Around The Layout - A Model Railroad Podcast

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 special episode of the podcast, Ray Arnott takes listeners on board the Summerville Steam Special during the lead-up to the 2026 National Train Show in Chattanooga. Along the way, he catches up with industry veterans, renowned modelers, and international guests, exploring topics from recreating real-life railroading experiences in miniature to the sense of community that transcends borders. With behind-the-scenes insights into iconic modeling destinations, heartfelt stories about the evolution of the hobby, and a look at the vision driving the next generation of manufacturers, this episode offers a front-row seat to the camaraderie, passion, and innovation that keep model railroading vibrant and inspiring.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/250

Special Thanks to ScaleTrains for providing this amazing opportunity:
https://www.scaletrains.com/

Thank you to our episode sponsor, NarrowThrottle by Scott Thornton:
https://narrowthrottle.square.site/

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 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 behind Model Railway Quest, to explore her unconventional journey into model railroading. Starting with the simple act of painting figures for a friend, Dawn Quest shares how her passion for art quickly evolved into building film-inspired exhibition layouts, launching a successful YouTube channel, and advocating for more creativity and diversity in the hobby. Together, they discuss breaking the so-called "rules" of model railroading, the joys and challenges of crafting unique layouts—from a black-and-white homage to "Brief Encounter" to the vibrant world of "The Ladykillers"—and how embracing individuality is transforming the community. Whether you're a seasoned railroader or just discovering the hobby, Dawn’s story is a reminder that a fresh perspective and a fearless attitude can open countless new doors.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/249

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, 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 - 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 their model railroading journey after hiring on to the railroad? That's the story of Dustin Whitten, a long time employee of Norfolk Southern who despite growing up near Southern Railway, has fallen for the Norfolk & Western. Dustin shares the lessons learned through 4 different layout builds and a run at freelance that led him to the N&W. 

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

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Broadway Limited Imports:
https://broadway-limited.com/

Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:
https://scalesigns.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.

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 find out on this episode of Around The Layout as we talk to Robin Felder from Switzerland. Robin tells how his love for American railroading began and how he's been able to satisfy that big layout desire with a large group of friends and dual purpose modular layouts. Robin also shares how the group shares each of their unique talents to help each other.

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

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Broadway Limited Imports:
https://broadway-limited.com/

Thank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.com:
https://scalesigns.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.

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 Michael Peterson of Iowa Scaled Engineering to demystify the world of control systems for model railroads. They dive into topics from the basics of DC and DCC, the benefits and complexities of integrated control systems, and the growing impact of open-source solutions like DCC-EX. The discussion covers everything from wiring simplifications, upgradability, and software integration to the power of Wi-Fi throttles and JMRI. Listener call-ins highlight real-world decision-making and the importance of community support when choosing between options like NCE, Digitrax, TCS, and DIY solutions. Whether you’re building your first small layout or planning a massive operational system, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you tailor your control setup to your needs and resources.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/245

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, 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.