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.

  1. hace 2 días

    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 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, and the critical role of camaraderie within the model railroading world. Listeners also hear personal testimonies from the community about how the hobby has given them friendship, confidence, and a sense of purpose well beyond the tracks during our Question Of The Month segment. Plus, Bernard Hellen unveils the launch of miniprints University, offering resources to help hobbyists deepen both their modeling and their fulfillment. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/252 This episode of Around The Layout is Powered By Rapido Trains: https://rapidotrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, NarrowThrottle by Scott Thornton: https://narrowthrottle.square.site/ Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more! aroundthelayout.com/crew Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC ©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors. Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement. No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

  2. hace 6 días

    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 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 Vermont based layout. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Broadway Limited Imports: https://broadway-limited.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more! aroundthelayout.com/crew Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC ©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors. Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement. No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

    ATLP Rewind - Neil Schofield & CP Rail's Newport & Lyndonville Subdivision - January 23, 2024
  3. 21 ago

    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 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, Scale Signs, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply, LogicRail, and Tully Models. They discuss new products, design insights, crowd-sourced innovation, and the unique benefits of connecting at live events.  Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/251 This episode of Around The Layout is Powered By Rapido Trains: https://rapidotrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/ Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more! aroundthelayout.com/crew Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC ©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors. Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement. No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

  4. 18 ago

    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 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 listeners who submitted their answer to the Question Of The Month on what their plans are when they head to the big layout in the sky. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind2 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Broadway Limited Imports: https://broadway-limited.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more! aroundthelayout.com/crew Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC ©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors. Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement. No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

    ATLP Rewind - Model Railroad Estate Planning with John Sacerdote & Dave Owens - July 31, 2025
  5. 17 ago

    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 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/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Broadway Limited Imports: https://broadway-limited.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more! aroundthelayout.com/crew Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC ©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors. Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement. No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

    ATLP Rewind - Alan Schroeder & The Marias Pass - August 7, 2025
  6. 13 ago

    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 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 prototype inspiration. Together, they break down how to distinguish glitches from chronic problems, why operator feedback is essential, and how embracing change—even if it means ripping up scenic areas—can enhance the hobby for everyone involved. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or just some reassurance that change is part of the fun, this episode offers a wealth of experience and encouragement. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/243 This episode of Around The Layout is Powered By Rapido Trains: https://rapidotrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/ Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more! aroundthelayout.com/crew Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC ©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors. Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement. No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

  7. 12 ago

    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 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 miniature to the sense of community that transcends borders. With behind-the-scenes insights into iconic modeling destinations, heartfelt stories about the evolution of the hobby, and a look at the vision driving the next generation of manufacturers, this episode offers a front-row seat to the camaraderie, passion, and innovation that keep model railroading vibrant and inspiring. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/250 Special Thanks to ScaleTrains for providing this amazing opportunity: https://www.scaletrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, NarrowThrottle by Scott Thornton: https://narrowthrottle.square.site/ Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more! aroundthelayout.com/crew Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC ©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors. Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement. No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

    All Aboard The Summerville Steam Special - Interviews Powered By Coal and ScaleTrains
  8. 11 ago

    Dawn & Her Model Railway Quest

    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 unique layouts—from a black-and-white homage to "Brief Encounter" to the vibrant world of "The Ladykillers"—and how embracing individuality is transforming the community. Whether you're a seasoned railroader or just discovering the hobby, Dawn’s story is a reminder that a fresh perspective and a fearless attitude can open countless new doors. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/249 This episode of Around The Layout is Powered By Rapido Trains: https://rapidotrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com/ Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more! aroundthelayout.com/crew Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC ©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors. Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement. No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

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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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