Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast
Around The Layout is a podcast about model railroading. Host Ray Arnott talks with model railroaders about how they got started, the challenges they've faced, and what they've accomplished. Guests share what excites and motivates them in the hobby. The show aims to inspire listeners to create their own model railroading stories.
Episodes
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops With Don Irace - Operations On The CS&P with Drew James - October 8, 2024
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 8, 2024How does a layout owner balance operational complexity and guest enjoyment on a large-scale proto-freelance railroad?Drew James joins Around The Layout Podcast to discuss the operational design and evolution of the Canada Spokane and Pacific, his 1,500-square-foot, proto-freelanced HO scale layout set in June 1978 and jointly owned by the Burlington
Talking Ops With Don Irace - Switching In The Big Apple with Bruce Ryan
What happens when an operator brings ongoing prototype research and personal experimentation to a compact urban switching layout?Bruce Ryan joins Around The Layout Podcast for an in-depth discussion of operations on his Manhattan Terminal Railroad—a proto-freelance HO scale model inspired by New York City’s industrial railroading. With a background rooted in both lifelong interest and city living,
ATLP Rewind - The Art Of The Review with Ryan Crawford - October 1, 2024
How does a detail-oriented prototype modeler approach product reviews for Model Railroad News while balancing accuracy, practicality, and respect for manufacturers’ efforts?Ryan Crawford joins Around The Layout Podcast to discuss the methods, decision-making, and research that shape his reviews for Model Railroad News. Drawing on his background modeling the Chicago and Illinois Midland and firstha
ATLP Rewind - Introduction To N Scale with Jimmy DIY - September 25, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 25, 2025What happens when an HO scale modeler steps into N scale, and how do different approaches, products, and tradeoffs shape the experience? Jimmy DIY of the DIY and Digital Railroads YouTube channel joins Around The Layout Podcast for an in-depth discussion on entering and succeeding in N scale modeling. Drawing from hands-on experience and experime
Rooting A Freelance World In Reality With Patrick Harris
What makes a fictional railroad feel so real that visitors forget it never existed? In this episode of Around the Layout, host Ray Arnott welcomes Patrick Harris of Three Notch Rail to demystify the art of rooting freelance railroading in reality. Patrick Harris shares how geography, history, traffic patterns, and even color palettes can transform a creative vision into a railroad that stands shou
NVRRA & RailFair 2026 Preview with Thomas Fitzgerald
Ever wondered how a model railroad club thrives and grows over decades, while bringing together hobbyists of every experience level? In this episode, we welcome Thomas Fitzgerald of the Nashua Valley Railroad Association to discuss the club’s rich history—from its beginnings in the back room of a hobby shop to its impressive current home in Phoenix Park in Shirley, MA. They explore the evolution o
What's Happening In Model Railroading - September 2026 - Bachmann Trains' Matt Stern
What does it take for a major model train manufacturer to keep both beginner enthusiasts and hardcore prototype modelers happy? In this episode of Around the Layout, Ray Arnott sits down with Matt Stern from Bachmann Trains for an in-depth discussion about the evolving demands of the model railroading community, the challenges of prototyping road-specific and number-specific details, and how Bachm
2026 Freelance Forum Preview with Christopher Palmieri
Does freelance belong at a railroad prototype modelers meet? That’s the question posed to Christopher Palmieri, owner of Home Shops and creator of the Freelance Forum, as he joins Ray Arnott to preview this year’s event at the 2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet. Together, they explore how freelance model railroading intersects with prototype accuracy, tracing the origins and evolution of the Freelance
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Operations On The MKT with David Heyde
What does it take to design a model railroad layout that's both true to its prototype and a joy to operate with friends? In this episode, Ray Arnott and co-host Don Irace are joined by David Heyde for an in-depth conversation about building and evolving a medium-sized Missouri- Kansas-Texas layout in a one bay garage —right down to the details that bring Central Texas railroading to life in the sp
2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet Preview with Michelle Kempema & Dave Oppedisano
What makes Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) meets such a unique and rapidly growing tradition in the model railroading community? In this episode of Around the Layout, Ray Arnott welcomes Michelle Kempema and Dave to preview the upcoming Colorado Rail Proto Meet, exploring how RPMs differ from traditional train shows through their emphasis on inclusivity, hands-on learning, and information sharin
Aaron Cecala & Prairie Girl Grains
What happens when a lifelong researcher brings his scientific curiosity to model railroading a bit later in life? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Cecala to explore his unique journey from childhood fascination through a career in neurobiology, and how he finally found his way into the hobby. Aaron shares the story behind designing his plausible yet fictional single-industry layout, how his
ATLP Rewind - The Theatrical Approach To Model Railroading with Scott Thornton - August 27. 2024
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 27, 2024What if we looked at our layouts like they were the stage of a grand performance? On this episode, the talented and thought provoking Scott Thornton comes by to share his passion for taking elements of the theatre and applying it to his model railroad. Scott shares how he uses similar approaches as they do on the stage with lighting, sound and props
Model Railroading For The Soul with Bernard Hellen
What if your model railroad hobby could actually improve your mental and physical health? In this episode of Around the Layout, Ray Arnott sits down with Bernard Hellen—aka "Dr. Mini"—to discuss the deeper reasons behind why we model, exploring the science that reveals how railroading as a hobby boosts well-being, reduces stress, and builds community. Together, they dive into research-backed findi
ATLP Rewind - Neil Schofield & CP Rail's Newport & Lyndonville Subdivision - January 23, 2024
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 23, 2024Neil Schofield and his CP Rail's Newport & Lyndonville Subdivision has been our guest wish list since the start of the podcast, so when Neil reached out to be on the podcast, there was quite the celebration! Before telling us about his amazing layout, Neil tells us about his start in model railroading and forcing the transition era on his dad's
What's Happening In Model Railroading - August 2026 - 2026 St. Louis RPM
What’s trending in the world of model railroading, and what were the standout moments at this year’s St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) meet? In this episode, Ray Arnott is joined by Joe Markins from the Dajo Trains YouTube channel for a rapid-fire review of the latest model releases, including updates from Rapido, ScaleTrains, Tangent, Atlas, and more. Listeners are taken behind the scen
ATLP Rewind - Model Railroad Estate Planning with John Sacerdote & Dave Owens - July 31, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 31, 2025I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but, someday, you're going to die. Before that happens, it's time to make a plan, and that's the message Dave Owens and John Sacerdote deliver on this episode of Around The Layout. Dave and John share how the Amherst Railway Society has helped many families who have lost their beloved model railroaders and give sou
ATLP Rewind - Alan Schroeder & The Marias Pass - August 7, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 7, 2025How can the gift of a single locomotive change layout plans? That's what we'll find out on this episode of Around The Layout Podcast as we head to Wisconsin to talk to Alan Schroeder about his Burlington Northern Marias Pass layout. Alan shares his early influences and tells us about the layouts leading up to his take on 1990's railroading on the Nor
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Changes For The Better
When is it time to make a change on your model railroad layout? In this episode of Around the Layout’s "Talking Ops," Ray Arnott and Don Irace dive into the important—and sometimes daunting—question of recognizing when operations or layout features have gone stale, and how to tackle improvements for more realistic and enjoyable sessions. Don shares real-life examples from his own P&W layout, d
All Aboard The Summerville Steam Special - Interviews Powered By Coal and ScaleTrains
What happens when model railroaders from around the world gather aboard a historic steam excursion through the scenic landscapes between Georgia and Tennessee? In this special episode of the podcast, Ray Arnott takes listeners on board the Summerville Steam Special during the lead-up to the 2026 National Train Show in Chattanooga. Along the way, he catches up with industry veterans, renowned model
Dawn & Her Model Railway Quest
What happens when a lifelong painter is handed a miniature figure and asked to pick up a tiny brush? In this episode, we sit down with Dawn Quest, the creative mind behind Model Railway Quest, to explore her unconventional journey into model railroading. Starting with the simple act of painting figures for a friend, Dawn Quest shares how her passion for art quickly evolved into building film-inspi
ATLP Rewind - Dustin Whitten & The N&W South Branch - July 9, 2024
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 9, 2024You've probably have heard of model railroaders that go on to become railroaders, but how about a railroader who starts their model railroading journey after hiring on to the railroad? That's the story of Dustin Whitten, a long time employee of Norfolk Southern who despite growing up near Southern Railway, has fallen for the Norfolk & Western. Dust
ATLP Rewind - Robin Felder & The Jackieville Switching Layout - July 10, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 10, 2025Even when you're thousands of miles away from your prototype, you might not be that far from your people. That's what we find out on this episode of Around The Layout as we talk to Robin Felder from Switzerland. Robin tells how his love for American railroading began and how he's been able to satisfy that big layout desire with a large group of friend
Choosing The Right Control System with Nathan Holmes & Michael Petersen
What factors should you consider before choosing a model railroad control system? In this episode of Around the Layout, host Ray Arnott is joined by Nathan Holmes and Michael Peterson of Iowa Scaled Engineering to demystify the world of control systems for model railroads. They dive into topics from the basics of DC and DCC, the benefits and complexities of integrated control systems, and the grow
ATLP Rewind - Mental Health & Model Railroading with Dan Dossa - June 26, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released June 26, 2025As we head towards the end of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, the June topic episode focuses on the mental health benefits of model railroading. Dan Dossa, model railroader and retired clinical and neuro psychologist with 29 years of practice, joins us to share about his own experiences and observations with life's struggles and how the h
What's Happening In Model Railroading - July 2026 - Curtis Koch From Broadway Limited Imports
What does it take to produce high quality, super detailed steam locomotives in a number of variations? That's just one of the questions Curtis Koch from Broadway Limited answers on this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading. Curtis tells us how Broadway Limited gets help from modelers and historical societies to ensure the model lives up to the prototype and tells us several projects th
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops with Don Irace - Somerset & Raritan Ops with John Farrington
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released July 17, 2025After a two-parter with Thomas Klimoski on small layouts and the potential they hold, it was perfect timing to talk about operations on John Farrington's Somerset & Raritan. Don Irace joins Ray Arnott in the ATLP Studio to talk to his neighbor about the small layout that's become a blast to operate thanks to John's creativity, willingness
Combining Prototype Modeling With Ops: 2026 St. Louis RPM Preview
What does operations have to do with prototype modeling? Lonnie Bathurst, organizer of the St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) Meet, and Rick Watson, President of the Operations Special Interest Group (OPSIG), stop by the ATLP studio for a deep dive into the 2026 St. Louis RPM. This year, the nation's largest RPM meet puts the spotlight on “Operation - The Key to Modeling Your Prototype.”
ScaleTrains & The Scenic City Express with Shane Wilson
What does it take to bring the NMRA National Convention to your backyard? That's one of the questions we asked of Tennessean and ScaleTrains President Shane Wilson as he provided an insider look at the excitement building around the 2026 NMRA National Convention, coming for the first time in 90 years to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Shane tells us how the idea took shape, the massive effort behind the
John Arrowsmith & The Santa Fe 1st Arizona Sub
Family, persistence, and prototype research - the heart of John Arrowsmith’s model railroading story. In this episode, John shares how a childhood Tyco set in Australia led him to North American railroading, why the Santa Fe’s First Arizona Subdivision captured his imagination, and how he’s bringing 1950s Arizona to life from thousands of miles away. Along the way, we talk name trains, garage-size
Special Report: ATLP News and Notes
There's a lot happening at Around The Layout Podcast! Host Ray Arnott and Executive Producer Paul Cassar bring you up to speed on upcoming model railroading events that you can find ATLP at and three giveaways in the month of July. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/247Thank you to our episode sponsor, NarrowThrottle by Scott Thornton:https://narrowthrottle.square.sit
From Paper To Plywood with Dave Oppedisano
Starting over isn't easy, but it can be an opportunity. Dave Oppedisano returns to Around The Layout Podcast with an update on the second version of the BNSF Lakeside Sub, now located in the shop adjacent to his new home just outside of Fort Worth, Texas. Dave walks us through how he's taking the paper plans for his layout and translating it to the plywood of his benchwork, and how he's handling o
ATLP Rewind - Car Routing: The Road To Realism with Matthew Freix - July 30, 2024
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 30, 2024Matthew Freix has a passion for car routing, and that might be an understatement! Matt shares the lengths he has gone to research the Gateway Western and how it helped him build a highly accurate simulation of the railroad in 1995. Matt shares how going way down the rabbit hole has made his model railroad more enjoyable and appear like he remembers it
What's Happening In Model Railroading - June 2026 - Mike Zucker from Spring Creek Model Trains
The Model Railroad Road Warriors - that's Spring Creek Model Trains. The road show continues all summer long and Mike Zucker joins us to share their cross-country plans to bring the best mobile hobby shop on the planet to the foot of the modeler. Mike shares how three generations of Zuckers are now involved with the family business and the logistics behind getting to 3 shows in three weekends and
ATLP Rewind - Steve Pettit & Too Many Layouts To List Here - June 12, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released June 12, 2025One man and a multitude of layouts. That's how Steve Pettit has developed his amazing skill set and we learn all about his beginnings on this episode of Around The Layout. Steve answers the question of how, as an Australian, became interested in North American railroads and how his diverse interests in railroads and scales has helped him conne
Talking Ops with Don Irace - The Valley Local Ops with Chris Adams
How can you turn your layout into a historical reenactment? For our Talking Ops guest Chris Adams, that was the mission when he created his layout, The Valley Local. Chris shares how his passion for history drove his desire to have an operating railroad that immerses his operators into a full late 1940's experience. Chris also shares how his methods for running his operating sessions have evolved
Less Is More with Scott Thornton
Going smaller by going bigger. That's the next chapter in the modeling story of our guest Scott Thornton. Scott tells us how he is tranisitioning to a larger scale railroad that's forcing him to think smaller when it comes to a track plan, and how this new prototype based freelance railroad will set him free and allow the creativity he enjoys. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthe
ATLP Rewind - This Old Layout - June 5, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released June 5, 2025Sometimes, an old layout is worth saving, especially one that is rich in history and has been touched by some model railroading greats. This is the story of the Rochester Model Railroad Club and their efforts to take their 1980's layout from DC to DCC and make it a layout that is modernized and interactive. Club members Ed O'Connell and Rob Bar
Cameron Stait and Robertson In HO Scale
Big trains in small spaces. It can be done and done well and Cameron Stait is here to tell us how he did it. Cameron shares his model railroading journey that led to a spare bedroom where he has created a prototypical recreation of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales in HO scale. We learn how he has effectively used a second backdrop to provide the illusiuon that these long freight trains ha
Modeling Autumn Scenery - A New Book From Marty McGuirk
Cool nights, warm cider and a beautiful color display from Mother Nature. The autumn season creates stunning scenes and, on this special episode of Around The Layout, Marty McGuirk stops by to tell us about the new book he has authored to help you bring the spectacle of fall to your layout. Marty shares how the book will help you select the right time of the autumn season and gives tips and tricks
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops with Don Irace - Small Layout, Big Ops Potential with Thomas Klimoski - May 20, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 20, 2025It's time for part 2 with author and model railroader Thomas Klimoski, and joining us to dig into operations on small layouts is our resident expert on the topic, Don Irace. Tom talks about how a smaller layout can still pack a full operations experience with some good planning and can be beneficial for those who don't have a huge crew or the time to m
What's Happening In Model Railroading - May 2026 - Home Shops' Christopher Palmieri
Freelance Railroading, Elevated. That's the new slogan from today's leading voice in freelance railroading, Home Shops. Owner Christopher Palmieri joins us and tells about a new partnership with a familiar name that has already started to elevate the offerings from Home Shops with a bunch of exciting annoucements. Chris tells us what he's looking for in a freelance railroading when planning projec
ATLP Rewind - Mike Landis & The MKT Sedalia Sub II - May 6, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 6, 2025You know what they say about best laid plans? On this episode of Around The Layout, we do some catching up with Mike Landis and the unexpected challenges of moving his MKT Sedalia Sub to his new home. Mike tells us how the first version of the layout was supposed to make the move with him, but how that idea got derailed and a new strategy has taken its
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Marias Pass Operations with Alan Schroeder
How does Alan Schroeder bring the Marias Pass to life? It's done with an action packed operating session! On this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace, Alan returns to Around The Layout Podcast to share how he's taken research on the prototype and translated it to his layout, entertaining over a dozen operators and keeping them on their toes with subtle changes that make each session unique. Alan
ATLP Rewind - Sipping & Switching Society of North Carolina with Glen Frix - April 22, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released April 22, 2025What if I were to tell you that a group of enthusiasts could come together to run a massive modular layout without having a big book of rules or a governing body? Allow us to introduce you to the Sipping & Switching Society of North Carolina, where the name is as about as formal as these folks get, yet they successfully gather half a doze
Inside The 2026 Sydney RPM - Part Two
Let's head back Down Under for the final installment of our 2026 Sydney RPM coverage. On this episode, we talk to attendees including Cameron Stait, Jarryd Langford, Lyndon Summers, Greg Harper, Kieran Ryan, Aaron Stinson, and Paul Cassar. Later, Sydney RPM creator Justin Mitchell joins me to put a bookend on the event and previews what's to come for future Sydney RPM's. Learn more about this epi
ATLP Extra Giveaway - May 2026
A quick drop into your podcast playlist to remind you about the ATLP Extra Giveaway and invite you to join the ATLP Operating Crew. Sign up for ATLP Extra, our free monthly newsletter for your chance to win the Athearn EMD SD39 HO Scale Locomotive:https://www.aroundthelayout.com/newsletterSign up for the ATLP Operating Crew and join in on the Tuesday night and Aussie Thursday night fun!https://www
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops With Don Irace - Bulletproof Operations - April 8, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 8, 2025How can we make our layout operating sessions bulletproof? On this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace, Don sits down 1 on 1 with host Ray Arnott in-person at the ATLP Studio to share the lessons learned over 20 years and hundreds of his own operating sessions to create an amazing experience for his operators. We learn that success starts with prope
Inside the 2026 Sydney RPM - Part One
What does a room full of passionate model railroaders sound like? That's what we were in Australia to capture during the inaugural Sydney RPM. We sat down with attendees, vendors, clinicians and content creators to get their take on this event and the state of model railroading in Australia, and how this event has intertwined both North American and Australian prototype modelers from eastern Austr
ATLP Rewind - Industry Planning For Modern Era Switching Layouts with Lance Mindheim - April 1, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 1, 2025Analysis Paralysis, the terrible condition that keeps many from getting the stuff we bought out of the closet, to the workbench and on to our layouts. Lance Mindheim is back with another new book under his arm, written to help his readers get the flywheel turning and keep it moving. Lance talks about industry selection and shares how the book can guid
What's Happening In Model Railroading - Jason Shron at Rapido Trains
So why do we need preorders? That's just one of the questions Jason Shron, President and Founder of Rapido Trains answers on this edition of What's Happening In Model Railroading. Jason provides us an update from his last appearance and provides the latest on tariffs and the model railroad market. Jason also provides some insight into running a model railroad manufacturing business and all the beh
2026 New England RPM Preview with Dave Owens
Finding your people. Perhaps that's the best part of a RPM event and Dave Owens from the New England Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet comes by to tell us how you can come find your people at this gathering that has been connecting modelers for 24 years. Dave tells us how you can make the most of your NERPM experience by bringing models, asking questions and joining in on all the fun, laughter and
Talking Ops with Don Irace - OPSIG AP Program Update with Paul Weiss
A special interest group dedicated to promoting model railroad operations with an achievement program designed to encourage participation. That's the topic on this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace as we catch up with Paul Weiss from OPSIG. Paul brings us up to speed on the AP program he announced on Around The Layout Podcast back in August. Paul shares how you can get involved in earning achi
ATLP Rewind - Super Detailing: Down The Rabbit Hole with Bernard Hellen - March 25, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released March 25, 2025Want to make your layout come alive? Come along with Dr. Mini and I on this adventure down the rabbit hole into the world of super detailing. Miniprints' Bernard Hellen leads the way as we dive deep on the why behind creating scenes that tell well composed stories, sharing the thoughts from several outstanding modelers. Ultimately, the hobby
Justin Jankauskus & The D&H Penn Division
How can a layout not only bring back childhood memories, but also help create new ones? That's what Justin Jankauskus is creating with his D&H Penn Division HO scale layout. Justin tells us about his early life influences and how they led him back to the D&H in the 1970's after a long break in the hobby. Stay tuned to the end for a special guest who tells us his take on the layout and his
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops with Don Irace - Michigan Interstate Ops with Greg McComas - March 11, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released March 11, 2025On this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace, we head to Fort Worth, Texas to the Michigan Interstate St. Clair Sub of Greg McComas. Greg talks us through the development of his operating scheme on his 13'x12' double deck layout that provides hours of enjoyment for up to 4 operators. He also shares how he used the FLEX approach to ensure he
Model Railroad Content Creation with Tim Garland
The golden era of model railroading that we enjoy undoubtely includes the ability to share our layouts, projects and models online. On this episode, we're joined by Tim Garland, owner of the Seaboard Central HO scale model railroad, who has used his freelance railroad to create content for his Seaboard Central YouTube channel. Tim shares his process, including content planning, production and how
What's Happening In Model Railroading - Curtis Koch at Broadway Limited
Let's get down to business by talking business cars. Broadway Limited has been taking care of business in this category lately, and Curtis Koch from BLI comes by to tell us about their recent announcements at the Railroad Hobby Show that provides quite a selection of road names and phases for railroads of many eras. Curtis also shares how you can incorporate business trains into your operations. M
ATLP Rewind - Small Layout, Big Potential with Thomas Klimoski - March 17, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released March 17, 2025Want to know what the "Right-Sized Layout" is for you? Start with a mirror. That's just some of the advice shared by author and model railroader Thomas Klimoski. Tom wrote the book "Building The Right-Sized Layout" and he walks us through the thought process to ensure that you're on track for the layout that's a perfect fit for you. Then Tom
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops With Don Irace - BNSF Fall River Division Ops with John Parker
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released February 11, 2025On this month's Talking Ops with Don Irace, we're talking big operations with the owner of the BNSF Fall River Division, John Parker. John shares with us what it's like to prepare for and manage operations on his large layout. From track cleaning to crew selection and keeping them all busy, John gives a deep dive into what it takes to keep the BNS
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Planning Ops on the P&W
With thousands of operating sessions under his belt, Don Irace sure has a lot to share when it comes to hosting. On this episode, Don walks us through his workflow, starting with organizing the operating session and preparation that starts days before. Don also tells us how he encourages feedback from his operators and how that feedback helps ensure a great experience for each subsequent group.Lea
ATLP Rewind - Brenna Keefe & The Spring Valley Railroad - March 4, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 4, 2025If you need yet another reason to encourage youth in model railroading, come listen to Brenna Keefe's story. Brenna shares how positive influences in her family and model railroading community became the catalyst for her education and career. Brenna also shares how model railroading cemented bonds with her parents, grandparents and lifelong friends ma
David Heyde & The MKT Central Texas Subdivision
Achievable and attainable. Those are the words that come to mind while describing the MKT Central Texas Subdvision of our guest, David Heyde. David tells us how the MKT has stuck since childhood and how a busy adulthood has led him to build, as he describes, a "learning layout" that fits the current season of his life and permits him to balance model railroading with his personal life and professi
ATLP Rewind - Paul Stamp & The Finger Lakes Railway - February 5, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released February 4, 2025With young modelers like Paul Stamp on the scene, the future of model railroading is looking bright! A rising star in the NMRA Lakeshores Division, Paul takes us on his journey from a youth filled with Thomas The Tank Engine to small layouts in his college apartment to the awesome Finger Lakes Railway model railroad he's building and sharin
Introduction to Z Scale with Tim Mills
We're on a mission to cover the model railroad hobby from A to Z, so let's head to the end of the alphabet and the world of 1:220 scale. Tim Mills of US Z Scale comes by to give us the basics of Z scale, from locomotives and rolling stock to track and scenery. Tim tells us the benefits of modeling smaller, even if your asparations are to build in a bigger scale. Later, Tim and Ray listen to the an
Central Georgia RPM Preview with Paul Spilman & Stephen Floyd
When it comes to a RPM featuring a who's who of modeling, Georgia is on our minds! Paul Spilman and Stephen Floyd return to Around The Layout Podcast to tell us about the Central Georgia RPM and, after reflecting on the successes of the 2025 event, tell us how the 2026 edition is going to be even better. Stephen and Paul share all the details, including clinics, learning stations and how you can m
What's Happening In Model Railroading - Jordan Smith at Rapido Trains
Here's an episode that "U" should defintely listen to, especially if General Electric U Series Locomotives are your thing! Jordan Smith from Rapido Trains rejoins the podcast to dive deeper into the announcements from the Railroad Hobby Show including the long list of U's along with plastic pellet hoppers and Trenton Works boxcars. Joe from da-joe-trains on YouTube comes by to tell us What's Trend
ATLP Rewind - Affordable Model Railroading with Matt Forcum - February 3, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released February 3, 2025Do you think model railroading is too expensive to get started? Think again! MFRailroad's Matt Forcum comes by the ATLP studio to talk about ways to set limits and keep your hobby budget in check with helpful tips on buying locomotives, rolling stock and creating scenery. Matt also shares how careful planning can help set limits and prevent overspe
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Event Operating Sessions with Mark Herrick
What's better than a train show? How about a train show with local operating sessions to make your trip complete?! That's the topic on this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace as we talk to Mark Herrick, owner of the BNSF Montana Division HO scale layout. Over the last few years, Mark has opened his layout for muliple local events including the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield MA, NER reg
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops with Don Irace - Lakeshores Ops Squad with Ed O'Connell - January 14, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 14, 2026Having trouble creating operations on your existing layout? Want to create a new layout to host ops but don't know how? Call the Ops Squad! Ed O'Connell from the Lakeshores Division NMRA joins us on this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace to tell us about the group of operations experts he's helped assemble to help model railroaders in western N
2026 Railroad Hobby Show Recap
There was more than just the snow to talk about when it comes to the 2026 Railroad Hobby Show. Although the weather provided an unwelcomed challenge, it surely didn't stop this annual tradition that included new releases, exciting news and the gathering of tens of thousand model railroad enthusiasts. Listen in as we chat with several of the exhibitors that make up the four buildings of fun at the
ATLP Rewind - Erik Pioselli & The Martins Creek Branch - January 7, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 7, 2025Model railroading, photography, history and railfanning. They all tie together for Middletown, New York's Erik Pioselli. A guy that's been listening to the podcast since day one, Erik gets the chance to tell his story, from watching the Lehigh & Hudson Railroad as a youngster to an ill-advised yet prosperous ride with a stranger turned mentor, t
The Evolution of Model Railroading with Paul Stamp
The hobby isn't dying; it's evolving. We've said it many times here on the podcast and, on this episode, we dive into the current evolution of model railroading with Paul Stamp. Paul is very passionate about seeing the younger generation get involved and stay involved and he shares his take on what the future of the hobby looks like and how we can all contribute to it's longevity. Later, we hear a
ATLP Rewind - Authentic Prototype Modeling with Isaac Fabris - December 24, 2024
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released December 24, 2024We've talked quite a bit about freelance on Around The Layout Podcast, but now it's time to discuss a deeper dedication to the prototype with Isaac Fabris. Isaac shares the steps he's taking to make his CN/IC Gilman Sub/Heyworth Spur as close to an accurate representation of the prototype as he can. He also shares his theories on compression and h
What's Happening In Model Railroading - January 2026 - Tom Garza At ScaleSigns.com
If you're looking to add incredible detail to your layout, here's your sign. The Sign Guy himself, Tom Garza from ScaleSigns.com brings us up to speed on all things signage. Tom shares where you can find ScaleSigns at train shows across the country and how that's allowing him to focus on new product development and answering the demand for custom products. Tim Blackwell from Cowcatcher Magazine te
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops with Don Irace - River Belt Lines Ops with Paul Cassar
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released December 10, 2024You don't need a massive layout to create long lasting and enjoyable operations. That's the message Paul Cassar delivers on this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace as he describes his River Belt Line HO scale switching layout. Paul tells us how he's centered operations around a freelance concept involving 3 fallen flag railroads and the
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Lessons From Operations with Heath Hurwitz
Once you've discovered operations and see what your railroad can do, there's no going back. This is the journey of Heath Hurwitz, known for his now Wednesday night Trains N Tech YouTube weekly livestreams on his Human[c]ity Junction channel, who discovered a whole new world in model railroading when he stepped outside of his Manhattan layout room and got involved with operating sessions in his are
2026 Railroad Hobby Show Preview with John Sacerdote
It's time once again for the Granddaddy of model railroad shows - the Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show. Engineer John Sacerdote makes his annual visit to tell us what to expect at this ever-growing and bucket list event held every January on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield Massachusetts. John shares the results of their commitment to continious improve
Radisson McGuire & The Alabama Central
A freelance short line railroad modeled so well, you might have thought it was real. That's the Alabama Central of Radisson McGuire, a young and very talented modeler who has taken inspiration from prototype railfanning and some incredible inside access and lessons learned from RPM regulars to create a plausable model railroad of his own. Radisson shares his start in the hobby, with a life-changin
2025 Year In Review with Tim Blackwell
It's time to take a look back at 2025 and review some of the headlines from the year that was with the Editor of Cowcatcher Magazine, Tim Blackwell. From government policy to mergers and acquisitions, 2025 surely produced some newsmaking events. Later, Tim and Ray hear from our listeners as they share their model railroading accomplishments of the past year. Learn more about this episode on our we
What's Happening In Model Railroading - December 2025 - With Kevin Tully
It's hard to argue that 3D printing has played a major role in ushering in the Golden Era of model railroading that we're enjoying right now. Kevin Tully tells us more about how 3D printing is allowing his companies, Southern-Tier Grain Modelers Supply and Industrial Modelers Supply, to produce super detail components that take your basic off-the-shelf kits to the next level. Kevin shares with us
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