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Artwork for Around The Layout

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

Ray Arnott
Model Railroading
Operations
3D Printing
Colorado Rail Proto Meet
Railfanning
Spring Creek Model Trains
Model Railroad News
St. Louis RPM
Rapido Trains
Railroad Hobby Show
Operating Sessions
N Scale
HO Scale
Train Shows
Tully Models
Locomotive Maintenance
Tariffs
Finger Lakes Railway
Freelance Model Railroading
Freelance Railroading

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.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes363Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HobbiesEducationHow ToLeisure

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Around The Layout

Latest Episodes

How does a 4-H volunteer help young people make model railroading their own?

Albert Hawkes joins Around The Layout Podcast to discuss organizing a 4-H model railroad club in Connecticut—giving youth a practical, welcoming space to build, operate, an... more

What drives a modeler to switch scales after decades, and how does a community of prototype and freelance modelers shape the evolution of their projects?

Around The Layout Podcast brings on voices from the Colorado Rail Proto Meet to explore the fac... more

What does it take to move from aspiring modeler to developing a signature style—and where should model railroaders focus their attention to make meaningful progress?

Lance Mindheim joins Around The Layout Podcast to discuss the thinking behind his t... more

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 8, 2024

How does a layout owner balance operational complexity and guest enjoyment on a large-scale proto-freelance railroad?

Drew James joins Around The Layout Podcast to discuss the operational design and... more

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Recent Guests

Albert Hawkes
4-H volunteer who organizes a youth model railroad club in Connecticut
River Valley Railroad Renegades
Episode: Building Support for Young Model Railroaders with Albert Hawkes
Joe Bohannon
Model railroader developing the freelance Chinook Lines
Chinook Lines
Episode: 2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet: Models, People and Fun
Kevin Tully
Founder of Tully Models and developer of detailed model railroad kits
Tully Models
Episode: 2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet: Models, People and Fun
Greg McComas
Freelance modeler and organizer of museum operating sessions
Episode: 2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet: Models, People and Fun
Michelle Kempema
Organizer of the Colorado Rail Proto Meet
Episode: 2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet: Models, People and Fun
Chris Palmieri
Organizer of the Freelance Forum at the Colorado Rail Proto Meet
Episode: 2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet: Models, People and Fun
Lance Mindheim
Model railroad author and layout designer
Episode: What's Happening In Model Railroading - October 2026 - Lance Mindheim
Drew James
Owner of the Canada Spokane and Pacific Railroad
Canada Spokane and Pacific Railroad
Episode: ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops With Don Irace - Operations On The CS&P with Drew James - October 8, 2024
Bruce Ryan
Operator of the Manhattan Terminal Railroad, layout owner
Manhattan Terminal Railroad
Episode: Talking Ops With Don Irace - Switching In The Big Apple with Bruce Ryan

Host

Ray Arnott
Host of Around The Layout

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 167 ratings
  • Great Model Railroad Podcast

    This is one, if not the, best model railroad podcasts. The length and positive vibe keeps you interested and attentive for the entire episode. Each one has a lot of meat and potatoes without the fluff and boring banter I have found on other podcasts. Subjects and interviewees are really interesting. Ray is a real asset to the hobby so thanks for all you do.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Clay Hatcher
    United States2 months ago
  • Around the Layout has quickly become one of my favorite model railroading podcasts. Ray does a great job choosing guests from all corners of the hobby, and every episode feels fresh and interesting. The interviews are relaxed and engaging, so it feels more like listening in on a conversation than a formal interview. The audio quality is also excellent. If you enjoy hearing real stories from fellow hobbyists, this is definitely worth adding to your playlist.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Jimmy A.
    5 months ago
  • Best model railroad podcast available

    I am completely new to model railroading and this podcast has given me so much inspiration and knowledge. I listen to this podcast daily at work and it literally makes me feel as if I am in the basement in front of my layout. Thank you for everything.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stephen milano
    United States9 months ago
  • Love the show

    The podcast focuses on the person behind the layout. I especially love the operations with Don Irace. I hope they do deep dives in operations. Like get Tony Koster on there to talk about train order operations. How does it work. What is the paperwork, the jobs, etc. it might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it is an option. Also can you get real railroaders on the show to talk about how the prototype do things. Get a yard master, head of operations (what are the real business concerns). G... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    James in Chicago
    United States2 years ago
  • Best scale railroad talkshow available

    If you’re looking for updates on the hobby, fantastic interviews with people in the industry as well as everyday enthusiasts then this is the podcasts for you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Quizinova
    Australia2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the show's actionable ops and layout tips.
Fans note deep interviews with people in the industry and hobby—great for learning practical workflows.
The show is described as a go-to for timely hobby updates and community-driven storytelling.
Listeners appreciate professional production value and entertaining, informative guest conversations.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#65
United States/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#188
Canada/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#35
Australia/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#77
Italy/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#18
Poland/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#43
Colombia/Leisure/Hobbies

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet: Models, People and Fun
Q: Talk about the Freelance Forum as a freelancer. What does this all mean to you?
Greg McComas says the forum is fundamentally about building community, giving freelance modelers a place to meet, share their work, and discuss ideas in an accepting environment.
2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet: Models, People and Fun
Q: Talk about that epiphany moment because I know a lot of folks get hung up on that change, right? Change is not easy. Talk about that process with you about making that final had enough moment and then decided this is pulling the trigger on it.
Joe Bohannon says the decision was difficult after collecting HO models since childhood. He weighed advice from friends against his own needs and wants, and concluded that the choice ultimately had to be his.
Building Support for Young Model Railroaders with Albert Hawkes
Q: What can an established model railroader learn from all of that and the things that you've seen there to understand what we need to do to welcome young people into our hobby?
Hawkes recommends deciding whether to work directly with young people or support those who do, remembering what it felt like to make mistakes as a beginner, and offering patient, hands-on opportunities to run trains.
Building Support for Young Model Railroaders with Albert Hawkes
Q: How are you finding model railroading fitting within all of the other things that were going on in 4-H?
Hawkes explains that model railroading teaches practical STEM skills, including measurement, math, woodworking, low-voltage wiring, and eventually DCC and JMRI programming. He says those skills also connect with members' other interests and activities.
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops With Don Irace - Operations On The CS&P with Drew James - October 8, 2024
Q: Tell us about the CTC machine, because I've seen that CTC machine. That thing is unbelievable.
James chose CTC because it is relatively easy to teach visiting operators and better suited to the layout's dense traffic than paperwork-heavy track warrants. He and collaborators first developed a virtual JMRI version, then built a hardware machine after its design had stabilized.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Around The Layout

What is Around The Layout about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on model railroading with a strong emphasis on operations, layout design, and community. Episodes frequently feature hands-on discussions about building, scenery, prototyping techniques, layout operations, and real-world practices from enthusiasts, hobbyists, and industry guests. A distinctive angle is the host's focus on practical how-tos, operating sessions, and community-building within NMRA RPMs and related events, making it useful for listeners who want actionable ideas to improve their own layouts or connect with fellow builders. Notable strengths include in-depth ops conversations, hosting guests who bring practical experience from layout design to manufacturing and product development, and a globally connected, col... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Around The Layout?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Around The Layout:

1. The Crossing Gate. Model railroad discussion.
2. Second Section Podcast
3. a ModelersLife
4. Iron City Roundhouse Report
5. The Frugal Model Railroaders

How many episodes of Around The Layout are there?

Around The Layout launched 5 years ago and published 363 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Around The Layout?

Recent guests on Around The Layout include:

1. Albert Hawkes
2. Joe Bohannon
3. Kevin Tully
4. Greg McComas
5. Michelle Kempema
6. Chris Palmieri
7. Lance Mindheim
8. Drew James

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