Upgrades, Paint Prep & Decoder Confidence (S2 E21)

More from SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141 All episodes →

1. 

   S3 · E4 · 25 Feb 2026 · 41 min

   Blunami in Action & On the Road with Southeast Hobbies (S3 E4)

   George is back with his BNSF GEVO, upgraded with a Blunamidecoder that he has been using for his walkthrough of the Blunami App. This impressive model features 20 added LEDs for outstanding lighting effects, making it the perfect teaching tool. The guys emphasize why it’s so important to read the manual and understand how each CV functions—many CVs control multiple features, and without knowing it, you could accidentally disable something you want to keep. Tom even drops a hint about what he’ll be bringing to the next podcast. Later, they welcome special guest Tom from Southeast Hobbies. A…

2. 

   S3 · E3 · 13 Feb 2026 · 32 min

   Amherst 2026 Recap, Kato GP35 Rapido E8, Blunami Lighting Hacks + RGS 20 Chasing (S3 E3)

   George and Tom recap the 2026 Amherst Railway Society Show! Despite plenty of snow, the turnout was strong, and the show was a great success. Tom shares his plans for a Kato GP35 Phase I B, debating whether to make it a GP28 or a GP35M and install a Blunami decoder. Meanwhile, George dives into his latest project: a Rapido E8. He removed the factory red class lights, repurposed them as a cab light, and added Blunami for full sound and control. The two break down how Rapido configured the class lights, Mars light, and emergency light—and how George plans to separate and customize their…

3. 

   S3 · E1 · 23 Jan 2026 · 22 min

   Brass Caboose Upgrades & Decoder Reset Basics (S3 E2)

   George brings in a Missouri Pacific brass model caboose he painted, upgraded with new trucks, and outfitted with a SoundCar. Then Tom walks you through the correct way to reset the decoder, highlighting a crucial step that’s been missed a lot lately: cycling the power. Tune in for hands-on modeling tips and decoder know-how you can use right away.

4. 

   S3 · E1 · 13 Jan 2026 · 35 min

   Back on Track: Layout Planning, Realistic Operations, and Show Season Ahead (S3E1)

   George and Tom are back after the holidays and talkingtrains once again! This week, they dive into layout building and Tom’s plans for a new home layout, with a focus on how real railroads operate—and how you can model those same practices through thoughtful layout construction and locomotive operation. They also highlight the beautiful work of Charlie Duckworth,sharing photos of his impressive layout for those watching the video version of the podcast. The conversation then shifts to upcoming shows, including Prototype Rails in Cocoa Beach, Florida on January 8, 2026, and Amherst in…

5. 

   S2 · E22 · 26 Dec 2025 · 44 min

   Rehab, Retail, and Getting Started with Blunami (S2 E22)

   Tom kicks things off with an undecorated Bluford Shops Missouri Pacific caboose, sharing plans to paint it, add lighting, and install either a SoundCar decoder or a BLU-1100. George then brings in his “Rehab My Loco” Athearn SD40 to show how far a model can be elevated with some hands-on work and a new decoder. The conversation wraps up with a visit from Wes at Just Trains in California, where they talk about the hobby, running a local hobby shop, and how Blunami makes it easier than ever for beginners to get started.

6. 

   S2 · E20 · 28 Nov 2025 · 31 min

   Bringing the Hobby Shop to You with A&S Trains (S2 E20)

   George and Tom are joined by Arron from A&S Trains to talk about the A&S website and their unique approach to traveling to tradeshows—bringing the full hobby shop experience right to attendees. From there, the conversation shifts into a deep dive on Blunami, where George, Tom, and Arron share why it’s one of their favorite ways to run and enjoy their trains.

7. 

   S2 · E19 · 17 Nov 2025 · 40 min

   Making Your Layout Feel Bigger with Blunami & Realistic Operations (S2 E19)

   Tom shows off his newly upgraded Athearn GP15-1 C&EI, now equipped with Blunami and renumbered. George brings his ScaleTrains D&RGW Rio Grande GP30—also upgraded with Blunami—and demonstrates full lighting control. Together, they dive into how SoundTraxx decoders can enhance your layout. By using realistic features like momentum, braking, and other prototypical behaviors, you can make your layout feel larger, extend your operating sessions, and boost overall enjoyment of the hobby.

8. 

   S2 · E18 · 23 Oct 2025 · 40 min

   Fall Projects (NW2 and On30 C-19) and Deadrail Discussion (S2 E18)

   It’s fall in Durango, CO, and Tom has a new undecorated Walthers NW2 that he plans to paint to resemble a Zeigler Coal NW2. He’s also preparing to install a new BLU-1100 in it. Meanwhile, George shows off his Precision Scale On3 C-19 RGS 41, which he’s upgraded with Blunami. This model is battery-equipped, eliminating the need for track power. George explains how he upgraded the lighting on the locomotive and shares how class lights were used on real locomotives. He and Tom also discuss battery power and how you can run Blunami in deadrail. Watch now to join the discussion! Related videos…

9. 

   S2 · E17 · 26 Sep 2025 · 40 min

   What’s New in the Blunami App | CV Tools, Consisting & More (S2 E17)

   George shows off our 35th Anniversary gear, available now on our website. He highlights some of our industry firsts, including our very first product, the Hyperlight, and our role in helping establish the DCC standard. Then, he gives a sneak peek at the new Blunami App for Apple devices, featuring powerful updates like CV Copy, CV Utility, Function Mapping Management and Naming, Consist Functions and Consisting, and Locomotive Sorting. Explore the Basics of DCC with SoundTraxx (Webinar4): https://youtu.be/t4xYHXkJXUk?si=WNm3g7ntKHarQ8Ic Consisting Blunami Decoders…

10. 

    S16 · E16 · 12 Sep 2025 · 34 min

    Talking Trains, Tips, and Blunami Updates (S2 E16)

    George and Tom chat about their passion for customer service and connecting with fellow modelers. Tom shows off his upgraded Athearn Genesis GP38-2 featuring a Blunami BLU-21PNEM8 decoder, while George shares a fewmodeling tips and gives an update on his recently rebuilt Bachmann engine that still needs a little TLC after a nose-dive. They also cover upcoming tradeshows SoundTraxx will be attending and share news about the soon-to-be-releasedBlunami Apple App.