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Artwork for Around The Layout

Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

Ray Arnott
Model Railroading
Operations
3D Printing
Railfanning
Model Railroad News
Spring Creek Model Trains
Colorado Rail Proto Meet
HO Scale
N Scale
Railroad Hobby Show
Operating Sessions
St. Louis RPM
Freelance Model Railroading
Rapido Trains
Iowa Interstate Railroad
Train Shows
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 weeklyEpisodes313Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
How ToLeisureHobbiesEducation

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Artwork for Around The Layout

Latest Episodes

What does a room full of passionate model railroaders sound like? That's what we were in Australia to capture during the inaugural Sydney RPM. We sat down with attendees, vendors, clinicians and content creators to get their take on this event and th... more

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 1, 2025

Analysis Paralysis, the terrible condition that keeps many from getting the stuff we bought out of the closet, to the workbench and on to our layouts. Lance Mindheim is back with another new book under... more

So why do we need preorders? That's just one of the questions Jason Shron, President and Founder of Rapido Trains answers on this edition of What's Happening In Model Railroading. Jason provides us an update from his last appearance and provides the ... more

Finding your people. Perhaps that's the best part of a RPM event and Dave Owens from the New England Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet comes by to tell us how you can come find your people at this gathering that has been connecting modelers for 24 yea... more

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Recent Guests

Paul Weiss
Board member of Opsig, Vice President, Opsig
Opsig
Episode: Talking Ops with Don Irace - OPSIG AP Program Update with Paul Weiss
Bernard Hellen
Dr. Mini, founder of Mini Prints
Mini Prints
Episode: ATLP Rewind - Super Detailing: Down The Rabbit Hole with Bernard Hellen - March 25, 2025
Justin Jankauskus
Model railroader focused on the D&H Penn Division
D&H Penn Division
Episode: Justin Jankauskus & The D&H Penn Division
Tim Garland
Model railroader, creator of the Seaboard Central
Seaboard Central
Episode: Model Railroad Content Creation with Tim Garland
Curtis Koch
President/CEO of Broadway Limited
Broadway Limited
Episode: What's Happening In Model Railroading - Curtis Koch at Broadway Limited
Don Irace
Operator and host of Talking Ops, discussing model railroad operating sessions
Providence and Worcester Model Railroad layout (Sebastian, Florida)
Episode: Talking Ops with Don Irace - Planning Ops on the P&W
David Heyde
Model railroader with Central Texas Subdivision inspired by MKT
Self-described creator of the Central Texas Subdivision
Episode: David Heyde & The MKT Central Texas Subdivision
Tim Mills
Owner of US Z Scale, authorized dealer for American Z Line.
US Z Scale
Episode: Introduction to Z Scale with Tim Mills
Jordan Smith
A representative from Rapido Trains discussing new releases and trends in model railroading.
Rapido Trains
Episode: What's Happening In Model Railroading - Jordan Smith at Rapido Trains

Host

Ray Arnott
Primary host of the show, guiding interviews and discussions across layout design, operations, and hobby news.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 148 ratings
  • 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 States3 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 Statesa year 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
    Australiaa year 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 Statesa year ago
  • Every Model Railroader Should Listen In

    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 Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Community-oriented episodes are highlighted as a strong point for sponsorship."
Listeners appreciate practical, budget-conscious guidance for beginners.
Fans praise the approachable deep-dives into operations and real-world layouts.
Audiences value the mix of guest expertise and hobby-focused news.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#74
United States/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#216
Canada/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#229
United Kingdom/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#48
Australia/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#93
Italy/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#195
Australia/Leisure

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Model Railroad Content Creation with Tim Garland
Q: What tips would you give someone just starting to create content from their layout?
Start with a layout tour to establish what you have, invite feedback, be open to suggestions, and then build topics around viewer questions; keep the audience engaged by showing progress and providing clear context.
Talking Ops with Don Irace - OPSIG AP Program Update with Paul Weiss
Q: What is the Dispatcher Award and what does it require?
It requires dispatching on three different layouts with three operating schemes to demonstrate versatility and turnout, with a possible interview of the layout owner to verify the experience.
ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops With Don Irace - BNSF Fall River Division Ops with John Parker
Q: Is there a job on your layout you won't take, John, because you want to have that freedom to break away?
John explains that while he has done every job and believes in hands-on experience, flexibility exists as new operators join and different jobs become available; he emphasizes ongoing learning and stepping into roles as needed, rather than avoiding any particular job.
What's Happening In Model Railroading - Curtis Koch at Broadway Limited
Q: What inspires Broadway Limited to produce these business cars?
Curtis explains that inspiration comes from spotting gaps in the market, looking for unique, under-served rails and eras, and offering road-specific variations that allow modelers to recreate historically significant trains with authentic details.
Talking Ops with Don Irace - Planning Ops on the P&W
Q: What do you do if there are problems during the session that you want to document for the next one?
Capture issues by emailing notes to the host after the session, detailing what happened and what to check next time so the workflow improves; avoid delaying the current session by fixing on the spot unless absolutely necessary.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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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 the model railroading hobby, with a steady focus on layout design, operations, prototyping, and real-world industry news. Episodes often feature hobbyists and professionals discussing practical building tips, how to run operations sessions, product developments, and event coverage, as well as affordable paths into the hobby. The conversations balance hands-on techniques (layout planning, scenery, DCC systems) with broader themes like community, storytelling, and evolving technology (3D printing, online resources), making it a valuable listening companion for both newcomers and seasoned builders. A notable strength is the ability to pair deep, actionable insights with behind-the-scenes industry context, and to spotlight ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Around The Layout?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Around The Layout:

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

How many episodes of Around The Layout are there?

Around The Layout launched 4 years ago and published 313 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. Paul Weiss
2. Bernard Hellen
3. Justin Jankauskus
4. Tim Garland
5. Curtis Koch
6. Don Irace
7. David Heyde
8. Tim Mills

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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