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The Crossing Gate. Model railroad discussion.

Twin Cities Division NMRA

Discussion of model railroading and operations.

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  • 23 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 37 min
  • English

Episodes 23

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  • #102
    October 26 · 32 min

    #102 - Optimum layout size for operations

    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.

  • #101
    October 12 · 31 min

    #101 - Questions from Seasoned Operators

    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
    September 29 · 40 min

    #100 - Networking with others in Model Railroading

    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.

  • #99
    September 15 · 36 min

    #99 - TCD goes to the NMRA National Convention

    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.

  • #98
    August 21 · 31 min

    #98 - The TCD goes to the StL RPM

    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.

  • #97
    August 5 · 34 min

    #97 - Building Crew Experience for Operations

    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.

  • #96
    July 27 · 35 min

    #96 - Modeling improvement using photography

    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.

  • #95
    July 17 · 41 min

    #95 - The role of Helpers at an Operation Session

    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.

  • #94
    June 14 · 38 min

    #94 - Summer Plans

    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.

  • #93
    May 1 · 43 min

    #93 - Service to the hobby and others

    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.

  • #92
    April 10 · 49 min

    #92 - Creating a Prototype scene for the NMRA AP

    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.

  • #91
    April 1 · 38 min

    #91 - The NEW NMRA Achievement Program

    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.

  • #90
    February 21 · 20 min

    #90 - Special Event podcast. The TCD 2026 Modelers Meet

    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.

  • #89
    January 29 · 33 min

    #89 - Starting over

    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.

  • #88
    January 3 · 38 min

    #88 - Scratchbuilding for fun

    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.

  • #87
    Oct 31, 2025 · 40 min

    #87 - N scale modeling discussion

    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!

  • #86
    Oct 16, 2025 · 40 min

    #86 - Layout Improvements

    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.

  • #85
    Sep 30, 2025 · 34 min

    #85 - Narrowing your modeling focus.

    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.

  • #84
    Sep 12, 2025 · 41 min

    #84 - Modeling tips to show a specific place and time

    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.

  • #83
    Aug 31, 2025 · 37 min

    #83 - Project priority. Choosing what projects to work on next.

    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.

Showing 1–20 of 23 episodes