Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

Ray Arnott
  • 4.7 (81)
  • Hobbies
  • Weekly

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. 2d ago

    Building Support for Young Model Railroaders with Albert Hawkes

    How does a 4-H volunteer help young people make model railroading their own? Albert Hawkes joins Around The Layout Podcast to discuss organizing a 4-H model railroad club in Connecticut—giving youth a practical, welcoming space to build, operate, and take ownership of the hobby. The conversation traces how Albert blended his renewed interest in N scale, existing volunteer work, and support from the local NMRA community to grow the club from a single Skill-A-Thon workshop into an active program focused on HO T-TRAK modules. The discussion explores the challenges and opportunities in creating a youth-focused model railroad group, including curriculum design, funding, integrating STEM learning, and balancing guidance with letting kids pursue their own modeling interests. Albert shares what he has learned from the kids—whether it’s their appetite for technology, their skill with tools, or the ways their other hobbies inform their model railroading. The episode also features listener responses about passing on lessons to younger hobbyists, and practical ideas for established model railroaders interested in supporting or starting similar youth efforts. IN THIS EPISODE: • Starting and growing a 4-H model railroad club from scratch • Integrating STEM skills and teamwork through modeling activities • Involving parents and building a strong volunteer network • Balancing structure, flexibility, and letting youth shape their hobby • Funding the club through creative fundraising and community support • Encouraging positive experiences and patience for new model railroaders Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/262 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/ 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. 5d ago

    2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet: Models, People and Fun

    What drives a modeler to switch scales after decades, and how does a community of prototype and freelance modelers shape the evolution of their projects? Around The Layout Podcast brings on voices from the Colorado Rail Proto Meet to explore the factors motivating hobbyists to rethink their modeling scale, collaborate on innovative projects, and build stronger connections within the railroad community. The episode features conversations with Joe Bohannon as he moves the Chinook Lines from HO to N scale, weighing the benefits, challenges, and decisions that come with such a significant transition. The discussion also covers the role of peer support, selling off old equipment, and developing new relationships to make the move viable and rewarding. Additional segments include updates from Tully Models on new rolling stock, flatcar loads, and details aimed at supporting both prototype and freelance layouts. The episode highlights the collaborative atmosphere at RPM events, where sharing ideas, operational experiences, and technical advice fuels ongoing improvement for all involved. Event organizers discuss how the Freelance Forum, museum operating sessions, and themed group projects like America 250 deepen engagement for participants and create lasting bonds among modelers nationwide. IN THIS EPISODE: • Weighing the decision to move from HO to N scale for greater layout potential • Selling and reinvesting in models as a means of committing to change • The importance of community, collaboration, and feedback at RPM events • Approaches to track planning and layout design when changing scales • The role of special themes, group operating sessions, and museum partnerships in building model railroad community • New product releases and project inspirations from Tully Models Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/263 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.

    2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet: Models, People and Fun

  3. Oct 15

    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 two latest books: 12 Model Railroad Track Plans for a Spare Room, 2nd Edition and Student to Master: The Lifelong Journey to Model Railroading Excellence. Returning to ground he first covered in 2009, Lance revisits track planning with years of added design, construction, and observational experience. Alongside this, he explores the broader question of how modelers learn, improve, and decide where to direct their efforts in a field overflowing with detailed tips but often lacking big-picture guidance. The conversation covers recognizing the most important factors in making a layout stand out, the value of scene composition and color choices, and the decision-making process behind track planning revisions. Real-world examples illustrate why visual impact doesn’t always hinge on hyper-accurate details, and why restraint and negative space can be just as significant to a scene as rolling stock or structures. The episode also examines how conventions, publications, and mentoring can better support modelers at every stage. IN THIS EPISODE: • Revisiting track plans with added experience and a critical eye • Deciding what contributes most to visual impact and satisfaction • The difference between detail-oriented accuracy and overall scene composition • Mentoring, conventions, and the need for broad modeling guidance • Managing layout ambitions, negative space, and the pitfalls of overbuilding • Prioritizing learning as an ongoing, reflective process Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/260 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. Oct 12

    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 evolution of the Canada Spokane and Pacific, his 1,500-square-foot, proto-freelanced HO scale layout set in June 1978 and jointly owned by the Burlington Northern and Canadian Pacific. The episode focuses on the practical decisions and tradeoffs Drew makes to deliver rewarding operating sessions for both regulars and guests, emphasizing approachable CTC-based traffic control, flexible switchlist systems, and the importance of keeping the experience enjoyable rather than overwhelming. The conversation covers the reasons behind Drew’s operating scheme choices, including why he prefers CTC over timetable and train order for regular sessions and how switchlists have replaced car cards and waybills in his system. Drew describes adapting his approach as regular operators’ preferences evolve, ensuring operational variety, and deliberately designing yard and mainline flow to reduce stress and waiting. The discussion also touches on creating new challenges—like introducing a long-unused track wye into the session—and practical staging, restaging, and dispatching methods on a railroad designed for both social and operational enjoyment. IN THIS EPISODE: • Deciding between CTC, timetable and train order, and other traffic control methods • Moving from car cards and waybills to a custom switchlist system • Designing yard operations for accessibility and reduced operator stress • Adapting operating jobs as crew preferences shift over time • Introducing new operational challenges—including creative use of a previously unused wye • Balancing realism, variety, and enjoyment for both regular and occasional operators 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 - Talking Ops With Don Irace - Operations On The CS&P with Drew James - October 8, 2024

  5. Oct 8

    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 proto-freelance HO scale model inspired by New York City’s industrial railroading. With a background rooted in both lifelong interest and city living, Bruce shares how research into prototype practices, historic freight circulars, and urban operations shapes every element of his design, from traffic planning to industry placement. Rather than relying on standard automation, Bruce prefers to handcraft switch lists and carefully select car movements, drawing from an evolving schedule that balances randomness, customer needs, and his own desire to keep sessions both realistic and relaxing. The conversation explores constant layout evolution, including physical changes to track and industry locations based on new research, operational feedback, and hands-on solo testing. Bruce describes the unique operational structure of his one-town, car float-based railroad, including how crew roles, storage track placement, and commodity flows are shaped by both prototype sources and practical experience. Tradeoffs around session planning, car cycling, and maintaining operational challenge without creating tedious puzzles are discussed, along with the broader value of connecting with other operators—moving from "lone wolf" operations to being part of an active regional community. IN THIS EPISODE: • Integrating prototype research and freight circulars into traffic planning • Handcrafting switch lists versus using automated ops software • Evolving track plans and industries in response to new information and experience • Balancing challenge and playability in switching operations • Managing single-town, car float-based operations for solo and crew sessions • Adapting layout practice through feedback from guest operators and solo testing Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/261 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.

  6. Oct 5

    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, 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 to specifics like number board decals, decals, handrails, and even the fonts and ampersands that distinguish an accurate model from a near-miss. The conversation centers on how personal experience and access to resources like Diesel Era magazine inform his ability to analyze both locomotives and rolling stock. The discussion explores how to handle manufacturer errors constructively, the tradeoffs between fine detail and durability, and the process of balancing objectivity and respect for the challenges of model railroad production. Ryan also reflects on changes in the hobby, including technology, tooling, and increasing consumer expectations, while drawing parallels between the research process for writing a book and for composing a thorough review. The episode closes with listener contributions on what factors matter most when purchasing a locomotive—from era correctness to price to DCC capability. IN THIS EPISODE: • Comparing prototype research with reviewing model railroad products • Balancing fine detail, accuracy, and practicality in reviews • Approaching mistakes and oversights by manufacturers • The role of fonts, number boards, and small details in accurate modeling • Listener responses on key locomotive purchasing criteria • Reflections on the current era of model railroad manufacturing and product variety 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 - The Art Of The Review with Ryan Crawford - October 1, 2024

  7. Sep 28

    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 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, increasing product selection, and the benefits of scale for those with limited space or a desire for expansive scenery. He offers perspective on what might surprise or challenge those coming from HO, highlighting the practical realities and innovations that define modern N scale.The conversation examines key decisions facing newcomers and experienced hobbyists alike, including product standards, coupler and wheelset compatibility, track codes, and the growing world of modular railroading—especially T-TRAK and other standards. Jimmy also addresses scenery options, ballasting techniques, and the expanding influence of 3D printing in smaller scales. Listener responses round out the episode, sharing the motivations, tradeoffs, and experiences that draw modelers to N scale for its space-saving potential, operational opportunities, and evolving product support. IN THIS EPISODE: Deciding when—and why—to choose N scale over HOComparing product offerings, detail levels, and recent innovations in N scaleUnderstanding coupler, wheelset, and track compatibilityExploring modular standards like T-TRAK and other N scale modular systemsPractical tips for scenery, ballasting, and using 3D-printed details in N scaleListener perspectives on the appeal and tradeoffs of modeling in NLearn 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 - Introduction To N Scale with Jimmy DIY - September 25, 2025

  8. Sep 25

    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. 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 unrealistic quirks overtake plausibility—and offers practical tips for developing compelling backstories, believable operations, and authentic paint schemes. Listeners also hear from hobbyists around the world as they explain how they chose the names and identities for their own freelance railroads, making this episode both a masterclass and a celebration of creative freedom grounded in research and personal meaning. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/259 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, Colorado Rail Proto Meet: https://corpm.org/ 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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