Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

When it comes to a RPM featuring a who's who of modeling, Georgia is on our minds! Paul Spilman and Stephen Floyd return to Around The Layout Podcast to tell us about the Central Georgia RPM and, after reflecting on the successes of the 2025 event, tell us how the 2026 edition is going to be even better. Stephen and Paul share all the details, including clinics, learning stations and how you can make plans to join them in the Peach State this spring. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/225 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.

Here's an episode that "U" should defintely listen to, especially if General Electric U Series Locomotives are your thing! Jordan Smith from Rapido Trains rejoins the podcast to dive deeper into the announcements from the Railroad Hobby Show including the long list of U's along with plastic pellet hoppers and Trenton Works boxcars. Joe from da-joe-trains on YouTube comes by to tell us What's Trending and Eric Hansmann delivers his RPM Report. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/215 This episode of Around The Layout is Powered By Rapido Trains: https://rapidotrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ModelTrainBox.com: https://modeltrainbox.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 - Originally Released February 3, 2025 Do you think model railroading is too expensive to get started? Think again! MFRailroad's Matt Forcum comes by the ATLP studio to talk about ways to set limits and keep your hobby budget in check with helpful tips on buying locomotives, rolling stock and creating scenery. Matt also shares how careful planning can help set limits and prevent overspending. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind 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.

What's better than a train show? How about a train show with local operating sessions to make your trip complete?! That's the topic on this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace as we talk to Mark Herrick, owner of the BNSF Montana Division HO scale layout. Over the last few years, Mark has opened his layout for muliple local events including the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield MA, NER regional conventions and to groups in town for any good reason that are just itching to get their turn on Mark's version of the Northern Transcon. Mark shares how he organizes and prepares for out of towners and gives tips for those who are looking to share their layout with others. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/214 This episode of Around The Layout is Powered By Rapido Trains: https://rapidotrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ModelTrainBox.com: https://modeltrainbox.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 - Originally Released January 14, 2026 Having trouble creating operations on your existing layout? Want to create a new layout to host ops but don't know how? Call the Ops Squad! Ed O'Connell from the Lakeshores Division NMRA joins us on this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace to tell us about the group of operations experts he's helped assemble to help model railroaders in western New York. Ed shares how he got into operations and how the Ops Squad was born of necessity to meet demand for events in their area. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind 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.

There was more than just the snow to talk about when it comes to the 2026 Railroad Hobby Show. Although the weather provided an unwelcomed challenge, it surely didn't stop this annual tradition that included new releases, exciting news and the gathering of tens of thousand model railroad enthusiasts. Listen in as we chat with several of the exhibitors that make up the four buildings of fun at the Eastern States Exposition. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/213 This episode of Around The Layout is Powered By Rapido Trains: https://rapidotrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.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 - Originally Released January 7, 2025 Model railroading, photography, history and railfanning. They all tie together for Middletown, New York's Erik Pioselli. A guy that's been listening to the podcast since day one, Erik gets the chance to tell his story, from watching the Lehigh & Hudson Railroad as a youngster to an ill-advised yet prosperous ride with a stranger turned mentor, then inheriting an amazing collection of photographs that captured railroading from New York to California. Erik shares his passion for history and the model railroad lessons he's learned through trial and error. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind 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.

The hobby isn't dying; it's evolving. We've said it many times here on the podcast and, on this episode, we dive into the current evolution of model railroading with Paul Stamp. Paul is very passionate about seeing the younger generation get involved and stay involved and he shares his take on what the future of the hobby looks like and how we can all contribute to it's longevity. Later, we hear answers to the Question Of The Month. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/211 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released December 24, 2024 We've talked quite a bit about freelance on Around The Layout Podcast, but now it's time to discuss a deeper dedication to the prototype with Isaac Fabris. Isaac shares the steps he's taking to make his CN/IC Gilman Sub/Heyworth Spur as close to an accurate representation of the prototype as he can. He also shares his theories on compression and how one can still provide authenticity in a smaller space. Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

If you're looking to add incredible detail to your layout, here's your sign. The Sign Guy himself, Tom Garza from ScaleSigns.com brings us up to speed on all things signage. Tom shares where you can find ScaleSigns at train shows across the country and how that's allowing him to focus on new product development and answering the demand for custom products. Tim Blackwell from Cowcatcher Magazine tells us What's Trending, Eric Hansmann delivers his monthly RPM Report and Ray talks about all that's happening in ATLP Universe. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/210 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released December 10, 2024 You don't need a massive layout to create long lasting and enjoyable operations. That's the message Paul Cassar delivers on this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace as he describes his River Belt Line HO scale switching layout. Paul tells us how he's centered operations around a freelance concept involving 3 fallen flag railroads and the cornerstone industry of a brewery. Paul also talks switchlists and how he's turned them into a hobby within the hobby. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/rewind Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

Once you've discovered operations and see what your railroad can do, there's no going back. This is the journey of Heath Hurwitz, known for his now Wednesday night Trains N Tech YouTube weekly livestreams on his Human[c]ity Junction channel, who discovered a whole new world in model railroading when he stepped outside of his Manhattan layout room and got involved with operating sessions in his area and beyond. Heath shares the lessons learned and how he's applied them to his Riverside Transfer layout, going from version 1.0 to 2.0 with continuous improvement driven by feedback and sound advice from those he's met and hosted at his layout. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/209 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

It's time once again for the Granddaddy of model railroad shows - the Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show. Engineer John Sacerdote makes his annual visit to tell us what to expect at this ever-growing and bucket list event held every January on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield Massachusetts. John shares the results of their commitment to continious improvement with a new event surrounding the show and tells us what it takes to keep the Railroad Hobby Show on top as the "SEMA of Model Railroading." Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/205 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply: https://ohrtracksupply.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/

A freelance short line railroad modeled so well, you might have thought it was real. That's the Alabama Central of Radisson McGuire, a young and very talented modeler who has taken inspiration from prototype railfanning and some incredible inside access and lessons learned from RPM regulars to create a plausable model railroad of his own. Radisson shares his start in the hobby, with a life-changing event for both him and his mother and how the hobby got him through challenging times. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/208 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops: https://homeshops.net/

It's time to take a look back at 2025 and review some of the headlines from the year that was with the Editor of Cowcatcher Magazine, Tim Blackwell. From government policy to mergers and acquisitions, 2025 surely produced some newsmaking events. Later, Tim and Ray hear from our listeners as they share their model railroading accomplishments of the past year. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/207 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com

It's hard to argue that 3D printing has played a major role in ushering in the Golden Era of model railroading that we're enjoying right now. Kevin Tully tells us more about how 3D printing is allowing his companies, Southern-Tier Grain Modelers Supply and Industrial Modelers Supply, to produce super detail components that take your basic off-the-shelf kits to the next level. Kevin shares with us what it's like to take the show on the road to the major train shows and tells us where you can find him at the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Mike Zucker from Spring Creek Model Trains kicks off a new era of the What's Happening In Model Railroading episodes by telling us "What's Trending In Model Railroading" and Eric Hansmann stops by with an RPM Report to close out 2025. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/206 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 26, 2024 Ever been to someone's layout and said "I have that exact kit!" Perhaps it's time to make your layout industries unique to you and your layout with a more prototypical approach. Kevin Tully of Tully Models tells us how, from learning more about industries such as grain and feed mills, then taking what you've learned and adding it to your facilities. We also find a common theme in the answers submitted for the Question Of The Month. 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, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops: https://homeshops.net/

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released December 3, 2024 It's a pure joy to meet modelers from around the globe and explore their why. On this episode, we're introduced to Justin Mitchell from Sydney, Australia who, from a young age, has been fascinated with the Santa Fe and is recreating the 1950's Surf Line. Justin tells us how, from thousands of miles and decades away, learned about this California coast line and applied it to 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, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops: https://homeshops.net/

So where exactly is the dispatcher? If you're looking for a truly prototypical experience and have your railroad dispatched from afar, this episode is for you. Don Irace shares how, together with a friend, came with a way to keep the friend involved with his railroad despite a move out of state, and how that enhanced the operating experience. Don shares how you can prepare for remote dispatching and the things you'll need to make it happen. Learn more about this episode on our website: aroundthelayout.com/203 Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains: https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models: https://tullymodels.com Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs: https://www.1810designs.com/

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released November 12, 2024 It's been nearly two years to the day since we last had Sammy Carlile on Around The Layout Podcast and considering the amazing amount of things to talk about with his Santa Fe Hereford Subdivision, that's completely unacceptable! Making up for lost time, he's our guest for this month's Talking Ops with Don Irace, where Sammy shared how he developed his operating scheme, runs a whole bunch of trains, and keeps his operating crew busy and on their toes. 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, ScaleSigns.com: https://scalesigns.com/ Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops: https://homeshops.net/