The Crossing Gate. Model railroad discussion‪.‬ Twin Cities Division NMRA

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 MMR

The 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.