Episodes

4d ago

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released December 3, 2024 It's a pure joy to meet modelers from around the globe and explore their why. On this episode, we're introduced to Justin Mitchell from Sydney, Australia who, from a young age, has been fascinated with the Santa Fe and is recreating the 1950's Surf Line. Justin tells us how, from thousands of miles and decades away, learned about this California coast line and applied it to his layout. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind 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/

Dec 11

So where exactly is the dispatcher? If you're looking for a truly prototypical experience and have your railroad dispatched from afar, this episode is for you. Don Irace shares how, together with a friend, came with a way to keep the friend involved with his railroad despite a move out of state, and how that enhanced the operating experience. Don shares how you can prepare for remote dispatching and the things you'll need to make it happen. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/203 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

Dec 8

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 12, 2024 It'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/rewind 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/

Dec 4

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/201 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

Dec 1

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 29, 2024 They 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/

Nov 28

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/202 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

Nov 24

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 22, 2024 Layout 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/rewind 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/

Nov 18

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/200 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops: https://homeshops.net/

Nov 17

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 8, 2024 Drew 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/rewind 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/

Nov 13

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/197 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops: https://homeshops.net/

Nov 10

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 24, 2024 On 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/rewind 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/

Nov 6

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/196 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops: https://homeshops.net/

Nov 3

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 1, 2024 On 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/

Oct 30

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/195 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops: https://homeshops.net/

Oct 27

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/192 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, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

Oct 23

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/@aroundthelayout Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/194 Thank 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

Oct 20

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/191 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/

Oct 16

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/193 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops: https://homeshops.net/

Oct 13

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/190 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com 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/

Oct 9

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/184 Thank 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

Oct 6

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/188 Thank 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/

Sep 25

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/189 Thank 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

Sep 22

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/178 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/

Sep 18

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/187 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

Sep 15

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 13, 2024 How 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/rewind Thank 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

Sep 11

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/186 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

Sep 8

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/185 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/

Sep 4

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 3, 2024 We'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/rewind Thank 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

Sep 1

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/183 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

Aug 28

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/181 Thank 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

Aug 25

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 27, 2024 What 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/117 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/

Aug 21

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/180 Thank 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/

Aug 18

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/179 Thank 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

Aug 14

Getting more model railroaders to discover the magic of operations - that's what OpSig is looking to accomplish as they roll out their new Achievement Program. Executive Producer Paul Cassar and I talk to OpSig Vice President Paul Weiss about this exciting new program and how the special interest group helps support the operations movement with a multitude of resources and a way to show what you know about running a layout like the prototype. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/177 Thank 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

Aug 11

For the second year in a row, we were back at the St. Louis RPM in Collinsville, Illinois. ATLP host Ray Arnott made his rounds, talking to numerous attendees of the show and learning why they made the trek out to the midwest to partake in this outstanding event. In part two, we talk to Scott Thornton, Kevin Tully from TullyModels.com, Model Railroad News’ Shane Mason, Nick Santo from NixTrainz, Curtis Koch from Broadway Limited, Tony Sissons, Radisson McGuire, Oak Hill Model Railroad Supply’s Jeff Otto, Rob from Harrisburg, Marty from Ohio, Matt Forcum and we wrap up the episode with the cruise director, Matthew Freix. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/176 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, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

Aug 7

How 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 Northern Transcon. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/173 Thank 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/

Aug 4

For the second year in a row, we were back at the St. Louis RPM in Collinsville, Illinois. ATLP host Ray Arnott made his rounds, talking to numerous attendees of the show and learning why they made the trek out to the midwest to partake in this outstanding event. In part one, we talk to Michael Landis, Art from AO Rail Model Train Products, Dave Oppedisano, Chuck Stancil at Logic Rail Technologies, Michael Ostertag from Second Section Podcast, Kevin Norman from Notch 8 Customs, Joey Giunto and Amy Penny, Isaac Fabris and Tom Garza from ScaleSigns.com. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/175 Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Jul 31

I 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 sound advice to avoid having your collection become a burden on those who survive you. Later, we hear from listeners who submitted their answer to the Question Of The Month on what their plans are when they head to the big layout in the sky. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/172 Thank 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

Jul 28

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 10, 2024 We head back to Tim Garland's Seaboard Central to cover what we didn't get to when we interviewed him the first time; operations on his freelance railroad. Don and I learn quite a bit from Tim, who's experience with the real railroad has provided him with a plethora of knowledge that he uses to create realistic operations on his freelance layout. Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Jul 24

Ever loved a product so much that you just wanted to buy the company? Meet Alex Hoffner, the new owner of ABR Model Works. Alex comes by the ATLP studio to tell us how subscribing to the newsletter was the start of a grand adventure that landed him ownership of this Australian founded company and how he's brought it to the United States to produce craftsman kits and 3D printed details. Later, Tony and Ray discuss news coming out of the Spring Creek 25th and the National Train Show from Walthers, ScaleTrains, Rapido, Lionel, Broadway Limited, Garberly Publishing, and White River Productions. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/171 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episods sponsor, HomeShops Freelance Forum: https://homeshops.net/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

Jul 21

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 30, 2024 Matthew 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. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank 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

Jul 17

After 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 me 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 to change and implementation of tasks that slow down the session, providing enjoyment for himself and his crew. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/167 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

Jul 14

Now that we're back home and rested up from an amazing weekend in Deshler, Nebraska, it's time to catch up on the rest of the folks we talked to during Spring Creek Model Trains Open House & Train Show. ATLP host Ray Arnott played roving reporter and talked to some of the amazing vendors and model railroaders who made the trek out to celebrate Spring Creek Model Trains' 25th anniversary with the Zucker family, including Micro Engineering, Iowa Scaled Engineering, Mesquite Belt's Devin Jackson, Tom Garza from ScaleSigns.com and Nick Santo from NixTrains. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/174 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/

Jul 10

Even 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 friends and dual purpose modular layouts. Robin also shares how the group shares each of their unique talents to help each other. Learn more about this episode, check out photos and find links on our website: aroundthelayout.com/169 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

Jul 7

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 6, 2024 After spending quality time with Michael Ostertag out in St. Louis, it was time to get him back on the show and hear about the major changes he's made on the Farlin Terminal. He's still committed to S scale, but has completely removed the first version and is taking a new, open ended approach to the next layout. Mike also shares the challenges of S scale and his hopes that a wider variety of product might open the door for more folks to explore the world of 1:64 scale. Thank 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

Jun 26

As 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 hobby has helped him and many others forge new friendships, keep their minds sharp and find happiness and purpose, especially after retirement. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/168 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

Jun 23

Looking for a quick and easy way to get your rolling stock looking less like a toy and more like the prototype? Let's head to the Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet in Springfield, Massachusetts and sit next to ATLP host Ray Arnott as he gets a lesson from Ted DiIorio on his method that simplifies the process and produces a great result. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/170 Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Jun 19

Track. If you're going to run your trains, you're going to need it, and Jeff Otto from Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply is all about it. Jeff tells us when he got involved with creating his own turnouts, diamonds, crossings and track and how it went from a personal desire to a full fledged business. Later, Tony and I talk about the latest news in the hobby with releases from Rapido, Athearn, Tangent, Class One Model Works, Walthers and more. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/166 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

Jun 16

ATLP Rewind - Orginally Released September 5, 2023 It's never too late to build your dream layout. Alan Saatkamp is a testament to this, as he, at age 70, is building the railroad he's always wanted, taking the experience of multiple layout builds and moves around the country to his new home in Normal, Illinois. Alan shares those experiences, from childhood to today, and tells us how his wife encouraged his return to model railroading for a family experience. He also offers his guidance on the right time to ask your spouse for more layout real estate (results may vary!). Alan also talks about his other hobby; creating a newsletter called Prairie Ponderings, a fun and informative digital publication that he shares with subscribers around the globe. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank 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

Jun 12

One 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 connect to fellow model railroaders from around the globe and helped hone his skills. Steve also shares how he overcame personal challenges and how he adapted his modeling for the changing seasons in his life. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/165 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

Jun 9

ATLP Rewind - Episode Orginally Released June 12, 2023 With 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 on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind 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/

Jun 5

Sometimes, 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 Bartels tell us about taking on this challenge and how, in the end, they will have a layout that continues to tell the story of the Lehigh Valley. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/163 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

Jun 2

25 years in business - that surely is something to celebrate! This coming July 4th weekend, Spring Creek Model Trains will be doing just that. We discuss how the Zuckers went from the living room and a dream to a destination model railroad store located in the middle of America's Heartland, and how they bring the store to you with stops at hobby shows from coast to coast. Mike and Jeff share the plans for what promises to be a weekend not to forget, with modular layouts, top manufacturers, prizes, pies and much more! Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/164 Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

May 26

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 1, 2023 Welcome to another dimmension, where Joe Mammay is the host of Around The Layout and is interviewing Ray Arnott. Come along as we hear about Ray's start in model railroading, from a TYCO set to an attempt at N scale. Ray tells us how the prototype led him back to the hobby, and how joining a club introduced him to his mentor who helped open his eyes to the concept of operations. Thank you to Joe Mammay who did an outstanding job hosting this April Fools edition of Around The Layout. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank 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

May 20

It'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 maintain a massive empire. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/160 Give us your feedback - take the ATLP Survey at aroundthelayout.com/survey Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

May 19

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 25, 2023 Seven days a week, Weather My Trains' Rob Arsenault is producing some of the most realistic and jaw-dropping weathering in the hobby. In this episode of Around The Layout, Rob puts down the brush and tells how a childhood spent on Prince Edward Island and railfanning the PEI sparked his lifelong love for trains. He shares how time spent in the Royal Canadian Air Force provided rare opportunities to witness railroading history and get closer to the action than most. You'll also get an in-depth lesson in paints as Rob guides us to making better product selections; the same ones he's made that produce high quality results. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind 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, Highball Graphics: https://highballgraphics.com/

May 13

Unless you've been living completely off the grid over the last few months, you know that the business of model railroading is facing unprecedented challenges. On this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading, Jason Shron and Jordan Smith from Rapido Trains share insights into the manufacturing of model railroad products, the people who make the locomotives and rolling stock, and the market that is created by our hobby. Whether you are for or against tariffs or are somewhere in between, their impact is undeniable and Rapido shares their take on them. Later, Jason and Jordan discuss new releases including one that has Ray rebuilding his layout to accommodate. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/161 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

May 12

Hanging with the homies - that's what we do at the St. Louis RPM. Two of those "homies", Lonnie Bathurst and Scott Thornton, make their annual stop at the ATLP Studio to tell us all about the 18th Annual edition of this great event. Lonnie tells us what makes the STL RPM such a special event and Scott shares why it's on his calendar every year. We also discuss the events in and outside of the Gateway Center, all centered around the comradery that comes with being around like minded folks. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/162 Thank 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

May 6

You know what they say about best laid plans? On this episode of Around The Layout, we do some catching up with Mike Landis and his MKT Sedalia Sub, which is on the move 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 place. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/158 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

May 5

It's time once again to head to Springfield, Massachusetts for the 23rd Annual Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet. Dave Owens comes by the ATLP studio to tell us all about what the Amherst Railway Society has in store. From vendors to models on display and a long list of informative clinics, the NERPM is an event all modelers can be inspired by. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/159 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics: https://highballgraphics.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Apr 22

What 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 dozen times a year to do what this hobby was meant for - have fun! Society member Glen Frix gives us some insight into how this all works and how their lack of formal structure has drawn in a diverse group of module owners. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/157 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

Apr 21

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released July 11, 2023 We 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. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind 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/

Apr 15

It's time once again to find out What's Happening In Model Railroading and joining Model Railroad News editor Tony Cook and Ray Arnott this month is Jim Wiggin, Associate Brand Manager and star of Athearn's Train Tuesdays. Jim tells us that lighting functions are hot right now and shares with us some of the work that goes into adding these sought after details to the Athearn offerings. Later, Tony and Ray discuss products from Roka, Walthers, Athearn, Bluford Shops and more. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/155 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

Apr 14

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 28, 2023 The 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. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

Apr 8

How 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 proper planning and continues through being intentional about layout design, construction and maintenance and Don tells us how attention to detail can pay off with trains that run like a dream. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/156 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

Apr 7

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 25, 2024 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 on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank 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

Apr 1

Analysis 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 guide model railroaders along the path of layout design and expressing their own artistic creativity. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/154 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

Mar 31

ATLP Rewind - Episode orginally released June 11, 2024 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: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics: https://highballgraphics.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Mar 25

Want 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 is supposed to be fun, and Bernard tells us how super detailing can be the motivator that keeps your flywheel turning. Stay tuned towards the end and learn how "I" can come visit your layout with a great deal from miniprints.com . Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/153 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

Mar 24

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 4, 2024 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. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank 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/

Mar 18

If you're a fan of highly detailed and prototypically accurate rolling stock, this show is for you! Model Railroad News' Tony Cook and Ray Arnott talk to owner and founder of Tangent Scale Models David Lehlbach on how Tangent was started and how they've created their own place in the market by providing an incredible offering of HO, N and O scale freight cars. David discusses their unique way of going to market that satisfies all of us looking for instant gratification. Later, Tony and Ray discuss news out of Rapido, Bachmann, Walthers and more. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/152 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

Mar 17

Want 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 and I listen to the answers to the Question of the Month - What is the ideal length of an operating session and why? Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/147 Thank you to our episode sponsor, NERx: https://www.nerx.org/ Thank 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

Mar 11

On 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 ended up with the layout and operating scheme he wanted. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/151 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, NERx: https://www.nerx.org/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

Mar 10

It's almost time for NERx, the Northeastern Region of the NMRA's Virtual Convention. Chuck Diljak from the NER joins us to share the history of NERx, born from necessity during the pandemic and now a mainstay for the last 5 years. Chuck tells us what we can expect from the four nights of the convention, from clinics, layout tours, tips and tricks, and much more. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/150 Sign up for ATLP Extra, our free monthly newsletter: aroundthelayout.com/newsletter Thank 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 Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

Mar 4

If 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 made through the hobby. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/149 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

Mar 3

Modelers getting together to share their work, ideas, skills and, of course, comradery - that's what RPM's are all about. Paul Spilman and Stephen Floyd join ATLP host Ray Arnott to talk about the Central Georgia RPM and how this event has grown into a new location by taking it off the coast of Georgia and placing it smack dab in the middle of the Peach State. Stephen and Paul also share all the details about attending the event, with some very familiar names on the list of clinic presenters. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/148 Thank 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/

Feb 24

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 28, 2024 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 episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Feb 18

On this month's What's Happening In Model Railroading, Tony and Ray welcome Thomas Garza from ScaleSigns.com to talk all things signs. Thomas talks about his start in sign making in 1995 and how he's picked up where he left off in 2001 when he joined the US Army, and is on a mission to create the most accurate scale signage available. Later, Tony brings us news from Broadway Limited, ScaleTrains, Atlas, Tangent and more. Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/146 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Feb 17

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 14, 2024 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. Thank you to our show sponsor, Highball Graphics: https://highballgraphics.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Feb 11

On 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 BNSF moving. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: www.tullymodels.com

Feb 10

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 30, 2024 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. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Feb 4

With 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 sharing with all of us on YouTube. Paul gives us a background on the prototype and how he's incorporating the short line's operation into his layout. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/143 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Feb 3

Do 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 overspending. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/142 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: www.tullymodels.com

Feb 1

We're a week removed from the excitement that was the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield MA and its time to talk about all the news from the SEMA of Model Railroading. Ray talks about his experience from the show, including the amazing ScaleTrains giveaway and shares his takeaways. Tony recaps the exciting announcements from ScaleTrains, Rapido, Kadee, Lionel and more. This episode was recorded live on Facebook and YouTube on January 31, 2025. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/144 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Jan 27

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 23, 2024 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. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Jan 21

It's been almost a year since ScaleTrains President Shane Wilson has joined us on Around The Layout Podcast, so we had a lot of catching up to do! Shane tells about the events that occured since our last chat, including checking off a bunch more states on the ScaleTrains Road Trip, attending train shows in the United States and Mexico, an amazing amount of new releases, and how the model railroading community helped ScaleTrains provide much needed aid to those affected by Hurricane Helene. At the end of the show, Shane and I announce a HUGE ScaleTrains x ATLP giveaway - 5 times bigger than last year that ties the past to the present. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/141 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Jan 20

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 9, 2024 We're off to Scotland to get to know Alan Aitken, the owner of the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Scottish Division Model Railroad and the creator of the YouTube channel of the same name with an amazing amount of subscribers. We learn how Alan gets his start in the hobby and why he left the British prototype for an American railroad with a quick detour though the Alps. Alan also shares his experiences with modular clubs and gives advice on how to better engage with show attendees. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Jan 14

Having 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 New York. Ed shares how he got into operations and how the Ops Squad was born of necessity to meet demand for events in their area. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/140 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Jan 13

It's nearly time for the granddaddy of them all - the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, Massachusetts. To get ready for what I like to call "The SEMA of Model Railroading", we sit down with the man with the master plan, John Sacerdote who tells us about all the exciting things one can expect with the two-day show that's become a destination model railroad event. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/139 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Jan 7

Model 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, then inheriting an amazing collection of photographs that captured railroading from New York to California. Erik shares his passion for history and the model railroad lessons he's learned through trial and error. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/138 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Jan 6

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 2, 2024 On this episode of Around The Layout, we meet Bruce Ryan, who grew up in New York City and now finds himself in the Finger Lakes region of New York recreating railroading in the West Side of Manhattan where he grew up in the 1960's. Bruce shares how early influences led him to model Albany before a trip to Baltimore resparked an interest in the marine and railroad history of the Big Apple. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our show sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Thank you to our show sponsor, Highball Graphics: https://highballgraphics.com/

Dec 24, 2024

We'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 how one can still provide authenticity in a smaller space. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/137 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Dec 23, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 26, 2024 On this episode of Around The Layout, we head down under and to the other side of the International Date Line to talk to Darren Lee in Queensland, Australia. Darren tells us about his start in the hobby and how he went from modeling North American railroads to one a lot closer to home thanks to some incredible access to the prototype. Additionally, Darren tells us about the Wattle Flat proto-freelance railroad he's created and how he's using his layout to introduce his model railroad "mates" to the wonderful world of operations. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Dec 17, 2024

'Tis the season for twinkling lights, but the ones we're talking about aren't on a Christmas tree. They are the LED's that bring remarkable realism to your layout in the form of lighted vehicles and details from East Coast Circuits. Business Manager Neal Multz from ECC joins Tony and Ray to share the latest from this Rhode Island based company, including their upgrades to fire trucks, pickups, construction barrels and more. Later, Tony tells us about new releases from Bachmann, Rapido Trains, MAC Rail Products and more. Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/136 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Dec 16, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 12, 2024 Keeping a long family tradition of railroading, Allen Whitaker comes by to tell us about how, from a young age, he was exposed to the prototype, particularly the Southern Railway which inspired his freelance Tennessee Southern Railway. Allen shares how his career as a railroader has affected operations on his layout, and how knowing too much can be a challenge as a model railroader. Later, Allen shares his experience with having the Tennessee Southern included in a Home Shops run that features some of his model railroading idols. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Dec 10, 2024

You 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 cornerstone industry of a brewery. Paul also talks switchlists and how he's turned them into a hobby within the hobby. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/135 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Ditch Light Productions: https://www.facebook.com/DitchLightProductions

Dec 9, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released February 27, 2024 In our past interviews, we've found that freelance model railroaders have amazing stories to tell and Tim Garland is no exception. On this episode, Tim tells us how he got started in the hobby and how at 14 years old, his mind was made up about becoming a railroader. Tim shares how the story of the Seaboard Central was developed, how it's a form of protest against changes he's observed in the railroad industry, and how the second version of the layout is being built differently from the first and in a way that keeps the flywheel turning without being overwhelming. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank 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/

Dec 3, 2024

It's a pure joy to meet modelers from around the globe and explore their why. On this episode, we're introduced to Justin Mitchell from Sydney, Australia who, from a young age, has been fascinated with the Santa Fe and is recreating the 1950's Surf Line. Justin tells us how, from thousands of miles and decades away, learned about this California coast line and applied it to his layout. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/134 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Dec 2, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released February 6, 2024 How did a Brit decide to model an American railroad? Blame it on Budweiser! That's one of the things we learn on this episode of Around The Layout as we chat with Steve McEwen about his model railroading journey and how his trips to the United States influenced his choice to model the New York & Atlantic Railway in a freelance way that addresses his wants in an operating layout. We also learn the why behind Steve's YouTube channel, The British Railroader. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Ditch Light Productions: https://www.facebook.com/DitchLightProductions

Nov 26, 2024

Ever been to someone's layout and said "I have that exact kit!" Perhaps it's time to make your layout industries unique to you and your layout with a more prototypical approach. Kevin Tully of Tully Models tells us how, from learning more about industries such as grain and feed mills, then taking what you've learned and adding it to your facilities. We also find a common theme in the answers submitted for the Question Of The Month. Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/133 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Ditch Light Productions: https://www.facebook.com/DitchLightProductions

Nov 25, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released January 30, 2024 Want proof that the hobby isn't dying and young folks are into model railroading? Allow us to present, once again, Isaac Fabris and his CN/IC Heyworth Spur. It's been quite a while, so we were overdue for an update and Isaac brings us up to speed on the changes he's made on his layout and how changing his era has allowed him to narrow his focus, keep what he loves, but set up guardrails that keeps him from buying all of the latest locomotive releases. Isaac's biggest news is that he's an expectant father, and after hearing bad parenting advice from Ray, he shares how his growing family will eventually yield a bigger home and a bigger layout and the plan he already has to expand upon his current layout. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank 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/

Nov 19, 2024

The holiday season is fast approaching and it's time to get your wish list ready. On this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading, we talk to Mike and Jeff Zucker from Spring Creek Model Trains to find out what should be in your letter to Santa and discuss how to buy the right train set for the enthusiastic child to keep them engaged. Later, Tony and I talk about new releases from Rapido, InterMountain, Broadway Limited and more. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/132 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://steelmillmodelerssupply.com/tully-models/

Nov 18, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 23, 2024 Neil 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 steam era layout and how road trips to the northernmost parts of New England planted the seed for his Vermont based layout. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Nov 12, 2024

It'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/131 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Nov 11, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Relased December 26, 2023 Author and professional model railroad builder Lance Mindheim returns to Around The Layout with a couple of new books tucked under his arm. Since the last time he appeared, he's released two new "how and why" books, 8 Track Plans For Modern Era Swiching Layouts and Scenery For Modern Switching Layouts. Lance shares with us the motivation for writing and takes an opportunity to tell us more about his former East Rail layout, The Downtown Spur, and how he is recreating the East Rail layout with the appropriately named East Rail 2, using improved techniques learned in 50 years of model railroading. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank 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/

Nov 5, 2024

We all know Rapido Trains for their high quality models, but how about books? On this special What's Happening In Model Railroading, Tony Cook and I sit down with Jason Shron of Rapido Trains to talk books, including the newly released "The Cars of VIA Heritage Fleet Volume 1." Jason shares his passion for VIA passenger cars and tells us how he's become involved with the preservation of Canadian passenger equipment. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/130 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Nov 4, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 9, 2024 On this episode of Around The Layout, we check in with Paul Cassar. Paul's not only the Executive Producer of Around The Layout; he's quite the modeler and he provides us with updates on his River Belt Line HO scale layout located in his garage in New South Wales, Australia. Paul talks about scratchbuilding, weathering, and super detailing the layout and how his choice to keep the layout relatively small has provided the time to drill into the details. Additionally, Ray and Paul talk about working together on the podcast and how it has become another aspect of the hobby to enjoy. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Oct 29, 2024

They 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. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/129 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/

Oct 28, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released January 2, 2024 After hosting myself and fellow podcasters Andy Dorsch and Tom Gasior on his TSG Live Talking Trains, it was great to have John Abatecola stop by the Around The Layout studio. John tells us about his hobby within the hobby; creating videos to share his model railroading and prototype adventures with the masses. He talks about his work with Jack Burgess and how filming trains is so much better than a funeral! Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Oct 22, 2024

Layout 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. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/128 Enter for a chance to win a free t-shirt - email aroundthelayout@gmail.com and put "show notes" in the subject line. Entries must be received by October 31. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Oct 21, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released December 12, 2023 Meet Campbell Rice, a man who has moved more times than the Raiders football team, but has carried his passion for model railroading with him along the way. Campbell takes us along on the journey through several states and multiple layout builds, leading to his recent move back to Tennessee and the development of the freelanced Tennessee Western Railway HO scale layout. It's a story of perseverance that you don't want to miss. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Oct 15, 2024

Christopher Palomarez from InterMountain Railway Co joined Tony and I from somewhere along the road in Colorado to share the latest on the projects being churned out of Longmont. Chris shares some insight on the process of creating factory weathered cars with pad printing plus updates on some upcoming releases. Later, Tony and Ray discuss news out of Walthers, Rapido, Division Point and more. Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/127 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Oct 14, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 14, 2023 One of the most memorable stops during the whirlwind week of the Texas Express 2023 NMRA National Convention was the visit to Devin Jackson & Family's Mesquite Belt, located about 2 hours south of Fort Worth in the town of Palestine. Joining me on the trip were Don Irace and Mark Herrick and on arrival, we were amazed to see a depot building in the backyard containing a large and well done HO scale layout. On this episode, we talk about that visit and how the depot building, name and layout came to be. We also learn how this project has been a family affair and how all Jacksons have benefited from the hobby. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Oct 8, 2024

Drew 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/126 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Steel Mill Modelers Supply and Southern-Tier Grain Modelers Supply: tullymodels.com

Oct 7, 2024

Kevin Leddy joins us to talk about the 4th Annual Red River RPM being held in Forest Hill, TX October 25-26th. Kevin tells us how this RPM started, inspired by two very popular prototype modelers meets. He also tells us what you can expect to see, including a rundown of clinics, vendors, and the free-mo modular setups. Kevin also shares his passion for free-mo and tells us about the Red River Run Free-Mo event taking place in Elk City, Oklahoma in May 2025. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/124 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Oct 1, 2024

On 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. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/123 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Sep 30, 2024

Model railroad show season is in full swing on the top half of the equator, and, in the northeast, the Nashua Valley Railroad Association's Railfair 2024 kicks things off. NVRRA members Thomas Fitzgerald and Peter D'Olimpio come by to tell us about their club, how they are building an incredibly large layout in Shirley, Massachusetts and how Railfair 2024 helps fund the good they are doing in the model railroad community. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/125 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Sep 24, 2024

On 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/122 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Sep 23, 2024

Up on this side of the equator, the weather is cooling down and the model railroad events are heating up! Dan Riechenbach of the Hawkeye Model Railroad Club stops by the ATLP studio to tell us about the Iowa City Train Show on October 20, 2024. Dan shares a history of the club, their recent move to a new building and how the show helps support their new build. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/121 Thank 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/

Sep 17, 2024

More and more, we find out that the folks at these fine model railroad manufactuers are hobbyists just like us, and this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroad is no exception. Jordan Smith joins Tony and Ray to tell a bit about himself, his start in the hobby and how he's worked his way up from working in a hobby shop in Toronto to wearing multiple hats for Rapido Trains. Later in the episode, Tony and Ray discuss new releases from Atlas, Walthers, ScaleTrains and more. Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/120 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Sep 16, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 28, 2023 It's late November, but we're still talking about late August and the 2023 NMRA National Convention in Texas. During that week, I was fortunate enough to visit the outstanding layout of Mike Armstrong and it was a thrill to talk to him tonight about how his Rock Island Mid-Continent Route came to fruition. Mike shares the story of growing up in Iowa and the many influences during his youth that led to a successful prototype and model railroad journey. If you're a fan of big layouts and negative space, this episode is for you! Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Sep 10, 2024

We head back to Tim Garland's Seaboard Central to cover what we didn't get to when we interviewed him the first time; operations on his freelance railroad. Don and I learn quite a bit from Tim, who's experience with the real railroad has provided him with a plethora of knowledge that he uses to create realistic operations on his freelance layout. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/119 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Sep 9, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 31, 2023 Freelance model railroader and YouTuber Matt Forcum pays a virtual visit to the Around The Layout studio. Matt shares with us his model railroading journey that has includes stops in Lego and N scale on his way to HO scale and the Metaline Falls Railroad. He also tells us how he's using his MFRailroad YouTube channel to create a video journal of his layout build and share what he's learning along the way. In addition, his channel includes product reviews and his Rail Ramblin' segments, and Ray and Matt discuss the difficulties of sharing these thoughts in what can be a very opininated hobby. Closing out the show, Matt shares a tool he has created to help build switch lists for smaller railroads. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Sep 3, 2024

We'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/118 Submit your answer to the Question of the Month: aroundthelayout.com/question Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Sep 2, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 24, 2023 Coming to us from northern Colorado - seemingly a hotbed of model railroading, is the creator of the BNSF Fall River Division, John Parker. John shares his model railroading story with us, from humble 4x8 beginnings to the beautiful empire he has today. We learn that he's had a lot of help along the way, and he shares how that dedicated group of friends helped him achieve the goal of a railroad empire in his basement that hosts 18 to 22 operators per session. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Aug 27, 2024

What 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. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/117 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops, LLC: https://homeshops.net/

Aug 26, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 26, 2023 Mike Landis has taken his childhood experience with the MKT Sedalia Subdivision and turned it into a passion that has led not only to writing the book Show Me Katy, but also an HO scale layout paying tribute to the railroad in the 1980's. Mike tells us about choosing the portion of the line that he relates to most and how video creation for his YouTube channel The Main Track provides motivation to continue learning and sharing his journey with others. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Aug 20, 2024

The number of deep dive avenues that are available in the model railroading hobby is astounding, and Kevin Tully from TullyModels.com shares his path to 3D printing grain and steel mill super detailing parts. We learn how Kevin got started on this journey and how he can help you make your industries more realistic. Later, Tony and Ray discuss new releases from Athearn, ScaleTrains, Broadway Limited, Bachmann and more. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops LLC: https://homeshops.net/ Learn more about this episode and find links on our website: aroundthelayout.com/116

Aug 19, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 5, 2023 It's never too late to build your dream layout. Alan Saatkamp is a testament to this, as he, at age 70, is building the railroad he's always wanted, taking the experience of multiple layout builds and moves around the country to his new home in Normal, Illinois. Alan shares those experiences, from childhood to today, and tells us how his wife encouraged his return to model railroading for a family experience. He also offers his guidance on the right time to ask your spouse for more layout real estate (results may vary!). Alan also talks about his other hobby; creating a newsletter called Prairie Ponderings, a fun and informative digital publication that he shares with subscribers around the globe. Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Aug 13, 2024

How 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. Look for this episode on Tuesday, August 13th. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/115 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Aug 12, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 22, 2023 On this episode of Around The Layout, we get to know Paul August, owner of the C&NW Mondovi Line and the YouTube channel that covers it. Paul tells us about his family's roots in railroading and how that led to multiple generations of model railroaders including a father with a passion for brass steam locomotives. He also shares with us how moves in the midwest exposed him to different prototypes and how he landed on the Mondovi Line. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind

Aug 6, 2024

After spending quality time with Michael Ostertag out in St. Louis, it was time to get him back on the show and hear about the major changes he's made on the Farlin Terminal. He's still committed to S scale, but has completely removed the first version and is taking a new, open ended approach to the next layout. Mike also shares the challenges of S scale and his hopes that a wider variety of product might open the door for more folks to explore the world of 1:64 scale. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/114 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Aug 5, 2024

How can you not smile in the presence of Michelle Kempema? Her enthusiasm is infectious and her motivation nears limitless as she joins me to talk about the brand new Colorado Rail Proto Meet in Greeley, CO this September. Michelle shares with us how this idea came to be and how she's planning what will likely become another amazing destination RPM. Thank you to our show sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/113

Jul 30, 2024

Matthew 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. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/112

Jul 30, 2024

Here's the audio from last night's live event where Ray talks about the results of the ATLP Listener Survey and how that has helped shape upcoming format changes to the podcast. For more about Around The Layout Podcast, visit our website: aroundthelayout.com

Jul 29, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 9. 2023 We all know Andy Dorsch as the co-host of the wildly popular Second Section Podcast, but how much do you know about Andy the modeler? We find out in this episode of Around The Layout as Andy takes us back to his childhood railfanning the Chicago and North Western that planted the railroad seed, then on to adulthood as he developed his freelance Mascoutin Valley Railroad. Andy then shares how he met his co-host Michael Ostertag, leading to the development of the Second Section Podcast that facilitates the sharing of model railroading knowledge from some of the leading talent in the hobby. Thank you to our show sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind

Jul 23, 2024

Don Irace is back in the Around The Layout studio to tell us more about how he developed his operating scheme for his Providence & Worcester layout. Don shares how he took the large operations held at the original layout in Scituate, Rhode Island for a multitude of operators and compressed it for a smaller crew while still providing fun and challenging trains to run on a layout that still gives a solid representation of the prototype. Thank you to our show sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/111

Jul 22, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 27, 2023 After all of the past interrogations and information from informants, we've finally captured the Iowa Interstate Godfather; none other than Joe Atkinson himself. Now that we've beat the dead horse with this mafia thing, we can get down to the business of learning how Joe became such an authority on the Iowa Interstate, leading him to create two versions of the 4th Sub that has inspired fellow IAIS modelers and was featured in the January 2018 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind

Jul 16, 2024

With so much news to catch up on, it's just Tony and Ray on this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading as they get you caught up on recent events and talk plans for the St. Louis RPM. They recap the recent Firecrown Media special and Ray shares his experience at the N Scale Show in Bethlehem PA. Later, Tony brings us news from ScaleTrains, Athearn, Bachmann and more. Thank you to our show sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Learn more about today's episode and get links to all the products discussed: aroundthelayout.com/110

Jul 15, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 20, 2023 It's time to interrogate another member of the Iowa Interstate Mafia as we bring James McNab downtown for a whole line of questioning. Luckliy, James is willing to talk and we learn about his start in the hobby and how a fellow churchgoer's layout inspired him. We also hear how a change of employment led him to the Iowa Interstate and opened up a new world of railroading and friendships. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our show sponsor, Southern Tier Grain Modelers Supply: tullymodels.com

Jul 9, 2024

You'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. Dustin shares the lessons learned through 4 different layout builds and a run at freelance that led him to the N&W. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Learn more about this episode and see photos of the N&W South Branch on our website: https://www.aroundthelayout.com/episodes/109

Jul 8, 2024

Model Railroader - the "Rolling Stone" of our hobby - the magazine many of us grew up with, inspired us, and the one we dreamed of being on the cover someday. For those reasons and more, we're passionate about the publication and when the news hit that Kalmbach Media was purchased by a new owner, there was concern about the future. On this special episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading, Tony Cook and I talk to Firecrown Media CEO Craig Fuller and learn more about the new home for Model Railroader, Trains and the additional Kalmbach titles. Craig gives us an inside look at Firecrown and their plans to keep these legendary titles going for many years to come. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Learn more about today's episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/108

Jul 2, 2024

In this hobby, it's far too often that we see a layout meet its demise when its owner passes on, but on this episode, we hear the complete opposite in Michael Spoor's story. Michael shares with us how he has brought his late father's CB&Q layout back to operations, much to the delight of his father's friends, and has put his own signature on it with a slight change in time period and added the capability to move the clock forward to the time of his own youth. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Learn more about this episode and check out photos of Michael's CB&Q: www.aroundthelayout.com/107

Jul 1, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 6, 2023 There's good news to deliver on this episode of Around The Layout - progress is being made in Washington DC - but only on the model railroading front. That progress is being made by Marty McGuirk, who joins us to share his model railroading story. Learn how a visit to New London, Connecticut became the precursor to an outstanding career and love for the Central Vermont. Marty also shares how a kitchen remodeling project eventually yielded a brand new layout area and how Lance Mindheim helped guide Marty on a "3-3-3" plan for his next model railroad. Learn more about this episode and listen online: aroundthelayout.com/43 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Southern Tier Grain Modelers Supply: www.tullymodels.com

Jun 25, 2024

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/106 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Jun 24, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 12, 2023 With 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/44 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics: https://highballgraphics.com/

Jun 18, 2024

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.com Learn more about this episode and find direct links on our website: aroundthelayout.com/episodes/105

Jun 17, 2024

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

Jun 11, 2024

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/103 Follow Around The Layout on social media: aroundthelayout.com/social Support the podcast and get the chance to win free stuff by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew: aroundthelayout.com/crew

Jun 10, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 28, 2023 The 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

Jun 4, 2024

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/@chicagodenvernorthern999 Follow 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on social media: aroundthelayout.com/social Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jun 3, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 16, 2022 Dave 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/crew Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Connect with us on social media: aroundthelayout.com/social Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Highball Graphics: https://highballgraphics.com/

May 28, 2024

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/101 Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! aroundthelayout.com/crew Follow us on social media: aroundthelayout.com/social Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 21, 2024

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/100 Subscribe 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/asktony Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 20, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 25, 2022 On 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=100069293202704 Check out MAC Rail's offerings here: https://macrailproducts.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 14, 2024

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/@ThePWMRR Follow the PWMRR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProvidenceWorcesterModelRailroad For 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/fkByh48 Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 13, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released December 6, 2022 It’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_sKjydNVCIYg Also visit Steve Davis’ YouTube channel for great operations videos on the Hereford Sub. https://www.youtube.com/user/TTownTrainFan Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 7, 2024

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.org Find more on this episode at aroundthelayout.com/episodes/99

May 6, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 11, 2023 We 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.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 30, 2024

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/@martyn1107 Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 29, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 4, 2023 On 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_Q Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 23, 2024

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/notch8customs Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 22, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released December 5, 2023 What 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=t9F8I98Sf0Xouvgd Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 16, 2024

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=0cUDFy4oPEzFgxIG If you're in the Northeast US, catch the ScaleTrains Road Trip event near you! https://www.scaletrains.com/roadtrip Ask Tony your question for next month's What's Happening In Model Railroading Show: https://www.aroundthelayout.com/asktony Take 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 15, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 11, 2022 There are some folks who aren’t afraid to take on a challenge, and Scott Thornton is one of them. Join us as Scott tells how he’s not only building his first layout, but also writing about it in an ongoing series in the hobby’s leading publication, Railroad Model Craftsman. Scott also shares his passion for enhancing operations with takeaways from the fantasy board gamer world and how he’s developing a theatre aspect to his layout. From his involvement with Iowa Scaled Engineering and his own Scotty’s Model Shop, this is one interesting guy with a lot to share. Check out more on the Milan Branch here: http://milanbranch.com/ Take your operations to the next level with a ProtoThrottle and check out the other creations from Iowa Scaled Engineering. https://www.iascaled.com/store/ Subscribe to Railroad Model Craftsman to catch Scott’s ongoing "Branch Line on a Shelf” series. https://rrmodelcraftsman.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 9, 2024

We're off to Scotland to get to know Alan Aitken, the owner of the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Scottish Division Model Railroad and the creater of the YouTube channel of the same name with an amazing amount of subscribers. We learn how Alan gets his start in the hobby and why he left the British prototype for an American railroad with a quick detour though the Alps. Alan also shares his experiences with modular clubs and gives advice on how to better engage with show attendees. Check out the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Model Railroad on YouTube: youtube.com/@BPSDMRR Follow the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Model Railroad on Facebook: facebook.com/BuffaloPittsburghMRR Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 8, 2024

ALTP Rewind - Originally Released December 20, 2022 On this episode, we head down to Decatur, Texas and head above the garage to check out Dean Ferris’ Oregon Joint Line in N scale. Dean tells us how railfanning as a youth and as a college student played a major role in his decision to model the Pacific Northwest. He also discusses how his current layout has changed and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Additionally, Dean shares how he’s met Chris Atkins, Greg McComas, Chris Palmieri and many others that have become regulars at his operating sessions. Subscribe to the Oregon Joint Line Model Railroad YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@oregonjointlinemodelrailro4125 Visit the Oregon Joint Line group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361988240533232 Check out Dean’s article in the October 2021 Railroad Model Craftsman https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/rmc-202110 Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 2, 2024

On this episode of Around The Layout, we meet Bruce Ryan, who grew up in New York City and now finds himself in the Finger Lakes region of New York recreating railroading in the West Side of Manhattan where he grew up in the 1960's. Bruce shares how early influences led him to model Albany before a trip to Baltimore resparked an interest in the marine and railroad history of the Big Apple. Check out more on Bruce Ryan's Manhattan Terminal Railroad on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@manhattanterminalrailroadh9776 Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 1, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 1, 2023 Welcome to another dimmension, where Joe Mammay is the host of Around The Layout and is interviewing Ray Arnott. Come along as we hear about Ray's start in model railroading, from a TYCO set to an attempt at N scale. Ray tells us how the prototype led him back to the hobby, and how joining a club introduced him to his mentor who helped open his eyes to the concept of operations. Thank you to Joe Mammay who did an outstanding job hosting this April Fools edition of Around The Layout. We hope you enjoy! Check out Ray's P&W & NECR Interchange Model Railroad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PWNECRMR Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 26, 2024

On this episode of Around The Layout, we head down under and to the other side of the International Date Line to talk to Darren Lee in Queensland, Australia. Darren tells us about his start in the hobby and how he went from modeling North American railroads to one a lot closer to home thanks to some incredible access to the prototype. Additionally, Darren tells us about the Wattle Flat proto-freelance railroad he's created and how he's using his layout to introduce his model railroad "mates" to the wonderful world of operations. See more on the Wattle Flat on Darren's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@darrenlee737 Check out Darren's Blog on the Wattle Flat: https://nimmitabelextension.blogspot.com/ Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 25, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 22, 2022 What do you get when you combine an art teacher with a love of model railroading? You get Tom Johnson and a spectacular layout filled with super detailed scenes that tell the story of the late 70's in northern Indiana. Listen as Tom tells about growing up around the prototype and how it has influenced him to create a freelance story of his own on a layout perfectly sized for simple, yet realistic operations. Tom also shares the backstory of his recent article in the October 2022 Railroad Model Craftsman and how taking the photographs was a family affair. Read more about Tom Johnson's Cass County HO Scale Layout in Railroad Model Craftsman: https://rrmodelcraftsman.com/ Join the Facebook HO Scale Shelf Modelers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/484711889437745 Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 19, 2024

It's been way too long since we've heard Christopher Palmieri on Around The Layout, and with all the projects he's been working on at Home Shops, it was high time we got him on What's Happening In Model Railroading to get us up to speed. Tony Cook and Ray Arnott learn about his project selection process, what goes into creating a great freelance model railroad logo, and how Home Shops is expanding beyond freight cars with a locomotive project honoring a legendary freelance railroad that's inspired so many. Later, Tony brings us the latest news from Rapido, Jacksonville Terminal Company, Walthers, South Platte Press, Funaro & Camerlengo and Broadway Limted, and Ray finally brings something to the table with news from AA Hobbies in Warwick, Rhode Island. Check out all the great offerings from Home Shops: https://homeshops.net/ Ask Tony your question for next month's What's Happening In Model Railroading Show: https://www.aroundthelayout.com/asktony Subscribe 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/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 18, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 27, 2022 In this episode of Around The Layout, we go deep into the vivid imagination of Chris Palmieri and learn about the alternate railroading reality he has created in the freelance world of "The Meridian Speedway." Chris talks about the how he, from an early age, has been developing his own model railroad story based on his deep and growing knowledge of prototype operations. You'll learn how this has led to the creation of Home Shops, LLC and how his new venture helps spread not only his story but those of fellow freelance modelers across the planet. Check out The Meridian Speedway website: https://www.meridianspeedway.net/ Shop Home Shops LLC for freelance model railroad cars: https://homeshops.net/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 12, 2024

Keeping a long family tradition of railroading, Allen Whitaker comes by to tell us about how, from a young age, he was exposed to the prototype, particularly the Southern Railway which inspired his freelance Tennessee Southern Railway. Allen shares how his career as a railroader has affected operations on his layout, and how knowing too much can be a challenge as a model railroader. Later, Allen shares his experience with having the Tennessee Southern included in a Home Shops run that features some of his model railroading idols. Check out more on the Tennessee Southern Railway on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/149336988442313 Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! aroundthelayout.com/atlpoc Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 11, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 3, 2023 We’re off to the Sunshine State for a visit to Sebastian, the town that might become the capital of model railroading in Florida, and meet up with John Farrington. We learn how his grandfather helped light his youthful passion for model trains and how he rediscovered the hobby through content on YouTube. John talks about creating his own YouTube channel and by doing so, is paying forward the knowledge he’s obtained. Additionally, we learn how John met fellow resident Don Irace and the role he’s played in designing and building John’s Somerset Industrial layout. And be sure to listen carefully for a special guest appearance from Merlin The Cat. See more on John’s layout and get great modeling tips on his YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@RailserveJohn Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 5, 2024

Around The Layout is where model railroaders and, in this case, podcasters come to tell their story. A pioneer of model railroad podcasts, Tom Barbalet, comes by to tell us about how Model Rail Radio was started. Tom talks about how the live radio call-in format for his long-running podcast was developed and how he has built an amazing community of friends from around the world. Check out Model Rail Radio: https://www.modelrailradio.com/ Join the Model Rail Radio Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/367613092344 Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 4, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 17, 2023 We give Streamyard the night off as Mark Herrick does an in-person visit to the Around The Layout studio and tells us about his model railroading journey that has led to the BNSF Montana Division. Listen as Mark tells us about how trips to Montana in his teenage years formed his love of the Burlington Northern and how a trip to “The Mall” sparked his interest in model railroading. Mark also shares how membership in the NMRA led him to a network of great model railroaders and even greater friends. Check out the BNSF Montana Division Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080157977768 Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Feb 27, 2024

In our past interviews, we've found that freelance model railroaders have amazing stories to tell and Tim Garland is no exception. On this episode, Tim tells us how he got started in the hobby and how at 14 years old, his mind was made up about becoming a railroader. Tim shares how the story of the Seaboard Central was developed, how it's a form of protest against changes he's observed in the railroad industry, and how the second version of the layout is being built differently from the first and in a way that keeps the flywheel turning without being overwhelming. Check out more on the Seaboard Central on Tim's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SeaboardCentral Follow updates on the Seaboard Central on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCModelRailroad/ We mention our love for Home Shops, LLC. Check them out here: https://homeshops.net/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Feb 20, 2024

After getting to meet the NMRA Social Media guru Lucy Dormont in person at the Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show, I wanted to hear about her first trip to Springfield and her event filled weekend. Lucy shares the details on the events she participated in, including the NMRA Board of Directors meeting and the Women In Model Railroading meet and greet and operating session. I also find out what purchases made Lucy's suitcase and give her some (probably bad) advice on how to get more stuff home with her next year. Check out all of the exciting changes with the NMRA, starting with their website: https://www.nmra.org/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/

Feb 19, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 31, 2023 He’s been talked about a lot on Around The Layout, but now it’s time to hear from Don Irace himself. Don’s original Providence & Worcester layout in Scituate, Rhode Island was known by many as the layout to see in southern New England, and he gives us the backstory on it’s creation. He shares how he developed operations on this layout, and how lessons from Scituate guided the second version after his move to Sebastian, Florida. Don has inspired many to create their own layouts, and he talks about the role of mentor and how the hobby has created a group of great friends, both in New England and Florida. Like the Providence & Worcester Model Railroad Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/ProvidenceWorcesterModelRailroad Check out the PWMRR YouTube channel for videos of both layouts. https://www.youtube.com/@ThePWMRR Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Feb 16, 2024

It's just me, asking you to take a few minutes to take the ATLP 2024 Listener Survey. aroundthelayout.com/survey Your honest feedback is appreciated!

Feb 13, 2024

Just a few weeks removed from the Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show, Broadway Limited's Curtis Koch stops by to tell us about the exciting announcements and releases from BLI, including the new Conductors Club, GP35's, die-cast diesels and a device you can use not only in the layout room, but throughout your home and garage too. Later, Tony brings us the industry news from ScaleTrains, Atlas, Walthers, Rapido, Kato, Home Shops LLC and more. Learn more about Broadway Limited and sign up for the Conductors Club: https://broadway-limited.com/ Subscribe 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/asktony Subscribe to the Model Train Resource YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ModelTrainResource Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Feb 12, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally released April 25, 2023 Seven days a week, Weather My Trains' Rob Arsenault is producing some of the most realistic and jaw-dropping weathering in the hobby. In this episode of Around The Layout, Rob puts down the brush and tells how a childhood spent on Prince Edward Island and railfanning the PEI sparked his lifelong love for trains. He shares how time spent in the Royal Canadian Air Force provided rare opportunities to witness railroading history and get closer to the action than most. You'll also get an in-depth lesson in paints as Rob guides us to making better product selections; the same ones he's made that produce high quality results. Learn more about the services offered by Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/ Stay up to date with Rob's work on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WeatherMyTrains Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Feb 6, 2024

How did a Brit decide to model an American railroad? Blame it on Budweiser! That's one of the things we learn on this episode of Around The Layout as we chat with Steve McEwen about his model railroading journey and how his trips to the United States influenced his choice to model the New York & Atlantic Railway in a freelance way that addresses his wants in an operating layout. We also learn the why behind Steve's YouTube channel, The British Railroader. Check out The British Railroader on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebritishrailroader Follow all of Steve's railroading adventures on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/the.british.railroader Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/

Feb 5, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally aired February 14, 2023 There are no shortage of topics when Thomas Klimoski comes to the Around The Layout studio. A retired firefighter, author, trainman and accomplished model railroader, Tom tells us about his beginnings in the hobby and how a letter written to a well-known model railroader changed his tragectory in model railroading and led to amazing opportunities and great friendships.Tom discusses how his personal experiences influenced his book "Building The Right Sized Layout" and how you can ensure you're building the right layout for you. Check out Tom's website, full of excellent resources at https://www.thomasklimoski.com/ Thanks to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics. Check out their website at https://highballgraphics.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 30, 2024

Want proof that the hobby isn't dying and young folks are into model railroading? Allow us to present, once again, Issac Fabris and his CN/IC Heyworth Spur. It's been quite a while, so we were overdue for an update and Isaac brings us up to speed on the changes he's made on his layout and how changing his era has allowed him to narrow his focus, keep what he loves, but set up guardrails that keeps him from buying all of the latest locomotive releases. Isaac's biggest news is that he's an expectant father, and after hearing bad parenting advice from Ray, he shares how his growing family will eventually yield a bigger home and a bigger layout and the plan he already has to expand upon his current layout. Check out the CN/IC Heyworth Spur on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/607099757235527 Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/

Jan 23, 2024

Neil 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 steam era layout and how road trips to the northernmost parts of New England planted the seed for his Vermont based layout. See the layout for yourself on Neil's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NRS8400 Check out the MRH Forum blog on CP Rail's Newport & Lyndonville Subdivision: https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/cp-rails-newport-lyndonville-subdivision-12218893 Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 16, 2024

West Springfield, Springfield, The Big E Show, Amherst - call it what you'd like, just make sure you get there! The Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show has become the bucket list event for model railroaders around the globe and leading this destination event is the highly dedicated and super enthusiastic Show Director John Sacerdote. John gives us a brief history of the show, then tells us what we can expect to see within the four buildings and 350,000 square feet of all things railroading. Don't miss the Railroad Hobby Show - January 27-28, 2024! https://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 16, 2024

Shane Wilson, President of ScaleTrains, returns to Around The Layout Podcast to talk about the latest somewhat controversial announcement of the new Hypotypical line. Shane clears up some concerns and shares with us the benefits of adding a new line and how it positively impacts their ability to produce additional offerings. Later, Tony and I discuss more news pouring in from Broadway Limited, Bachmann, Lionel, Marklin and more. Check out all of the offerings from ScaleTrains on their website: https://www.scaletrains.com/ Subscribe 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/asktony Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 9, 2024

On this episode of Around The Layout, we check in with Paul Cassar. Paul's not only the Executive Producer of Around The Layout; he's quite the modeler and he provides us with updates on his River Belt Line HO scale layout located in his garage in New South Wales, Australia. Paul talks about scratchbuilding, weathering, and super detailing the layout and how his choice to keep the layout relatively small has provided the time to drill into the details. Additionally, Ray and Paul talk about working together on the podcast and how it has become another aspect of the hobby to enjoy. Check out Paul's River Belt Line on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063610810340 Join the HO Scale Shelf Modelers Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/484711889437745 Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 8, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally aired May 30, 2023 On this episode of Around The Layout, we head back to Texas to chat with yet another freelance model railroader, Joe Bohannon. Joe shares his start in the hobby and the many influences, from California to Washington State to Texas that led to him creating the Chinook Lines. He also tells us about his involvement in historical societies and how the knowledge he gained there provided content for his freelace story. Check out the Chinook Lines Model Railroad Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/517011158314309 Learn more about the Cascade Rail Foundation: https://www.milwelectric.org/ Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 2, 2024

After hosting myself and fellow podcasters Andy Dorsch and Tom Gasior on his TSG Live Talking Trains, it was great to have John Abatecola stop by the Around The Layout studio. John tells us about his hobby within the hobby; creating videos to share his model railroading and prototype adventures with the masses. He talks about his work with Jack Burgess and how filming trains is so much better than a funeral! Check out TSG Multimedia's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tsgmultimedia You can join TSG Multimedia on these social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tsgmultimediaface Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsg_multimedia/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TSGMultimedia Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 1, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally aired September 19, 2023 There's something really cool when you find out that someone you watched on television and in movies is a fellow model railroader. On this podcast, we get to learn more about Michael Gross, the man who, among many acting accomplishments, portrayed TV dad Steven Keaton on Family Ties for seven seasons. It becomes clear early on that he's no actor when it comes to being a model railroader; he's the real deal with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for all things railroading. Michael also tells us about his family roots in railroading, and how his grandfather's career in railroading inspired him to become a modeler and a railroader himself. Michael's appearance in Rapido's "The Drop" is not to be missed! Check it out here: https://youtu.be/m_bNmLVjZ54?si=MqBkwuaeQpdExYnF Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Dec 26, 2023

Author and professional model railroad builder Lance Mindheim returns to Around The Layout with a couple of new books tucked under his arm. Since the last time he appeared, he's released two new "how and why" books, 8 Track Plans For Modern Era Switching Layouts and Scenery For Modern Switching Layouts. Lance shares with us the motivation for writing and takes an opportunity to tell us more about his former East Rail layout, The Downtown Spur, and how he is recreating the East Rail layout with the appropriately named East Rail 2, using improved techniques learned in 50 years of model railroading. Check out more on Lance Mindheim, including his blog on his website: https://lancemindheim.com/ Pick up a copy of Lance's recent books and see his entire library: https://lancemindheim.com/book-store/ Watch Tolga Erbora switch The Downtown Spur: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYEGQhkk6gs Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Dec 25, 2023

ATLP Rewind - Originally aired April 11, 2023 Why. It's the question every model railroader should know the answer to, and Lance Mindheim has prided himself in helping model railroaders find their own why. In this episode, we find out how Lance found his own "why" as he shares his own model railroading journey. He also shares how studying the arts has made him a better modeler and how you too can begin to see your layout from a whole new angle. The author of a multitude of how-to books and his own blog, Lance tells us about writing and sharing the lessons he's learned. Check out Lance Mindheim's website: https://www.shelflayouts.com/ Follow Lance on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lance.mindheim Watch videos from Lance on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LanceMindheim Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Dec 20, 2023

With only a few days left before Christmas, Tony Cook and I thought it would be a good idea to check in with Ken Bianco Jr at Trainworld and Trainland. Ken tells us about the items flying off the shelves this holiday season and shares the joy he gets from introducing new folks to the hobby. Later, Tony tells us about new releases from Bachmann, Kadee, Tangent, Rapido and many more. Get your last minute Christmas shopping done today: https://www.trainworld.com/ Subscribe to Model Railorad 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/asktony Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Dec 12, 2023

Meet Campbell Rice, a man who has moved more times than the Raiders football team, but has carried his passion for model railroading with him along the way. Campbell takes us along on the journey through several states and multiple layout builds, leading to his recent move back to Tennessee and the development of the freelanced Tennessee Western Railway HO scale layout. It's a story of perseverance that you don't want to miss. Learn more about the Tennessee Western Railway on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063930588640 Check out Campbell's Railroad Modeling on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@campbellsrailroadmodeling5847 Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Dec 5, 2023

What 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=t9F8I98Sf0Xouvgd Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/

Nov 28, 2023

It's late November, but we're still talking about late August and the 2023 NMRA National Convention in Texas. During that week, I was fortunate enough to visit the outstanding layout of Mike Armstrong and it was a thrill to talk to him tonight about how his Rock Island Mid-Continent Route came to fruition. Mike shares the story of growing up in Iowa and the many influences during his youth that led to a successful prototype and model railroad journey. If you're a fan of big layouts and negative space, this episode is for you! Check out the Rock Island Mid-Continent Route on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@rimodeler7963 Find more about this outstanding layout in the June 2023 Railroad Model Craftsman: https://rrmodelcraftsman.com/rock-island-mid-continent-route/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Nov 21, 2023

The growth of technology in model railroading has brought a whole new level to the hobby. On this episode, Tony Cook brings along Chuck Stancil of Logic Rail Technologies to tell us about the amazing products he has created that bring life to layouts. Chuck tells us how his products can help add theatrics to your layout and reveals a new product that will provide amazing lighting effects in a number of ways. Later, Tony tells us about the latest releases from Rapido, Intermountain, Walthers, Sylvan, and many more, then we debut the new "Ask Tony" segment with questions about Tony's top 3 locomotives and C30-7A locomotives. Bring your layout to life with Logic Rail Technologies products! https://www.logicrailtech.com/ Subscribe to Model Railorad 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/asktony Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Nov 18, 2023

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, I appeared as a guest on TSG Multimedia's Talking Trains with hosts John Abatecola and Tony Cook. The topic was model railroad podcasts and I was joined by good friends Andy Dorsch from Second Section Podcast and Thomas Gasior of the Twin Cities Division Crossing Gate Podcast. I had such a blast talking about Around The Layout and how all of our podcasts compliment each other, and John has given me permission to share the audio from the show with the ATLP audience. Please see the original show notes from TSG Multimedia below, and a special thanks to John Abatecola for hosting this show and allowing us to share here on our channel. ****** We had a special Talking Trains episode this past week all about podcasting and how we can support each other in the podcasting space. It was such a great discussion, I wanted to share the audio from it here as well. It will make for great listening in the car or wherever you listen to your podcasts! In this episode of Talking Trains, John will be joined by a special guest co-host as well as some other podcasters for a talk about railroad-related podcasts and ways we can support each other. Tony Cook's Model Train Resource (MTR) home page: https://modeltrainresource.com/ Use the promo code "TSG10" to get 40% off the newsstand price at: https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/ *Note: the prices on White River's site are already discounted, so 40% off won't be on the already discounted price, but on the price that's printed on the cover of the publication(s) being ordered. Around The Layout Podcast: https://www.aroundthelayout.com/podcasts Second Section Podcast: https://secondsectionpodcast.com/ The Crossing Gate Podcast: https://tcdnmra.org/podcast/ Of course we will also be talking about other topics. We always do! Here are some of the ways you can support the content you love: https://www.patreon.com/TSGMultimedia https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tsgmultimedia https://www.tsgmultimedia.com/shop https://tsg-multimedia-swag.creator-spring.com/ Please share: If you enjoy this content, please hit the "like" button and share it with your friends on social media! You can join TSG Multimedia on these other social media channels: FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/tsgmultimediaface Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsg_multimedia/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TSGMultimedia ©2023 TSG Multimedia. All Rights Reserved.

Nov 14, 2023

One of the most memorable stops during the whirlwind week of the Texas Express 2023 NMRA National Convention was the visit to Devin Jackson & Family's Mesquite Belt, located about 2 hours south of Fort Worth in the town of Palestine. Joining me on the trip were Don Irace and Mark Herrick and on arrival, we were amazed to see a depot building in the backyard containing a large and well done HO scale layout. On this episode, we talk about that visit and how the depot building, name and layout came to be. We also learn how this project has been a family affair and how all Jacksons have benefited from the hobby. Check out the Mesquite Belt on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/79388438443 Learn more about the Mesquite Belt Railroad on their website: https://www.mesquitebelt.com/ Pre-order your Home Shops Mesquite Belt Tangent PS-4427 Covered Hopper today! https://homeshops.net/pages/home-shops-pre-order-page Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/

Nov 13, 2023

On this special episode of Around The Layout, we talk to Art Dutra and Mike Wheeler of the Nutmeg Division of the NMRA and learn what's new and exciting from the division covering Connecticut and portions of Massachusetts. We often hear about the big changes happening at the national level; now hear how those changes are making positive impacts locally, and how Art, Mike and the rest of the Nutmeg Division leadership are putting in the work to attract new members and add to the value proposition of being a member of the NMRA. Check out the Nutmeg Division's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nutmegnmra Follow the Nutmeg Division on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutmegnmra/ Subscribe to the Nutmeg Division on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nutmegdivisionnmra8046 Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/

Nov 7, 2023

We first met Matt Stern on the May 2023 What's Happening In Model Railroading episode where he represented Bachmann as their Communications Manager. During the recording of that show, we spotted a layout behind him, and we knew we had to get Matt back to tell his model railroading story. Well, that time has come, and Matt has an incredible story to share. He tells us about living in the United Kingdom at a young age, an influential uncle back in the United States, and how his passion for model railroading and an ability to chart his own course led to his profession within the hobby. We also learn that his current layout, used to stage some of the Bachmann promotional photos, doesn't have a name, hence the title of this episode! Check out the work of Matt and his colleagues at Bachmann Trains: https://www.bachmanntrains.com Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/

Oct 31, 2023

Freelance model railroader and YouTuber Matt Forcum pays a virtual visit to the Around The Layout studio. Matt shares with us his model railroading journey that has includes stops in Lego and N scale on his way to HO scale and the Metaline Falls Railroad. He also tells us how he's using his MFRailroad YouTube channel to create a video journal of his layout build and share what he's learning along the way. In addition, his channel includes product reviews and his Rail Ramblin' segments, and Ray and Matt discuss the difficulties of sharing these thoughts in what can be a very opininated hobby. Closing out the show, Matt shares a tool he has created to help build switch lists for smaller railroads. Check out MFRailroad on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MFRailroad Read Matt's blog on his website: http://www.mfrailroad.com Download OpsBuddy here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y8jbRy0lxMmmrtj_qnKQb1stEQMqq_BGPU02VjTeQmQ/edit?usp=sharing Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Oct 24, 2023

Coming to us from northern Colorado - seemingly a hotbed of model railroading, is the creator of the BNSF Fall River Division, John Parker. John shares his model railroading story with us, from humble 4x8 beginnings to the beautiful empire he has today. We learn that he's had a lot of help along the way, and he shares how that dedicated group of friends helped him achieve the goal of a railroad empire in his basement that hosts 18 to 22 operators per session. Learn more about John's BNSF Fall River Division on the web: https://www.bnsfrr.net/ Follow the BNSF Fall River Division on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fallriverdiv/ Watch TSG Multimedia's Layout Tour Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJg4PJRa3DQ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/

Oct 17, 2023

On this edition of What's Happening In Model Railroading, we step into the 1:220 world as Ztrack Magazine's Rob Kluz tells us all about Z scale. Rob shares how military modeling started his near 40 year journey in the hobby as a publisher and distributor, and how, in that time, Z scale has made amazing advancements in detail, capabilities, and availability. Ray and Tony also talk about exciting announcements from Tangent, Athearn, Bluford Shops, Rivarossi, Rapido, Viessmann, and Ray's recent purchase from HomeShops LLC. Check out Ztrack Magazine for more on the exciting world of Z scale railroading: https://www.ztrack.com/ Subscribe 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/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Oct 12, 2023

Dave Owens from the Amherst Railway Society joined me to record a special on the upcoming Vernon Train Show happening on October 29, 2023 in Vernon, CT. It's good to see a smaller format train show back on the schedule as we kick off model railroad season, and putting the guy who's made the Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet a 20 year success in charge leaves no doubt that this event will be a good one. For more information on the Model Train Show in Vernon: https://amherstrail.org/vernon/ Exhibitors and vendors wanted! Email secretary@amherstrail.org . Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Oct 10, 2023

Anyone who has listened long enough to the show knows my affinity for cottage industry, so it was a thrill to talk to Ron Klaiss about his model railroading journey that led to the launch of Mine Mount Models. Ron talks about his early days of model railroading, then talks about how his business was born from a love of structures and a desire to recreate. Later, Ron and I discuss a common side effect of hobbies within the hobby and how the layout can suffer for them. Check out Mine Mount Models and their fine craftsman kit offerings: https://minemountmodels.com/ Follow Mine Mount Models on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minemountmodels Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Oct 3, 2023

Comedy and model railroading - the two definitely can go together, especially when you start talking to the very funny William Sampson! William makes his return to ATLP to tell his model railroading story, recapping the Father's Day episode he did with his dad and continuing his story. Willam shares how laughs with his dad while running trains set the tone for his outlook on the hobby and how he's carried that over to his ever popular SOO The Milwaukee Road YouTube channel. He also provides us with two "Around The Layout exclusives" on his future plans both in print and for the YouTube channel. Check out William's SOO The Milwaukee Road YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SootheMilwaukeeRoad Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Oct 2, 2023

One of the big announcements following the NMRA National Convention in Texas was the hiring of Lucy Dormont as the new Social Media Director for the National Model Railroad Association. With this breaking news, it was time for a special What's Happening In Model Railroading episode with Tony Cook, Editor of Model Railroad News, to get to know Lucy and find out what she has planned to help grow the NMRA. What we quickly learned is that the national organization has found itself a go-getter who isn't afraid to stick their neck out, ask the questions, and put in the work to achieve goals. Find out more about the benefits of being a member of the NMRA: https://www.nmra.org/ Take a trip through model railroad history on Tony's Model Train Resource: https://modeltrainresource.com/ Subscribe to Model Railorad 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/

Sep 26, 2023

As the author of Show Me Katy, Mike Landis has taken his childhood experience with the MKT Sedalia Subdivision and turned it into a passion that has led not only to writing the book Show Me Katy, but also an HO scale layout paying tribute to the railroad in the 1980's. Mike tells us about choosing the portion of the line that he relates to most and how video creation for his YouTube channel The Main Track provides motivation to continue learning and sharing his journey with others. Check out The Main Track YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@MainTrack Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Sep 19, 2023

There's something really cool when you find out that someone you watched on television and in movies is a fellow model railroader. Tonight I had the privilege to learn more about Michael Gross, the man who, among many acting accomplishments, portrayed TV dad Steven Keaton on Family Ties for seven seasons. It becomes clear early on that he's no actor when it comes to being a model railroader; he's the real deal with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for all things railroading. Michael also tells us about his family roots in railroading, and how his grandfather's career in railroading inspired him to become a modeler and a railroader himself. Michael's appearance in Rapido's "The Drop" is not to be missed! Check it out here: https://youtu.be/m_bNmLVjZ54?si=MqBkwuaeQpdExYnF Thank 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/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Sep 12, 2023

Another month has passed and it's time to find out What's Happening in Model Railroading with the Editor of Model Railroad News, Tony Cook. Tony brings along Jason Hill of Owl Mountain Models and we learn how his business of producing lumber loads and much more began. Later, a bit of role reversal as Ray tells Tony about his experience at the NMRA National Convention and the National Train Show. Check out all of what Owl Mountain Models has to offer on their website: https://www.owlmtmodels.com/ Subscribe 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/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Sep 5, 2023

It's never too late to build your dream layout. Alan Saatkamp is a testament to this, as he, at age 70, is building the railroad he's always wanted, taking the experience of multiple layout builds and moves around the country to his new home in Normal, Illinois. Alan shares those experiences, from childhood to today, and tells us how his wife encouraged his return to model railroading for a family experience. He also offers his guidance on the right time to ask your spouse for more layout real estate (results may vary!). Alan also talks about his other hobby; creating a newsletter called Prairie Ponderings, a fun and informative digital publication that he shares with subscribers around the globe. Have Prairie Ponderings delivered to your email box. Email Alan at ajsaat96@gmail.com Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Aug 29, 2023

With just under 500 videos published and over 45,000 subscribers on YouTube, DIY and Digital Railroad has become one of the leading sources of information for model railroaders on the internet. When Jimmy DIY reached out, it was a no-brainer to get him on the show and learn more about how he started in the hobby and how it led to the creation of his YouTube channel. Jimmy tells how he was led to modeling in N and the improvements he's seen that has made 1:160 a better scale to model. He also shares his influences and how they inspired him to give back with videos catered to those just getting their start in the hobby. Check out the DIY and Digital Railroad YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DIYDigitalRailroad Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Aug 22, 2023

On this episode of Around The Layout, we get to know Paul August, owner of the C&NW Mondovi Line and the YouTube channel that covers it. Paul tells us about his family's roots in railroading and how that led to multiple generations of model railroaders including a father with a passion for brass steam locomotives. He also shares with us how moves in the midwest exposed him to different prototypes and how he landed on the Mondovi Line. Check out Paul's YouTube Channel, covering the Mondovi Line: https://www.youtube.com/@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304 Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Aug 15, 2023

If you've ever been to the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, Massachusetts, there's a good chance you've seen Ron's Books and their massive collection of new and used books and DVD's. Now, as they enter into the realm of publishing, it was a great time to have Lee Rosenberg on the show to tell us about the history of the company and what their future plans are. Lee shares how his father, Ron, built the business starting from a single book and a desire to use it to fund his model railroading hobby, leading to today's inventory of over 10,000 books. Later on, Tony and Ray talk about the latest hobby news from Athearn, Tangent, Walthers, Broadway Limited just to name a few plus Tony tells Ray about a new railroad board game he's been playing and a new book from Mike Schafer. If you're looking for that hard to find book, Ron's Books is the place to go! https://www.ronsbooks.com/ Subscribe to Model Railorad 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/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Aug 8, 2023

It's quite appropriate that this episode is just slightly larger that most, as we bring S scaler Michael Ostertag on the show. Mike tells us about his railroading roots and how he's put together a long career on the high iron. The controversy begins when Mike tells us about his decision to move from HO to S scale - it's not for the faint of heart and if you're a hardcore HO modeler, just remember that opinions of the guests are not necessarily the opinions of Around The Layout Podcast or its host! Mike rounds out the show by telling us about his role as co-host of Second Section Podcast and details the ever popular Shortline of the Show segment. Check out Mike's Farlin Terminal Railroad here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2265074807124868 Check out Second Section Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecondSectionPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Aug 1, 2023

When Michelle Kempema first appeared on Around The Layout alongside John Gardberg to talk about the Rocky Mountain Train Show, it was a no-brainer to get her back on the show for a full episode, and here it is! Michelle shares her story of going from a volunteer to the Executive Director of the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. Michelle tells us about the museum's origin story and how publisher David Trussell built his dream in Greely, Colorado and how Michelle has taken that dream and, with her team, has made it a destination for model railroaders and train fans from around the world. Additionally, Michelle shares her passion for youth in model railroading and using it as an educational tool though the museum. Plan your visit to the Colorado Model Railroad Museum: https://www.cmrm.org/ Another one of Michelle's passions is promoting Women In Model Railroading. Check out their group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/769365970927091/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jul 25, 2023

Finding your "why" - it's a topic that we talked about with Lance Mindheim, and now one of his biggest fans, Joe Mammay, returns to the show to talk about finding his with a new railroad, location and track plan as the Lamoille Valley gives way for the Norfolk Southern C&F Secondary. Joe shares how he learned of this line and how a recent railfanning trip to it solidified his decision. In addition, Joe talks about making this layout acheivable and how he made difficult choices in what to incorporate into the operating plan. Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jul 18, 2023

It's like Scott Thornton had just left the ATLP studio after joining Lonnie Bathurst to talk about the St. Louis RPM, and now he's back to talk to Tony Cook and Ray Arnott about Scenic & Weathering Techniques; the book he's edited and compiled as the first entry in the new Railroad Model Craftsman's Master Craftsman Series. Scott shares with us what went into creating this collaboration from of some of the best modelers on the planet and how the information shared can inspire you to take your modeling to the next level. Later, Tony tells us some of the latest news in the hobby, including announcements from ScaleTrains, Intermountain, Kato and more. Purchase Scenic & Weathering Techniques here: https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/swts?_pos=1&_sid=796758b3c&_ss=r Subscribe 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/ Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew! patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jul 11, 2023

We 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.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jul 10, 2023

It's time to talk about the largest railroad prototype modelers meet in the country - the 16th Annual St Louis RPM. Scott Thornton joins host Ray Arnott as they talk to Lonnie Bathurst, one of the many folks who make the St Louis RPM a show that cannot be missed. Lonnie tells us the show's history and how he became involved in an official capacity. This year's show theme is "The Layout - A Weekend At The Theatre" - and if you've listened to Scott Thornton's Around The Layout interview, you know that's right up his alley! Scott shares his passion for this great event. It's two days you don't want to miss out on - so have a listen and book your trip to The Gateway To The West for a whole bunch of model railroading fun! Check out the St. Louis RPM's website: https://www.stlrpm.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jul 4, 2023

On 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_Q Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jul 3, 2023

It's the acquisition that everyone's been talking about. No, not Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern and, no, not CSX / Pan-Am. It's ExactRail becoming a part of the ever growing ScaleTrains family and this is so big that we had to get the head of ScaleTrains, Shane Wilson, to tell us all about it. We learn how this deal came about and what it means for both brands. We also get an exclusive about yet another ScaleTrains acquisition you probably didn't hear about until now. Shane shares his summer travel plans as part of this year's ScaleTrains Road Trip, including a stop at the Texas Express 2023 NMRA National Convention for the National Train Show where we can bet on some big announcements that will keep Tony busy with Model Railroad News. Check out ScaleTrains growing offering! www.ScaleTrains.com Keep up with all the model railroad happenings by subscribing to Model Railroad News: https://modelrailroadnews.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jun 27, 2023

After all of the past interrogations and information from informants, we've finally captured the Iowa Interstate Godfather; none other than Joe Atkinson himself. Now that we've beat the dead horse with this mafia thing, we can get down to the business of learning how Joe became such an authority on the Iowa Interstate, leading him to create two versions of the 4th Sub that has inspired fellow IAIS modelers and was featured in the July (not January as I might say in the podcast) 2018 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman. Check out our website:www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jun 20, 2023

It's time to interrogate another member of the Iowa Interstate Mafia as we bring James McNab downtown for a whole line of questioning. Luckliy, James is willing to talk and we learn about his start in the hobby and how a fellow churchgoer's layout inspired him. We also hear how a change of employment led him to the Iowa Interstate and opened up a new world of railroading and friendships. Check out more on James McNab and The Hills Line: http://thehillsline.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jun 19, 2023

They say "Everything is bigger in Texas" and the Supercharged, High Speed Texas Express 2023 NMRA National Convention is setting up to keep that promise. We talk to Riley Triggs and Chris Atkins and get the lowdown on all of the exciting activities happening in the Dallas/Fort Worth area during the week of August 20-27. There's an amazing list of prototype events, layout tours, operating sessions, clinics and so much more that you will not want to miss. Chris also tells us about the preparations he's making on his own layout; a story I'm sure echoes with the large group of Texans who are opening their homes to visitors from around the globe. Don't miss the Texas Express 2023 NMRA National Convention. Register today! https://2023texasexpress.com/ Check out more on Chris Atkins' layout here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/595441084132491 Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jun 13, 2023

It's that time again - Tony Cook's got a 50' hi-cube load of news from the model railroading world to share with us, including a recent acquisition that's getting more news coverage than CPKC and CSX/Pan Am combined, but first we talk to Curtis Koch, Director of Marketing and Social Media at Broadway Limited. Curtis tells us about their revamped website and a bunch of new releases in HO and N scale. Curtis also shares the path that led him to Broadway Limited and gives us a glance into the world of social media promotions. Broadway Limited has the social media gamut covered! Website: https://broadway-limited.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayLimited Twitter: https://twitter.com/blitrains?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broadwaylimited/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@broadwaylimitedimports YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BroadwayLtdTrains/videos Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/

Jun 12, 2023

With 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. Check out the SOO The Milwaukee Road YouTube channel for wildly entertaining videos on both William's layouts: https://www.youtube.com/@SootheMilwaukeeRoad Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jun 6, 2023

There's good news to deliver on this episode of Around The Layout - progress is being made in Washington DC - but only on the model railroading front. That progress is being made by Marty McGuirk, who joins us to share his model railroading story. Learn how a visit to New London, Connecticut became the precursor to an outstanding career and love for the Central Vermont. Marty also shares how a kitchen remodeling project eventually yielded a brand new layout area and how Lance Mindheim helped guide Marty down a "3-3-3" plan for his next model railroad. Check out Marty's blog on his Central Vermont layouts: http://centralvermontrailway.blogspot.com/ Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 30, 2023

On this episode of Around The Layout, we head back to Texas to chat with yet another freelance model railroader, Joe Bohannon. Joe shares his start in the hobby and the many influences, from California to Washington State to Texas that led to him creating the Chinook Lines. He also tells us about his involvement in historical societies and how the knowledge he gained there provided content for his freelace story. Check out the Chinook Lines Model Railroad Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/517011158314309 Learn more about the Cascade Rail Foundation: https://www.milwelectric.org/ Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 23, 2023

From a young age, John Doehring was destined to be a part of the National Model Railroad Association. In this episode, we learn how that journey began and how it has led John to leadership roles at the division, region and now national level. John also tells us about his personal enjoyment of the hobby through N scale modulars and how discovering operations deepened his love for model railroading. Additonally, John talks about his role as Eastern District Director of the NMRA and the changes the organization is making in regards to value for its members. Learn more about the NMRA and become a member: https://www.nmra.org/ Check out the HUB Division and see their upcoming events: https://www.hubdiv.org/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 16, 2023

On this month's What's Happening In Model Railroading, Editior of Model Railroad News' Tony Cook and I get the opportunity to talk to Matt Stern, Communications Manager at Bachmann Trains. Matt tells us about his role at Bachmann and shares some of the latest product releases. Later on, Tony brings us the latest product releases from around the hobby, including one that lets Ray show off some of his "space nerd" knowledge. Tony announces the winner of April's Model Train Resource giveaway and tells the listeners how they can win again in May. Check out the latest offerings from Bachmann Trains: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ Subscribe to Model Railroad News: https://modelrailroadnews.com/ Register for Tony's Model Train Resource: https://modeltrainresource.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 9, 2023

We all know Andy Dorsch as the co-host of the wildly popular Second Section Podcast, but how much do you know about Andy the modeler? We find out in this episode of Around The Layout as Andy takes us back to his childhood railfanning the Chicago and North Western that planted the railroad seed, then on to adulthood as he developed his freelance Mascoutin Valley Railroad. Andy then shares how he met his co-host Michael Ostertag, leading to the development of the Second Section Podcast that facilitates the sharing of model railroading knowledge from some of the leading talent in the hobby. Check out Andy's Mascoutin Valley Railroad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/805361333231913 Like and subscribe to the Second Section Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecondSectionPodcast Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 2, 2023

It's fun to have an episode of Around The Layout with a guy who's built a train that's gone around many layouts. John Rezuke has become known for his traveling HO scale Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus train and he tells us all about how he chose this project and the massive amount of research he has put in to accurately pay tribute to a train that means so much to so many. John shares with us the relationships this project has developed, including friendships with past circus employees who look to his miniature version to relive the memories made going city to city spreading joy to children of all ages. Check out The HO Scale Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Train Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071196337016 Learn more about the North Shore Model Railroad Club: http://www.nsmrc.org/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 25, 2023

Seven days a week, Weather My Trains' Rob Arsenault is producing some of the most realistic and jaw-dropping weathering in the hobby. In this episode of Around The Layout, Rob puts down the brush and tells how a childhood spent on Prince Edward Island and railfanning the PEI sparked his lifelong love for trains. He shares how time spent in the Royal Canadian Air Force provided rare opportunities to witness railroading history and get closer to the action than most. You'll also get an in-depth lesson in paints as Rob guides us to making better product selections; the same ones he's made that produce high quality results. Learn more about the services offered by Weather My Trains: https://weathermytrains.com/ Stay up to date with Rob's work on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WeatherMyTrains Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 18, 2023

On this month's What's Happening In Model Railroading, Editor of Model Railroad News' Tony Cook returns to bring us the latest announcements in the hobby. One of the leading announcements is the completely revamped Athearn website and Jim Wiggin, Associate Brand Manager from Athearn stops by to tell us all about it. Later, Tony and Ray talk about annoucements from Athearn, Rapido, Jacksonville Terminal Company, Tangent and Home Shops. During the show, Tony Cook announces the launch of his website, Model Train Resource. In conjuction with the exciting launch, there's a giveaway that includes MTR stickers and the chance to win a swag bag with a HO scale NSC 6400 scrap gondola from Otter Valley Railroad! Listen close to learn how you can win them both! Stay up to date with all the industry news - subscribe today to Model Railroad News: https://modelrailroadnews.com/ Check out Tony's Model Train Resource and take a trip back to the model railroad past: https://modeltrainresource.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 16, 2023

This is the audio from the live Facebook and YouTube event on April 16, 2023. On this special we announced: Around The Layout is now a weekly show! Tony Cook returns to What's Happening In Model Railroading with a regular monthly schedule and a new format. The launch of the Around The Layout Operators Group. Show your support for the podcast by becoming a member at patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcast

Apr 11, 2023

Why. It's the question every model railroader should know the answer to, and Lance Mindheim has prided himself in helping model railroaders find their own why. In this episode, we find out how Lance found his own "why" as he shares his own model railroading journey. He also shares how studying the arts has made him a better modeler and how you too can begin to see your layout from a whole new angle. The author of a multitude of how-to books and his own blog, Lance tells us about writing and sharing the lessons he's learned. Check out Lance Mindheim's website: https://www.shelflayouts.com/ Follow Lance on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lance.mindheim Watch videos from Lance on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LanceMindheim Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 1, 2023

Welcome to another dimmension, where Joe Mammay is the host of Around The Layout and is interviewing Ray Arnott. Come along as we hear about Ray's start in model railroading, from a TYCO set to an attempt at N scale. Ray tells us how the prototype led him back to the hobby, and how joining a club introduced him to his mentor who helped open his eyes to the concept of operations. Thank you to Joe Mammay who did an outstanding job hosting this April Fools edition of Around The Layout. We hope you enjoy! Check out Ray's P&W & NECR Interchange Model Railroad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PWNECRMR Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 28, 2023

The 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. Check out Matt's Gateway Western's Subdivision 6 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2650729181881651 Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 14, 2023

It's nice to know that people in the model railroading industry are modelers just like us, and that's exactly what we do on this episode of Around The Layout. Jim Wiggin, Associate Brand Manager for Athearn, takes us back to his childhood in central New Hampshire and tells us how an interaction with a Boston & Maine employee boosted his desire to model the prototype. We also learn the influence a local hobby shop owner had, leading him on the path where his hobbies became his profession. Jim tells us about his role at Athearn and the contributions he's making to Athern's content on YouTube. Check out Jim's Granite State Industrial layout on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/granitestaterail Subscribe to Athearn's YouTube channel to see more from Jim and his team: https://www.youtube.com/@AthearnModelTrains Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Mar 13, 2023

It's the largest show west of the Mississippi - The Rocky Mountain Train Show - and Co-Chair John Gardberg and the multitasker that needs no title, Michelle Kempema are here to tell us all about it. John and Michelle tell us about their passion for this show that has had a major impact on both. The Rocky Mountain Train Show has something for everyone of all ages and skill levels, with a focus on bringing new people into the hobby and providing them with education and guidance to keep it fun and challenging. John then takes us through the list of vendors and must sees at the show, and Michelle provides us with information on getting to the show by train. Make plans today to attend the Rocky Mountain Train Show - visit their website at https://rockymountaintrainshow.com/ While you're in the Denver area, the Colorado Model Railroad Museum is a must see! https://www.cmrm.org/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Feb 28, 2023

The creator and star of "The Pixel Depot", Joe Parker, stops by and tells us a bit about himself and his passion for model railroading and how this has led to his widely successful YouTube channel. Joe shares how membership in the Worcester Model Railroaders provided lessons and lifelong friends, encouraging him to create his own layout. Joe talks about how "The Pixel Depot" motivates not only it's viewers, but himself as well, as he works on not only one, but two seperate layout projects. Check out The Pixel Depot on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLLZgT_mfw3wDKcA5BaoUA Visit The Pixel Depot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepixeldepot/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Feb 21, 2023

Tim Blackwell, Editor and Publisher of Cowcatcher Magazine, makes his Around The Layout Podcast debut and tells us about his magazine that is entering it's 20th year of publication. Ray and Tim discuss the results of Cowcatcher’s 2023 State of Model Railroading Survey and add their own thoughts on the future of the hobby. Tim also tells us about the Hobby Manufacturers Association and how their Model Railroad Industry Division is working hard to ensure a bright future for all. Subscribe to Cowcatcher Magazine today! Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Feb 14, 2023

There are no shortage of topics when Thomas Klimoski comes to the Around The Layout studio. A retired firefighter, author, trainman and accomplished model railroader, Tom tells us about his beginnings in the hobby and how a letter written to a well-known model railroader changed his projectory in model railroading and led to amazing opportunities and great friendships.Tom discusses how his personal experiences influenced his book "Buliding The Right Sized Layout" and how you can ensure you're buliding the right layout for you. Check out Tom's website, full of excellent resources at https://www.thomasklimoski.com/ Thanks to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics. Check out their website at https://highballgraphics.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 31, 2023

He’s been talked about a lot on Around The Layout, but now it’s time to hear from Don Irace himself. Don’s original Providence & Worcester layout in Scituate, Rhode Island was known by many as the layout to see in southern New England, and he gives us the backstory on it’s creation. He shares how he developed operations on this layout, and how lessons from Scituate guided the second version after his move to Sebastian, Florida. Don has inspired many to create their own layouts, and he talks about the role of mentor and how the hobby has created a group of great friends, both in New England and Florida. Like the Providence & Worcester Model Railroad Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/ProvidenceWorcesterModelRailroad Check out the PWMRR YouTube channel for videos of both layouts. https://www.youtube.com/@ThePWMRR Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 17, 2023

We give Streamyard the night off as Mark Herrick does an in-person visit to the Around The Layout studio and tells us about his model railroading journey that has led to the BNSF Montana Division. Listen as Mark tells us about how trips to Montana in his teenage years formed his love of the Burlington Northern and how a trip to “The Mall” sparked his interest in model railroading. Mark also shares how membership in the NMRA led him to a network of great model railroaders and even greater friends. Check out the BNSF Montana Division Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080157977768 Thank you to our episode sponsor, MACRail. Check them out at www.macrailproducts.com Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 16, 2023

With all of the holiday decorations put away, there's one more big event to look forward to, and that's the 2023 Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show. With over 350 exhibitors and 50 operating layouts filling four buildings at the Eastern States Exposition, this is an event that cannot be missed! We grab hold of a very busy John Sacerdote, Show Director, and get a history lesson on the show before previewing the must see vendors, layouts, clinics and events and providing tips on getting the most out of this two-day railroading extravaganza. For more information and to plan your trip to the show, check out their website at www.railroadhobbyshow.com Thanks to our episode sponsor, Otter Valley Railroad. Check them out at www.ovrtrains.com Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jan 3, 2023

We’re off to the Sunshine State for a visit to Sebastian, the town that might become the capital of model railroading in Florida, and meet up with John Farrington. We learn how his grandfather helped light his youthful passion for model trains and how he rediscovered the hobby through content on YouTube. John talks about creating his own YouTube channel and by doing so, is paying forward the knowledge he’s obtained. Additionally, we learn how John met fellow resident Don Irace and the role he’s played in designing and building John’s Somerset Industrial layout. And be sure to listen carefully for a special guest appearance from Merlin The Cat. See more on John’s layout and get great modeling tips on his YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@RailserveJohn Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Dec 20, 2022

On this episode, we head down to Decatur, Texas and head above the garage to check out Dean Ferris’ Oregon Joint Line in N scale. Dean tells us how railfanning as a youth and as a college student played a major role in his decision to model the Pacific Northwest. He also discusses how his current layout has changed and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Additionally, Dean shares how he’s met Chris Atkins, Greg McComas, Chris Palmieri and many others that have become regulars at his operating sessions. Subscribe to the Oregon Joint Line Model Railroad YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@oregonjointlinemodelrailro4125 Visit the Oregon Joint Line group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361988240533232 Check out Dean’s article in the October 2021 Railroad Model Craftsman https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/rmc-202110 Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Dec 6, 2022

It’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_sKjydNVCIYg Also visit Steve Davis’ YouTube channel for great operations videos on the Hereford Sub. https://www.youtube.com/user/TTownTrainFan Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Nov 24, 2022

On Thanksgiving Eve 2022, I went live on Facebook and YouTube to express my thanks to the many folks who have made Around The Layout possible. Here's the recording of that event. Find out why I don't do the podcast live as I stumble through without a whole lot of notes but with a lot of appreciation for those who have contributed to the show. Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Nov 22, 2022

What do you get when you combine an art teacher with a love of model railroading? You get Tom Johnson and a spectacular layout filled with super detailed scenes that tell the story of the late 70's in northern Indiana. Listen as Tom tells about growing up around the prototype and how it has influenced him to create a freelance story of his own on a layout perfectly sized for simple, yet realistic operations. Tom also shares the backstory of his recent article in the October 2022 Railroad Model Craftsman and how taking the photographs was a family affair. Read more about Tom Johnson's Cass County HO Scale Layout in Railroad Model Craftsman: https://rrmodelcraftsman.com/ Join the Facebook HO Scale Shelf Modelers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/484711889437745 Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Nov 15, 2022

For the November edition of What's Happening In Model Railroading, we take a (virtual) trip to Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada to Otter Valley Railroad and talk to owner Lorne James. Lorne tells us about his family owned shop and how it started as a young man's dream and became one of the premier model railroad retailers in Canada. Lorne also tells how Otter Valley is expanding into the manufacturing business with their first line of cars, and takes us through his process of meticulous research to ensure accuracy and quality. With the holidays coming, Lorne also provides us with some things to consider putting on your wish list this season. Check out Otter Valley Railroad online at http://www.ovrtrains.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Nov 8, 2022

While most know Bloomfield Connecticut's John Sacerdote as the well dressed Show Director of the Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show, this episode focuses on John the layout owner as we explore his Berlin, Bangor and Maine layout. John talks about how a trip to an iconic Hartford Connecticut department store ignited a lifelong love affair with model trains that has lasted to this day. Learn more about the Amherst Railway Society here: http://amherstrail.org/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Oct 25, 2022

On 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=100069293202704 Check out MAC Rail's offerings here: https://macrailproducts.com/ Pick up your own Michigan Interstate PS-4750 hopper from Home Shops LLC: https://homeshops.net/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Oct 11, 2022

There are some folks who aren’t afraid to take on a challenge, and Scott Thornton is one of them. Join us as Scott tells how he’s not only building his first layout, but also writing about it in an ongoing series in the hobby’s leading publication, Railroad Model Craftsman. Scott also shares his passion for enhancing operations with takeaways from the fantasy board gamer world and how he’s developing a theatre aspect to his layout. From his involvement with Iowa Scaled Engineering and his own Scotty’s Model Shop, this is one interesting guy with a lot to share. Check out more on the Milan Branch here: http://milanbranch.com/ Check out the Fiberail Track Cleaner and much more at Scotty’s Model Shop. https://www.scottysmodelshop.com/#/ Take your operations to the next level with a ProtoThrottle and check out the other creations from Iowa Scaled Engineering. https://www.iascaled.com/store/ Subscribe to Railroad Model Craftsman to catch Scott’s ongoing "Branch Line on a Shelf” series. https://rrmodelcraftsman.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Oct 10, 2022

There wasn't a What's Happening in Model Railroading episode in September, so we needed the right guy to get us back on the rails, and that guy is none other than the editor of Model Railroad News, Tony Cook. Tony's notebook was full of what seems to be a flood of new product releases and he highlights quite a few, including offerings from Rapido, Walthers, Diecast Masters, Broadway Limited, ExactRail and much more. Subscribe to Model Railroad News and get all the latest happenings in the hobby delivered to your mailbox or inbox: https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/mrn?variant=1203671940 Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Sep 27, 2022

In this episode of Around The Layout, we go deep into the vivid imagination of Chris Palmieri and learn about the alternate railroading reality he has created in the freelance world of "The Meridian Speedway." Chris talks about the how he, from an early age, has been developing his own model railroad story based on his deep and growing knowledge of prototype operations. You'll learn how this has led to the creation of Home Shops, LLC and how his new venture helps spread not only his story but those of fellow freelance modelers across the planet. Check out The Meridian Speedway website: https://www.meridianspeedway.net/ Shop Home Shops LLC for freelance model railroad cars: https://homeshops.net/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Sep 13, 2022

They say “everything is bigger in Texas” and Chris Atkins’ Sheridan and Everywhere West HO Scale Layout is beginning to live up to it. Chris tells us how he came to own his former Texas & Pacific section house and shares his progress as he brings his proto-freelance empire to life. He also talks about his role in the upcoming 2023 Texas Express NMRA National Convention and how that’s adding some pressure to have the layout ready for tours and operations. HO Scale Sheridan and Everywhere West Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NPCBQ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Aug 30, 2022

Illinois’ own Isaac Fabris climbs aboard and tells us about his CN/IC Heyworth Spur and the events that led up to him modeling his hometown railroad. Isaac shares his thoughts on layout design and gives helpful tips to those just starting out in the planning process. Check out the CN/IC Heyworth Spur Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/607099757235527 Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Aug 23, 2022

On our first “What’s Happening in Model Railroading” show, we catch up with a very busy Tony Cook, Editor of Model Railroad News. Tony tells us about some of the exciting product announcements at the St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet and the National Train Show at the Gateway 2022 NMRA National Convention. Ray and Tony also talk about the explosion of “cottage industry” manufacturers and the positive impact they are having on the hobby. Subscribe to Model Railroad News: https://modelrailroadnews.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Aug 16, 2022

Dave 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. Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Aug 2, 2022

Dan Dossa joins us from Eden Prairie, Minnesota to tell us about his Minnesota Commercial HO scale switching layout. Dan shares his progression in the hobby and how the prototype aligned perfectly for model railroad operations. Dan also talks about his involvement in the Twin Cities Division of the NMRA and their outstanding podcast, TCD Crossing Gate. Listen to Dan and the crew at the TCD Crossing Gate here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1429390 Learn more about the Twin Cities Division of the NMRA: https://tcdnmra.org/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Aug 1, 2022

NMRA Nutmeg Division Superintendent Jeff Hanke stops by to tell us about the upcoming Connecticut Yankee Regional Convention. Jeff previews the events that will be taking place September 15th-18th at the Marriott Hartford/Windsor Airport Hotel in Windsor, Connecticut. For more information or to register, visit https://ner-conventions.org/connecticut-yankee Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jul 19, 2022

Joe Musgrove shares his path from modeling in N scale to his current HO scale Missouri Pacific Railroad Central Division layout. Joe talks about the challenges in changing scales, and discusses his methods for researching the prototype. He also tells us about his growing YouTube channel and how he's giving back to the community he's learned from by sharing tip and techniques he's learned. Joe's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3aKrXCVuCbYLBmXqygQINw/videos Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jul 5, 2022

It's a trip back to the late 1940's as Chris Adams talks about how his passion for NYNH&H history has driven him to model New Haven's Connecticut Valley line in HO. Chris shares the collaborative effort from a large circle of friends that has made The Valley Local not only a great layout to operate, but a trip back in time as it tells the story of post WWII railroading. Chris also shares his impressions of the recently visited Franklin & South Manchester and his takeaways from the recent New England / Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers meet in Springfield MA. See more of this outstanding layout on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2314972308548030 Check out The Valley Local's website - www.thevalleylocal.net Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jun 28, 2022

Joe Mammay joins Ray Arnott as they celebrate 2000 downloads of the podcast by reading some of the emails sent in by the listeners. Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jun 21, 2022

Painter and model railroader Kevin Gallagher tells us about Hopedale Shops and how he has created a plethora of beautiful custom locomotives for customers and for himself. He shares some of the techniques he uses in creating accurate and highly detailed products. Kevin also shares how he worked his way into becoming an engineer on the Hobo and Winnipesaukee Railroads. Check out Hopedale Shops on Facebook: fb.com/hopedaleshops Kevin highly recommends Highball Graphics: https://highballgraphics.com/ Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Jun 7, 2022

On this episode of Around The Layout, we talk to Kyle LeBlanc, who models the 1950's Boston & Maine in HO scale. Kyle tells us how he chose the B&M, talks about the influence his late father Ron had on his modeling and how he's incorporating structures from his dad's layout into his own. Ray and Kyle share lessons from their late friend on kit bashing and never fearing cutting a structure to make it work and review their recent trip to George Sellios' Franklin and South Manchester layout.

May 24, 2022

Paul Cassar joins us from Sydney, Australia and tells us about his River Belt Line HO scale shelf layout. He shares the process of building this 18’ x 18’ switching layout in his garage using commercial shelving units. We also learn about the wildly popular HO Scale Shelf Modelers Facebook group that Paul administers and find out how he’s worked to crack the Facebook algorithm and grow the group to over 9.3 thousand members. Check out Paul's River Belt Line: https://www.facebook.com/The-River-Belt-Line-400978519962021 The HO Scale Shelf Modelers Facebook group can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/484711889437745 Paul recommends you check out Boomer Diorama for great modeling tips: https://www.youtube.com/c/BoomerDioramasTheImmersiveModelRailroad Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

May 21, 2022

Around The Layout T-Shirts are now available for pre-order! Go to aroundthelayout.com and click Fan Store to order. Shirts will ship by late June 2022.

May 10, 2022

The big topic is small layouts when Mike King drops by to talk about his CSX West Mansfield HO scale layout which is nestled in the attic of his farmhouse in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. Mike and Ray weigh the pros and cons of having smaller layouts and the challenges they present. We also learn how Mike creates cost effective buildings and uses a 3D printer to make scenery components that are unique to his layout. Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 26, 2022

Cory Scothon joins us to talk about the process of transitioning his Providence & Worcester HO scale layout from a single user continuous loop design to one that can hold operating sessions with up to four operators. We discuss the challenges he faced and how he used the local prototype to help develop his operating scheme. Cory also tells us about his start in the hobby, and how model railroading has become a bond between himself and his father. Follow Cory on Instagram - @pwmodelrr Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 12, 2022

Joe Mammay shares his passion for layout track design and talks us through the process. We discuss the progress he is making on the Lamoille Valley Railroad in HO scale and how he decided on this now-defunct short line as his subject. Looking to get help on designing your layout? Joe can help! Reach out to him at mammay76@msn.com. Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayout Send us an email: aroundthelayout@gmail.com

Apr 12, 2022

Ray Arnott talks about the new podcast and gives us a preview of Episode 1. Show Notes and Links: aroundthelayout.com facebook.com/aroundthelayout aroundthelayout@gmail.com www.youtube.com/c/ThirtyFiveProductions