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/

The saying is "go big or go home", but Todd Treaster went small so he could go big in his home. On this episode of Around The Layout, this Pennsylvania native and former railroader tells us how his passion for big railroading, spawned by childhood memories and his time working for Big Blue kept him laser focused and allowed him to build a collection with mind blowing numbers. Todd also tells us about the joy both he and his wife have when they get to share the collection and layout with others.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/201

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 October 29, 2024

They say that music can bring people together, and, in the case of Joey Giunto, it can also lead to meeting your model railroad mentor. On this episode of Around The Layout, Joey shares his model railroading journey and how a music gig led him to meeting a great friend and how they lifted each other up in the hobby. Joey also shares how, after his mentor's passing, he keeps his memory alive through his modeling efforts.

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/

How do you prevent yourself from spending money on rolling stock you don't need? Matthew Freix returns to Around The Layout Podcast to share how he's developed guardrails by studying his prototype and making a commitment to sticking to a plan. Matt shares his research process and how it's helped him narrow his focus and stay on track. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month and hear how others have established guardrails.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/202

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 October 22, 2024

Layout Command Control - it sounds cool, but what exactly is it? On this episode of ATLP, Dave Barraza tells us the basics of LCC, how the standard was developed and, most importantly, how it can help bring our layouts to life. Dave shares how he's using LCC on his layout and how it compares to the electronics used on the prototype. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners.

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/

While some will argue that model railroad season is 12 months long, it's hard to deny that,when the weather gets colder, activity in the hobby heats up. On this month's What's Happening In Model Railroading, Mike and Jeff Zucker from Spring Creek Model Trains stop by to tell us how to properly prepare to head back to the train room, what's trending this model railroad season and what should be on everyone's letter to Santa. Mike and Jeff also share their joy in helping model railroaders and their spouses or parents pick out the perfect gift to give for the holidays.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/200

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/

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 8, 2024

Drew James, owner of the Canada Spokane & Pacific, made his return to the ATLP studio, picking up where he left off from last July. Drew tells us about how the operations on his layout have evolved, his efforts to keep things fresh for his group of operators and answers the question, "why is there a wye?" 

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/

How does one build a solid foundation for an operations layout without even knowing? On this edition of Talking Ops with Don Irace, we find out how Lou DiRosso took his Conrail Boston Line layout from one where he watched memories of childhood railfanning and turned it into a fully interactive experience. Lou talks about the inspiration and help he's received from the folks behind Island Ops and how he's learning from every operating session to make the next one better. 

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/197

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/

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released September 24, 2024

On this episode of Around The Layout, we head to New Jersey and talk to Ralph Heiss, owner of the Lehigh Valley Harbor Terminal HO scale layout and frequent operator of quite a few great layouts in the Garden State. Ralph tells us how he got started in the hobby and how he was operating at great layouts by the age of 17. He also shares how he researched the Lehigh Valley, his passion for the history and ghost railroading and how to make good use of free time gifted by a hurricane derived power outage.

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/

If you're one of those who think the hobby is dying, have a listen to this podcast. In his early 20's, Kinzer Hurt is already making a big impact on the model railroading hobby with a smaller approach; shelf layouts of short line railroads that allow him to drill into super detailing and cover a variety of railroads he's come to admire through in-person and virtual experiences. Later, I ask Kinzer what younger modelers are looking for and get his take on what's needed to get the next generation involved in the community. 

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/196

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/

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released October 1, 2024

On this episode of Around The Layout Podcast, we talk to model railroad product reviewer and author Ryan Crawford. Ryan provides us with an inside look into his process for writing reviews, including the prototype research, evaluating details, and sharing what you need to know to make an educated purchasing decision. Ryan and Ray also chat about the amazing advances in today's models and what they would like to see more of. Later, we hear answers to the Question of the Month submitted by our listeners.

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/

How does one create a model railroading story of their very own? On this episode of Around The Layout Podcast, we talk to Christopher Palmieri, one of the leading voices in the freelance model railroading community, and learn more about the freelance concept and how it can benefit those who aren't completely sold on a fully prototype approach. Chris lays out steps to follow to start creating a freelance story and provides recommendations on resources to learn more. Later, we hear answers from our listeners to the Question of the Month. 

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/195

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:
https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Home Shops:
https://homeshops.net/

It's time for part three of our coverage of the 2025 Colorado Rail Proto Meet in Greeley, Colorado. On this episode, we talk to Hank Stephens, Christopher Palmieri from Home Shops, Ken Zieska from Crossing Gate Podcast and Chris Palomarez from Intermountain Railway Co.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/192

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, Tully Models:
https://tullymodels.com