Claim OwnershipAround The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast
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© 2025 - Raymond J. Arnott Jr. - All Rights Reserved
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Join us as we bring you stories from model railroaders just like you. We talk to enthusiasts across the hobby and learn about their beginnings, challenges, accomplishments and ultimately what excites and motivates them. Come hang out with us Around The Layout and be inspired to create your own model railroading story to share.
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ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 12, 2024It's been nearly two years to the day since we last had Sammy Carlile on Around The Layout Podcast and considering the amazing amount of things to talk about with his Santa Fe Hereford Subdivision, that's completely unacceptable! Making up for lost time, he's our guest for this month's Talking Ops with Don Irace, where Sammy shared how he developed his operating scheme, runs a whole bunch of trains, and keeps his operating crew busy and on their toes.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/
The saying is "go big or go home", but Todd Treaster went small so he could go big in his home. On this episode of Around The Layout, this Pennsylvania native and former railroader tells us how his passion for big railroading, spawned by childhood memories and his time working for Big Blue kept him laser focused and allowed him to build a collection with mind blowing numbers. Todd also tells us about the joy both he and his wife have when they get to share the collection and layout with others.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/201Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.comThank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs:https://www.1810designs.com/
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 29, 2024They say that music can bring people together, and, in the case of Joey Giunto, it can also lead to meeting your model railroad mentor. On this episode of Around The Layout, Joey shares his model railroading journey and how a music gig led him to meeting a great friend and how they lifted each other up in the hobby. Joey also shares how, after his mentor's passing, he keeps his memory alive through his modeling efforts.Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/
How do you prevent yourself from spending money on rolling stock you don't need? Matthew Freix returns to Around The Layout Podcast to share how he's developed guardrails by studying his prototype and making a commitment to sticking to a plan. Matt shares his research process and how it's helped him narrow his focus and stay on track. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month and hear how others have established guardrails.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/202Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.comThank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs:https://www.1810designs.com/
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 22, 2024Layout Command Control - it sounds cool, but what exactly is it? On this episode of ATLP, Dave Barraza tells us the basics of LCC, how the standard was developed and, most importantly, how it can help bring our layouts to life. Dave shares how he's using LCC on his layout and how it compares to the electronics used on the prototype. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/
While some will argue that model railroad season is 12 months long, it's hard to deny that,when the weather gets colder, activity in the hobby heats up. On this month's What's Happening In Model Railroading, Mike and Jeff Zucker from Spring Creek Model Trains stop by to tell us how to properly prepare to head back to the train room, what's trending this model railroad season and what should be on everyone's letter to Santa. Mike and Jeff also share their joy in helping model railroaders and their spouses or parents pick out the perfect gift to give for the holidays.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/200Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.comThank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 8, 2024Drew James, owner of the Canada Spokane & Pacific, made his return to the ATLP studio, picking up where he left off from last July. Drew tells us about how the operations on his layout have evolved, his efforts to keep things fresh for his group of operators and answers the question, "why is there a wye?" Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/
How does one build a solid foundation for an operations layout without even knowing? On this edition of Talking Ops with Don Irace, we find out how Lou DiRosso took his Conrail Boston Line layout from one where he watched memories of childhood railfanning and turned it into a fully interactive experience. Lou talks about the inspiration and help he's received from the folks behind Island Ops and how he's learning from every operating session to make the next one better. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/197Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.comThank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 24, 2024On this episode of Around The Layout, we head to New Jersey and talk to Ralph Heiss, owner of the Lehigh Valley Harbor Terminal HO scale layout and frequent operator of quite a few great layouts in the Garden State. Ralph tells us how he got started in the hobby and how he was operating at great layouts by the age of 17. He also shares how he researched the Lehigh Valley, his passion for the history and ghost railroading and how to make good use of free time gifted by a hurricane derived power outage.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/
If you're one of those who think the hobby is dying, have a listen to this podcast. In his early 20's, Kinzer Hurt is already making a big impact on the model railroading hobby with a smaller approach; shelf layouts of short line railroads that allow him to drill into super detailing and cover a variety of railroads he's come to admire through in-person and virtual experiences. Later, I ask Kinzer what younger modelers are looking for and get his take on what's needed to get the next generation involved in the community. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/196Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.comThank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 1, 2024On this episode of Around The Layout Podcast, we talk to model railroad product reviewer and author Ryan Crawford. Ryan provides us with an inside look into his process for writing reviews, including the prototype research, evaluating details, and sharing what you need to know to make an educated purchasing decision. Ryan and Ray also chat about the amazing advances in today's models and what they would like to see more of. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners.Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/
How does one create a model railroading story of their very own? On this episode of Around The Layout Podcast, we talk to Christopher Palmieri, one of the leading voices in the freelance model railroading community, and learn more about the freelance concept and how it can benefit those who aren't completely sold on a fully prototype approach. Chris lays out steps to follow to start creating a freelance story and provides recommendations on resources to learn more. Later, we hear answers from our listeners to the Question of the Month. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/195Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/
It's time for part three of our coverage of the 2025 Colorado Rail Proto Meet in Greeley, Colorado. On this episode, we talk to Hank Stephens, Christopher Palmieri from Home Shops, Ken Zieska from Crossing Gate Podcast and Chris Palomarez from Intermountain Railway Co.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/192Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com
Put your prototype research to good use. That's what Matthew Freix is doing by contributing to the book Gateway Western - A Regional In Transitiion. Matt tells us what he's learned and what you can get out of this new book that is coming soon from White River Productions. Later, Ray and Tony discuss new products from Class One Model Works, Walthers, ScaleTrains, PIKO America, Rapido Trains, Broadway Limited Imports and Bachmann Trains.This episode was recorded live as part of our first Around The Layout Podcast Live on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@aroundthelayoutLearn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/194Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com
It's time for part two of our coverage of the 2025 Colorado Rail Proto Meet in Greeley, Colorado. On this episode, we talk to Greg McComas, Bill Schneider from Rapido, Rick Bacon and Bob Stears from Roka. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/191Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/
What would you do if you discovered a passion for operations well into your layout build? Our guest on this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace, Mark Herrick, did just that and tells us how he took what he started, and with some inspiration and guidance from a good friend, turned his BNSF Montana Division that was originally designed for two and used artistic licence to turn it into an operations layout that hosts up to six and provides a diverse list of jobs. Mark talks about recreating lost industries to enhance the experience and how a layout owner should approach the process of developing jobs.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/193Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/
Picturesque views, an amazing model railroad museum, a hotbed of top notch layouts and now an event bringing modelers together from both the prototype and freelance approaches - this is what the 2025 Colorado Rail Proto Meet delivers. ATLP host Ray Arnott was on the scene and talked to several of the show attendees and this is part one of three of those conversations. On this episode, Ray talks to Radisson McGuire, Mike Zucker, Brian Sopke and George Bogatiuk. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/190Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.comThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/
Can the process of building the a big layout be the same as eating an elephant? For Brent Johnson, taking one bite at a time is an approach that has kept his flywheel turning as he looks to accomplish a rather large layout build of the Clinchfield Railroad Carolina Division. Brent also shares how he used an interim layout to prepare for this build, and how early influences led him to model the southern end of the Clinchfield Railroad.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/184Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com
Come along with ATLP host Ray Arnott as he attends his first Mid-Atlantic RPM just outside of Baltimore, Maryland. Ray talks to several show participants about what they brought to share at MARPM and how the event affords them the opportunity to learn more and spend time with like-minded folks. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/188Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/Thak you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics:https://highballgraphics.com/
As I prepare to join my fellow content creators in creating T-Trak modules, I thought it might be a good idea to get an education on N scale from someone who knows the topic well. So, on this episode of Around The Layout Podcast, Jimmy DIY gives me the 101 on 1:160th, from starter sets to locomotives and rolling stock and the overall differences between HO and N. Later, we hear from our audience as we listen to the answers submitted for our Question Of The Month.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/189Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:https://homeshops.net/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com
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