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.