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Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

Ray Arnott

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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38 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 55 min
English

Episodes 38

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#260
Thursday · 1 hr
What's Happening In Model Railroading - October 2026 - Lance Mindheim
What does it take to move from aspiring modeler to developing a signature style—and where should model railroaders focus their attention to make meaningful progress? Lance Mindheim joins Around The Layout Podcast to discuss the thinking behind his...
- Transcript
October 12 · 1 hr 4 min
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops With Don Irace - Operations On The CS&P with Drew James - October 8, 2024
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 8, 2024 How does a layout owner balance operational complexity and guest enjoyment on a large-scale proto-freelance railroad? Drew James joins Around The Layout Podcast to discuss the operational design and...
- Transcript
#261
October 8 · 1 hr
Talking Ops With Don Irace - Switching In The Big Apple with Bruce Ryan
What happens when an operator brings ongoing prototype research and personal experimentation to a compact urban switching layout? Bruce Ryan joins Around The Layout Podcast for an in-depth discussion of operations on his Manhattan Terminal Railroad—a...
- Transcript
October 5 · 1 hr 1 min
ATLP Rewind - The Art Of The Review with Ryan Crawford - October 1, 2024
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,...
- Transcript
September 28 · 55 min
ATLP Rewind - Introduction To N Scale with Jimmy DIY - September 25, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 25, 2025 What 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...
#259
September 25 · 59 min
Rooting A Freelance World In Reality With Patrick Harris
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....
#258
September 21 · 29 min
NVRRA & RailFair 2026 Preview with Thomas Fitzgerald
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...
#255
September 17 · 41 min
What's Happening In Model Railroading - September 2026 - Bachmann Trains' Matt Stern
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...
#257
September 14 · 30 min
2026 Freelance Forum Preview with Christopher Palmieri
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...
#254
September 10 · 1 hr
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Operations On The MKT with David Heyde
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...
#256
September 10 · 51 min
2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet Preview with Michelle Kempema & Dave Oppedisano
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...
#253
September 3 · 57 min
Aaron Cecala & Prairie Girl Grains
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,...
August 31 · 1 hr 1 min
ATLP Rewind - The Theatrical Approach To Model Railroading with Scott Thornton - August 27. 2024
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...
#252
August 28 · 1 hr 5 min
Model Railroading For The Soul with Bernard Hellen
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...
August 24 · 1 hr 6 min
ATLP Rewind - Neil Schofield & CP Rail's Newport & Lyndonville Subdivision - January 23, 2024
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 23, 2024 Neil 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...
#251
August 21 · 44 min
What's Happening In Model Railroading - August 2026 - 2026 St. Louis RPM
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...
August 18 · 52 min
ATLP Rewind - Model Railroad Estate Planning with John Sacerdote & Dave Owens - July 31, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 31, 2025 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...
August 17 · 53 min
ATLP Rewind - Alan Schroeder & The Marias Pass - August 7, 2025
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 7, 2025 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...
#243
August 13 · 1 hr 6 min
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Changes For The Better
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...
#250
August 12 · 35 min
All Aboard The Summerville Steam Special - Interviews Powered By Coal and ScaleTrains
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...

Showing 1–20 of 38 episodes