Episodes

  • Introduction to Z Scale with Tim Mills

    Introduction to Z Scale with Tim Mills
    Feb 26 2026
    We're on a mission to cover the model railroad hobby from A to Z, so let's head to the end of the alphabet and the world of 1:220 scale. Tim Mills of US Z Scale comes by to give us the basics of Z scale, from locomotives and rolling stock to track and scenery. Tim tells us the benefits of modeling smaller, even if your asparations are to build in a bigger scale. Later, Tim and Ray listen to the answers submitted for the Question Of The Month, "Why do you choose the scale you model?"

    Learn more about this episode on our website:
    aroundthelayout.com/216

    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.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Central Georgia RPM Preview with Paul Spilman & Stephen Floyd

    Central Georgia RPM Preview with Paul Spilman & Stephen Floyd
    Feb 23 2026
    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.
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    27 mins
  • What's Happening In Model Railroading - Jordan Smith at Rapido Trains

    What's Happening In Model Railroading - Jordan Smith at Rapido Trains
    Feb 19 2026
    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.
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    49 mins
  • ATLP Rewind - Affordable Model Railroading with Matt Forcum - February 3, 2025

    ATLP Rewind - Affordable Model Railroading with Matt Forcum - February 3, 2025
    Feb 16 2026
    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.
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    1 hr
  • Talking Ops with Don Irace - Event Operating Sessions with Mark Herrick

    Talking Ops with Don Irace - Event Operating Sessions with Mark Herrick
    Feb 12 2026
    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.
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    53 mins
  • ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops with Don Irace - Lakeshores Ops Squad with Ed O'Connell - January 14, 2025

    ATLP Rewind - Talking Ops with Don Irace - Lakeshores Ops Squad with Ed O'Connell - January 14, 2025
    Feb 9 2026
    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.
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    55 mins
  • 2026 Railroad Hobby Show Recap

    2026 Railroad Hobby Show Recap
    Feb 5 2026
    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.
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    56 mins
  • ATLP Rewind - Erik Pioselli & The Martins Creek Branch - January 7, 2025

    ATLP Rewind - Erik Pioselli & The Martins Creek Branch - January 7, 2025
    Feb 2 2026
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins