Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Crossing Gate. Model railroad discussion.

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 bloopers. 

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 train show.

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 up the dicussion panel.

Our sponsor this episode is the one of the many FORBIDDEN words of Model Railroading. FINISHED!

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 sponsor for this episode is the MAKE ONE FOR ME guy.

Plus, our usual outtakes and bloopers. 

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 Timetable and Train Orders. 

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 outtakes at the end.

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

Operations with a two-person crew on a train.  Have you tried it? Do you like it or dislike it? What job would you prefer and why?
All these questions, plus more, are answered by our panel.

Ken Borowski, David Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, William Sampson jr, Ken Zieska, and host Thomas Gasior MMR round out the crew in this episode.

Let us know your thoughts on a two-person crew. Will the Iowa Scaled Engineering Proto Throttle make this a more popular option?

This episode is sponsored. by the 100% Momentum Guy. Plus, the usual outtakes and banter.

This episode discusses how layout owners can inform their operators of specific rules or nuances.

The crew for this episode is Ken Borowski, Dan Dossa, David Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, and Thomas Gasior MMR.

The sponsor for this show is A Track Too Far.

If you are going to model a Freelance railroad and make it believable, we have some rules you could follow.

This episode features Joe Binish, Ken Borowski, Mike Jordan, and William Sampson Jr. and is hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR .

This episode is sponsored by the Model Railroad One-Upper guy.

In this episode, we discuss specific catalysts to make us finish a project.
It could be visiting another layout, watching a video, listening to a podcast, or just plain old shame.

We also learn what crew members talk about when the host drops off the call.   

Crew members in this episode are Joe Binish, Greg Dahl, and William Sampson Jr. Hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR and Ken Zieska.

Our sponsor for this episode is the ORIGINAL N Scale coupler.

Are you going to start over with your layout, or have you been thinking of modeling something else altogether? We discuss those options in this podcast. We asked our panel what changes they would make. Different scale? Era? Railroad of choice?

Our panel for this episode is Ken Borowski, Joe Binish, Mike Jordan, and your host, Thomas W. Gasior MMR.

We discuss DCC systems and operations changes, including scenery and layout design.

Two Plastic Garbage Twist Ties sponsor our podcast.
Plus, the usual outtakes. 

Have you ever wondered how to take your operation sessions to the next level? Our Guest Alan Saatkamp shares his five points to bring a layout up to greatness for guests.
These simple steps improve all areas of the session. 
This discussion evolved from the sessions recently held in the Twin Cities for the MinnRail Operations event.

The crew this episode is Greg Dahl, Mike Jordan, Alan Saatkamp, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.

This episode is sponsored by the Rotating Display case of Broken Dreams.
Plus our usual outtakes.

In this episode, we chat with three layout owners who have created fantastic stories in a small footprint. Dan Dossa talks about his multilevel Minnesota Commercial. Jonathan Jones is making a slice of the Central of New Jersey Newark Branch. Heath Hurwitz is bringing a proto-freelanced Riverside Transfer to life in N scale.
These layouts include elements that any large design would endeavor to have. 
They all use techniques that make the layout seem more extensive, and operations are the focus for all three. 
All three layouts can be found on Facebook. Check them out.

The crew in this episode are Dan Dossa, Heath Hurwitz, Jonathan Jones, and Thomas Gasior MMR is your host. 

This episode is sponsored by: Now you decide to make it!

A recent post online about the expectations of an operations crew to make the layout come to life for the owner has created some ripples in social media. 

We discuss this post and what we as layout owners expect from our crews. We also look at it from being an operator/guest.  

How do you feel about this line of thought? Do you think your crews should work to make the layout owner's dream come to life? Do you think the layout owner needs to allow some slack in methods before they have no crew left?

The crew gets together with Eric Smith to discuss the benefits of operations. Eric is the editor of the OPSIG magazine, The Dispatcher.  We learn that operations are more than rules and paperwork. Eric and the crew bring up some great ideas and discuss what has worked for them. 

The OPSIG is only $10/year for the electronic e-zine. They feature a magazine, resources, and Zoom meetings.

Operations is a very social activity and can enhance your model railroading experience.

The crew on this podcast are:  Joe Binish, Greg Dahl,  David Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, Rich Remiarz MMR, Eriic Smith, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR

The sponsor of this episode is Operation Day Snacks. 

In this episode, we discuss what it takes to be a Yardmaster at an operation session. Our crew has years of experience in this role. Sometimes, they do great, and sometimes not so great.  Why is this such a difficult job to fill, and what are some ways to make it easier?

The crew on this episode is Joe Binish,  Ken Borowski, David Hamilton MMR, and Mike Jordan, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.

The sponsor for this episode is: A Hole in the Wall. 

In this episode, we discuss the pre-operations session job/safety briefings. Why are they so long? Why are they so dull? Why can't we change them?  The crew discusses their job briefings and ones they have endured at other layouts. Maybe you can tell us what you want and what needs to be left out.

The Crew in this episode is Ken Borowski, Greg Dahl, and Dan Dossa.

This episode is sponsored by: The Kit with poorly written instructions. 

 

The crew discusses ways to challenge yourself and improve or learn new skills.
Is it DCC, scratch building, operations, or using an airbrush? 
Many aspects of this hobby are challenging, and the crew gives their stories on accepting these challenges. 
They describe how they improved and give a little advice on you can deal with your challenges.

The crew this time is Joe Binish, David Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, and William Sampson Jr is our host.

Podcast sponsored by the Parts eating carpet, plus the usual outtakes. 

In this episode, we discuss how an operations designed layout does not need a yard. We talk with three layout owners who either do not have a yard, or use them in a non-traditional manner. Their layouts are fun to operate and have run hundreds of sessions, all without a yardmaster.
We also discuss the costs of a big yard. The extra track, switches, plus the ergonomics of designing a yard. The yard is the kitchen of model railroading, everyone ends up there at some point. Please give us your feedback on the importace of a yard in design and operations for your layout.

The crew this episode is Ken Borowski, Greg Dahl, and Dan Dossa. Ken Zieska is our host.

Sponsored by De Ja You-bought it again. Plus the usual outtakes.

A different podcast. Not a topic-driven discussion this time. 
This podcast discusses events and activities we worked on at the Regional Convention. We then shift gears and discuss all the activities the TCD has planned for this summer and fall—picnic socials, railfanning, modeling, clinics, operation sessions, etc. 

Wayzata Depot Social is soon, so join us for our first ice cream social at a historical depot next to the BNSF mainline.

The TCD welcomes all new members and hopes we can enhance your membership with many events this coming year.

The crew on this podcast includes Ken Borowski, Greg Dahl, Mike Jordan, Randi Relander, and hosted by Ken Zieska.