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.

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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.

A short and sweet update for you about the new catalog!

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.

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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.