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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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 multitude of resources and a way to show what you know about running a layout like the prototype. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundt...
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 Railroad News’ Shane Mason, Nick Santo from NixTrainz, Curtis Koch from Broadway Limited, Tony Sissons, Radisson McGuire, Oak Hill Model Railroad Supply’s J...
How can the gift of a single locomotive change layout plans? That's what we'll find out on this episode of Around The Layout Podcast as we head to Wisconsin to talk to Alan Schroeder about his Burlington Northern Marias Pass layout. Alan shares his early influences and tells us about the layouts leading up to his take on 1990's railroading on the Northern Transcon. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/173 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: h...
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 Oppedisano, Chuck Stancil at Logic Rail Technologies, Michael Ostertag from Second Section Podcast, Kevin Norman from Notch 8 Customs, Joey Giunto and A...
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but, someday, you're going to die. Before that happens, it's time to make a plan, and that's the message Dave Owens and John Sacerdote deliver on this episode of Around The Layout. Dave and John share how the Amherst Railway Society has helped many families who have lost their beloved model railroaders and give sound advice to avoid having your collection become a burden on those who survive you. Later, we hear from listeners who submitted their answer to the...
This episode dives into the intricacies of designing and operating a believable freelance model railroad with Tim Garland of the Seaboard Central. Drawing from his extensive experience as an NS employee, Tim details his methods for incorporating prototype rules, realistic locomotive rosters, and detailed operational paperwork to deliver an immersive and challenging experience for operators. The discussion also covers track classification, signal systems, and unique car handling scenarios found in real railroading.
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 craftsman kits and 3D printed details. Later, Tony and Ray discuss news coming out of the Spring Creek 25th and the National Train Show from Walthers,...
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 railroad more enjoyable and appear like he remembers it. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners. Learn more about ...
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 implementation of tasks that slow down the session, providing enjoyment for himself and his crew. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroun...
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 Spring Creek Model Trains' 25th anniversary with the Zucker family, including Micro Engineering, Iowa Scaled Engineering, Mesquite Belt's Devin Jackso...
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 friends and dual purpose modular layouts. Robin also shares how the group shares each of their unique talents to help each other. Learn more about this e...
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 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 th...
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 has helped him and many others forge new friendships, keep their minds sharp and find happiness and purpose, especially after retirement. Learn more a...
Looking for a quick and easy way to get your rolling stock looking less like a toy and more like the prototype? Let's head to the Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet in Springfield, Massachusetts and sit next to ATLP host Ray Arnott as he gets a lesson from Ted DiIorio on his method that simplifies the process and produces a great result. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/170 Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank yo...
Track. If you're going to run your trains, you're going to need it, and Jeff Otto from Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply is all about it. Jeff tells us when he got involved with creating his own turnouts, diamonds, crossings and track and how it went from a personal desire to a full fledged business. Later, Tony and I talk about the latest news in the hobby with releases from Rapido, Athearn, Tangent, Class One Model Works, Walthers and more. Learn more about this episode on our website: arou...
ATLP Rewind - Orginally Released September 5, 2023 It'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 r...
One man and a multitude of layouts. That's how Steve Pettit has developed his amazing skill set and we learn all about his beginnings on this episode of Around The Layout. Steve answers the question of how, as an Australian, became interested in North American railroads and how his diverse interests in railroads and scales has helped him connect to fellow model railroaders from around the globe and helped hone his skills. Steve also shares how he overcame personal challenges and how he adapted h...
ATLP Rewind - Episode Orginally Released June 12, 2023 With 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 ...
Sometimes, an old layout is worth saving, especially one that is rich in history and has been touched by some model railroading greats. This is the story of the Rochester Model Railroad Club and their efforts to take their 1980's layout from DC to DCC and make it a layout that is modernized and interactive. Club members Ed O'Connell and Rob Bartels tell us about taking on this challenge and how, in the end, they will have a layout that continues to tell the story of the Lehigh Valley. Learn more...
25 years in business - that surely is something to celebrate! This coming July 4th weekend, Spring Creek Model Trains will be doing just that. We discuss how the Zuckers went from the living room and a dream to a destination model railroad store located in the middle of America's Heartland, and how they bring the store to you with stops at hobby shows from coast to coast. Mike and Jeff share the plans for what promises to be a weekend not to forget, with modular layouts, top manufacturers, prize...
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 1, 2023 Welcome to another dimmension, where Joe Mammay is the host of Around The Layout and is interviewing Ray Arnott. Come along as we hear about Ray's start in model railroading, from a TYCO set to an attempt at N scale. Ray tells us how the prototype led him back to the hobby, and how joining a club introduced him to his mentor who helped open his eyes to the concept of operations. Thank you to Joe Mammay who did an outstanding job hosting this April ...
It's time for part 2 with author and model railroader Thomas Klimoski, and joining us to dig into operations on small layouts is our resident expert on the topic, Don Irace. Tom talks about how a smaller layout can still pack a full operations experience with some good planning and can be beneficial for those who don't have a huge crew or the time to maintain a massive empire. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/160 Give us your feedback - take the ATLP Survey at ar...
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 25, 2023 Seven days a week, Weather My Trains' Rob Arsenault is producing some of the most realistic and jaw-dropping weathering in the hobby. In this episode of Around The Layout, Rob puts down the brush and tells how a childhood spent on Prince Edward Island and railfanning the PEI sparked his lifelong love for trains. He shares how time spent in the Royal Canadian Air Force provided rare opportunities to witness railroading history and get closer to the...
Unless you've been living completely off the grid over the last few months, you know that the business of model railroading is facing unprecedented challenges. On this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading, Jason Shron and Jordan Smith from Rapido Trains share insights into the manufacturing of model railroad products, the people who make the locomotives and rolling stock, and the market that is created by our hobby. Whether you are for or against tariffs or are somewhere in between, ...
Hanging with the homies - that's what we do at the St. Louis RPM. Two of those "homies", Lonnie Bathurst and Scott Thornton, make their annual stop at the ATLP Studio to tell us all about the 18th Annual edition of this great event. Lonnie tells us what makes the STL RPM such a special event and Scott shares why it's on his calendar every year. We also discuss the events in and outside of the Gateway Center, all centered around the comradery that comes with being around like minded folks. Learn ...
You know what they say about best laid plans? On this episode of Around The Layout, we do some catching up with Mike Landis and his MKT Sedalia Sub, which is on the move to his new home. Mike tells us how the first version of the layout was supposed to make the move with him, but how that idea got derailed and a new strategy has taken its place. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/158 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcre...
It's time once again to head to Springfield, Massachusetts for the 23rd Annual Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet. Dave Owens comes by the ATLP studio to tell us all about what the Amherst Railway Society has in store. From vendors to models on display and a long list of informative clinics, the NERPM is an event all modelers can be inspired by. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/159 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics: https://highballgraph...
What if I were to tell you that a group of enthusiasts could come together to run a massive modular layout without having a big book of rules or a governing body? Allow us to introduce you to the Sipping & Switching Society of North Carolina, where the name is as about as formal as these folks get, yet they successfully gather half a dozen times a year to do what this hobby was meant for - have fun! Society member Glen Frix gives us some insight into how this all works and how their lack of ...
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released July 11, 2023 We head back to Central New York to hear Bill Brown's amazing story of triumph over tragedy and how a great group of friends helped him recover from disaster. Bill shares his origin story, then tells how becoming a member of the CNY Division of the NMRA provided him with incredible opportunities to further his modeling skills and led to meeting the folks that would become lifelong friends. Bill also reflects on memories of Jim Heidt, the fi...
It's time once again to find out What's Happening In Model Railroading and joining Model Railroad News editor Tony Cook and Ray Arnott this month is Jim Wiggin, Associate Brand Manager and star of Athearn's Train Tuesdays. Jim tells us that lighting functions are hot right now and shares with us some of the work that goes into adding these sought after details to the Athearn offerings. Later, Tony and Ray discuss products from Roka, Walthers, Athearn, Bluford Shops and more. Learn more about thi...
