Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

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 e...

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. 

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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:
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Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:
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Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:
https://scalesigns.com/

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:
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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:
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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:
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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/

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...

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. 

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Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully M...

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.

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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:
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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 o...

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.

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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...

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. 

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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.

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Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:<...

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:
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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

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...

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...

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...

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.

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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...

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

Thank you to our episode sponsor, HomeShops Freelance Forum:
https://h...

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. 

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Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad T...

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:
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Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:<...

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...

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

Thank you to our...

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...

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...

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://o...

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...

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:
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T...

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:
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Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:
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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. 

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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...

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...

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:
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Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek...

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:
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Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:
https://scalesigns.com/

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model R...

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:
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Thank you to our...

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...

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. 

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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...

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.

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