Analysis Paralysis, the terrible condition that keeps many from getting the stuff we bought out of the closet, to the workbench and on to our layouts. Lance Mindheim is back with another new book under his arm, written to help his readers get the flywheel turning and keep it moving. Lance talks about industry selection and shares how the book can guide model railroaders along the path of layout design and expressing their own artistic creativity.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/154

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

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

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tully Models:
https://tullymodels.com

ATLP Rewind - Episode orginally released June 11, 2024

It's been way too long since we've heard from John Farrington and there was quite a bit to catch up on. Since the last time we talked, John has not only gone bigger with his layout, he's also gone freelance with a great railroad name and an awesome logo thanks to a very talented graphic artist that's a familiar name here on the podcast. John also talks about doing custom work for others, including myself, and debunks the old Mark Twain saying "good fences make good neighbors" when it comes to getting guidance and support with his model railroad. 

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

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Highball Graphics:
https://highballgraphics.com/

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Oak Hill Model Railroad Track Supply:
https://ohrtracksupply.com/

Want to make your layout come alive? Come along with Dr. Mini and I on this adventure down the rabbit hole into the world of super detailing. Miniprints' Bernard Hellen leads the way as we dive deep on the why behind creating scenes that tell well composed stories, sharing the thoughts from several outstanding modelers. Ultimately, the hobby is supposed to be fun, and Bernard tells us how super detailing can be the motivator that keeps your flywheel turning. Stay tuned towards the end and learn how "I" can come visit your layout with a great deal from miniprints.com.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/153

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

Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs:
https://www.1810designs.com/

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

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 4, 2024

On this episode of Around The Layout, we meet Alex Mantle and learn about his model railroading journey. From California to Alaska to London and eventually on to Wyoming, Alex tells us how an attic find boosted his model railroading journey, his "practice layouts" and how he's gone big with his freelanced Chicago, Denver and Northern, sharing how he developed his backstory, paint scheme and chose the industries on 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, Tully Models:
https://tullymodels.com/

If you're a fan of highly detailed and prototypically accurate rolling stock, this show is for you! Model Railroad News' Tony Cook and Ray Arnott talk to owner and founder of Tangent Scale Models David Lehlbach on how Tangent was started and how they've created their own place in the market by providing an incredible offering of HO, N and O scale freight cars. David discusses their unique way of going to market that satisfies all of us looking for instant gratification. Later, Tony and Ray discuss news out of Rapido, Bachmann, Walthers and more.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/152

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

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

Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs:
https://www.1810designs.com/

Want to know what the "Right-Sized Layout" is for you? Start with a mirror. That's just some of the advice shared by author and model railroader Thomas Klimoski. Tom wrote the book "Building The Right-Sized Layout" and he walks us through the thought process to ensure that you're on track for the layout that's a perfect fit for you. Then Tom and I listen to the answers to the Question of the Month - What is the ideal length of an operating session and why?

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/147

Thank you to our episode sponsor, NERx:
https://www.nerx.org/

Thank 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

On this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace, we head to Fort Worth, Texas to the Michigan Interstate St. Clair Sub of Greg McComas. Greg talks us through the development of his operating scheme on his 13'x12' double deck layout that provides hours of enjoyment for up to 4 operators. He also shares how he used the FLEX approach to ensure he ended up with the layout and operating scheme he wanted. 

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/151

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

Thank you to our episode sponsor, NERx:
https://www.nerx.org/

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

It's almost time for NERx, the Northeastern Region of the NMRA's Virtual Convention. Chuck Diljak from the NER joins us to share the history of NERx, born from necessity during the pandemic and now a mainstay for the last 5 years. Chuck tells us what we can expect from the four nights of the convention, from clinics, layout tours, tips and tricks, and much more. 

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/150

Sign up for ATLP Extra, our free monthly newsletter:
aroundthelayout.com/newsletter

Thank 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

Thank you to our episode sponsor, 18Ten Designs:
https://www.1810designs.com/

If you need yet another reason to encourage youth in model railroading, come listen to Brenna Keefe's story. Brenna shares how positive influences in her family and model railroading community became the catalyst for her education and career. Brenna also shares how model railroading cemented bonds with her parents, grandparents and lifelong friends made through the hobby.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/149

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/

Modelers getting together to share their work, ideas, skills and, of course, comradery - that's what RPM's are all about. Paul Spilman and Stephen Floyd join ATLP host Ray Arnott to talk about the Central Georgia RPM and how this event has grown into a new location by taking it off the coast of Georgia and placing it smack dab in the middle of the Peach State. Stephen and Paul also share all the details about attending the event, with some very familiar names on the list of clinic presenters.

Learn more about this episode on our website:
aroundthelayout.com/148

Thank 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/