Claim OwnershipAround The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast
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© 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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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
30 miles west of Boston and inside a former rope factory not too far from the current Fitchburg Line is one amazing model railroad club. On this episode of Around The Layout, we learn more about the Nashua Valley Railroad Association from members Scott Lukas and Thomas Fitzgerald, who tell us about the club's origins, how they lucked into such an amazing space, and how they've created an amazing layout covering the neighboring Boston & Maine line. They also share how the layout has advanced in technology and how the club has used these advancements to attract and retain a younger membership base. Later, we talk about their yearly train show event, Railfair 2025 in Boxboro, Massachusetts. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/178Thank 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/
The weather is cooling down here in North America, but the model railroading season is heating up as we look to head to our train rooms and make some progress on our layouts. Model Railroad News editor Tony Cook stops by for his monthly visit, and before telling us about the latest products in N, HO and O scale, we learn about a new book from White River Productions with some familiar names on the cover. We also debut a new segment on the WHIMR show, letting us know about upcoming RPM's around the globe. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/187Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 13, 2024How can we take prototypical railroad rules and regulations and apply them to our layouts? That's what professional railroader Dustin Whitten is here to answer as he talks about taking pages from the railroad rulebook and using them to better the simulation of your model railroad. Dustin shares how these rules can be modified in compression with examples from his N&W South Branch.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, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com
What components help make an operating session great? That's the question that Don Irace helps to answer on this edition of Talking Ops. Don takes us through his list of before, during and after operating session tasks that keep operators smiling and looking forward to their next trip back to your layout. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/186Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com
Every RPM seems to have it's own flavor, and for the Colorado Rail Proto Meet this year, the Home Shops Freelance Forum will provide an experience like no other. Home Shops owner Christopher Palmieri tells us how this idea of bringing freelancers together was born and why the CORPM and the Colorado Model Railroad Museum are the perfect partners for this event. Christopher shares all of the activities surrounding the Freelance Forum, including clinics, operating sessions and model displays that will allow attendees the opportunity to learn more about other's freelance railroads and give them the tools they need to craft their own story.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/185Thank 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/
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 3, 2024We've seen many prototypical railroads bought and sold over the years, but how about a freelance model railroad changing hands? That's how current owner of the Brownville & Ashland, Chris Gilbert, took ownership of this Maine based short line. Oh, did I mention he's also in the United Kingdom? Chris tells us how this transaction went down, how he made the B&A his own, and how he got into modeling American railroading across the big pond. He also shares his experience working with Christopher Palmieri on his now sold out Home Shops / Prairie Shadows 50' hi-cube boxcar. 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, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com
You'd be hard pressed to find someone in the model railroad hobby with the enthusiasm and ambition of Michelle Kempema. It's probably why it was no surprise that she, along with the team at the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, launched a much needed Railroad Prototype Modelers meet in Greeley, Colorado in 2024. The event was a success and now Michelle and her team are looking to grow in the sophomore edition of the Colorado Rail Proto Meet with a new venue and expanded offerings for modelers not only in the Centennial State, but for those looking to come together to share in the comradery.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/183Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/
Bradd Williamson and Patrick Moore are proving that when you find your people, big things can happen, even if it's about 1:160 scale. After an accidental hijacking of a fellow N scalers group, they started the Iron City N Scale Facebook group, which led to a modular group with just one rule. Building upon the success of the group, Bradd and Pat started the Iron City Roundhouse Report podcast, giving a voice to the group and adding another way for Iron City to reach around the planet.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/181Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, HomeShops Freelance Forum:https://homeshops.net/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com
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 to make viewers of his layout feel like they are trackside on his IAIS Milan Branch.Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/117Thank 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/
A product line that spans generations for over 190 years - that's what Bachmann has brought to our hobby. Matt Stern joins Tony Cook and Ray Arnott to tell us the latest news from this legendary company and the return of some classic offerings. Later, Tony and Ray discuss news from Athearn, Rapido, Smokebox Graphics, Walthers and more. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/180Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, HomeShops Freelance Forum:https://homeshops.net/Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:https://scalesigns.com/
We keep the RPM theme going on Mondays as we head from St. Louis to just outside our nation's capital and talk to Bernie Kempinski about the 2025 Mid-Atlantic RPM. Bernie gives us a brief history of MARPM and how the committee prepares for their meet. Bernie shares about the many exciting opportunities to learn through their clinics, operating sessions and layout tours, along with the many models on display at the event in Linthicum, Maryland. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/179Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com
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