Interesting Statistic

[Anonymous]

MTH catalog announcement on this website gets 2 hits in an hour
on the ogr website its gets 89 hits in the same time.

Where is everybody?

rat

[spankybird]

working

[Big_Boy_4005]

Here's a theory, buying MTH trains isn't a high priority for this group. Or perhaps with all of the dual memberships, they heard it there first, and didn't bother to look at it here.

I'll share a little secret with you, and I'm not trying to be flip or rude. I don't usually look at any of the manufacturers catalogs anymore, so I never look at those announcements in the forum either. Sorry.

[nblum]

In this transition period I find myself reading both the CTT and this forum and posting to neither most of the time, and reading only a handful of threads. Two forums is one more than I really have time or need for. My impression is that most folks have at least temporarily primarily kept up with the OGRR Forum. It will be more revealing to see where the posts are after June 1st when habit runs up against a credit card charge of $18.00[:D].

[FJ and G]

Rat,

Don't be discouraged from posting here. However, I'm not that interested in purchasing more trains either and the "new trains" announcements don't really interest me . On OGR, they seem to be more into the buying frenzy. But perhaps someone on CTT will someday be interested? Patience my friend, patience.

dave vergun

[FJ and G]

Neil,

So June 1st is the magic date? I replied to one topic on OGR today and wondered why I could still do it. So after June 1, the door will be slammed shut. guess I better not let the door hit me on my way out.

[Anonymous]

I only deal with TMCC, and have no desire to check out MTH's stuff. I have heard way to many horror stories to waste my time with the stuff. That and their problems with delievery have convinced me to avoid this stuff like the plague. Bill

[Buckeye Riveter]

I don't know much about the statistics, but I will tell you that this past weekend I tried to look at both forums using a dial up connection instead of my home's cable connection.

HOW do you guys with dial up stand it! It takes forever for these forums to load.

[Jim Duda]

Why...we work on trains while it loads...(wink) I'm slowed by a 26400 dial up at home. Try transitioning from a T1 (at work) to the home box...Aaaaarrrrgggghhh!

Jim (PATIENCE is my middle name) Duda

[Anonymous]

Ratpak
Not many responses here to topics because the members on THIS forum don"t need to show everybody how smart they are! We all enjoy our trains here and don't need to have a post number in the thousands to be part of the group.
True there are less responses on this forum but there is a lot less *** and politics here! Most posts on the ogr forum are a lot of nonsense nothing to do with trains.But best of all NO rich melvin! with his big ego !
4567 Martin

[ben10ben]

QUOTE: Most posts on the ogr forum are a lot of nonsense nothing to do with trains.

Not to continue striking the deceased equine, but I feel the need to comment on this.

The first page of the main forum shows 50 topics, of which only one is no way related to trains.

Martin, I continue to notice you making totally false generalizations about the OGR forum. Before making such a statement in the future, it would be greatly appreciated if you would take the time to take a look over there.

By the way, any and all political discussions are PROMPTLY deleted on OGR.

[Anonymous]

Nitpicking. The "hits" have picked up as the day wore on. I think the
difference here is that more people actually work on their trains and
projects than spend the entire day on the PC inflating post counts
and endlessly rehashing the CTT versus OGR feud. I believe others
have addressed this topic as well. Looks like the same old, same
old just disguised with another thread name. :(

I wonder how many bosses realize that their employees are sitting
in their workspaces not working? :0

There also seems to be a lot less "armchair quarterbacking" and
more actual work being done on model pikes at this site than the
competitor's where "planning", "product evaluating", and "critiquing"
never ends.

Anyway...Bravo for Mike. He has some nice items out there. Hope
to see some of them at York when I do my "window shopping". As
I said in the catalog thread...after I see the Docksider in person I
will be better able to decide whether to purchase one if it fits my
needs. It looks good on the 'Net.

[eZAK]

ratpak,

Why are you posting here?

On the other forum you said "...the CTT forum is a real yawner."

Trying to stir up trouble?

Here is what else ratpak had to say:
"but I just can't get excited about the CTT forum."
& refering to OGR " Forgetting the 18 fee, I just think this forum is much better."

Maybe people over here just don't give a rat pak about MTH. [:)]

[brianel027]

Well if we are all such a "yawn" over here, no one is forcing anyone to be over here.

It's really not a matter of one forum versus another to me. For those who are itching for a fight, I suppose it is.

On the subject of MTH... I have nothing but respect for Mike Wolf. I enjoy seeing the new MTH catalogs, as I do the others. But I'm not too excited of the MTH catalogs either. Railing stuff was always a tad on the big side. And now they're using the old premiere line tooling for much of the Railkiing stuff, so that means no more Railking purchases from me. I was really excited about the Rugged Rails line, but there's a good spot to insert the word "yawn." There hasn't been not one single new Rugged Rails car since the line was introduced, other than those coming in train sets. And I'm not wild about locosound or speed control. I could buy something with locosounds but I will NEVER buy anything with speed control.

So I will enjoy seeing the new MTH offerings. But I also know I will more than likely not be buying anything either, unless there are new non-scale offerings without electronics and in some contemporary roadnames.

I've been wishing MTH would take some of the best of the previous non-scale Railking engines like the SD90MAC, leave out the electronics and banner them under the Rugged Rails line. I'm not flush with cash right now, but I'll find a way to buy a non-speed control, non-locosounds SD90MAC in Norfolk Southern!!! YEAH!!!

I have a sneaking feeling though, this will be just one more engine I will have to build for myself.

Another interesting statistic: aside from the more expensive service station sets there hasn't been not one starter type engine from Lionel or K-Line in CSX, CP Rail, NS, Conrail or BNSF in over 11 years - aside from the sub- quality, ove- priced CR U36B and the horrifically ugly blue colored truck MP-15 in CSX from K-Line.

Yet when I go to train shows with MY custom trains, the kids ALL recognize Conrail, Norfolk Southern and CSX!! The parents ask where can they buy those?!!! (Nowhere of course). The kids don't have a clue what the PRR, NYC, NKR, Wabash etc are. But that's what gets offered. (Other than ATSF, UP and Chessie - the only near current roads offered.)

I think that's far more curious and interesting.

You may now yawn. [:D]

[nitroboy]

I am also not to interested in buying new trains. With the exception of a WIlliams Norfolk Southern in the near future. I like looking at the new catalogs, but thats about it. The stuff MTH and Lionel put out are just out of my price league. Nice looking stuff, just too pricey.

I have a hard time understanding the OGR / CTT issue. I was a OGR reader until this fee issue came up, and until then, haven't really heard about the other forums. I am actually glad the fee is being instituted. It made me find a forum that actually talks about the trains I like. For example, I posted on OGR and this forum a question about Ives trains. No response on OGR at all. Here, several responses. The atmosphere here is very freindly, and I will be here for as long as I am able.

Dave

[Anonymous]

Well, I found the Tinplate Traditions buildings interesting. I'm sorry to see Lionel let theri prewar heritage go but if MTH is the guy that makes them then I'll buy them. On the other hand, MTH can really streatch out their actual shipping dates so its hard to get too excited over stuff that could take years to get here.

[ChiefEagles]

Interesting to see all this conversation. Now I have never visited OGR so I will not discuss that one. Do not know why OGR keeps coming up on this forum. If OGR is so improtant, go there and stay. What is $18 for a place that some of these folks seem to love [they talk about it a lot]. As for BS, I will say good morning to folks [simular to the OGR Refugee] and we will have some fun while talking trains. Don't like it, don't read it. Who gives a D--n how many hits are from what board to what on line Catalog. What is the contest? Enjoy this board and share info. If you can't stand this, go somewhere else.

[cnw1995]

That's interesting, Brianel. In our neck of the woods, in northwest suburban Chicago, everything is UP (and Metra) - and there is a direct correlation between recognition of these paint schemes among the youngsters of my acquaintance -and their interest in something on the layout - though they are also attracted to just plain 'cool' schemes - usually colorful (ACL, FEC, fantasy).

I too wi***here was something new in Rugged Rails.

[brianel027]

Thanks Doug... I'll take my example a little further. I had this portable layout that I've mentioned that I took to shows and whereever I got an invite, like at retirement homes, open houses, etc.

Here in the northeast, we had some of the most colorful railroads. It's sure tough to beat the color variety of the Lehigh Valley, a big favorite of mine. I have LV locos in the "snowbird" scheme, the "yellowjacket" scheme, the yellow "cigar band" scheme as well as many variations of Cornell red. I have New Haven locos in the great and varied McGinnis schemes. Jersey Central in the Coast Guard scheme. Reading in their attractive yellow and green scheme. And others.

Yet it was when the drab uncolorful black Norfolk Southern locos and the all blue Conrail locos hit the rails that the kids all took notice. I've done enough of these shows, and the results were constant and consistant: kids liked Norfolk Southern over anything else because they SEE NS engines. Even over the more attractive Lehigh locos, Norfolk Southern was the winner hands down. Even over the more colorful Chessie System. Again, it was no competition. NS beat Chessie as did Conrail!!!

Yet the last time K-Line offered a starter type loco in NS was 1989-90. The last time K-Line offered a cataloged Conrail loco was 1990. The last affordable Conrail set from Lionel was 1993. The others offered since were Service Station sets, and therefore can't be considered "affordable."

I defy anyone to go to a public display where kids will be present and to run a current loco that they might have a chance to actually see versus one from a railroad that's been long gone for decades (ie: litterally any starter set engine made today by Lionel or K-Line) and see what happens. Sure, kids like steam engines. But the current roads that they see are the color schemes that get the attention and draw the most reaction.

I will note the ONLY exception to what I have seen is the ATSF war bonnet scheme. Before I repainted mine to NS, kids would notice the war bonnet loco under the layout and ask if I would run that one. That is something I find utterly amazing... we all know the war bonnet scheme has always been popular. It almost symbolizes the best period of Lionel. But it remains popular to this day (even with kids who have never heard of the ATSF) and could possibly be the most beloved train paint scheme of all time.

[wallyworld]

This statistic strikes me like a trivia quiz question that would be interesting only if I worked for MTH in marketing and even then it would not be such a very big concern that I would lose any sleep over it. If you trying to indirectly indicate that OGR is a more effective marketing site, who cares? I cast my vote for not reading anymore of these OGR vs CTT postings which have nothing to do with my enjoying trains and discussing them. .

[darsenau]

It would certainly be better if we were able to read more about TRAINS and less about other forums.
I do not post much, I mostly read and soak up information. Who cares what other forums do or say, lets talk TRAINS.

[louglatzer]

Isn't it wonderful that we are such an eclectic society. Everybody has something significant to say which the rest of model railroaders are anxiously awaiting to hear; from dissing MTH (Ho Hum - yet why do my 3 MTH engines work flawlessly for 3 years?) to Kalmbach-based snootiness (snotiness?) about TOY (oh my G-d!) trains which any railroad nazi knows are not really models worth looking at. Might I venture facetiously that there could be a correlation between CTT (Kalmbach) readers and a disinterest in realism, prototype operation, detailing, and anything that is not Lionel (does Kalmbach have money invested in distinct hiRail - O-gauge interests?). And by the way, if I buy an engine for $700-$1200 how could I possibly afford an $18 yearly fee (OGR) to discuss my wonderful hobby? Obsess, gentlemen, Obsess![}:)]

[Anonymous]

Hits are not an accurate way to gage web-site visits, because hits also include how many pictures a visitor sees during his stay on the site. A more accurate method is to only count daily web-site visits.
Bill
www.modeltrainjournal.com

[Anonymous]

bennie10ben,
Many of your statements on OGR forum have been inaccurate too. Martin has always been a good member and I agree with him 100%.

pax[C):-)]

[Big_Boy_4005]

Easy guys, this was a rather silly topic to begin with, let's not make it ugly too.

BERGIE IS A FRIEND OF MINE. HE has the power to lock topics and end them forever.

All I have to do is ask him. Please, don't make me ask!!!

[Anonymous]

You're right BigBoy!

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks Joe, we're having fun this morning.[;)]

[Anonymous]

Getting back to the question in the original post, I rarely look at new train announcements on this forum or any other. If you have married daughters, you'll understand that I'm still recovering in the pocketbook from mine's December '03 wedding. It was a great event, but boy are weddings expensive! So, all my train purchases, which are few, are used items, which suit me fine. The new stuff everybody is buying now will be more reasonably priced in five years or so.

[Anonymous]

I looked at the catolog online, but it was just the pre war stuff. I was hoping like some others to see some more offerings in the other O O27 lines. Now someone mentioned K-Lines bottom level MP15 in CSX..I have one I got in the mid 80's in CHESSIE (C&O) and up until I derailed a caboose while powered up with the 275W ZW transformer. I instantly (for those who don't know how fast "instantly" is: Instantly is the time it takes for the caboose to derail the train stops and smoke comes out of the hood of the MP15. Faster than Flatulence... I wound up with a very melted electronic reversing PCB. After playing on K Lines web page I finally wrote an email, and was quoted a 28 bucks plus shipping price for the PCB. I went to the GATS show two weeks ago, found the friendly parts vender. Inquired if he had ANY electronic Reverse PCB and he handed me one that was identical. I said how much? Twelve bucks. I spent about 7 minutes with the soldering iron, and PRESTO ! the old MP15 roared around at Mach 2 or whatever they are geared for like new. I felt like the hero of the hour! I FIXED MY OWN ELECTRONIC TRAIN. just like the old days with Lionel parts and relays that almost anybody could learn to work on. Think I'll quit while I'm ahead as far as electronic work goes..

Bill

[brianel027]

Continuing on the topic of trains.... [^]

Hey Bill, if you ever need another e-unit circuit board, I have loads of them. I run a good number of my locos on DC current with boards removed and notice far better running and operation. Poor man's speed control, I call it - and I'm sticking with it.


It was I who mentioned the CSX MP-15... you probably have the earlier version. Both versions look identical except the version from 2 years ago has painted trucks. And although later K-Line product has better applied paint/graphics, those blue trucks looked like a sore thumb. K-Line issued a CSX set but available as separate pieces only around 1989-90.

I'm surprised you had the board go bad on you like that with just a simple derailment... must have been a defective board? Gee, I've had a few spotty derailments here and there but never had a K-Line e-unit circuit board burn out on me. I Did see it happen to a Lionel engine once at a train show... wasn't much of a commercial for Lionel since loads of folks were watching (and smelling it!) ... it was a brand new loco too. But I suppose it could have been anyone's product these days.

It's not too hard to replace the circuit boards, but be forwarned that athough the Lionel and K-Line basic e-unit boards are interchangable, the colors of the wires are different and therefore get wired differently.