2026 Freelance Forum Preview with Christopher Palmieri

Does freelance belong at a railroad prototype modelers meet? That’s the question posed to Christopher Palmieri, owner of Home Shops and creator of the Freelance Forum, as he joins Ray Arnott to preview this year’s event at the 2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet. Together, they explore how freelance model railroading intersects with prototype accuracy, tracing the origins and evolution of the Freelance Forum. From the discipline required to create believable fictional lines to the valuable research, plausibility, and storytelling freelance modelers offer, this episode highlights how collaboration and in-person connection at the RPM can fuel inspiration across the modeling spectrum.

Make plans to join us in Greeley for the 2026 Colorado Rail Proto Meet:
https://corpm.org/

Learn more about the Freelance Forum on the Home Shops website:
https://homeshops.net/pages/freelance-forum-2026

Learn more about the Colorado Model Railroad Museum on their website:
https://www.cmrm.org

Christopher Palmieri talked more about freelance railroading on this past episode of Around The Layout Podcast:
https://www.aroundthelayout.com/episodes/195

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Broadway Limited Imports:
https://broadway-limited.com/

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

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

Rewind Episode Released September 14, 2026