Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

What happens when a lifelong painter is handed a miniature figure and asked to pick up a tiny brush? In this episode, we sit down with Dawn Quest, the creative mind behind Model Railway Quest, to explore her unconventional journey into model railroading. Starting with the simple act of painting figures for a friend, Dawn Quest shares how her passion for art quickly evolved into building film-inspired exhibition layouts, launching a successful YouTube channel, and advocating for more creativity and diversity in the hobby. Together, they discuss breaking the so-called "rules" of model railroading, the joys and challenges of crafting...

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 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. 

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ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 10, 2025

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.

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What factors should you consider before choosing a model railroad control system? In this episode of Around the Layout, host Ray Arnott is joined by Nathan Holmes and Michael Peterson of Iowa Scaled Engineering to demystify the world of control systems for model railroads. They dive into topics from the basics of DC and DCC, the benefits and complexities of integrated control systems, and the growing impact of open-source solutions like DCC-EX. The discussion covers everything from wiring simplifications, upgradability, and software integration to the power of Wi-Fi throttles and JMRI. Listener call-ins highlight real-world decision-making and the importance of...

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released June 26, 2025

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.

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What does it take to produce high quality, super detailed steam locomotives in a number of variations? That's just one of the questions Curtis Koch from Broadway Limited answers on this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading. Curtis tells us how Broadway Limited gets help from modelers and historical societies to ensure the model lives up to the prototype and tells us several projects they are working on under the hot Florida sun. Joe Martens from da Joe Trains starts the show by telling us What's Trending in the hobby and Eric Hansmann delivers his monthly RPM Report. 

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released July 17, 2025

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 Ray Arnott 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.

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What does operations have to do with prototype modeling? Lonnie Bathurst, organizer of the St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) Meet, and Rick Watson, President of the Operations Special Interest Group (OPSIG), stop by the ATLP studio for a deep dive into the 2026 St. Louis RPM. This year, the nation's largest RPM meet puts the spotlight on “Operation - The Key to Modeling Your Prototype.” The panel explores how prototypical operations enhance realism, modeling, community, and the next generation of railroad hobbyists and how both organizations combined to teach the community how they can bring both aspects together. 

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What does it take to bring the NMRA National Convention to your backyard? That's one of the questions we asked of Tennessean and ScaleTrains President Shane Wilson as he provided  an insider look at the excitement building around the 2026 NMRA National Convention, coming for the first time in 90 years to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Shane tells us how the idea took shape, the massive effort behind the bid, and the powerful role ScaleTrains played in making it all happen—from grassroots organizing to major marketing pushes across the country. Shane also shares how visitors to Chattanooga will be able to interact with the...

Family, persistence, and prototype research - the heart of John Arrowsmith’s model railroading story. In this episode, John shares how a childhood Tyco set in Australia led him to North American railroading, why the Santa Fe’s First Arizona Subdivision captured his imagination, and how he’s bringing 1950s Arizona to life from thousands of miles away. Along the way, we talk name trains, garage-sized compromises, scratchbuilt depots, Sanborn maps, DCC sound, the NMRA Achievement Program, and the kind of locomotive super-detailing that goes all the way down to bell cords, cab gauges, and missing valves.

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There's a lot happening at Around The Layout Podcast! Host Ray Arnott and Executive Producer Paul Cassar bring you up to speed on upcoming model railroading events that you can find ATLP at and three giveaways in the month of July. 

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Starting over isn't easy, but it can be an opportunity. Dave Oppedisano returns to Around The Layout Podcast with an update on the second version of the BNSF Lakeside Sub, now located in the shop adjacent to his new home just outside of Fort Worth, Texas. Dave walks us through how he's taking the paper plans for his layout and translating it to the plywood of his benchwork, and how he's handling on the fly changes in the process. Later, Dave and Ray hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners. 

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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.

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The Model Railroad Road Warriors - that's Spring Creek Model Trains. The road show continues all summer long and Mike Zucker joins us to share their cross-country plans to bring the best mobile hobby shop on the planet to the foot of the modeler. Mike shares how three generations of Zuckers are now involved with the family business and the logistics behind getting to 3 shows in three weekends and maintaining the immense amount of stock they bring. Later, Mike and Ray tell you about where you can see them both with chances to win!

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ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released June 12, 2025

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...

How can you turn your layout into a historical reenactment? For our Talking Ops guest Chris Adams, that was the mission when he created his layout, The Valley Local. Chris shares how his passion for history drove his desire to have an operating railroad that immerses his operators into a full late 1940's experience. Chris also shares how his methods for running his operating sessions have evolved to balance his passion for prototypical accuracy with a enjoyable time for guests.

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Going smaller by going bigger. That's the next chapter in the modeling story of our guest Scott Thornton. Scott tells us how he is tranisitioning to a larger scale railroad that's forcing him to think smaller when it comes to a track plan, and how this new prototype based freelance railroad will set him free and allow the creativity he enjoys. 

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ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released June 5, 2025

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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Big trains in small spaces. It can be done and done well and Cameron Stait is here to tell us how he did it. Cameron shares his model railroading journey that led to a spare bedroom where he has created a prototypical recreation of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales in HO scale. We learn how he has effectively used a second backdrop to provide the illusiuon that these long freight trains have disappeared off the layout and shares his passion for scratchbuilding. Cameron also tells us the instant benefits he's experienced from leaving lone wolf modeling behind and...

Cool nights, warm cider and a beautiful color display from Mother Nature. The autumn season creates stunning scenes and, on this special episode of Around The Layout, Marty McGuirk stops by to tell us about the new book he has authored to help you bring the spectacle of fall to your layout. Marty shares how the book will help you select the right time of the autumn season and gives tips and tricks on how to make your scenes pop!

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ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 20, 2025

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.

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Freelance Railroading, Elevated. That's the new slogan from today's leading voice in freelance railroading, Home Shops. Owner Christopher Palmieri joins us and tells about a new partnership with a familiar name that has already started to elevate the offerings from Home Shops with a bunch of exciting annoucements. Chris tells us what he's looking for in a freelance railroading when planning projects and provides guidance for those looking to create their own plausible railroad. Later, Eric Hansmann stops by with the RPM Report and a familiar voice provides us with What's Trending. 

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ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 6, 2025

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 the unexpected challenges of moving his MKT Sedalia Sub 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.

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How does Alan Schroeder bring the Marias Pass to life? It's done with an action packed operating session! On this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace, Alan returns to Around The Layout Podcast to share how he's taken research on the prototype and translated it to his layout, entertaining over a dozen operators and keeping them on their toes with subtle changes that make each session unique. Alan also shares how RiverRail helps keep the Marias Pass and several area layouts connected and moving forward.

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ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released April 22, 2025

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...

Let's head back Down Under for the final installment of our 2026 Sydney RPM coverage. On this episode, we talk to attendees including Cameron Stait, Jarryd Langford, Lyndon Summers, Greg Harper, Kieran Ryan,  Aaron Stinson, and Paul Cassar. Later, Sydney RPM creator Justin Mitchell joins me to put a bookend on the event and previews what's to come for future Sydney RPM's. 

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A quick drop into your podcast playlist to remind you about the ATLP Extra Giveaway and invite you to join the ATLP Operating Crew. 

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ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 8, 2025

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. 

L...

What does a room full of passionate model railroaders sound like? That's what we were in Australia to capture during the inaugural Sydney RPM. We sat down with attendees, vendors, clinicians and content creators to get their take on this event and the state of model railroading in Australia, and how this event has intertwined both North American and Australian prototype modelers from eastern Australia and beyond. In part one, we talk to Justin Mitchell, Will James, Steven Pracey, Gary Rose, and Steve Pettit.

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ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 1, 2025

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.

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So why do we need preorders? That's just one of the questions Jason Shron, President and Founder of Rapido Trains answers on this edition of What's Happening In Model Railroading. Jason provides us an update from his last appearance and provides the latest on tariffs and the model railroad market. Jason also provides some insight into running a model railroad manufacturing business and all the behind the scenes processes it takes to get a model from drawing board to shelf. Joe from da joe trains provides us with What's Trending and Eric Hansmann delivers the latest RPM report including a...

Finding your people. Perhaps that's the best part of a RPM event and Dave Owens from the New England Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet comes by to tell us how you can come find your people at this gathering that has been connecting modelers for 24 years. Dave tells us how you can make the most of your NERPM experience by bringing models, asking questions and joining in on all the fun, laughter and information sharing that goes on all weekend. 

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A special interest group dedicated to promoting model railroad operations with an achievement program designed to encourage participation. That's the topic on this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace as we catch up with Paul Weiss from OPSIG. Paul brings us up to speed on the AP program he announced on Around The Layout Podcast back in August. Paul shares how you can get involved in earning achievements and helping others work towards theirs. 

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ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released March 25, 2025

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...

How can a layout not only bring back childhood memories, but also help create new ones? That's what Justin Jankauskus is creating with his D&H Penn Division HO scale layout. Justin tells us about his early life influences and how they led him back to the D&H in the 1970's after a long break in the hobby. Stay tuned to the end for a special guest who tells us his take on the layout and his future plans and how Justin has incorporated him into their layout and operating sessions in the area.

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ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released March 11, 2025

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. 

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The golden era of model railroading that we enjoy undoubtely includes the ability to share our layouts, projects and models online. On this episode, we're joined by Tim Garland, owner of the Seaboard Central HO scale model railroad, who has used his freelance railroad to create content for his Seaboard Central YouTube channel. Tim shares his process, including content planning, production and how sharing what he's learned in his layout build has helped him. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners. 

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Let's get down to business by talking business cars. Broadway Limited has been taking care of business in this category lately, and Curtis Koch from BLI comes by to tell us about their recent announcements at the Railroad Hobby Show that provides quite a selection of road names and phases for railroads of many eras. Curtis also shares how you can incorporate business trains into your operations. Mike Zucker from Spring Creek Model Trains tells us What's Trending and Eric Hansmann provides his monthly RPM Report that includes quite a few shows this spring. 

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ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released March 17, 2025

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?

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ATLP Rewind - Originally Released February 11, 2025

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.

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