Discussion of model railroading and operations.
The Crossing Gate is a model railroad discussion podcast that is truly a hidden gem in the world of podcasts. From the very first episode, it is evident that the hosts have excellent chemistry and have been doing this show for years. The conversations flow effortlessly, making it easy and enjoyable to listen to. I stumbled upon this podcast after reading about it on Instagram, and I am so glad that I did.
One of the best aspects of The Crossing Gate podcast is the wealth of information it provides to model railroaders. The hosts are incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, and well-informed, making every episode informative and insightful. Whether you are just starting in the hobby or have been a model railroader for years, you are bound to learn something new from this podcast. Additionally, the discussions are not only educational but also entertaining. The hosts inject humor and camaraderie into their conversations, creating a fun atmosphere while still keeping the focus on relevant topics.
Another standout feature of this podcast is the variety of topics covered. While they may be known for discussing HO scale models primarily, there is also an expectation of O-scale and narrow gauge content in future episodes. This diversity ensures that there is something for everyone within the model railroad community. It shows that the hosts care about catering to the interests of their listeners and want to provide a well-rounded experience.
In terms of drawbacks, there really isn't much to criticize about The Crossing Gate podcast. One minor gripe could be that each episode feels too short because it leaves you wanting more. However, this can also be seen as a testament to how engaging and enjoyable the podcast truly is.
In conclusion, if you are a model railroader looking for an informative yet entertaining podcast experience, The Crossing Gate should be at the top of your list. With its knowledgeable hosts who possess excellent chemistry and cover a wide range of topics within the hobby, this podcast is a must-listen for model railroaders everywhere. Give it a listen, and you won't be disappointed.
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 MMRWe 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 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 MMROur 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 MMREnjoy 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 MMRThe 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.
This episode is about operations. We discuss fast clocks and the changes they bring to operations—the effect of passenger trains on a schedule, why we are rebuilding portions of our layouts to improve operations, and the research of prototype practices to follow, plus roll-away sections of layouts and much more. The crew in this episode is Joe Binish, Mike Jordan, David Hamilton MMR, and Rich Remiarz MMR. William Sampson hosts this episode.Special shout out to a fan from Wyoming.The model railroad Matrix sponsors this episode.
In this episode, we discuss Car Cards and Waybills. Not a new subject, but we talk about the portion that no one wants to explain. How does a modeler start to use a waybill on an existing layout if they have never set up waybills before?Heath Hurwitz from Human[c]ity Junction and Joe Binsh walk us thru the steps needed to fill out your first waybills. We start with the Micro-Mark set and grab our pencils to begin our journey in moving freight with a purpose on our layout.Who is the consignee? What is a route? And what does VIA mean? Why are there two sides and four sections? Joe and Heath start the processes as Heath adds operations to his Riverside Transfer N scale layout. Crew members are Joe Binish and Heath Hurwitz, hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.Our sponsor is the three-hour-long YouTube videos everyone loves. Plus, the usual outtakes and insults.
In this episode, we discuss why we add specific details to our layouts that any visitor probably won't notice unless we point them out—for example, adding mirrors on cars, putting birds in the trees, and having simulated rail joint bars on the mainline.Do we do it for ourselves? Probably.Does it help make the layout look right in our eyes?The crew for this episode is Greg Dahl and Dan Dossa, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.Our sponsor for this show is "Cheaper than a Bass Boat."
The grain elevator is on 99% of the layouts. How do you use and operate your elevators? Do you have a small country elevator or a large milling complex? The crew discusses their elevators and how they model and serve them. The crew on this episode is Joe Binish, Greg Dahl, David Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, William Sampson, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR.
We invite he Narrow Gauge mafia from western Wisconsin to talk about modeling non standard gauge layouts and the operations.Discussions range from switching to narrow gauge, to operations, plus taking things slower but with more detail.The crew on this episode is Joe Binish, Jack Gutsch, Mike Jordan, Pat Thoney and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.This episode is sponsored by Stickers!Plus the usual outtakes and bloopers.
Do you give or receive feedback after an operations session? What are some ideas you have implemented after being informed by a crew member that they have a better idea? We discuss this topic and detail the changes we have made and suggested.The crew for this episode is Joe Binish, Mike Jordan, and ken Zieska, and is Hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.We are sponsored by: The Train Around the Christmas Tree. Plus, our usual outtakes and flubs at the end.Please join our new Facebook Group.The Crossing Gate Podcast Room.Give us feedback on this episode and all previous discussions. Also, show off your modeling and operation sessions.https://www.facebook.com/groups/1414958692305558
In this episode, we discuss the addition of animation to a layout: lighting, sounds, and more. Many products are available, and we discuss the ones we have used.From structure lighting to hobo campfires and welders. Sounds from defect detectors to birds and more in your woodlands. The crew in this episode is Larry Eggering, David Hamilton MMR, and Ken Zieska, hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.Our sponsor is the Waterfall in the middle of nowhere, plus the usual outtakes.Please join our Facebook Group: The Crossing Gate Podcast Room.https://www.facebook.com/groups/1414958692305558
In this episode, we discuss the painful realization that changes to our layouts will be for the better. Modelers might not want to rip up scenery, track, wire, and more to improve their layout. We talked about our changes and why they helped our layouts and operations.This episodes cast is Joe Binish, Greg Dahl, Mike Jodan, and Thomas Gasior MMRThis episode is sponsored by The Coffee Table Layout.
This episode of The Crossing Gate discusses the advantages of smaller-size layouts.Less cost, less work, easier to detail, plus many other features. The crew of this episode is Dan Dossa, Heath Hurwitz, William Sampson, and Thomas Gasior MMR.Heath joins us from his highly successful YouTube channel Humancity Junction, where he hosts weekly Livestreams and features his Riverside Transfer layout-building adventure inside a New York City Highrise. Please check out his channel.https://www.youtube.com/c/HumancityJunctionWe are sponsored by Pinocchio Communications. A publicity firm that can help you sell the story of your ‘Railroad of Lies.'Also, the Real Men of DCC feature Mr. Scratchbuilding Guy.
In this episode, we discuss some current rabbit holes and when to stop digging. The Interweb has done research as close as our keyboard, but is it good to keep digging and digging? The crew of this episode is Joe Binish, Dan Dossa, Larry Eggering, David Hamilton MMR, and William Sampson, hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.This episode is sponsored by those hard pills to swallow in model railroading.
The Twin Cities Division is trying a new event. We call it the Operators Retreat. It will be a weekend where division members with established layouts host operation sessions for those new to operations. We provide the opportunity to operate on two different layouts. We are also open to experienced operators that want to meet like-minded people. A social event will be held on Friday evening, October 7th. Two sessions on Saturday, October 8th.We will have six layouts and 24 spots.The crew in this episode is Joe Binish, Greg dahl, MIke Jordan, William Sampson, and Ken Zieska, and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.This episode features our newest sponsor: Real Men of DCC - Featuring One-Fact Charlie.Plus, the usual outtakes and more. Please write to us at TCDNMRA@Gmail.com
The crew discusses the advantages of operating passenger trains. From sleek streamliners that run from end to end of a layout to the local and milk runs that work every stop. The idea of adding a Flag Stop is discused and Mike Jordan describes how he flagged down the passenger train to go see his grandmother. Do you run passenger trains or are thinking about adding one or more to your layout? Then this discussion is for you. Crew members for this episode are Joe Binish, Mike Jordan, David Hamilton MMR, and Thomas Gasior MMR.This episode is sponsored by the X2F coupler.Plus, the usual outtakes and bad advice.
In this episode, we talk with members of the Minnesota FreeMo group.Bob Sterner and John Zacharias join us to discuss modular model railroading.We talk about the start of Minnesota FreeMo and some stories from past setups. We discuss the standards, plus what it takes to join a local FreeMo group. The podcast is only part 1 of a series. We hope to chat with the Minnesota FreeMo N scalers soon. Look for a FreeMo set up at the following train show.The crew for this podcast is Davis Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, Bob Sterner, John Zacharias, and Thomas Gasior MMR.# BlameHeath sponsors this episode The Humanity Junction YouTube channel. Where if anything can go wrong, it will happen during a Livestream. https://www.youtube.com/c/HumancityJunctionPlus, our usual outtakes.
In this episode, the Crew discusses the advantages of virtual meetings and clinics. From YouTube to Zoom, model railroading has changed for the better. Layout tours, clinics, conferences, and even entire conventions are online.What does the future hold, and can these events be held and make a profit?This episode is sponsored by: How many engines do you have?The Crew in this episode is Larry Eggering, David Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR.
This episode, we dive into the world of Resin Car Kits. We invited fellow TCD member and Master Model Railroader Lester Breuer to answer our many questions about these unique kits. So if you are thinking of trying a resin kit, or an old veteran in prototype-specific specific rolling stock, take a listen. We discuss many tips and ideas as well as tools and adhesives. Lester and Joe created hundreds of these kits and shared their expertise during this discussion.Lester's Blog address.http://mnrailroadcab100.blogspot.com/Crew members are Joe Binish, Lester Breuer MMR, Ken Zieska and hosted by Thomas Gasior MMR.Our sponsor for this episode is the Tunnel, the same size as the mountain scenery.The TCD and Crossing Gate crew also take a moment to remember our friend Craig Bisgeier.
We talk about layout design versus a track plan. We list some solid points for creating a layout with a life beyond the construction phase. If you want to get into operations or plan a design for operations, our crew has some life lessons to help you in this endeavor. Crew members for this episode include Joe Binish, Greg Dahl, Dan Dossa, Larry Eggering, David Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR.The Helix sponsors this episode.
The crew discusses Staging yards. The ones they built and the ones they used on other layouts. What makes a good staging yard, and what are some things to avoid when designing a staging yard. Do staging yards even matter anymore in modern layout designs? The Angry Railfan sponsors this episode. Plus the usual bloopers.The crew includes Joe Binish, Larry Eggering, David Hamilton MMR, Mike Jordan, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR.
The crew discusses the projects and things they like to do during the summer months. Attending conventions, maintaining the layout, and cleaning the workbench are all ideas to keep the model train mojo going. The cast of this episode: Dan Dossa, Larry Eggering, Milt Spanton, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR.Our friends at The Second Section Podcast sponsor this episode.
The crew discusses what is on their workbench, plus moving a project from start to completion. Cast of episode is Joe Binish, Larry Eggering, Mike Jordan, William Sampson, Ken Zieska and Thomas Gasior MMRThis episode is sponsored by the Model Railroading Bus.Plus the Curmudgeon drops by to gripe and the usual outtakes and sound bites after.
What makes operation so interesting?Does it keep people in the hobby?Does it improve your layout?Does having a small layout limit the size of your enjoyment?Join the crew as we discuss what we like about operations and how we try to encourage others to operate their layouts and join operating groups.Joe BinishLarry EggeringDavid Hamilton MMRMike JordanKen ZieskaThomas Gasior MMRMagic Blue Smoke sponsors this episode.Plus, the Curmudgeon stops by to gripe about Blue Box kits.
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