The Crossing Gate. Model railroad discussion.

#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 i

#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

#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

#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 mo

#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 opera

#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 Thoma

#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. Al

#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

#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-o

#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. tcd

#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

#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 c

#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 basem

#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. O

#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 Gas

#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

#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.

#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 d

#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

#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 e