appeared in Model Railroader magazine. Neil, I agree if I had unlimited funds, room, etc… I’d have the same problem. This week D&RGW Narrow gauge, next week the P&WV between Connellsville, PA and Pittsburgh Jct, OH. Now is there any chance of seeing an update on Tony’s layout featured in the Layout Visits section of MRV?
You are all good talkers. Loved the discussions. Certain unnamed podcast always seem to be bashing something. You guys always seem positive and accepting of anyway I like my ribs 
How about building a 1’ to 1’ layout? I’d like a 1-1/2 scale live steam on about 100 acres.
Would love to see you “ditch” the bell and get into these subjects a little deeper. Even with the extra time you give someone after the bell, I think that you can be doing a disservice to the subject matter. Also, how about creating a series of videos relating to operations on Video Plus? I know that you have the expertise in your group! Thanks for MRVP, I’m really enjoying it!
Best, Andy K
Tony Koester, do you know anyone who models the Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern RR. As a very small boy I used to ride the interurban from Alleman to Des Moines on the FDDM&S. The cars were freezing cold in the winter as the only heat was a small pot belly stove near the motorman’s seat. The Des Moines passenger station was in a total slummy neighborhood consisting of a non-descript old brick building. You had to walk a couple of blocks to catch a bus to downtown Des Moines. Alleman, Iowa received its electrical power from the railroad’s DC cantenary. Whenever the freight engines were in the Alleman powerblock, the lights would literally go out in my grandparent’s house. I believe Alleman changed to AC power in about 1950 after I moved to Ankeny with my parents.
Great Job. It is always good to hear other points of view we have all made mistakes or wish we had done something different by listening to others that have been there, done that it helps build a better layout
I think the universal answer for the unlimited resources question is simple: cross country. Once you have completed that (if you ever), cross the border and do it again!
How about fewer questions and more in depth answers. I like my ribs anyway I can get em.
Thanks Guys
With regard to the bell, instead of the diner bell, how about using a locomotive bell? It seems more fitting for a railroad / model railroad forum.
As for the unlimited resources question… It’s a toss up between a huge proto-freelanced Class 1 railroad, or model a major passenger terminal at the height of its glory - Boston’s South Station in the early 1900s, or Grand Central Terminal or Union Station c. WWII - an article TRAINS ran back in the 1970s on Union Tower has held my fascination for decades.
Without limits, I would model the North/Central New Jersey Conrail Shared Assets region. With the Lehigh Line plus the surrounding secondaries all funneling into the major Oak Island Classification Yard and other surrounding terminals would be awesome!
What was Tony about to say concerning utility poles when Neil gave him the hook? Might be a useful tip.
What a delightful trio! The internet means I can join in with the thoughts and “wisdom” of gentlemen across the pond and model a sudject I have never seen or touched.Just a thought,but where are the Ladies of Railroad Modeling,there MUST be some …?