The Crossing Gate. Model railroad discussion.
Episodes
94 episodes
#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 ...
#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.<...
#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...
#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.orgKen Zieska and Thomas Gasior MMR discus what you can expect...
#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 en...
#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 ...
#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...
#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 ...
#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...
#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 ...
#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 ...
#82 - It's not where you start, but where you end - Operations
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 ...
#81 - Changes for the better
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....
#80 Participating in an OPSIG weekend
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 ...
#79 - April edition of What's on our workbench
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...
#78 - Having fun with operations
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 ...
#77 - Operations Weekends - The Hosts
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 Th...
#76 - Keeping busy during operations.
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 M...
#75 - Running the Evanston N-Scale FreeMo/T-Trak set up
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...
#74 - Who needs a mainline?
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 ope...
#73 - The lowly Freighthouse. Best industry you can model
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....
#72 - Evolving Operations. How have operations changed as a layout owner, or a guest operator
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
#71 - What changes have you experienced in the hobby?
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.Th...