Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast - Podcast Episodes, Ranking & Reviews

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

ATLP Rewind - Introduction To N Scale with Jimmy DIY - September 25, 2025

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 25, 2025 What happens when an HO scale modeler steps into N scale, and how do different approaches, products, and tradeoffs s

Sep 28
55 min

Rooting A Freelance World In Reality With Patrick Harris

What makes a fictional railroad feel so real that visitors forget it never existed? In this episode of Around the Layout, host Ray Arnott welcomes Patrick Harris of Three

Sep 25
59 min

NVRRA & RailFair 2026 Preview with Thomas Fitzgerald

Ever wondered how a model railroad club thrives and grows over decades, while bringing together hobbyists of every experience level? In this episode, we welcome Thomas Fi

Sep 21
29 min

What's Happening In Model Railroading - September 2026 - Bachmann Trains' Matt Stern

What does it take for a major model train manufacturer to keep both beginner enthusiasts and hardcore prototype modelers happy? In this episode of Around the Layout, Ray

Sep 17
41 min

2026 Freelance Forum Preview with Christopher Palmieri

Does freelance belong at a railroad prototype modelers meet? That’s the question posed to Christopher Palmieri, owner of Home Shops and creator of the Freelance Forum, as

Sep 14
30 min

Talking Ops with Don Irace - Operations On The MKT with David Heyde

What does it take to design a model railroad layout that's both true to its prototype and a joy to operate with friends? In this episode, Ray Arnott and co-host Don Irace

Sep 10
1 h 00 min

2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet Preview with Michelle Kempema & Dave Oppedisano

What makes Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) meets such a unique and rapidly growing tradition in the model railroading community? In this episode of Around the Layout, R

Sep 10
51 min

Aaron Cecala & Prairie Girl Grains

What happens when a lifelong researcher brings his scientific curiosity to model railroading a bit later in life? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Cecala to explor

Sep 3
57 min

ATLP Rewind - The Theatrical Approach To Model Railroading with Scott Thornton - August 27. 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 27, 2024 What if we looked at our layouts like they were the stage of a grand performance? On this episode, the talented and tho

Aug 31
1 h 01 min

Model Railroading For The Soul with Bernard Hellen

What if your model railroad hobby could actually improve your mental and physical health? In this episode of Around the Layout, Ray Arnott sits down with Bernard Hellen—a

Aug 28
1 h 05 min

ATLP Rewind - Neil Schofield & CP Rail's Newport & Lyndonville Subdivision - January 23, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 23, 2024 Neil Schofield and his CP Rail's Newport & Lyndonville Subdivision has been our guest wish list since the start of the

Aug 24
1 h 06 min

What's Happening In Model Railroading - August 2026 - 2026 St. Louis RPM

What’s trending in the world of model railroading, and what were the standout moments at this year’s St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) meet? In this episode, Ra

Aug 21
44 min

ATLP Rewind - Model Railroad Estate Planning with John Sacerdote & Dave Owens - July 31, 2025

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 31, 2025 I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but, someday, you're going to die. Before that happens, it's time to make a plan, an

Aug 18
52 min

ATLP Rewind - Alan Schroeder & The Marias Pass - August 7, 2025

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released August 7, 2025 How can the gift of a single locomotive change layout plans? That's what we'll find out on this episode of Around The La

Aug 17
53 min

Talking Ops with Don Irace - Changes For The Better

When is it time to make a change on your model railroad layout? In this episode of Around the Layout’s "Talking Ops," Ray Arnott and Don Irace dive into the important—and

Aug 13
1 h 06 min

All Aboard The Summerville Steam Special - Interviews Powered By Coal and ScaleTrains

What happens when model railroaders from around the world gather aboard a historic steam excursion through the scenic landscapes between Georgia and Tennessee? In this sp

Aug 12
35 min

Dawn & Her Model Railway Quest

What happens when a lifelong painter is handed a miniature figure and asked to pick up a tiny brush? In this episode, we sit down with Dawn Quest, the creative mind behin

Aug 11
1 h 05 min

ATLP Rewind - Dustin Whitten & The N&W South Branch - July 9, 2024

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released July 9, 2024 You've probably have heard of model railroaders that go on to become railroaders, but how about a railroader who starts th

Aug 10
59 min

ATLP Rewind - Robin Felder & The Jackieville Switching Layout - July 10, 2025

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

Jul 27
57 min

Choosing The Right Control System with Nathan Holmes & Michael Petersen

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 Mic

Jul 23
57 min

Chart trend

Position in the Hobbies chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#56#111JulAugSepOct

all-time peak

days in the top 10 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 3, 2026).

#111 ▼ 17 Hobbies US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

This is one, if not the, best model railroad podcasts. The length and positive vibe keeps you interested and attentive for the entire episode. Each one has a lot of meat and potatoes without the fluff and boring banter I have found on other podcasts. Subjects and interviewees are really interesting. Ray is a real asset to the hobby so thanks for all you do.

Clay Hatcher · Sep 2026

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.

Stephen milano · Jan 2026

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). Get a class one guy and a short line guy on the show to discuss the issues they face versus what we model. For example what are the deciding factors a class one versus a short line railroad use to determine when adding or removing a siding. Thanks for your podcast.

James in Chicago · Feb 2025

I so appreciate this podcast for many reasons. It is professional and done well. It’s informative and educational to me. I learn a lot. And, some of the guests are super entertaining and fun to listen to. I find myself laughing and learning and simply enjoying

Perc100 · Jun 2024

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.