Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast
Ray ArnottJoin 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 | 339 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HobbiesHow ToEducationLeisure | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 10, 2025
Even when you're thousands of miles away from your prototype, you might not be that far from your people. That's what we find out on this episode of Around The Layout as we talk to Robin Felder from Sw... more
What factors should you consider before choosing a model railroad control system? In this episode of Around the Layout, host Ray Arnott is joined by Nathan Holmes and Michael Peterson of Iowa Scaled Engineering to demystify the world of control syste... more
ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released June 26, 2025
As we head towards the end of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, the June topic episode focuses on the mental health benefits of model railroading. Dan Dossa, model railroader and retired cli... more
What does it take to produce high quality, super detailed steam locomotives in a number of variations? That's just one of the questions Curtis Koch from Broadway Limited answers on this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading. Curtis tells u... more
Key Facts
Similar Podcasts
People also subscribe to these shows.
Recent Guests
Hosts
Reviews
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 Addict52 months agoJimmy A.- 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 Podcasts5Stephen milano
United States6 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 Podcasts5James in ChicagoUnited 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 Podcasts5Quizinova
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.
Audible5Amazon CustomerUnited States2 years ago
Listeners Say
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #80 | United States/Leisure/Hobbies |
Apple Podcasts | #106 |  Canada/Leisure/Hobbies |
Apple Podcasts | #27 | Australia/Leisure/Hobbies |
Apple Podcasts | #83 |  Italy/Leisure/Hobbies |
Apple Podcasts | #182 | Australia/Leisure |
Apple Podcasts | #6 |  Chile/Leisure/Hobbies |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
| Listeners per Episode | |
|---|---|
| Gender Skew | |
| Location | |
| Interests | |
| Professions | |
| Age Range | |
| Household Income | |
| Social Media Reach |
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
Where can I find podcast stats for Around The Layout?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Around The Layout. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Around The Layout and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does Around The Layout get?
Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for Around The Layout, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.
What are the audience demographics for Around The Layout?
Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for Around The Layout, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.
How many subscribers and views does Around The Layout have?
To see how many followers or subscribers Around The Layout has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
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 Roundhouse
How many episodes of Around The Layout are there?
Around The Layout launched 4 years ago and published 339 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Around The Layout?
Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.
Where can I see ratings and reviews for Around The Layout?
Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Around The Layout from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.
View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.
How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Around The Layout?
Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of Around The Layout. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.
What guests have appeared on Around The Layout?
Recent guests on Around The Layout include:
1. Dan Dossa
2. Curtis Koch
3. Lonnie Bathurst
4. Rick Watson
5. Shane Wilson
6. John Arrowsmith
7. Dave Oppedisano
8. Mike Zucker
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.