The Crossing Gate. Model railroad discussion.

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...

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...

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...

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, inc...

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, a...

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 ha...

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 com...

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...

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...

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 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,...

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...

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 hist...

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 Re...

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...

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 Doss...

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 usua...