The Crossing Gate. Model railroad discussion.

This episodes we discuss the optimum layout size and number of operators we prefer to host. This varies with each of us and we'd like to know your thoughts on the best size for operations and amount of people needed to operate.

Dan Dossa, Mike Jordan, and Thomas Gasior MMR, and Diana Gasior, as the "Sponsor Lady",  in this episode.

Our Sponsor is: 101 Trackplans for layouts in a Tiny Home.

What questions do the veterans of your Operation sessions ask? What questions do you ask even after you have operated many times at a specific layout?

We dig into these questions and more this episode.

Joe Binish, David Hamilton MMR, and Thomas Gasior MMR are the panel for this show

Our sponsor is 'Emptying your Wallet" with new releases this time of year.

100 episodes. Amazing.

This episode we discuss the ways networking has helped us and could potentially help you. Many different places online and in your own clubs and divisions can be of assistance.

Joe Binish, Mike Jordan, Greg Terhaar, and Thomas Gasior MMR are your hosts.

Our Sponsor lady, Diana Gassior, brings up the highlights, or lowlights, of our 100 episodes. 

We thank you for over 200,000 downloads. 

Many members of the TCD took the trip to Chattanooga, TN for the Annual NMRA National Convention. A discussion about what we all experienced during this fun filled week is the subject of our podcast. Jay Bickford, Diana Gasior, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior talk about te highlights of the weeks adveture. From layout tours to the National Train Show.

Our sponsor thiss episode is the Crossing Gate Curmudgeon Troll Thesaurus.

This episode we discuss the events and fun at the annual St. Louis RPM. Joe Binish and Greg Dahl attended this event and bring us their experience. 

Thomas Gasior MMR is the host.

Our sponsor for this episode is: The Five greatest fights in Model Railroading.

All this plus outtakes and bloopers.

Operations crew experience. How do we get people to be better at all of the assigned jobs? What are advantages and disadvantages to having an experienced crew member. Do you reward people for knowing all the jobs?

Ken Borowski MMR, Mike Jordan, and Thomas Gasior MMR, discuss these questions and more. We discuss this from a layout owners side and being the crew member with little, or much experience.

Our Sponsor this episode is the Six-Hour Clinic.

Plus the usual outtakes and extra stories at the end.

This episode we discuss using prototype photos, scenes, and more. Also using those high powered cameras on modern phones. How can we use this technology to improve our modeling, layout  looks, and more. 

Greg Terhaar, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR are you hosts for this episode.

Our Sponsor is the Layout Owner who keeps adding operators.

We discuss the role that helpers play at Operation Sessions. How do we view them, and how would we act as helpers to assisit the layout owner with visitors to their operation sessions.

Joe Binish, David Hamilton MMR, and Thomas Gasior MMR host this discussion.

Our sponsor this episode is Car Cards and Waybills for a Iron Ore Railroad.

This episode we discuss recent events and what we want to do and see this summer. We discuss conventons, operation sessions and more. 

Mike Jordan, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR are featured in this episode.

Our sponsor is Finding a Dedicated Day to host your Operation sessions.

In this episode, Joe Binish and Thomas Gasior discuss why they enjoy doing projects for others. What creates the enthusiam for helping and when should yo ask for help. Also what does it cost to help someone in time and money.

Our sponsor this Episdoe is the new NMRA idea to create engagement with members.

This episode features Greg Terhaar describing his approach to building a prototype scene. He is focusing on the stockyards in Mosse Jaw, Sask. He will be submitting this build for evaluation by the NMRA for his achievement program journey.

We talk about the approach to the newest AP catagory and how he is planning to incorporate this module into a larger layout. The research involved and what needs to be built to qualify for this certificate.

Thomas Gasior MMR is the host.

This episode is sponsored by the Ai Photo Contest winner.

This episode we discuss the NEW NMRA Achievement Program and how the Association is bringing the program into the new century. Following the successful and popular roll-out of their new logo, the AP was next to be revamped. We point out all the new catagories and discuss how to earn these certificates on the journey to Master Model Railroader.

This episode features Greg Dahl, David Hamilton MMR, MIke Jordan, and Thomas Gasior MMR as the host.

Our sponsor this episode is Hired Hecklers for your next Operation session.

Plus the usual outtakes and...

This special episode of the CG Podcast is about the 2026 TCD RPM meet. The Ninth annual Modelers Meet will be held March 14th. Please see our website for all details. tcdnmra.org

Ken Zieska and Thomas Gasior MMR discus what you can expect to experience when attending the Modelers Meet.

In this episode, we discuss starting over on your layout building with Neil Maldeis. Neil is an NMRA MMR who moved to a new home and started over from scratch. Ken Zieska talks about starting over on his basement empire, but not removing the entire layout, just starting over scene by scene. 

Operations play a big role in the planning and development of a new layout, and upgrading an older basement filler.

Neil Maldeis MMR, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR are featured in this episode.

Our sponsor is Winter Weather for your t...

This episode we discuss scratchbuilding. Why we do it, and what tools we use. 

David Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, and Thomas Gasior MMR, discuss the ways scratchbuilding can get us those one of a kind structures.

This episode is sponsored by The Model Railroaders who don't like changes in the hobby.

We talk about some of the N scale layouts in our group. Ken Borowski MMR discusses his amazing Clinchfield Blue Ridge Division. This layout fills a few rooms in the basement and has been featured in magazines. Greg Terhaar takes us to the other end of the operations spectrum with his San Pedro packing district showing what can be done with N scale as a shelf layout. Operations and scenery are packed into both layouts so take a listen and tell us about your N scale endeavors.

Ken Borowski MMR, Greg Terhaar, and Thomas Gasior MMR make...

We discuss ways to improve our layouts beyond operations. Scenery, lighting, story telling and more.

Greg Terharr, Ken Zieska and Thomas Gasior MMR host this episode.

Our sponsor is: The guy who attends every OPS weekend, but can't operate at all.

Check out our Facebook group and share with us your layout improvements.

This episode we discuss the finer points of narowing your modeling focus. From smaller layout designs to specific places and looks.

Dan Dossa, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR are the crew for this episode.

We are proudly sponsored by Model Railroad Event Swag.

This episode we discuss how to make your layout show it's location and era. The use of buildings, trains, cars and signs help give visitors the feel of your railroad.

Joe Binish, David Hamilton MMR , and Thomas Gasior MMR are featured in this episode.

Our sponsor is Uncle Dan's Rastafarian Smoke Fluid.

This episode features a discussion about how we choose what projects to work on. Needs versus wants, fun versus chores. Tell us how you choose your next workbench filler.

Greg Dahl, Mike Jordan, and Host Thomas W Gasior MMR discuss their ideas for picking the next project that needs attention.

This episode is sponsored by the Gerrymandered NMRA Division.

You may have had a rocky start to your layout operations, but as long as you can adapt and improve, you'll be okay.

Mike Jordan, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR discuss their changes in operations over the years, including feedback discussions, making changes to paperwork before track, and what the future holds.

The Local Modular Club sponsors this episode

Special guest appearance by John Witthaus. Honk, Honk.

This episode we chat about making changes to our layouts, our operations, and how to suggest to others some changes that might improve operations.

Ken Borowski MMR, Greg Dahl, and Thomas Gasior MMR are featured on this podcast.

This episode is sponsored by "Back in MY Day".

What is it like to be invited to an Regional Operations Weekend? Joe Binish, David Hamilton MMR, and Thomas Gasior MMR discuss attending an event. These events are held every month all across the country, and you can join in. 

Check with the National OPSIG community and your local operating groups for information. You can check out the event held in the Twin Cities area ever yother year called MinnRail.

www.MinnRail.org

Our sponsor this episode is Phrases you can use on Model Railoaders, or the kids.

Our podcast crew has been asked to show their latest projects and share them with you. We examine various items on everyone's layout and examine what it takes to bring these models to life. 

April starts with a fun-filled podcast for most of our crew, except Mike Jordan, who suffered from technical issues for most of the recording. It's a good thing he has the full support of the cast.

This episode's crew is Joe Binish, Greg Dahl, David Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, William Sampson Jr., Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR.

Our s...

Operations are supposed to be fun. This episode discusses the social aspects of hosting and being a guest. 

This episode's crew is Joe Binish, Mike Jordan, and Thomas Gasior MMR. 

Our sponsor is the Foam engine, which you can throw across the room.

In this episode, we discuss hosting an Operations weekend. How do we pick layouts, how are guests invited, and what can a host do to prepare for time visitors?

The crew in this episode is Joe Binish, David Hamilton MMR, Ken Zieska, and Thomas W Gasior MMR as the host.

Our show is sponsored by the Jordan-Walker Bowling Ball Factory kit.

This episode we discuss how busy we want to be at an operations session, and how busy do we want our crew members when we host a session?

The crew this episode is Mike Jordan, William Sampson Jr, Ken Zieska, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR

We are sponsored this episode by "The Sleep Inducing Clinic".

This episode we are joined by Lee Caulkins and Brett Issacs. The main force behind the huge, and we mean HUGE, N-scale modular set up. This past year it was held in Evanston Wyoming at the Historic Union Pacific Shops. 
Ken Borowski MMR and Thomas Gasior MMR help our guests explain what it takes to run this event. 
It may be N Scale, but it is open to all modelers of any scale. It might be time to build that T-Trak or FreeMo module.

This episode is sponsored by the guy who runs his layout by...

In this episode, we discuss layouts with no mainline. One, if any yards, and minimal staging. Can you create a fun, operational layout that will stand the test of time? We discuss how a smaller layout can be more nimble, or accommodating to operators of any skill level. No clearing up for the express, no Train orders to decipher, no dispatcher to boss you around the railroad.

Greg Dahl, Dan Dossa, and Thomas Gasior MMR discuss these ideas and more.

This episode is sponsored by the David Hamilton Geography Bender and more. Plus the usual...

In this episode, we discuss the operations of a freight house. We also discuss Cold storage and security storage facilities. Joe Binish has one of the best-run operations for working the freight house on his Central of Minnesota layout.

The crew for this episode is Joe Binish, and Ken Zieska, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.

This episode is sponsored by: The Operations Day Soldering Iron

In this episode, we discuss the operations of a freight house. We also discuss Cold storage and security storage facilities. Joe Binish has one of the best-run operations for working the freight house on his Central of Minnesota layout.

The crew for this episode is Joe Binish, and Ken Zieska, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.

This episode is sponsored by: The Operations Day Soldering Iron

In this episode, we discuss evolving operations for layouts and car forwarding systems. What have we done to upgrade or detail our operations? 

The crew for this show is Joe Binish, and Ken Zieska, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR


Our sponsor is: Scale Weather

This episode is about changes to our modeling. What has evolved and made us better modelers or operators? Think about the changes to technology in your lifetime, and the new techniques being tried to achieve better models and layouts.

The crew for this episode is Joe Binish, Mike Jordan, and Ken Zieska, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.

Our show is sponsored by: Questions to ask during a livestream.

Do models have to be exact replicas for you to enjoy them? Are the manufacturers being pushed too far into the museum quality construction? 
Our panel discusses the effect of prototype modeling on our layouts. 

The crew of this episode includes Ken Borowski MMR, Mike Jordan, William Sampson Jr, and Thomas W Gasior MMR.

Our sponsor is the YouTube channels that claim to be the greatest.

This episode is a discussion about modeling the 1970s era.  What was good about it, plus how we conveyed to our visitors that the layout is set in the 1970s. The era before the mega-mergers and the caboose and boxcars could still be found in every train. 

David Hamilton MMR models the CB&Q/BN mainline between the Twin Cities and Galesburg during the 1970-74 timeframe.
Ken Borowski MMRi models the Clinchfield in the mid-1970s.

Thomas Gasior MMR hosts this episode.

Our sponsor is Model Railroader and Foamer Speed Dating Events.

Internet anonymity has encouraged trolls to make snide comments about people's modeling. How can we handle that issue? Also, how can we process advice from our crew? Does the source of the suggestions matter?

Greg Dahl, Mike Jordan, and Thomas Gasior MMR discuss this issue.

Sponsoring this episode is the infamous saying: Two out of three ain't bad!

In this episode, we discuss options for operations that go beyond CC&WB/Switchlists. Adding some nuance once in a while could be a great addition to any session. 

The crew in this episode are Joe Binish, David Hamilton MMR, and Ken Zieska, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.

Most operating layouts deal with off-spotting cars—the twenty pounds of mud in a ten-pound sack.  How do you deal with this? Our crew discusses the good, bad, and ugly portion of moving excess freight cars. 

The crew for this episode includes Joe Binish, Greg Dahl, Mike Jordan, William Sampson Jr, and Ken Zieska, and it is hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.

In this episode, we discuss what makes us anxious. What fears do you have that keep you from building that layout or model? Is there not enough room? Do you not want to waste material or time? Do you not have the skills?

This episode's crew includes Joe Binish, Ken Borowski, and Greg Dahl, and it is hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.  

Sponsored by: The person who models stuff no one cares about.

In this episode, the crew discusses how to improve operations Cog Railway.    What customers do you need? What makes a great Cog Railway engine? How do you handle interchange? And how big should your cogs be?

The crew in this episode is Joe Binish, Ken Borowski, Mike Jordan, and Ken Zieska, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR

Enjoy our annual April Podcast