Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

A litte freelance model railroading amongst friends - that's what we get with Brian Sopke's Benton & Southern. Brian shares with us his model railroading journey that led him to team with a friend to create a freelance model railroad that connects them together. Additionally, Brian tells us what he learned by starting over, taking down a layout of frustration and creating his current railroad using lessons from the past.Learn more about this episode and find photos and additional links on our website:www.aroundthelayout.com/episodes/106Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 12, 2023With Father's Day less than a week away, we got the father/son duo of William Sampson and William Sampson together to share their bond over model railroading. William Sr. tells us how railroad is in the Sampson blood, with ties to railroading in several generations. He then tells us how he got started in the hobby, with influences from his past leading him to model the Great Northern in 1970. He then shares how his model railroading journey got even better with the arrival of William Jr, who shares his memories of his father's layout and the many lessons and great times he shared with his dad.Learn more about this episode and find photos and additional links on our website:www.aroundthelayout.com/episodes/44Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics:https://highballgraphics.com/

Who is Prairie Shadows Model Railway Co? Jeff Arnold, Rob Gruber and Brandon Nawrocki join Tony Cook and Ray Arnott to tell us about how Prairie Shadows got its start working with model railroad manufacturers on special projects to breaking out on their own with projects in N and HO scale. The team shares the challenges of creating highly detailed and accurate models and the steps they take to ensure the model matches the prototype. Later, Tony Cook tells us about his big project of late - the HO Collector Annual that Ray found to be a walk down memory lane. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:www.springcreekmodeltrains.comLearn more about this episode and find direct links on our website:aroundthelayout.com/episodes/105

Saint Louis, Missouri - home of the Gateway Arch, and just about in the shadow of this national landmark resides the granddaddy of all railroad prototype modelers meets. Lonnie Bathurst, show producer, and frequent attendee Scott Thornton, tell us what makes the STLRPM a show that draws so many to the midwest in July to share models, knowledge, skills and, most importantly, comradarie. Lonnie shares this year's show theme, highlights the must-see events and tells us what we need to know to attend and display models at the show. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Scale Modeling by Kevin J. Tully:https://steelmillmodelerssupply.com/Learn more about this episode and find additonal links on our website:aroundthelayout.com/episodes/104

It's been way too long since we've heard from John Farrington and there was quite a bit to catch up on. Since the last time we talked, John has not only gone bigger with his layout, he's also gone freelance with a great railroad name and an awesome logo thanks to a very talented graphic artist that's a familiar name here on the podcast. John also talks about doing custom work for others, including myself, and debunks the old Mark Twain saying "good fences make good neighbors" when it comes to getting guidance and support with his model railroad. Learn more about this episode on our website. Click the link below:aroundthelayout.com/episodes/103Follow Around The Layout on social media:aroundthelayout.com/socialSupport the podcast and get the chance to win free stuff by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew:aroundthelayout.com/crew

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 28, 2023The Around The Layout (less than) six degrees of separation has led us to Matt Freix. A friend of past guests Dave Oppensano and Isaac Fabris, Matt joins us and tells his model railroading story; from his childhood modeling with a shovel of dirt on a 4x8 sheet of plywood to a beautifully finished basement where his Gateway Western's Subdivision 6 resides. Matt tells us about the prototype of his current layout and how friends, both in human and quick clamp form have helped him along his journey to recapture the glory of 1995. Matt also talks about the decision process of farming out tasks and how it has helped him focus on the parts of the hobby he enjoys.Learn more about this episode and check out images of the Gateway Western Subdivision 6:https://www.aroundthelayout.com/episodes/34

On this episode of Around The Layout, we meet Alex Mantle and learn about his model railroading journey. From California to Alaska to London and eventually on to Wyoming, Alex tells us how an attic find boosted his model railroading journey, his "practice layouts" and how he's gone big with his freelanced Chicago, Denver and Northern, sharing how he developed his backstory, paint scheme and chose the industries on his layout. Check out the Chicago, Denver & Northern on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@chicagodenvernorthern999Follow Alex and the CD&N on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chicago_denver_northern/Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcastCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on social media: aroundthelayout.com/socialSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 16, 2022Dave Oppedisano joins us to talk about his BNSF Lakeside Subdivision layout. Ray and Dave met at the New England/Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet in Springfield MA, and they discuss this event and Dave's presentation during NERPM. Dave tells us about the Lakeside Sub area and the parts he's incorporating into his layout. He also shares advice about choosing backdrop materials and shares his passion for all things electronics.Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!aroundthelayout.com/crewCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comConnect with us on social media: aroundthelayout.com/socialSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.comThank you to our show sponsor, Highball Graphics:https://highballgraphics.com/

Professional Model Railroad builder and author Lance Mindheim returns to Around The Layout Podcast with a new book under his arm. Lance tells us his why behind his new series "Shortlines You Can Build" and introduces us to Volume 1 - Miami's Swamp Rat. Lance and I discuss several of the points made in the book and how you can apply them to nearly any railroad you're planning. Later, Lance tells about yet another how-to book coming out that you can pre-order now.Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains:https://weathermytrains.com/Learn more about today's episode:aroundthelayout.com/episodes/101Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!aroundthelayout.com/crewFollow us on social media:aroundthelayout.com/socialSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

45 shows a year - that's an amazing amount of traveling for the folks at Spring Creek Model Trains, who found some time in their busy schedules to join Tony Cook and I on this month's What's Happening In Model Railroading episode. Brothers Mike and Jeff Zucker share what it's like to move the big show around and how, over the last 24 years, have grown their business in a town of less than 800 people into a destination hobby shop. Later, Tony brings us the latest from Rapido, Walthers, Sylvan, Athearn and more.Check out Spring Creek Model Trains website:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Links to all products mentioned on this episode can be found at: aroundthelayout.com/episodes/100Subscribe to Model Railroad News and keep up with all that's happening in model railroading:https://modelrailroadnews.com/Take a trip through model railroad history on Tony's Model Train Resource:https://modeltrainresource.com/Ask Tony your question for next month's What's Happening In Model Railroading Show:https://www.aroundthelayout.com/asktonySupport the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcastCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 25, 2022On this episode, we head back to the Lone Star State and talk to Greg McComas, owner of the Michigan Interstate St. Clair Subdivision and MAC Rail Products. Greg fills us in on how the idea for his freelance railroad developed, then shares how he's implemented his vision on his double deck layout. We also learn how MAC Rail was born out of a necessity to create niche parts and has grown to supplying those hard to find modern details.Like and follow the Michigan Interstate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069293202704Check out MAC Rail's offerings here: https://macrailproducts.com/Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

There's no doubt that Don Irace, famous for his Providence & Worcester layouts, is passionate about operations and, on this episode, we focused on just that. Don tells us about the top 2 things that should be prioritized for good operating sessions and shares some helpful advice on the steps one should take to ensure their railroad will be reliable. He also tells us about setting up remote operations, a practice that has allowed him to participate in sessions from afar and allows others to dispatch his layout from outside the Sunshine State. Later in the show, we make an announcement about a new monthly show featuring Don Irace.See more of Don’s Providence & Worcester layout on his YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@ThePWMRRFollow the PWMRR on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ProvidenceWorcesterModelRailroadFor more info on Don’s layout, check out his website:https://pwrr2.weebly.com/During our discussion on remote operations, Don mentions a USB sound card adapter. You can purchase one here:https://a.co/d/fkByh48Thank you to our show sponsor, Highball Graphics:https://highballgraphics.com/Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcastCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released December 6, 2022It’s Santa Fe All The Way on this episode of Around The Layout as we talk to Oklahoma’s own Sammy Carlile about his Santa Fe Hereford Subdivision HO scale layout. We learn how train trips as a kid fostered Sammy’s love for trains and especially the Santa Fe. We also hear about his passion for railroad photography; the challenges of pre-digital photography that we may have forgotten about and how these captures became a great resource for modeling. Additionally, we learn how his son Samuel has taken on both hobbies, with the layout and cameras now shared between father and son.Check out Samuel Carlile’s YouTube channel, which includes video of the layout and more.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtRRycbVo9T_sKjydNVCIYgAlso visit Steve Davis’ YouTube channel for great operations videos on the Hereford Sub.https://www.youtube.com/user/TTownTrainFanCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Dave Owens, a man of many talents and many hats stops by to tell us about the 22nd Annual New England / Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet. Dave gives us a background on the show's history, from humble beginnings to a new location this year, right in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. From vendors to models on display and a long list of informative clinics, the NERPM is an event all modelers can be inspired by. For more information and to register for the NERPM, visit their website:www.NERPM.orgFind more on this episode at aroundthelayout.com/episodes/99

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 11, 2023We head back to Central New York to hear Bill Brown's amazing story of triumph over tragedy and how a great group of friends helped him recover from disaster. Bill shares his origin story, then tells how becoming a member of the CNY Division of the NMRA provided him with incredible opportunities to further his modeling skills and led to meeting the folks that would become lifelong friends. Bill also reflects on memories of Jim Heidt, the first leader of the CNY Division and a dear friend to many, who passed away on June 12th. Closing out the show, Bill tells us about his involvement in Ops 'Til You Drop, a CNY Division event that's become a weekend not to miss.Check out Bill Brown's LARC Products: https://larcproducts.com/Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

If you're looking for proof that it's never too late to get started in model railroading, look no further than Marty Jenkins. Contrary to the stories we typically hear, Marty got his start in the hobby in his 40's and has seemingly made up for lost time, diving head first down the rabbit holes of the ever expanding technology. Marty shares with us how model railroading has led him to several trips to the United States and talks about his involvement in development of NMRAx.Check out Marty's Train Shed on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@martyn1107Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcastCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 4, 2023On this episode of Around The Layout, we head to Central New York State to chat with Drew James. Drew is the owner of the Canada, Spokane and Pacific HO scale model railroad; an outstanding railroad for its amazing scenery and outstanding operations. Drew tells us the events leading up to this current layout and how the NMRA Central New York division is chock full of talented members willing to help each other create awesome layouts.Check out this CNY Division produced video of Drew's incredible layout:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QOvXbgCH_QCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

They say "It's all in the details" and that's what Kevin Norman from Notch 8 Customs is all about. Kevin stops by to tell us how he developed an interest in DCC installs and customizing locomotives and rolling stock into a growing part-time side hustle. Additionally, he shares his dream for a layout that captures the rich history of railroading in the Chicagoland area in the 1960's.Check out Kevin's work and schedule your next project with Notch 8 Customs on their website:https://www.facebook.com/notch8customsThank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains:https://weathermytrains.com/Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcastCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released December 5, 2023What does it take to start a model railroad company and lead it to the position of the "Cadillac" of the industry? On this episode, we get to hear from ScaleTrains president Shane Wilson as he tells us about his model railroading journey that led to entrepreneurship at a young age and set the trajectory to a career in the hobby business. Learn the reasons why Shane and his team took the risk to create a new, innovative approach, taking lessons from his past and combining it with their passion for creating an exceptional customer experience. Shane then previews some up and coming projects at ScaleTrains and explains their recent acquisition of Virtual Railfan.Check out all of the great product offerings from ScaleTrains:https://www.scaletrains.com/Watch the ScaleTrains, Big Dreams documentary on YouTube:https://youtu.be/41Ge5rr7p4M?si=t9F8I98Sf0XouvgdSupport the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcastCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Stephen Priest is our guest on this month's What's Happening In Model Railroading and we get to hear about Class One Model Works and the process behind creating the highly detailed and prototype accurate models they produce. Stephen gives us some insight into the selection process for these projects and hints at some upcoming announcements. Later, Tony and Ray talk about news from Rapido, Walthers, Smokebox Graphics and more.Check out all the offerings from Class One Model Works on their website:https://classonemodelworks.com/Be sure to check out Ray's interview on TSG Multimedia's Live Talking Trains:https://www.youtube.com/live/NXezMjU0p18?si=0cUDFy4oPEzFgxIGIf you're in the Northeast US, catch the ScaleTrains Road Trip event near you!https://www.scaletrains.com/roadtripAsk Tony your question for next month's What's Happening In Model Railroading Show:https://www.aroundthelayout.com/asktonyTake a trip through model railroad history on Tony's Model Train Resource:https://modeltrainresource.com/Subscribe to Model Railroad News and keep up with all that's happening in model railroading:https://modelrailroadnews.com/Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcastCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com