Talking Ops with Don Irace - Event Operating Sessions with Mark Herrick

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. 

Check out Mark Herrick’s past appearances on Around The Layout Podcast:
Mark Herrick and the BNSF Montana Division - January 17, 2023
Talking Ops with Don Irace - BNSF Montana Division Ops with Mark Herrick - October 16, 2025

Follow the BNSF Montana Division on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080157977768

Want your layout to give a good first impression? Check out the Bulletproof Ops episode of Talking Ops here:
https://www.aroundthelayout.com/episodes/156

This episode of Around The Layout is Powered By Rapido Trains:
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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/

Episode Released February 5, 2026