Introducing a new column in CTT

Kent Johnson and David Popp keep the video action happening at our sister site, Model Railroader Video Plus.

It's not often Classic Toy Trains adds a column, but the February 2018 issue marks the debut of Kent's Johnson's Video Plus column. Kent, of course, was Senior Editor of Classic Toy Trains before he moved down the hall to the Model Railroader Video Plus initiative. There he has been very busy adding O and S gauge video content to the hundreds of hours of informative and entertaining railroading videos already on the site.

Here's the text of Kent's first column, with a link to a free preview playlist. 

VP perks for CTT readers

I’ve read that on average, a person changes jobs 12 times during his or her career. But when my most recent job change required me to swap my CAB-1 controller for an HD video camera, I never imagined parting from the endearing collective of CTT readers would leave such a void.

So when Editor Carl Swanson proposed a new CTT column, one that would allow me to reconnect to the devoted readers I’ve missed since becoming a producer for MRVideoPlus.com (MRVP), I immediately jumped at the opportunity! Just as quickly, I began tallying all the helpful, inspiring, fun, and even funny video efforts that have keep me engrossed with the video-streaming website since its launch in 2013. And yes, scores of the site’s 1000+ instructional videos are very much relevant to the topics covered in the pages of Classic Toy Trains magazine!

For example, if you liked CTT’s “Talkin’ Toy Trains with Kent & Carl”, MRVP’s Roundhouse series presents similar casual conversations with hobby notables. 

Is it CTT’s “Tips, Tools, & Techniques” you relish? Watch episodes of Off The Rails on MRVP, and you’ll discover ways to make your modeling easier.

If you’re looking for a familiar face, then you’ll be pleased to see episodes of Bob’s Train Box also appear on MRVP. 

For me, it’s all about the layouts! No surprise, many of the O and S gauge railroads showcased in Tracks Ahead on MRVP and in exclusive MRVP Layout Tours have been featured in CTT. 

All it takes to enjoy this treasure trove of game-changing hobby videos is an Internet–enabled TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone; a subscription to MRVP; and a few minutes of your time. 

Want to see for yourself? I’ve compiled a FREE VIDEO playlist you can use to sample the service. It’s available at MRVideoPlus.com/CTTPlaylist.#mce_temp_url#

- Kent Johnson

Subscribe today!

Not just for small-scale modelers! Embrace the toy train content. With your subscription to MRVP, you’ll have access to exclusive HD videos covering a wide range of toy train-related topics. Even better, you’ll enjoy:

• Authoritative modeling advice from notable contributors 

• Behind-the-scenes access to layout construction projects

• Layout visits, interactive track plans, and trackside adventures 

• And much more!

Sign up at MRVideoPlus.com/27deal