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Artwork for Around The Layout

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

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

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 weeklyEpisodes346Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HobbiesEducationHow ToLeisure

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Artwork for Around The Layout

Latest Episodes

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 rap... more

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 31, 2025

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 Ar... more

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 7, 2025

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 Burling... 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 h... more

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Recent Guests

Mike Osborne
ScaleTrains co-founder, guest on the train trip
ScaleTrains
Episode: All Aboard The Summerville Steam Special - Interviews Powered By Coal and ScaleTrains
Pelle Soderberg
Renowned model railroader featured in the episode
Independent model railroader
Episode: All Aboard The Summerville Steam Special - Interviews Powered By Coal and ScaleTrains
Dawn Quest
Model railroader and creator of Model Railway Quest
Model Railway Quest
Episode: Dawn & Her Model Railway Quest
Dan Dossa
Psychologist; longtime model railroader
Independent
Episode: ATLP Rewind - Mental Health & Model Railroading with Dan Dossa - June 26, 2025
Lonnie Bathurst
Leader of the St. Louis RPM, Opsig liaison
St. Louis RPM / Opsig
Episode: Combining Prototype Modeling With Ops: 2026 St. Louis RPM Preview
Rick Watson
President of Opsig
Operations Special Interest Group (Opsig)
Episode: Combining Prototype Modeling With Ops: 2026 St. Louis RPM Preview
Shane Wilson
President of ScaleTrains
ScaleTrains
Episode: ScaleTrains & The Scenic City Express with Shane Wilson
John Arrowsmith
Australian modeler with a passion for North American railroading in the 1950s
Self/First Arizona Subdivision
Episode: John Arrowsmith & The Santa Fe 1st Arizona Sub
Dave Oppedisano
Layout builder featured on the Lakeside Sub project in Texas
Lakeside Sub project
Episode: From Paper To Plywood with Dave Oppedisano

Hosts

Ray Arnott
Co-host of Around The Layout with a focus on operational storytelling and layout design across diverse scales; recurring presence in ops-centric episodes.
Don Irace
Ops expert and layout owner featured for practical guidance on bulletproof operations and hands-on session logistics.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 158 ratings
  • 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.
    3 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 States7 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
  • This podcast is something that I, as an armchair model railroader, have needed. It has given me inspiration, encouragement and knowledge in almost every aspect of model railroading. Ray is an excellent host, and his co-hosts are just as welcoming. Take a listen and get ready for a great journey.

    Audible
    5
    Amazon Customer
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Community-focused content and guest diversity are frequent positives.
Listeners praise practical ops guidance and relatable guests.
Fans value deep dives on operations and layout planning.
The show is seen as professional, informative, and entertaining.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#34
United States/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#244
United States/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#117
Canada/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#39
Australia/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#200
Italy/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#35
New Zealand/Leisure/Hobbies

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

ATLP Rewind - Dustin Whitten & The N&W South Branch - July 9, 2024
Q: Why did you choose the N&W South Branch and the 1985 era for your current layout?
He explains that the mid-80s offered a unique mix of N&W, Southern, and early NS influences, creating a nostalgic yet transitional environment that allows diverse equipment and prototypical operation without fully reverting to older or newer eras.
ATLP Rewind - Dustin Whitten & The N&W South Branch - July 9, 2024
Q: What got you into the model railroading hobby?
Dustin describes growing up near rail lines in North Carolina, his early Lifelike set, and how a copy of Model Railroader sparked a passion that led him to pursue railroading professionally and, later, build his own layouts.
Dawn & Her Model Railway Quest
Q: What makes the movie-based layouts special and what is the selection criteria?
The layouts must have enough plot and landscape to be engaging for months of build time, not just a single scene; she looks for strong story elements and a setting that can be recreated with believable detail while allowing artistic license.
Dawn & Her Model Railway Quest
Q: How did Dawn transition from painting figures to building full exhibition layouts?
She moved from helping a friend to painting, then expanded to designing and constructing baseboards, researching layouts, and eventually building multiple exhibition pieces inspired by film, which also led to creating YouTube content.
ATLP Rewind - Mental Health & Model Railroading with Dan Dossa - June 26, 2025
Q: How has retirement influenced your modeling?
Retirement offers time to pursue projects and take on leadership roles in conventions or NMRA divisions, giving structure and renewed identity.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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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?

The show centers on real-world model railroading stories, with a strong emphasis on operations, layout design, and community-driven topics. Recent episodes highlight operating-focused sessions on compact layouts, freelance and cottage-industry practices, large-scale Marias Pass operations, modular and portable setups, and cross-border hobby collaborations at RPM-style events. A notable throughline is mentors and hands-on guidance—covering wiring, car cards, dispatching, prototyping, and practical process improvements—delivered through conversational interviews with builders, operators, and industry practitioners. The format tends to blend technical tutorials with personal experiences, making it helpful for listeners seeking actionable tips ... 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. a ModelersLife
3. Iron City Roundhouse Report
4. The Roundhouse
5. SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141

How many episodes of Around The Layout are there?

Around The Layout launched 4 years ago and published 346 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. Mike Osborne
2. Pelle Soderberg
3. Dawn Quest
4. Dan Dossa
5. Lonnie Bathurst
6. Rick Watson
7. Shane Wilson
8. John Arrowsmith

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