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 collection with mind blowing numbers. Todd also tells us about the joy both he and his wife have when they get to share the collection and layout with others. ...
Dec 04, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 201
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 other up in the hobby. Joey also shares how, after his mentor's passing, he keeps his memory alive through his modeling efforts. Thank you to our episode ...
Dec 01, 2025•1 hr 8 min
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 hear answers to the Question of the Month and hear how others have established guardrails. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout....
Nov 28, 2025•58 min•Ep. 202
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 electronics used on the prototype. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners. Learn more about this episode on o...
Nov 24, 2025•52 min
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 this model railroad season and what should be on everyone's letter to Santa. Mike and Jeff also share their joy in helping model railroaders and thei...
Nov 18, 2025•51 min•Ep. 200
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 wye?" Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Su...
Nov 17, 2025•1 hr 4 min
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's received from the folks behind Island Ops and how he's learning from every operating session to make the next one better. Learn more about this epi...
Nov 13, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 197
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 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 u...
Nov 10, 2025•1 hr 1 min
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-person and virtual experiences. Later, I ask Kinzer what younger modelers are looking for and get his take on what's needed to get the next generation ...
Nov 06, 2025•58 min•Ep. 196
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 purchasing decision. Ryan and Ray also chat about the amazing advances in today's models and what they would like to see more of. Later, we hear answers...
Nov 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min
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. Chris lays out steps to follow to start creating a freelance story and provides recommendations on resources to learn more. Later, we hear answers from ou...
Oct 30, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 195
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 to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://sc...
Oct 27, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 192
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, ScaleTrains, PIKO America, Rapido Trains, Broadway Limited Imports and Bachmann Trains. This episode was recorded live as part of our first Around T...
Oct 23, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 194
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: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/...
Oct 20, 2025•56 min•Ep. 191
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 used artistic licence to turn it into an operations layout that hosts up to six and provides a diverse list of jobs. Mark talks about recreating lost ...
Oct 16, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 193
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 those conversations. On this episode, Ray talks to Radisson McGuire, Mike Zucker, Brian Sopke and George Bogatiuk. Learn more about this episode on ou...
Oct 13, 2025•50 min•Ep. 190
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, and how early influences led him to model the southern end of the Clinchfield Railroad. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout...
Oct 09, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 184
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: aroundthelayout.com/188 Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thak you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Tra...
Oct 06, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 188
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 between HO and N. Later, we hear from our audience as we listen to the answers submitted for our Question Of The Month. Learn more about this episode on...
Sep 25, 2025•56 min•Ep. 189
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 amazing space, and how they've created an amazing layout covering the neighboring Boston & Maine line. They also share how the layout has advanced ...
Sep 22, 2025•38 min•Ep. 178
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 River Productions with some familiar names on the cover. We also debut a new segment on the WHIMR show, letting us know about upcoming RPM's around t...
Sep 18, 2025•36 min•Ep. 187
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 these rules can be modified in compression with examples from his N&W South Branch. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout....
Sep 15, 2025•58 min
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 website: aroundthelayout.com/186 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episo...
Sep 11, 2025•49 min•Ep. 186
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 this event. Christopher shares all of the activities surrounding the Freelance Forum, including clinics, operating sessions and model displays that w...
Sep 08, 2025•25 min•Ep. 185
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? 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...
Sep 04, 2025•55 min
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 Michelle and her team are looking to grow in the sophomore edition of the Colorado Rail Proto Meet with a new venue and expanded offerings for modelers not ...
Sep 01, 2025•47 min•Ep. 183
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 started the Iron City Roundhouse Report podcast, giving a voice to the group and adding another way for Iron City to reach around the planet. Learn more ...
Aug 28, 2025•59 min•Ep. 181
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 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.Later, we hear...
Aug 25, 2025•1 hr 1 min
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 about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/180 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltra...
Aug 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 180
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 sessions and layout tours, along with the many models on display at the event in Linthicum, Maryland. Learn more about this episode on our website: around...
Aug 18, 2025•38 min•Ep. 179
