Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast
Leisure
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.
What's Happening In Model Railroading Special - Tony Cook & Jason Shron
We all know Rapido Trains for their high quality models, but how about books? On this special What's Happening In Model Railroading, Tony Cook and I sit down with Jason Shron of Rapido Trains to talk books, including the newly released "The Cars of VIA Heritage Fleet Volume 1." Jason shares his passion for VIA passenger cars and tells us how he's become involved with the preservation of Canadian passenger equipment.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/130Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com/
35:3505/11/2024
ATLP Rewind - Paul Cassar & The River Belt Line II - January 9, 2024
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 9, 2024On this episode of Around The Layout, we check in with Paul Cassar. Paul's not only the Executive Producer of Around The Layout; he's quite the modeler and he provides us with updates on his River Belt Line HO scale layout located in his garage in New South Wales, Australia. Paul talks about scratchbuilding, weathering, and super detailing the layout and how his choice to keep the layout relatively small has provided the time to drill into the details. Additionally, Ray and Paul talk about working together on the podcast and how it has become another aspect of the hobby to enjoy.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
01:00:3404/11/2024
Joey Giunto & The Penn-Reading Industrial
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 other up in the hobby. Joey also shares how, after his mentor's passing, he keeps his memory alive through his modeling efforts.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/129Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com/
01:07:1429/10/2024
ATLP Rewind - John Abatecola & TSG Multimedia - January 2, 2024
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released January 2, 2024After hosting myself and fellow podcasters Andy Dorsch and Tom Gasior on his TSG Live Talking Trains, it was great to have John Abatecola stop by the Around The Layout studio. John tells us about his hobby within the hobby; creating videos to share his model railroading and prototype adventures with the masses. He talks about his work with Jack Burgess and how filming trains is so much better than a funeral!Learn more about today's episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
01:03:2228/10/2024
Layout Command Control 101 with Dave Barraza
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 electronics used on the prototype.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/128Enter for a chance to win a free t-shirt - email [email protected] and put "show notes" in the subject line. Entries must be received by October 31.Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
50:4022/10/2024
ATLP Rewind - Campbell Rice & The Tennessee Western Railway - December 12, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released December 12, 2023Meet Campbell Rice, a man who has moved more times than the Raiders football team, but has carried his passion for model railroading with him along the way. Campbell takes us along on the journey through several states and multiple layout builds, leading to his recent move back to Tennessee and the development of the freelanced Tennessee Western Railway HO scale layout. It's a story of perseverance that you don't want to miss.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
01:05:3521/10/2024
What's Happening In Model Railroading - October 2024 - Tony Cook & Christopher Palomarez
Christopher Palomarez from InterMountain Railway Co joined Tony and I from somewhere along the road in Colorado to share the latest on the projects being churned out of Longmont. Chris shares some insight on the process of creating factory weathered cars with pad printing plus updates on some upcoming releases. Later, Tony and Ray discuss news out of Walthers, Rapido, Division Point and more.Learn more about today's episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/127Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
54:0115/10/2024
ATLP Rewind - Devin Jackson & The Mesquite Belt - November 14, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 14, 2023One of the most memorable stops during the whirlwind week of the Texas Express 2023 NMRA National Convention was the visit to Devin Jackson & Family's Mesquite Belt, located about 2 hours south of Fort Worth in the town of Palestine. Joining me on the trip were Don Irace and Mark Herrick and on arrival, we were amazed to see a depot building in the backyard containing a large and well done HO scale layout. On this episode, we talk about that visit and how the depot building, name and layout came to be. We also learn how this project has been a family affair and how all Jacksons have benefited from the hobby.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
01:07:5414/10/2024
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Operations on the Canada Spokane & Pacific with Drew James
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 wye?" Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/126Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Steel Mill Modelers Supply and Southern-Tier Grain Modelers Supply:tullymodels.com
01:04:2308/10/2024
2024 Red River RPM Preview with Kevin Leddy
Kevin Leddy joins us to talk about the 4th Annual Red River RPM being held in Forest Hill, TX October 25-26th. Kevin tells us how this RPM started, inspired by two very popular prototype modelers meets. He also tells us what you can expect to see, including a rundown of clinics, vendors, and the free-mo modular setups. Kevin also shares his passion for free-mo and tells us about the Red River Run Free-Mo event taking place in Elk City, Oklahoma in May 2025. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/124Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
35:3207/10/2024
The Art Of The Review with Ryan Crawford
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 purchasing decision. Ryan and Ray also chat about the amazing advances in today's models and what they would like to see more of. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/123Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
01:00:4101/10/2024
NVRRA Railfair 2024 Preview
Model railroad show season is in full swing on the top half of the equator, and, in the northeast, the Nashua Valley Railroad Association's Railfair 2024 kicks things off. NVRRA members Thomas Fitzgerald and Peter D'Olimpio come by to tell us about their club, how they are building an incredibly large layout in Shirley, Massachusetts and how Railfair 2024 helps fund the good they are doing in the model railroad community. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/125Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
35:1630/09/2024
Ralph Heiss and the Lehigh Valley Harbor Terminal
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 layouts by the age of 17. He also shares how he researched the Lehigh Valley, his passion for the history and ghost railroading and how to make good use of free time gifted by a hurricane derived power outage.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/122Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
01:00:0224/09/2024
Iowa City Train Show Preview with Dan Reichenbach
Up on this side of the equator, the weather is cooling down and the model railroad events are heating up! Dan Riechenbach of the Hawkeye Model Railroad Club stops by the ATLP studio to tell us about the Iowa City Train Show on October 20, 2024. Dan shares a history of the club, their recent move to a new building and how the show helps support their new build. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/121Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics:https://highballgraphics.com/
25:4923/09/2024
What's Happening In Model Railroading - September 2024 - Tony Cook & Jordan Smith
More and more, we find out that the folks at these fine model railroad manufactuers are hobbyists just like us, and this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroad is no exception. Jordan Smith joins Tony and Ray to tell a bit about himself, his start in the hobby and how he's worked his way up from working in a hobby shop in Toronto to wearing multiple hats for Rapido Trains. Later in the episode, Tony and Ray discuss new releases from Atlas, Walthers, ScaleTrains and more.Learn more about today's episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/120Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
01:01:3317/09/2024
ATLP Rewind - Mike Armstrong & The Rock Island Mid-Continent Route - November 28, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 28, 2023It's late November, but we're still talking about late August and the 2023 NMRA National Convention in Texas. During that week, I was fortunate enough to visit the outstanding layout of Mike Armstrong and it was a thrill to talk to him tonight about how his Rock Island Mid-Continent Route came to fruition. Mike shares the story of growing up in Iowa and the many influences during his youth that led to a successful prototype and model railroad journey. If you're a fan of big layouts and negative space, this episode is for you!Learn more about today's episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
01:01:5116/09/2024
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Freelance Railroad, Prototypical Ops with Tim Garland
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 create realistic operations on his freelance layout. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/119Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
57:5810/09/2024
ATLP Rewind - Matt Forcum & The Metaline Falls Railroad - October 31, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 31, 2023Freelance model railroader and YouTuber Matt Forcum pays a virtual visit to the Around The Layout studio. Matt shares with us his model railroading journey that has includes stops in Lego and N scale on his way to HO scale and the Metaline Falls Railroad. He also tells us how he's using his MFRailroad YouTube channel to create a video journal of his layout build and share what he's learning along the way. In addition, his channel includes product reviews and his Rail Ramblin' segments, and Ray and Matt discuss the difficulties of sharing these thoughts in what can be a very opininated hobby. Closing out the show, Matt shares a tool he has created to help build switch lists for smaller railroads.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
01:06:3709/09/2024
Chris Gilbert & The Brownville & Ashland
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? Chris tells us how this transaction went down, how he made the B&A his own, and how he got into modeling American railroading across the big pond. He also shares his experience working with Christopher Palmieri on his now sold out Home Shops / Prairie Shadows 50' hi-cube boxcar. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/118Submit your answer to the Question of the Month:aroundthelayout.com/questionThank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
54:1703/09/2024
ATLP Rewind - John Parker and the BNSF Fall River Division - October 24, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 24, 2023Coming 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 the way, and he shares how that dedicated group of friends helped him achieve the goal of a railroad empire in his basement that hosts 18 to 22 operators per session.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
01:04:0902/09/2024
The Theatrical Approach To Model Railroading with Scott Thornton
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 props to make viewers of his layout feel like they are trackside on his IAIS Milan Branch.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/117Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops, LLC:https://homeshops.net/
01:00:2927/08/2024
ATLP Rewind - Mike Landis & The MKT Sedalia Subdivision - September 26, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 26, 2023Mike 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 he relates to most and how video creation for his YouTube channel The Main Track provides motivation to continue learning and sharing his journey with others.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
56:3226/08/2024
What's Happening In Model Railroading - August 2024 - Tony Cook & Kevin Tully
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 releases from Athearn, ScaleTrains, Broadway Limited, Bachmann and more.Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops LLC:https://homeshops.net/Learn more about this episode and find links on our website:aroundthelayout.com/116
58:5120/08/2024
ATLP Rewind - Alan Saatkamp & The Chippewa River Divisions - September 5, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 5, 2023It'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 childhood to today, and tells us how his wife encouraged his return to model railroading for a family experience. He also offers his guidance on the right time to ask your spouse for more layout real estate (results may vary!). Alan also talks about his other hobby; creating a newsletter called Prairie Ponderings, a fun and informative digital publication that he shares with subscribers around the globe.Learn more about today's episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/
58:3319/08/2024
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Prototypical Operations - Dustin Whitten
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 examples from his N&W South Branch. Look for this episode on Tuesday, August 13th.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/115Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
57:2713/08/2024
ATLP Rewind - Paul August & The C&NW Mondovi Line - August 22, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 22, 2023On 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 steam locomotives. He also shares with us how moves in the midwest exposed him to different prototypes and how he landed on the Mondovi Line.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewind
01:00:1612/08/2024
Michael Ostertag & The Farlin Terminal II
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 scale and his hopes that a wider variety of product might open the door for more folks to explore the world of 1:64 scale.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/114Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
59:2706/08/2024
2024 Colorado Rail Proto Meet with Michelle Kempema
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.Thank you to our show sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Learn more about today's episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/113
42:3605/08/2024
Car Routing: The Road To Realism with Matthew Freix
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 it. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Learn more about today's episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/112
01:05:2830/07/2024
Survey Results and Changes to ATLP - Live Special from July 29, 2024
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.com
31:5130/07/2024
ATLP Rewind - Andy Dorsch & The Mascoutin Valley - May 9, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 9. 2023We 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 to adulthood as he developed his freelance Mascoutin Valley Railroad. Andy then shares how he met his co-host Michael Ostertag, leading to the development of the Second Section Podcast that facilitates the sharing of model railroading knowledge from some of the leading talent in the hobby.Thank you to our show sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Learn more about today's episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewind
01:07:5029/07/2024
Don Irace & The Providence & Worcester III
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 challenging trains to run on a layout that still gives a solid representation of the prototype.Thank you to our show sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/111
01:16:1723/07/2024
ATLP Rewind - Joe Atkinson & The IAIS 4th Sub - June 27, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 27, 2023After 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 the Iowa Interstate, leading him to create two versions of the 4th Sub that has inspired fellow IAIS modelers and was featured in the January 2018 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewind
01:06:2322/07/2024
What's Happening In Model Railroading - July 2024 - Tony Cook
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 ScaleTrains, Athearn, Bachmann and more.Thank you to our show sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Learn more about today's episode and get links to all the products discussed:aroundthelayout.com/110
52:3016/07/2024
ATLP Rewind - James McNab & The Hills Line - June 20, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 20, 2023It'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 led him to the Iowa Interstate and opened up a new world of railroading and friendships.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our show sponsor, Southern Tier Grain Modelers Supply:tullymodels.com
01:01:0415/07/2024
Dustin Whitten & The N&W South Branch
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. Dustin shares the lessons learned through 4 different layout builds and a run at freelance that led him to the N&W. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Learn more about this episode and see photos of the N&W South Branch on our website:https://www.aroundthelayout.com/episodes/109
58:4409/07/2024
What's Happening In Model Railroading Special - Tony Cook & Craig Fuller
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 episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading, Tony Cook and I talk to Firecrown Media CEO Craig Fuller and learn more about the new home for Model Railroader, Trains and the additional Kalmbach titles. Craig gives us an inside look at Firecrown and their plans to keep these legendary titles going for many years to come.Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Learn more about today's episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/108
52:1108/07/2024
Michael Spoor & The Burlington C&A Divisions
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 with a slight change in time period and added the capability to move the clock forward to the time of his own youth. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Learn more about this episode and check out photos of Michael's CB&Q:www.aroundthelayout.com/107
54:3902/07/2024
ATLP Rewind - Marty McGuirk & The Central Vermont Railway - June 6, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 6, 2023There'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 precursor to an outstanding career and love for the Central Vermont. Marty also shares how a kitchen remodeling project eventually yielded a brand new layout area and how Lance Mindheim helped guide Marty on a "3-3-3" plan for his next model railroad.Learn more about this episode and listen online:aroundthelayout.com/43Thank you to our episode sponsor, Southern Tier Grain Modelers Supply:www.tullymodels.com
01:21:4801/07/2024
Brian Sopke & The Benton & Southern
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 frustration and creating his current railroad using lessons from the past.Learn more about this episode and find photos and additional links on our website:www.aroundthelayout.com/episodes/106Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
54:5525/06/2024
ATLP Rewind - William Sampson - Father & Son and The Great Northern & The Milwaukee Road
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 12, 2023With 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 in the hobby, with influences from his past leading him to model the Great Northern in 1970. He then shares how his model railroading journey got even better with the arrival of William Jr, who shares his memories of his father's layout and the many lessons and great times he shared with his dad.Learn more about this episode and find photos and additional links on our website:www.aroundthelayout.com/episodes/44Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics:https://highballgraphics.com/
01:01:4124/06/2024
What's Happening In Model Railroading - June 2024 - Tony Cook & Prairie Shadows
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 and accurate models and the steps they take to ensure the model matches the prototype. Later, Tony Cook tells us about his big project of late - the HO Collector Annual that Ray found to be a walk down memory lane. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:www.springcreekmodeltrains.comLearn more about this episode and find direct links on our website:aroundthelayout.com/episodes/105
55:5718/06/2024
Lonnie Bathurst, Scott Thornton & The 2024 St. Louis RPM
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, skills and, most importantly, comradarie. Lonnie shares this year's show theme, highlights the must-see events and tells us what we need to know to attend and display models at the show. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Scale Modeling by Kevin J. Tully:https://steelmillmodelerssupply.com/Learn more about this episode and find additonal links on our website:aroundthelayout.com/episodes/104
54:1717/06/2024
John Farrington and the Somerset & Raritan
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 talks about doing custom work for others, including myself, and debunks the old Mark Twain saying "good fences make good neighbors" when it comes to getting guidance and support with his model railroad. Learn more about this episode on our website. Click the link below:aroundthelayout.com/episodes/103Follow Around The Layout on social media:aroundthelayout.com/socialSupport the podcast and get the chance to win free stuff by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew:aroundthelayout.com/crew
54:1011/06/2024
ATLP Rewind - Matt Freix & The Gateway Western Subdivision 6 - March 28, 2023
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 28, 2023The 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 basement where his Gateway Western's Subdivision 6 resides. Matt tells us about the prototype of his current layout and how friends, both in human and quick clamp form have helped him along his journey to recapture the glory of 1995. Matt also talks about the decision process of farming out tasks and how it has helped him focus on the parts of the hobby he enjoys.Learn more about this episode and check out images of the Gateway Western Subdivision 6:https://www.aroundthelayout.com/episodes/34
01:03:1910/06/2024
Alex Mantle and the Chicago, Denver and Northern
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 he developed his backstory, paint scheme and chose the industries on his layout. Check out the Chicago, Denver & Northern on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@chicagodenvernorthern999Follow Alex and the CD&N on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chicago_denver_northern/Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcastCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on social media: aroundthelayout.com/socialSend us an email: [email protected]
55:2504/06/2024
ATLP Rewind - Dave Oppedisano & the BNSF Lakeside Subdivision - August 16, 2022
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 16, 2022Dave 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's incorporating into his layout. He also shares advice about choosing backdrop materials and shares his passion for all things electronics.Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!aroundthelayout.com/crewCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comConnect with us on social media: aroundthelayout.com/socialSend us an email: [email protected] you to our show sponsor, Highball Graphics:https://highballgraphics.com/
53:1303/06/2024
Lance Mindheim and Miami's Swamp Rat
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 any railroad you're planning. Later, Lance tells about yet another how-to book coming out that you can pre-order now.Thank you to our show sponsor, Weather My Trains:https://weathermytrains.com/Learn more about today's episode:aroundthelayout.com/episodes/101Support the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!aroundthelayout.com/crewFollow us on social media:aroundthelayout.com/socialSend us an email: [email protected]
49:4428/05/2024
What's Happening In Model Railroading - May 2024 - Tony Cook & Mike and Jeff Zucker
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 grown their business in a town of less than 800 people into a destination hobby shop. Later, Tony brings us the latest from Rapido, Walthers, Sylvan, Athearn and more.Check out Spring Creek Model Trains website:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Links to all products mentioned on this episode can be found at: aroundthelayout.com/episodes/100Subscribe to Model Railroad News and keep up with all that's happening in model railroading:https://modelrailroadnews.com/Take a trip through model railroad history on Tony's Model Train Resource:https://modeltrainresource.com/Ask Tony your question for next month's What's Happening In Model Railroading Show:https://www.aroundthelayout.com/asktonySupport the podcast and get yourself signed up for free giveaways by becoming a member of the ATLP Operating Crew!patreon.com/AroundTheLayoutPodcastCheck out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: [email protected]
53:5021/05/2024
ATLP Rewind - Greg McComas & The Michigan Interstate St. Clair Sub - October 25, 2022
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 25, 2022On 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. We also learn how MAC Rail was born out of a necessity to create niche parts and has grown to supplying those hard to find modern details.Like and follow the Michigan Interstate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069293202704Check out MAC Rail's offerings here: https://macrailproducts.com/Check out our website: www.aroundthelayout.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthelayoutSend us an email: [email protected]
01:12:2120/05/2024