Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast - Podcasts

57:46

Choosing The Right Control System with Nathan Holmes...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/07/23

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

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64:53

ATLP Rewind - Mental Health & Model Railroading with...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/07/20

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released June 26, 2025As 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

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64:14

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

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/07/16

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

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59:34

ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops with Don Irace - Somerset &...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/07/14

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released July 17, 2025After 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

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50:26

Combining Prototype Modeling With Ops: 2026 St. Louis...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/07/09

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

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47:08

ScaleTrains & The Scenic City Express with Shane Wilson

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/07/06

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

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64:20

John Arrowsmith & The Santa Fe 1st Arizona Sub

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/07/02

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

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21:19

Special Report: ATLP News and Notes

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/06/29

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. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/247Thank you to our episode sponsor, NarrowThrottle by Scott Thornton:https://narrowthrottle.square.site/Visit our website at aroundthelayout.comBecome a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and

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60:17

From Paper To Plywood with Dave Oppedisano

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/06/25

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

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65:54

ATLP Rewind - Car Routing: The Road To Realism with...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/06/22

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 30, 2024Matthew 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

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40:18

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

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/06/18

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

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62:06

ATLP Rewind - Steve Pettit & Too Many Layouts To List...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/06/15

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released June 12, 2025One 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

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63:42

Talking Ops with Don Irace - The Valley Local Ops...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/06/11

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.Learn more about this

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58:06

Less Is More with Scott Thornton

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/06/09

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. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/235This episode of Around The Layout is Powered By Rapido

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62:12

ATLP Rewind - This Old Layout - June 5, 2025

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/06/08

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released June 5, 2025Sometimes, 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

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65:30

Cameron Stait and Robertson In HO Scale

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/06/04

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

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32:39

Modeling Autumn Scenery - A New Book From Marty McGuirk

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/06/01

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!Learn more about this episode on our

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72:51

ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops with Don Irace - Small...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/05/27

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 20, 2025It'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/rewindThank

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43:35

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

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/05/26

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

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55:25

ATLP Rewind - Mike Landis & The MKT Sedalia Sub II -...

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ·

2026/05/19

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 6, 2025You 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.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode

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Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

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