Episode 283: John Gardiner a.k.a. G4

Episode 283: John Gardiner a.k.a. G4

From a ModelersLife by Lionel Strang

April 27, 2026 · 1h 18m

About this episode

This episode features a conversation with John Gardiner IV about his travels and photography of Diesel Multiple Units across the Amtrak system.

This week, we hear from G4, aka Doctor G4, Notch 11, aka John Gardiner IV. G4 is a long-time friend of the podcast and a valued member of the AML Nation. In this sprawling conversation, we hear about G4's travel across nearly the entire Amtrak system from coast to coast to explore and photograph Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs). We discuss G4 biking across commuter rail systems, capturing thousands of photographs to support a future article for Railroad Model Craftsman. There's also discussion about European and American DMU prototype equipment, currently available as scale models from Europe, and all the while, G4 does his best to absolutely annoy the Evil Overlord. So sit back, with a big bowl of shredded light rail schedules, slow down your podcast player's speed to 0.75x, and buckle up for a fun conversation. To learn more about G4, DMUs, or their podcast, "Proto-Future", visit their website: https://www.bgtmrring.org/

People in this episode

Host: Lionel Strang

Guest: John Gardiner IV

Topics covered

  • Amtrak travel
  • Diesel Multiple Units
  • model railroading
  • photography
  • commuter rail systems

Keywords

  • G4
  • DMUs
  • model trains
  • photography
  • railroad

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Railroad Model Craftsman, Proto-Future

Places: Amtrak

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