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 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 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.