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PODCAST

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

Join us as we bring you stories from model railroaders just like you. We talk to enthusiasts across the hobby and learn about their beginnings, challenges, accomplishments and ultimately what excites and motivates them. Come hang out with us Around The Layout and be inspired to create your own model railroading story to share.

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All Episodes

61:34

ATLP Rewind - The Art Of The Review with Ryan...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/10/05

How does a detail-oriented prototype modeler approach product reviews for Model Railroad News while balancing accuracy, practicality, and respect for manufacturers’ efforts?Ryan Crawford joins Around The Layout Podcast to discuss the methods, decision-making, and research that shape his reviews for Model Railroad News. Drawing on his background modeling the Chicago and Illinois Midland and firsthand railroad knowledge, Ryan covers how prototype understanding guides what he notices and reports—down

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55:56

ATLP Rewind - Introduction To N Scale with Jimmy DIY...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/09/28

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 25, 2025What happens when an HO scale modeler steps into N scale, and how do different approaches, products, and tradeoffs shape the experience? Jimmy DIY of the DIY and Digital Railroads YouTube channel joins Around The Layout Podcast for an in-depth discussion on entering and succeeding in N scale modeling. Drawing from hands-on experience and experimentation, Jimmy provides an overview of the current state of N scale, including technological advances,

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59:23

Rooting A Freelance World In Reality With Patrick Harris

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/09/25

What makes a fictional railroad feel so real that visitors forget it never existed? In this episode of Around the Layout, host Ray Arnott welcomes Patrick Harris of Three Notch Rail to demystify the art of rooting freelance railroading in reality. Patrick Harris shares how geography, history, traffic patterns, and even color palettes can transform a creative vision into a railroad that stands shoulder to shoulder with well-known prototypes. The conversation explores common pitfalls—like letting

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29:29

NVRRA & RailFair 2026 Preview with Thomas Fitzgerald

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/09/21

Ever wondered how a model railroad club thrives and grows over decades, while bringing together hobbyists of every experience level? In this episode, we welcome Thomas Fitzgerald of the Nashua Valley Railroad Association to discuss the club’s rich history—from its beginnings in the back room of a hobby shop to its impressive current home in Phoenix Park in Shirley, MA. They explore the evolution of the club’s expansive layout, the growth in membership, regular open houses, and the vibrant community

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41:48

What's Happening In Model Railroading - September...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/09/17

What does it take for a major model train manufacturer to keep both beginner enthusiasts and hardcore prototype modelers happy? In this episode of Around the Layout, Ray Arnott sits down with Matt Stern from Bachmann Trains for an in-depth discussion about the evolving demands of the model railroading community, the challenges of prototyping road-specific and number-specific details, and how Bachmann is bridging the gap between entry-level train sets and high-end, RPM-grade products. The

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30:27

2026 Freelance Forum Preview with Christopher Palmieri

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/09/14

Does freelance belong at a railroad prototype modelers meet? That’s the question posed to Christopher Palmieri, owner of Home Shops and creator of the Freelance Forum, as he joins Ray Arnott to preview this year’s event at the 2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet. Together, they explore how freelance model railroading intersects with prototype accuracy, tracing the origins and evolution of the Freelance Forum. From the discipline required to create believable fictional lines to the valuable research,

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60:42

Talking Ops with Don Irace - Operations On The MKT...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/09/10

What does it take to design a model railroad layout that's both true to its prototype and a joy to operate with friends? In this episode, Ray Arnott and co-host Don Irace are joined by David Heyde for an in-depth conversation about building and evolving a medium-sized Missouri- Kansas-Texas layout in a one bay garage —right down to the details that bring Central Texas railroading to life in the spring of 1987. The discussion covers everything from the lessons learned in yard placement, the

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51:53

2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet Preview with Michelle...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/09/10

What makes Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) meets such a unique and rapidly growing tradition in the model railroading community? In this episode of Around the Layout, Ray Arnott welcomes Michelle Kempema and Dave to preview the upcoming Colorado Rail Proto Meet, exploring how RPMs differ from traditional train shows through their emphasis on inclusivity, hands-on learning, and information sharing rather than competition. The conversation delves into the origins and distinctive features of the

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57:19

Aaron Cecala & Prairie Girl Grains

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/09/03

What happens when a lifelong researcher brings his scientific curiosity to model railroading a bit later in life? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Cecala to explore his unique journey from childhood fascination through a career in neurobiology, and how he finally found his way into the hobby. Aaron shares the story behind designing his plausible yet fictional single-industry layout, how his research background shaped his approach, and the joys—and challenges—of building and operating a

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61:10

ATLP Rewind - The Theatrical Approach To Model...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/08/31

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 27, 2024What if we looked at our layouts like they were the stage of a grand performance? On this episode, the talented and thought provoking Scott Thornton comes by to share his passion for taking elements of the theatre and applying it to his model railroad. Scott shares how he uses similar approaches as they do on the stage with lighting, sound and props to make viewers of his layout feel like they are trackside on his IAIS Milan Branch. Later, we hear

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64:48

Model Railroading For The Soul with Bernard Hellen

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/08/28

What if your model railroad hobby could actually improve your mental and physical health? In this episode of Around the Layout, Ray Arnott sits down with Bernard Hellen—aka "Dr. Mini"—to discuss the deeper reasons behind why we model, exploring the science that reveals how railroading as a hobby boosts well-being, reduces stress, and builds community. Together, they dive into research-backed findings about the concept of "flow," the positive impacts of hobby engagement on longevity and happiness,

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66:01

ATLP Rewind - Neil Schofield & CP Rail's Newport &...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/08/24

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 23, 2024Neil 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

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44:10

What's Happening In Model Railroading - August 2026 -...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/08/21

What’s trending in the world of model railroading, and what were the standout moments at this year’s St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) meet? In this episode, Ray Arnott is joined by Joe Markins from the Dajo Trains YouTube channel for a rapid-fire review of the latest model releases, including updates from Rapido, ScaleTrains, Tangent, Atlas, and more. Listeners are taken behind the scenes at the St. Louis RPM, where Ray connects with industry innovators and vendors like ABR Model Works,

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52:54

ATLP Rewind - Model Railroad Estate Planning with...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/08/18

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 31, 2025I 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

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53:51

ATLP Rewind - Alan Schroeder & The Marias Pass -...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/08/17

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 7, 2025How 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/rewindThank you to our

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66:47

Talking Ops with Don Irace - Changes For The Better

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/08/13

When is it time to make a change on your model railroad layout? In this episode of Around the Layout’s "Talking Ops," Ray Arnott and Don Irace dive into the important—and sometimes daunting—question of recognizing when operations or layout features have gone stale, and how to tackle improvements for more realistic and enjoyable sessions. Don shares real-life examples from his own P&W layout, detailing an evolution driven by everything from maintenance-of-way bottlenecks to discovering new

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35:07

All Aboard The Summerville Steam Special - Interviews...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/08/12

What happens when model railroaders from around the world gather aboard a historic steam excursion through the scenic landscapes between Georgia and Tennessee? In this special episode of the podcast, Ray Arnott takes listeners on board the Summerville Steam Special during the lead-up to the 2026 National Train Show in Chattanooga. Along the way, he catches up with industry veterans, renowned modelers, and international guests, exploring topics from recreating real-life railroading experiences in

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65:05

Dawn & Her Model Railway Quest

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/08/11

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

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59:23

ATLP Rewind - Dustin Whitten & The N&W South Branch -...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/08/10

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 9, 2024You'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

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57:19

ATLP Rewind - Robin Felder & The Jackieville...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/07/27

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 10, 2025Even 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

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