The Crossing Gate. Model railroad discussion.

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 new catagories and discuss how to earn these certificates on the journey to Master Model Railroader.

This episode features Greg Dahl, David Hamilton MMR, MIke Jordan, and Thomas Gasior MMR as the host.

Our sponsor this episode is Hired Hecklers for your next Operation session.

Plus the usual outtakes and bloopers. 

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.org

Ken Zieska and Thomas Gasior MMR discus what you can expect to experience when attending the Modelers Meet.

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 entire layout, just starting over scene by scene. 

Operations play a big role in the planning and development of a new layout, and upgrading an older basement filler.

Neil Maldeis MMR, Ken Zieska, and Thomas Gasior MMR are featured in this episode.

Our sponsor is Winter Weather for your train show.

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 sponsored by The Model Railroaders who don't like changes in the hobby.

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 end of the operations spectrum with his San Pedro packing district showing what can be done with N scale as a shelf layout. Operations and scenery are packed into both layouts so take a listen and tell us about your N scale endeavors.

Ken Borowski MMR, Greg Terhaar, and Thomas Gasior MMR make up the dicussion panel.

Our sponsor this episode is the one of the many FORBIDDEN words of Model Railroading. FINISHED!

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 operate at all.

Check out our Facebook group and share with us your layout improvements.

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 by Model Railroad Event Swag.

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 this episode.

Our sponsor is Uncle Dan's Rastafarian Smoke Fluid.

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 ideas for picking the next project that needs attention.

This episode is sponsored by the Gerrymandered NMRA Division.

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 discussions, making changes to paperwork before track, and what the future holds.

The Local Modular Club sponsors this episode

Special guest appearance by John Witthaus. Honk, Honk.