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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 weeklyEpisodes334Founded4 years ago
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HobbiesEducationLeisureHow To

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Artwork for Around The Layout

Latest Episodes

What does operations have to do with prototype modeling? Lonnie Bathurst, organizer of the St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) Meet, and Rick Watson, President of the Operations Special Interest Group (OPSIG), stop by the ATLP studio for a de... more

What does it take to bring the NMRA National Convention to your backyard? That's one of the questions we asked of Tennessean and ScaleTrains President Shane Wilson as he provided an insider look at the excitement building around the 2026 NMRA Nationa... more

Family, persistence, and prototype research - the heart of John Arrowsmith’s model railroading story. In this episode, John shares how a childhood Tyco set in Australia led him to North American railroading, why the Santa Fe’s First Arizona Subdivisi... more

There's a lot happening at Around The Layout Podcast! Host Ray Arnott and Executive Producer Paul Cassar bring you up to speed on upcoming model railroading events that you can find ATLP at and three giveaways in the month of July.

Learn more about... more

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Recent Guests

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
Mike Zucker
From Spring Creek Model Trains
Spring Creek Model Trains
Episode: What's Happening In Model Railroading - June 2026 - Mike Zucker from Spring Creek Model Trains
Scott Thornton
Model railroader
Episode: Less Is More with Scott Thornton
Rob Bartels
Member, Rochester Model Railroad Club
Rochester Model Railroad Club
Episode: ATLP Rewind - This Old Layout - June 5, 2025
Cameron Stait
Model railroader focused on Robertson, NSW
Individual model railroader
Episode: Cameron Stait and Robertson In HO Scale
Marty McGuirk
Author of Modeling Autumn Scenery
artisan rail media / author
Episode: Modeling Autumn Scenery - A New Book From Marty McGuirk
Thomas Klimoski
Author and model railroader focused on small layouts and operations
Episode: ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops with Don Irace - Small Layout, Big Ops Potential with Thomas Klimoski - May 20, 2025
Chris Palmieri
Owner of Home Shops
Home Shops
Episode: What's Happening In Model Railroading - May 2026 - Home Shops' Christopher Palmieri

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 156 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.
    2 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 States5 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 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
#44
United States/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#59
Canada/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#38
Australia/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#89
Italy/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#39
Poland/Leisure/Hobbies
Apple Podcasts
#48
Denmark/Leisure/Hobbies

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

John Arrowsmith & The Santa Fe 1st Arizona Sub
Q: What did achieving Master Model Railroader mean to you and what did it take?
It proved I could do the work and served as a personal challenge to build different structures, master electricals, and push my modeling toward as-close-as-possible prototype scenes, using research to inform and improve every detail.
John Arrowsmith & The Santa Fe 1st Arizona Sub
Q: Tell me, what is this hobby given you?
It has expanded my knowledge tenfold, built strong family bonds, created lasting friendships through the NMRA, and shifted our focus from casual running to proper operations and prototyping—providing a peaceful, creative outlet after busy days.
ATLP Rewind - Steve Pettit & Too Many Layouts To List Here - June 12, 2025
Q: What was a pivotal mentorship moment for Steve?
Mentorship came from Jeff Knight, who guided Steve with gentle feedback and thoughtful questions, emphasizing the artistic side of layout building and encouraging self-discovery rather than direct instruction.
ATLP Rewind - Steve Pettit & Too Many Layouts To List Here - June 12, 2025
Q: Where does all this diversity come from in Steve Pettit's work across scales?
Steve explains that ongoing curiosity, a drive for the next challenge, and practical experimentation have pushed him to explore many scales, from Lego-inspired beginnings to complex layouts in HO, N, and O scales, and even GN15, GN30, and ON30 projects.
What's Happening In Model Railroading - June 2026 - Mike Zucker from Spring Creek Model Trains
Q: What can listeners expect at the Spring Creek Model Trains booth at the National Train Show?
The booth will feature the latest product announcements, hands-on looks at new releases from Scale Trains, Rapido, Atlas, and Atherin Genesis, and opportunities to meet the team and Ray Arnott, with giveaways and raffles tied to newsletter sign-ups.

Audience Metrics

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

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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. SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141
5. The Roundhouse

How many episodes of Around The Layout are there?

Around The Layout launched 4 years ago and published 334 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. John Arrowsmith
2. Dave Oppedisano
3. Mike Zucker
4. Scott Thornton
5. Rob Bartels
6. Cameron Stait
7. Marty McGuirk
8. Thomas Klimoski

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