Talking Ops with Don Irace - River Belt Lines Ops with Paul Cassar

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/135Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Ditch Light Productions:https://www.facebook.com/DitchLightProductions

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released February 27, 2024In our past interviews, we've found that freelance model railroaders have amazing stories to tell and Tim Garland is no exception. On this episode, Tim tells us how he got started in the hobby and how at 14 years old, his mind was made up about becoming a railroader. Tim shares how the story of the Seaboard Central was developed, how it's a form of protest against changes he's observed in the railroad industry, and how the second version of the layout is being built differently from the first and in a way that keeps the flywheel turning without being overwhelming.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com/

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/134Thank 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 February 6, 2024How did a Brit decide to model an American railroad? Blame it on Budweiser! That's one of the things we learn on this episode of Around The Layout as we chat with Steve McEwen about his model railroading journey and how his trips to the United States influenced his choice to model the New York & Atlantic Railway in a freelance way that addresses his wants in an operating layout. We also learn the why behind Steve's YouTube channel, The British Railroader.Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Ditch Light Productions:https://www.facebook.com/DitchLightProductions

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 today's episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/133Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Ditch Light Productions:https://www.facebook.com/DitchLightProductions

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released January 30, 2024Want proof that the hobby isn't dying and young folks are into model railroading? Allow us to present, once again, Isaac Fabris and his CN/IC Heyworth Spur. It's been quite a while, so we were overdue for an update and Isaac brings us up to speed on the changes he's made on his layout and how changing his era has allowed him to narrow his focus, keep what he loves, but set up guardrails that keeps him from buying all of the latest locomotive releases. Isaac's biggest news is that he's an expectant father, and after hearing bad parenting advice from Ray, he shares how his growing family will eventually yield a bigger home and a bigger layout and the plan he already has to expand upon his current layout.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://tullymodels.com/

The holiday season is fast approaching and it's time to get your wish list ready. On this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading, we talk to Mike and Jeff Zucker from Spring Creek Model Trains to find out what should be in your letter to Santa and discuss how to buy the right train set for the enthusiastic child to keep them engaged. Later, Tony and I talk about new releases from Rapido, InterMountain, Broadway Limited and more.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/132Thank you to our episode sponsor, Spring Creek Model Trains:https://www.springcreekmodeltrains.com/Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:https://steelmillmodelerssupply.com/tully-models/

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 23, 2024Neil Schofield and his CP Rail's Newport & Lyndonville Subdivision has been our guest wish list since the start of the podcast, so when Neil reached out to be on the podcast, there was quite the celebration! Before telling us about his amazing layout, Neil tells us about his start in model railroading and forcing the transition era on his dad's steam era layout and how road trips to the northernmost parts of New England planted the seed for his Vermont based layout. Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com/

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/131Thank 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 Relased December 26, 2023Author and professional model railroad builder Lance Mindheim returns to Around The Layout with a couple of new books tucked under his arm. Since the last time he appeared, he's released two new "how and why" books, 8 Track Plans For Modern Era Swiching Layouts and Scenery For Modern Switching Layouts. Lance shares with us the motivation for writing and takes an opportunity to tell us more about his former East Rail layout, The Downtown Spur, and how he is recreating the East Rail layout with the appropriately named East Rail 2, using improved techniques learned in 50 years of model railroading.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:https://ohrtracksupply.com//Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics:https://highballgraphics.com/