Combining Prototype Modeling With Ops: 2026 St. Louis RPM Preview

What does operations have to do with prototype modeling? Lonnie Bathurst, organizer of the St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) Meet, and Rick Watson, President of the Operations Special Interest Group (OPSIG), stop by the ATLP studio for a deep dive into the 2026 St. Louis RPM. This year, the nation's largest RPM meet puts the spotlight on “Operation - The Key to Modeling Your Prototype.” The panel explores how prototypical operations enhance realism, modeling, community, and the next generation of railroad hobbyists and how both organizations combined to teach the community how they can bring both aspects together. 

Meet us in St. Louis for the largest annual RPM in the country (perhaps the planet!):
https://www.stlrpm.com/

Learn more about OPSIG and become a member today:
https://www.opsig.org/

Get started with a track plan with help from the Layout Design Special Interest Group:
https://ldsig.net/

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, NarrowThrottle by Scott Thornton:
https://narrowthrottle.square.site/

Episode Released July 9, 2026