Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

Latest Episodes:

What's Happening In Model Railroading - April 2025 - Tony Cook & Jim Wiggin Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

It's time once again to find out What's Happening In Model Railroading and joining Model Railroad News editor Tony Cook and Ray Arnott this month is Jim Wiggin, Associate Brand Manager and star of Athearn's Train Tuesdays. Jim tells us that lighting functions are hot right now and shares with us some of the work that goes into adding these sought after details to the Athearn offerings. Later, Tony and Ray discuss products from Roka, Walthers, Athearn, Bluford Shops and more.
Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/155
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:
https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:
https://scalesigns.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:
https://tullymodels.com
Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com
Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!
aroundthelayout.com/crew
Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC
©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.
Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

ATLP Rewind - Matt Freix & The Gateway Western Subdivision 6 - March 28, 2023 Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 28, 2023
The Around The Layout (less than) six degrees of separation has led us to Matt Freix. A friend of past guests Dave Oppensano and Isaac Fabris, Matt joins us and tells his model railroading story; from his childhood modeling with a shovel of dirt on a 4x8 sheet of plywood to a beautifully finished basement where his Gateway Western's Subdivision 6 resides. Matt tells us about the prototype of his current layout and how friends, both in human and quick clamp form have helped him along his journey to recapture the glory of 1995. Matt also talks about the decision process of farming out tasks and how it has helped him focus on the parts of the hobby he enjoys.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:
https://ohrtracksupply.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs:
https://www.1810designs.com/
Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com
Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!
aroundthelayout.com/crew
Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC
©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.
Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

Talking Ops With Don Irace - Bulletproof Operations Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

How can we make our layout operating sessions bulletproof? On this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace, Don sits down 1 on 1 with host Ray Arnott in-person at the ATLP Studio to share the lessons learned over 20 years and hundreds of his own operating sessions to create an amazing experience for his operators. We learn that success starts with proper planning and continues through being intentional about layout design, construction and maintenance and Don tells us how attention to detail can pay off with trains that run like a dream.
Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/156
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:
https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:
https://scalesigns.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs:
https://www.1810designs.com/
Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com
Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!
aroundthelayout.com/crew
Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC
©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.
Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

ATLP Rewind - Brian Sopke and the Benton & Southern - June 25, 2024 Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 25, 2024
A litte freelance model railroading amongst friends - that's what we get with Brian Sopke's Benton & Southern. Brian shares with us his model railroading journey that led him to team with a friend to create a freelance model railroad that connects them together. Additionally, Brian tells us what he learned by starting over, taking down a layout of frustration and creating his current railroad using lessons from the past.
Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/rewind
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:
https://ohrtracksupply.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:
https://tullymodels.com
Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com
Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!
aroundthelayout.com/crew
Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC
©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.
Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

Industry Planning For Modern Era Switching Layouts - A New Book By Lance Mindheim Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

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 his arm, written to help his readers get the flywheel turning and keep it moving. Lance talks about industry selection and shares how the book can guide model railroaders along the path of layout design and expressing their own artistic creativity.
Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/154
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:
https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:
https://scalesigns.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:
https://tullymodels.com
Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com
Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!
aroundthelayout.com/crew
Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC
©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.
Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

ATLP Rewind - John Farrington & The Somerset & Raritan - June 11, 2024 Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

ATLP Rewind - Episode orginally released June 11, 2024
It's been way too long since we've heard from John Farrington and there was quite a bit to catch up on. Since the last time we talked, John has not only gone bigger with his layout, he's also gone freelance with a great railroad name and an awesome logo thanks to a very talented graphic artist that's a familiar name here on the podcast. John also talks about doing custom work for others, including myself, and debunks the old Mark Twain saying "good fences make good neighbors" when it comes to getting guidance and support with his model railroad.
Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/rewind
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics:
https://highballgraphics.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:
https://ohrtracksupply.com/
Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com
Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!
aroundthelayout.com/crew
Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC
©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.
Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

Super Detailing: Down The Rabbit Hole with Bernard Hellen Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Want to make your layout come alive? Come along with Dr. Mini and I on this adventure down the rabbit hole into the world of super detailing. Miniprints' Bernard Hellen leads the way as we dive deep on the why behind creating scenes that tell well composed stories, sharing the thoughts from several outstanding modelers. Ultimately, the hobby is supposed to be fun, and Bernard tells us how super detailing can be the motivator that keeps your flywheel turning. Stay tuned towards the end and learn how "I" can come visit your layout with a great deal from miniprints.com.
Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/153
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:
https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs:
https://www.1810designs.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:
https://scalesigns.com/
Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com
Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!
aroundthelayout.com/crew
Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC
©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.
Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

ATLP Rewind - Alex Mantle & The Chicago, Denver & Northern - June 4, 2024 Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 4, 2024
On this episode of Around The Layout, we meet Alex Mantle and learn about his model railroading journey. From California to Alaska to London and eventually on to Wyoming, Alex tells us how an attic find boosted his model railroading journey, his "practice layouts" and how he's gone big with his freelanced Chicago, Denver and Northern, sharing how he developed his backstory, paint scheme and chose the industries on his layout.
Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/rewind
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:
https://ohrtracksupply.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:
https://tullymodels.com/
Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com
Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!
aroundthelayout.com/crew
Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC
©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.
Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

What's Happening In Model Railroading - March 2025 - Tony Cook & David Lehlbach Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

If you're a fan of highly detailed and prototypically accurate rolling stock, this show is for you! Model Railroad News' Tony Cook and Ray Arnott talk to owner and founder of Tangent Scale Models David Lehlbach on how Tangent was started and how they've created their own place in the market by providing an incredible offering of HO, N and O scale freight cars. David discusses their unique way of going to market that satisfies all of us looking for instant gratification. Later, Tony and Ray discuss news out of Rapido, Bachmann, Walthers and more.
Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/152
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:
https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:
https://scalesigns.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs:
https://www.1810designs.com/
Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com
Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!
aroundthelayout.com/crew
Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC
©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.
Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

Small Layout, Big Potential with Thomas Klimoski Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Want to know what the "Right-Sized Layout" is for you? Start with a mirror. That's just some of the advice shared by author and model railroader Thomas Klimoski. Tom wrote the book "Building The Right-Sized Layout" and he walks us through the thought process to ensure that you're on track for the layout that's a perfect fit for you. Then Tom and I listen to the answers to the Question of the Month - What is the ideal length of an operating session and why?
Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/147
Thank you to our episode sponsor, NERx:
https://www.nerx.org/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:
https://ohrtracksupply.com/
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:
https://tullymodels.com
Visit our website at aroundthelayout.com
Become a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!
aroundthelayout.com/crew
Around The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC
©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.
Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

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