Best Raymond J Arnott Jr Podcasts (2025)

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2025 Spring Creek Model Trains Biennial Train Show Preview with Tony Cook, Mike Zucker and Jeff Zucker 39:40

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23h ago39:40

39:40

25 years in business - that surely is something to celebrate! This coming July 4th weekend, Spring Creek Model Trains will be doing just that. We discuss how the Zuckers went from the living room and a dream to a destination model railroad store located in the middle of America's Heartland, and how they bring the store to you with stops at hobby sh…

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ATLP Rewind - Ray Arnott & The P&W & NECR Interchange Model Railroad - April 1, 2023 1:07:17

8d ago1:07:17

1:07:17

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 1, 2023 Welcome to another dimmension, where Joe Mammay is the host of Around The Layout and is interviewing Ray Arnott. Come along as we hear about Ray's start in model railroading, from a TYCO set to an attempt at N scale. Ray tells us how the prototype led him back to the hobby, and how joining a club intr…

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Talking Ops with Don Irace - Small Layout, Big Ops Potential with Thomas Klimoski 1:12:37

14d ago1:12:37

1:12:37

It's time for part 2 with author and model railroader Thomas Klimoski, and joining us to dig into operations on small layouts is our resident expert on the topic, Don Irace. Tom talks about how a smaller layout can still pack a full operations experience with some good planning and can be beneficial for those who don't have a huge crew or the time …

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ATLP Rewind - Rob Arsenault and Weather My Trains - April 25, 2023 1:08:51

15d ago1:08:51

1:08:51

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 25, 2023 Seven days a week, Weather My Trains' Rob Arsenault is producing some of the most realistic and jaw-dropping weathering in the hobby. In this episode of Around The Layout, Rob puts down the brush and tells how a childhood spent on Prince Edward Island and railfanning the PEI sparked his lifelong love…

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What's Happening In Model Railroading - May 2025 - Jason Shron & Jordan Smith 1:02:20

21d ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Unless you've been living completely off the grid over the last few months, you know that the business of model railroading is facing unprecedented challenges. On this episode of What's Happening In Model Railroading, Jason Shron and Jordan Smith from Rapido Trains share insights into the manufacturing of model railroad products, the people who mak…

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2025 St. Louis RPM Preview with Lonnie Bathurst & Scott Thornton 52:09

22d ago52:09

52:09

Hanging with the homies - that's what we do at the St. Louis RPM. Two of those "homies", Lonnie Bathurst and Scott Thornton, make their annual stop at the ATLP Studio to tell us all about the 18th Annual edition of this great event. Lonnie tells us what makes the STL RPM such a special event and Scott shares why it's on his calendar every year. We …

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Mike Landis & The MKT Sedalia Sub II 55:19

28d ago55:19

55:19

You know what they say about best laid plans? On this episode of Around The Layout, we do some catching up with Mike Landis and his MKT Sedalia Sub, which is on the move to his new home. Mike tells us how the first version of the layout was supposed to make the move with him, but how that idea got derailed and a new strategy has taken its place. Le…

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2025 NERPM Preview Show with Dave Owens 38:47

29d ago38:47

38:47

It's time once again to head to Springfield, Massachusetts for the 23rd Annual Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet. Dave Owens comes by the ATLP studio to tell us all about what the Amherst Railway Society has in store. From vendors to models on display and a long list of informative clinics, the NERPM is an event all modelers can be inspire…

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Sipping & Switching Society of North Carolina with Glen Frix 57:03

1M ago57:03

57:03

What if I were to tell you that a group of enthusiasts could come together to run a massive modular layout without having a big book of rules or a governing body? Allow us to introduce you to the Sipping & Switching Society of North Carolina, where the name is as about as formal as these folks get, yet they successfully gather half a dozen times a …

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ATLP Rewind - Bill Brown and the Leadville and Red Cliff - July 11, 2023 58:55

1M ago58:55

58:55

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released July 11, 2023 We head back to Central New York to hear Bill Brown's amazing story of triumph over tragedy and how a great group of friends helped him recover from disaster. Bill shares his origin story, then tells how becoming a member of the CNY Division of the NMRA provided him with incredible opportuniti…

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What's Happening In Model Railroading - April 2025 - Tony Cook & Jim Wiggin 56:31

2M ago56:31

56:31

It's time once again to find out What's Happening In Model Railroading and joining Model Railroad News editor Tony Cook and Ray Arnott this month is Jim Wiggin, Associate Brand Manager and star of Athearn's Train Tuesdays. Jim tells us that lighting functions are hot right now and shares with us some of the work that goes into adding these sought a…

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ATLP Rewind - Matt Freix & The Gateway Western Subdivision 6 - March 28, 2023 1:03:53

2M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 28, 2023 The Around The Layout (less than) six degrees of separation has led us to Matt Freix. A friend of past guests Dave Oppensano and Isaac Fabris, Matt joins us and tells his model railroading story; from his childhood modeling with a shovel of dirt on a 4x8 sheet of plywood to a beautifully finished bas…

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Talking Ops With Don Irace - Bulletproof Operations 1:17:44

2M ago1:17:44

1:17:44

How can we make our layout operating sessions bulletproof? On this episode of Talking Ops with Don Irace, Don sits down 1 on 1 with host Ray Arnott in-person at the ATLP Studio to share the lessons learned over 20 years and hundreds of his own operating sessions to create an amazing experience for his operators. We learn that success starts with pr…

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ATLP Rewind - Brian Sopke and the Benton & Southern - June 25, 2024 55:31

2M ago55:31

55:31

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released June 25, 2024 A litte freelance model railroading amongst friends - that's what we get with Brian Sopke's Benton & Southern. Brian shares with us his model railroading journey that led him to team with a friend to create a freelance model railroad that connects them together. Additionally, Brian tells us what he le…

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Industry Planning For Modern Era Switching Layouts - A New Book By Lance Mindheim 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

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 g…

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ATLP Rewind - John Farrington & The Somerset & Raritan - June 11, 2024 55:22

2M ago55:22

55:22

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 …

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Super Detailing: Down The Rabbit Hole with Bernard Hellen 1:13:04

2M ago1:13:04

1:13:04

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 sup…

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ATLP Rewind - Alex Mantle & The Chicago, Denver & Northern - June 4, 2024 55:56

2M ago55:56

55:56

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 freelan…

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What's Happening In Model Railroading - March 2025 - Tony Cook & David Lehlbach 1:05:06

3M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

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 f…

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Small Layout, Big Potential with Thomas Klimoski 1:16:34

3M ago1:16:34

1:16:34

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 …

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Talking Ops With Don Irace - Michigan Interstate Ops with Greg McComas 1:04:32

3M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

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 …

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2025 NERx Virtual Convention Preview with Chuck Diljak 36:41

3M ago36:41

36:41

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, …

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Brenna Keefe & The Spring Valley Railroad 56:28

3M ago56:28

56:28

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…

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2025 Central Georgia RPM Preview with Paul Spilman and Stephen Floyd 29:41

3M ago29:41

29:41

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 …

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ATLP Rewind - Lance Mindheim & Miami's Swamp Rat - May 28, 2024 50:11

3M ago50:11

50:11

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 28, 2024 Professional Model Railroad builder and author Lance Mindheim returns to Around The Layout Podcast with a new book under his arm. Lance tells us his why behind his new series "Shortlines You Can Build" and introduces us to Volume 1 - Miami's Swamp Rat. Lance and I discuss several of the points made in …

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What's Happening In Model Railroading - February 2025 - Tony Cook & Thomas Garza 57:36

3M ago57:36

57:36

On this month's What's Happening In Model Railroading, Tony and Ray welcome Thomas Garza from ScaleSigns.com to talk all things signs. Thomas talks about his start in sign making in 1995 and how he's picked up where he left off in 2001 when he joined the US Army, and is on a mission to create the most accurate scale signage available. Later, Tony b…

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ATLP Rewind - Don Irace & The Providence & Worcester II - May 14, 2024 1:03:57

4M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released May 14, 2024 There's no doubt that Don Irace, famous for his Providence & Worcester layouts, is passionate about operations and, on this episode, we focused on just that. Don tells us about the top 2 things that should be prioritized for good operating sessions and shares some helpful advice on the steps one should…

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Talking Ops with Don Irace - BNSF Fall River Division with John Parker 1:01:13

4M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

On this month's Talking Ops with Don Irace, we're talking big operations with the owner of the BNSF Fall River Division, John Parker. John shares with us what it's like to prepare for and manage operations on his large layout. From track cleaning to crew selection and keeping them all busy, John gives a deep dive into what it takes to keep the BNSF…

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ATLP Rewind - Martyn Jenkins & Marty's Train Shed - April 30, 2024 1:14:18

4M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 30, 2024 If you're looking for proof that it's never too late to get started in model railroading, look no further than Marty Jenkins. Contrary to the stories we typically hear, Marty got his start in the hobby in his 40's and has seemingly made up for lost time, diving head first down the rabbit holes of the…

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Paul Stamp & The Finger Lakes Railway 54:09

4M ago54:09

54:09

With young modelers like Paul Stamp on the scene, the future of model railroading is looking bright! A rising star in the NMRA Lakeshores Division, Paul takes us on his journey from a youth filled with Thomas The Tank Engine to small layouts in his college apartment to the awesome Finger Lakes Railway model railroad he's building and sharing with a…

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Affordable Model Railroading with Matt Forcum 1:00:20

4M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

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 overspe…

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What's Happening In Model Railroading with Tony Cook LIVE! 41:39

4M ago41:39

41:39

We're a week removed from the excitement that was the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield MA and its time to talk about all the news from the SEMA of Model Railroading. Ray talks about his experience from the show, including the amazing ScaleTrains giveaway and shares his takeaways. Tony recaps the exciting announcements from ScaleTrains, Rapid…

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ATLP Rewind - Kevin Norman & Notch 8 Customs - April 23, 2024 1:04:42

4M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 23, 2024 They say "It's all in the details" and that's what Kevin Norman from Notch 8 Customs is all about. Kevin stops by to tell us how he developed an interest in DCC installs and customizing locomotives and rolling stock into a growing part-time side hustle. Additionally, he shares his dream for a layout …

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What's Happening In Model Railroading - January 2025 - Shane Wilson 1:07:26

4M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

It's been almost a year since ScaleTrains President Shane Wilson has joined us on Around The Layout Podcast, so we had a lot of catching up to do! Shane tells about the events that occured since our last chat, including checking off a bunch more states on the ScaleTrains Road Trip, attending train shows in the United States and Mexico, an amazing a…

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ATLP Rewind - Alan Aitken and the Buffalo & Pittsburgh - April 9, 2024 1:03:21

4M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 9, 2024 We're off to Scotland to get to know Alan Aitken, the owner of the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Scottish Division Model Railroad and the creator of the YouTube channel of the same name with an amazing amount of subscribers. We learn how Alan gets his start in the hobby and why he left the British prototype fo…

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Talking Ops with Don Irace - Lakeshores Ops Squad with Ed O'Connell 55:43

5M ago55:43

55:43

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 N…

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2025 Railroad Hobby Show Preview with John Sacerdote 42:37

5M ago42:37

42:37

It's nearly time for the granddaddy of them all - the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, Massachusetts. To get ready for what I like to call "The SEMA of Model Railroading", we sit down with the man with the master plan, John Sacerdote who tells us about all the exciting things one can expect with the two-day show that's become a destination …

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Erik Pioselli & The Martins Creek Branch 59:10

5M ago59:10

59:10

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…

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ATLP Rewind - Bruce Ryan & The Manhattan Terminal Railroad - April 2, 2024 1:00:49

5M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released April 2, 2024 On this episode of Around The Layout, we meet Bruce Ryan, who grew up in New York City and now finds himself in the Finger Lakes region of New York recreating railroading in the West Side of Manhattan where he grew up in the 1960's. Bruce shares how early influences led him to model Albany before a tr…

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Authentic Prototype Modeling with Isaac Fabris 55:22

5M ago55:22

55:22

We've talked quite a bit about freelance on Around The Layout Podcast, but now it's time to discuss a deeper dedication to the prototype with Isaac Fabris. Isaac shares the steps he's taking to make his CN/IC Gilman Sub/Heyworth Spur as close to an accurate representation of the prototype as he can. He also shares his theories on compression and ho…

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ATLP Rewind - Darren Lee & The Wattle Flat - March 26, 2024 58:14

5M ago58:14

58:14

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 26, 2024 On this episode of Around The Layout, we head down under and to the other side of the International Date Line to talk to Darren Lee in Queensland, Australia. Darren tells us about his start in the hobby and how he went from modeling North American railroads to one a lot closer to home thanks to some …

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What's Happening In Model Railroading - December 2024 - Tony Cook & Neal Multz 47:34

6M ago47:34

47:34

'Tis the season for twinkling lights, but the ones we're talking about aren't on a Christmas tree. They are the LED's that bring remarkable realism to your layout in the form of lighted vehicles and details from East Coast Circuits. Business Manager Neal Multz from ECC joins Tony and Ray to share the latest from this Rhode Island based company, inc…

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ATLP Rewind - Allen Whitaker & The Tennessee Southern - March 12, 2024 1:04:31

6M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released March 12, 2024 Keeping a long family tradition of railroading, Allen Whitaker comes by to tell us about how, from a young age, he was exposed to the prototype, particularly the Southern Railway which inspired his freelance Tennessee Southern Railway. Allen shares how his career as a railroader has affected operatio…

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Talking Ops with Don Irace - River Belt Lines Ops with Paul Cassar 1:01:09

6M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

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 cornerst…

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ATLP Rewind - Tim Garland & The Seaboard Central - February 27, 2024 1:03:06

6M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released February 27, 2024 In 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 th…

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Justin Mitchell & The Santa Fe Surf Line 1:01:20

6M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

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 co…

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ATLP Rewind - Steve McEwen & Brooklyn Park - February 6, 2024 1:05:16

6M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released February 6, 2024 How 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 Y…

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Creating More Realistic Industries with Kevin Tully 1:13:38

6M ago1:13:38

1:13:38

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…

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ATLP Rewind - Isaac Fabris & The CN/IC Heyworth Spur II - January 30, 2024 53:01

6M ago53:01

53:01

ATLP Rewind - Episode Originally Released January 30, 2024 Want 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 h…

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What's Happening In Model Railroading - November 2024 - Tony Cook & Spring Creek Model Trains 52:22

7M ago52:22

52:22

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. Late…