In this episode of The Roundhouse, Classic Trains editor Brian Schmidt sits down with David Popp to discuss his unique path into the railroad hobby. David shares how he started as a model railroader but developed a passion for railfanning after discovering 1:1 scale trains routing near his childhood home. This dual interest led him to incorporate prototype details—from the Chicago & North Western Railway’s distinct left-hand running to the grungy look of commuter diesels—into his model railroading and track planning. David also recounts how a book on the Soo Line and subsequent immersion in the Soo Line Historical Society further shaped his dedication to accurate prototype modeling, as seen in his Crystal Lake layout design project. Learn how David’s approach to layout design is inspired by historical photographs, using them as a starting point to capture the essence of a real railroad scene.
The Roundhouse | Railfanning and Track Planning
By Kent Johnson | December 23, 2025
