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 th…

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 prop…

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 …

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 r…

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…

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 ex…

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 ste…

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…

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…

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…

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.comBy Ray Arnott

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 …

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 challen…

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 th…

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 ScaleTrain…

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 …

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. Dust…

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 …

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 wit…

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…

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 …

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…

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 …

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, ski…

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 t…

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 bas…

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 h…

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'…

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 a…

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 gr…

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. …

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…

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 railr…

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 i…

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 fu…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 traje…

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, …

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 pa…

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 thoug…

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 …

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 mar…

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 intr…

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,…

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 influe…

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 mo…

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 rail…

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…