
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.
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 363 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HobbiesEducationHow ToLeisure | |||

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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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Apple Podcasts | #43 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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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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1. The Crossing Gate. Model railroad discussion.
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5. The Frugal Model Railroaders
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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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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