A freelance short line railroad modeled so well, you might have thought it was real. That's the Alabama Central of Radisson McGuire, a young and very talented modeler who has taken inspiration from prototype railfanning and some incredible inside access and lessons learned from RPM regulars to create a plausable model railroad of his own. Radisson …

It's time to take a look back at 2025 and review some of the headlines from the year that was with the Editor of Cowcatcher Magazine, Tim Blackwell. From government policy to mergers and acquisitions, 2025 surely produced some newsmaking events. Later, Tim and Ray hear from our listeners as they share their model railroading accomplishments of the …

It's hard to argue that 3D printing has played a major role in ushering in the Golden Era of model railroading that we're enjoying right now. Kevin Tully tells us more about how 3D printing is allowing his companies, Southern-Tier Grain Modelers Supply and Industrial Modelers Supply, to produce super detail components that take your basic off-the-s…

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 26, 2024 Ever been to someone's layout and said "I have that exact kit!" Perhaps it's time to make your layout industries unique to you and your layout with a more prototypical approach. Kevin Tully of Tully Models tells us how, from learning more about industries such as grain and feed mills, then taking …

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released December 3, 2024 It's a pure joy to meet modelers from around the globe and explore their why. On this episode, we're introduced to Justin Mitchell from Sydney, Australia who, from a young age, has been fascinated with the Santa Fe and is recreating the 1950's Surf Line. Justin tells us how, from thousands …

So where exactly is the dispatcher? If you're looking for a truly prototypical experience and have your railroad dispatched from afar, this episode is for you. Don Irace shares how, together with a friend, came with a way to keep the friend involved with his railroad despite a move out of state, and how that enhanced the operating experience. Don s…

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 12, 2024 It's been nearly two years to the day since we last had Sammy Carlile on Around The Layout Podcast and considering the amazing amount of things to talk about with his Santa Fe Hereford Subdivision, that's completely unacceptable! Making up for lost time, he's our guest for this month's Talking Ops…

The saying is "go big or go home", but Todd Treaster went small so he could go big in his home. On this episode of Around The Layout, this Pennsylvania native and former railroader tells us how his passion for big railroading, spawned by childhood memories and his time working for Big Blue kept him laser focused and allowed him to build a collectio…

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 29, 2024 They say that music can bring people together, and, in the case of Joey Giunto, it can also lead to meeting your model railroad mentor. On this episode of Around The Layout, Joey shares his model railroading journey and how a music gig led him to meeting a great friend and how they lifted each othe…

How do you prevent yourself from spending money on rolling stock you don't need? Matthew Freix returns to Around The Layout Podcast to share how he's developed guardrails by studying his prototype and making a commitment to sticking to a plan. Matt shares his research process and how it's helped him narrow his focus and stay on track. Later, we hea…

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 22, 2024 Layout Command Control - it sounds cool, but what exactly is it? On this episode of ATLP, Dave Barraza tells us the basics of LCC, how the standard was developed and, most importantly, how it can help bring our layouts to life. Dave shares how he's using LCC on his layout and how it compares to the…

While some will argue that model railroad season is 12 months long, it's hard to deny that,when the weather gets colder, activity in the hobby heats up. On this month's What's Happening In Model Railroading, Mike and Jeff Zucker from Spring Creek Model Trains stop by to tell us how to properly prepare to head back to the train room, what's trending…

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 8, 2024 Drew James, owner of the Canada Spokane & Pacific, made his return to the ATLP studio, picking up where he left off from last July. Drew tells us about how the operations on his layout have evolved, his efforts to keep things fresh for his group of operators and answers the question, "why is there a…

How does one build a solid foundation for an operations layout without even knowing? On this edition of Talking Ops with Don Irace, we find out how Lou DiRosso took his Conrail Boston Line layout from one where he watched memories of childhood railfanning and turned it into a fully interactive experience. Lou talks about the inspiration and help he…

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 24, 2024 On this episode of Around The Layout, we head to New Jersey and talk to Ralph Heiss, owner of the Lehigh Valley Harbor Terminal HO scale layout and frequent operator of quite a few great layouts in the Garden State. Ralph tells us how he got started in the hobby and how he was operating at great …

If you're one of those who think the hobby is dying, have a listen to this podcast. In his early 20's, Kinzer Hurt is already making a big impact on the model railroading hobby with a smaller approach; shelf layouts of short line railroads that allow him to drill into super detailing and cover a variety of railroads he's come to admire through in-p…

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 1, 2024 On this episode of Around The Layout Podcast, we talk to model railroad product reviewer and author Ryan Crawford. Ryan provides us with an inside look into his process for writing reviews, including the prototype research, evaluating details, and sharing what you need to know to make an educated pu…

How does one create a model railroading story of their very own? On this episode of Around The Layout Podcast, we talk to Christopher Palmieri, one of the leading voices in the freelance model railroading community, and learn more about the freelance concept and how it can benefit those who aren't completely sold on a fully prototype approach. Chri…

It's time for part three of our coverage of the 2025 Colorado Rail Proto Meet in Greeley, Colorado. On this episode, we talk to Hank Stephens, Christopher Palmieri from Home Shops, Ken Zieska from Crossing Gate Podcast and Chris Palomarez from Intermountain Railway Co. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/192 Thank you …

Put your prototype research to good use. That's what Matthew Freix is doing by contributing to the book Gateway Western - A Regional In Transitiion. Matt tells us what he's learned and what you can get out of this new book that is coming soon from White River Productions. Later, Ray and Tony discuss new products from Class One Model Works, Walthers…

It's time for part two of our coverage of the 2025 Colorado Rail Proto Meet in Greeley, Colorado. On this episode, we talk to Greg McComas, Bill Schneider from Rapido, Rick Bacon and Bob Stears from Roka. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/191 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: htt…

What would you do if you discovered a passion for operations well into your layout build? Our guest on this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace, Mark Herrick, did just that and tells us how he took what he started, and with some inspiration and guidance from a good friend, turned his BNSF Montana Division that was originally designed for two and …

Picturesque views, an amazing model railroad museum, a hotbed of top notch layouts and now an event bringing modelers together from both the prototype and freelance approaches - this is what the 2025 Colorado Rail Proto Meet delivers. ATLP host Ray Arnott was on the scene and talked to several of the show attendees and this is part one of three of …

Can the process of building the a big layout be the same as eating an elephant? For Brent Johnson, taking one bite at a time is an approach that has kept his flywheel turning as he looks to accomplish a rather large layout build of the Clinchfield Railroad Carolina Division. Brent also shares how he used an interim layout to prepare for this build,…

Come along with ATLP host Ray Arnott as he attends his first Mid-Atlantic RPM just outside of Baltimore, Maryland. Ray talks to several show participants about what they brought to share at MARPM and how the event affords them the opportunity to learn more and spend time with like-minded folks. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundth…

As I prepare to join my fellow content creators in creating T-Trak modules, I thought it might be a good idea to get an education on N scale from someone who knows the topic well. So, on this episode of Around The Layout Podcast, Jimmy DIY gives me the 101 on 1:160th, from starter sets to locomotives and rolling stock and the overall differences be…

30 miles west of Boston and inside a former rope factory not too far from the current Fitchburg Line is one amazing model railroad club. On this episode of Around The Layout, we learn more about the Nashua Valley Railroad Association from members Scott Lukas and Thomas Fitzgerald, who tell us about the club's origins, how they lucked into such an a…

The weather is cooling down here in North America, but the model railroading season is heating up as we look to head to our train rooms and make some progress on our layouts. Model Railroad News editor Tony Cook stops by for his monthly visit, and before telling us about the latest products in N, HO and O scale, we learn about a new book from White…

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 13, 2024 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 …

What components help make an operating session great? That's the question that Don Irace helps to answer on this edition of Talking Ops. Don takes us through his list of before, during and after operating session tasks that keep operators smiling and looking forward to their next trip back to your layout. Learn more about this episode on our websit…

Every RPM seems to have it's own flavor, and for the Colorado Rail Proto Meet this year, the Home Shops Freelance Forum will provide an experience like no other. Home Shops owner Christopher Palmieri tells us how this idea of bringing freelancers together was born and why the CORPM and the Colorado Model Railroad Museum are the perfect partners for…

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 3, 2024 We've seen many prototypical railroads bought and sold over the years, but how about a freelance model railroad changing hands? That's how current owner of the Brownville & Ashland, Chris Gilbert, took ownership of this Maine based short line. Oh, did I mention he's also in the United Kingdom? Chr…

You'd be hard pressed to find someone in the model railroad hobby with the enthusiasm and ambition of Michelle Kempema. It's probably why it was no surprise that she, along with the team at the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, launched a much needed Railroad Prototype Modelers meet in Greeley, Colorado in 2024. The event was a success and now Michel…

Bradd Williamson and Patrick Moore are proving that when you find your people, big things can happen, even if it's about 1:160 scale. After an accidental hijacking of a fellow N scalers group, they started the Iron City N Scale Facebook group, which led to a modular group with just one rule. Building upon the success of the group, Bradd and Pat sta…

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 of the theatre and applying it to his model railroad. Scott shares how he uses similar approaches as …

A product line that spans generations for over 190 years - that's what Bachmann has brought to our hobby. Matt Stern joins Tony Cook and Ray Arnott to tell us the latest news from this legendary company and the return of some classic offerings. Later, Tony and Ray discuss news from Athearn, Rapido, Smokebox Graphics, Walthers and more. Learn more a…

We keep the RPM theme going on Mondays as we head from St. Louis to just outside our nation's capital and talk to Bernie Kempinski about the 2025 Mid-Atlantic RPM. Bernie gives us a brief history of MARPM and how the committee prepares for their meet. Bernie shares about the many exciting opportunities to learn through their clinics, operating sess…

Getting more model railroaders to discover the magic of operations - that's what OpSig is looking to accomplish as they roll out their new Achievement Program. Executive Producer Paul Cassar and I talk to OpSig Vice President Paul Weiss about this exciting new program and how the special interest group helps support the operations movement with a m…

For the second year in a row, we were back at the St. Louis RPM in Collinsville, Illinois. ATLP host Ray Arnott made his rounds, talking to numerous attendees of the show and learning why they made the trek out to the midwest to partake in this outstanding event. In part two, we talk to Scott Thornton, Kevin Tully from TullyModels.com, Model Railro…

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 N…

For the second year in a row, we were back at the St. Louis RPM in Collinsville, Illinois. ATLP host Ray Arnott made his rounds, talking to numerous attendees of the show and learning why they made the trek out to the midwest to partake in this outstanding event. In part one, we talk to Michael Landis, Art from AO Rail Model Train Products, Dave Op…

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 …

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 10, 2024 We head back to Tim Garland's Seaboard Central to cover what we didn't get to when we interviewed him the first time; operations on his freelance railroad. Don and I learn quite a bit from Tim, who's experience with the real railroad has provided him with a plethora of knowledge that he uses to c…

Ever loved a product so much that you just wanted to buy the company? Meet Alex Hoffner, the new owner of ABR Model Works. Alex comes by the ATLP studio to tell us how subscribing to the newsletter was the start of a grand adventure that landed him ownership of this Australian founded company and how he's brought it to the United States to produce …

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 30, 2024 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 rail…

After 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 me 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 imp…

Now that we're back home and rested up from an amazing weekend in Deshler, Nebraska, it's time to catch up on the rest of the folks we talked to during Spring Creek Model Trains Open House & Train Show. ATLP host Ray Arnott played roving reporter and talked to some of the amazing vendors and model railroaders who made the trek out to celebrate Spri…

Even when you're thousands of miles away from your prototype, you might not be that far from your people. That's what we find out on this episode of Around The Layout as we talk to Robin Felder from Switzerland. Robin tells how his love for American railroading began and how he's been able to satisfy that big layout desire with a large group of fri…

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 6, 2024 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 …

As 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 …