Around The Layout Podcast

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Around The Layout Podcast

Join us as we bring you stories from model railroaders just like you.
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We talk to enthusiasts across the hobby and learn about their beginnings, challenges, accomplishments and ultimately what excites and motivates them.

21/08/2026

What's Happening In Model Railroading - August 2026 - 2026 St. Louis RPM is now available. Learn more about this episode and listen online at aroundthelayout.com/251 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, YouTube and many more.

What’s trending in the world of model railroading, and what were the standout moments at this year’s St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) meet? In this episode, Ray Arnott is joined by Joe Markins from the Dajo Trains YouTube channel for a rapid-fire review of the latest model releases, including updates from Rapido, ScaleTrains, Tangent, Atlas, and more. Listeners are taken behind the scenes at the St. Louis RPM, where Ray connects with industry innovators and vendors like ABR Model Works, Scale Signs, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply, LogicRail, and Tully Models. They discuss new products, design insights, crowd-sourced innovation, and the unique benefits of connecting at live events.

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/

18/08/2026

ATLP Rewind - Model Railroad Estate Planning with John Sacerdote & Dave Owens from July 31, 2025 is now available. Learn more about this episode and listen online at aroundthelayout.com/rewind2 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and many more.

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 Question Of The Month on what their plans are when they head to the big layout in the sky.

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/

17/08/2026

ATLP Rewind - Alan Schroeder & The Marias Pass from August 7, 2025 is now available. Learn more about this episode and listen online at aroundthelayout.com/rewind or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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.

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/

17/08/2026

Oh, hello there.

aroundthelayout.com/2027

16/08/2026

Around the Rapido Layout goes the ATLP 2022 Interchange Tour car!

15/08/2026

Do you have a model railroading event, open house, meet, or show coming up? Spread the word on the Around The Layout Podcast! aroundthelayout.com/event

We’re opening the mic to event planners who want to promote their upcoming gatherings to a passionate, engaged hobby community. Whether it’s big, small, local, or national — if it’s happening in the world of model railroading, we want to help you share it.

Send us your event details and let’s get it featured on an upcoming What's Happening In Model Railroading episode of Around The Layout Podcast.

13/08/2026

Talking Ops with Don Irace - Changes For The Better is now available. Learn more about this episode and listen online at aroundthelayout.com/243 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and many more.

When is it time to make a change on your model railroad layout? In this episode of Around the Layout’s "Talking Ops," Ray Arnott and Don Irace dive into the important—and sometimes daunting—question of recognizing when operations or layout features have gone stale, and how to tackle improvements for more realistic and enjoyable sessions. Don shares real-life examples from his own P&W layout, detailing an evolution driven by everything from maintenance-of-way bottlenecks to discovering new prototype inspiration. Together, they break down how to distinguish glitches from chronic problems, why operator feedback is essential, and how embracing change—even if it means ripping up scenic areas—can enhance the hobby for everyone involved. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or just some reassurance that change is part of the fun, this episode offers a wealth of experience and encouragement.

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/

12/08/2026

All Aboard The Summerville Steam Special - Interviews Powered By Coal and ScaleTrains is now available. Learn more about this episode and listen online at aroundthelayout.com/250 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, YouTube and many more.

What happens when model railroaders from around the world gather aboard a historic steam excursion through the scenic landscapes between Georgia and Tennessee? In this special episode of the podcast, Ray Arnott takes listeners on board the Summerville Steam Special during the lead-up to the 2026 National Train Show in Chattanooga. Along the way, he catches up with industry veterans, renowned modelers, and international guests, exploring topics from recreating real-life railroading experiences in miniature to the sense of community that transcends borders. With behind-the-scenes insights into iconic modeling destinations, heartfelt stories about the evolution of the hobby, and a look at the vision driving the next generation of manufacturers, this episode offers a front-row seat to the camaraderie, passion, and innovation that keep model railroading vibrant and inspiring.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, NarrowThrottle by Scott Thornton:
https://narrowthrottle.square.site/

11/08/2026

Dawn & Her Model Railway Quest with Dawn Quest is now available. Learn more about this episode and listen online at aroundthelayout.com/249 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, YouTube and many more.

What happens when a lifelong painter is handed a miniature figure and asked to pick up a tiny brush? In this episode, we sit down with Dawn Quest, the creative mind behind Model Railway Quest, to explore her unconventional journey into model railroading. Starting with the simple act of painting figures for a friend, Dawn Quest shares how her passion for art quickly evolved into building film-inspired exhibition layouts, launching a successful YouTube channel, and advocating for more creativity and diversity in the hobby. Together, they discuss breaking the so-called "rules" of model railroading, the joys and challenges of crafting unique layouts—from a black-and-white homage to "Brief Encounter" to the vibrant world of "The Ladykillers"—and how embracing individuality is transforming the community. Whether you're a seasoned railroader or just discovering the hobby, Dawn’s story is a reminder that a fresh perspective and a fearless attitude can open countless new doors.

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/

10/08/2026

Find your earbuds, charge your smartphones and reboot your routers - we've got 5 episodes of Around The Layout Podcast coming at you this week! We'll start things off with a Rewind on Monday as we go back to Dustin Whitten's N&W South Branch. Then on Tuesday, we're off to the United Kingdom to learn about Dawn's Model Railway Quest. On Wednesday, we board the Summerville Steam Special in Chattanooga and chat with folks between Tennessee and Georgia. On Thursday, we're Talking Ops with Don Irace about Changes For The Better. On Friday, we're hitting the Rewind button again as we rediscover Alan Schroeder's Marias Pass layout. Listen to all of the episode on your favorite podcast platform or at aroundthelayout.com

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