CTT's "special issue" of "More All Star Electric Trains"

[Anonymous]

Classic Toy Train magazine is once again offering a "special issue" entitled "More All Star Electric Trains". As a long time subscriber (I have every issue) I resent the magazine's decision to take articles which clearly should be included in the regular issues and instead consider them as somehow "special" and sell them for an additional $7.95 plus shipping ($6.95 if you order now or renew your subscription). I would rather see CTT publish 10 issues instead of 9 each year and increase the subscription price. Just don't try to trick me into purchasing "special issues" and "free" DVD's.

[Bob Keller]

For most of the 10 years I've been at CTT, we've been shifting from pure collector tales (i.e. Wall of Trains photos and tales of how somebody scooped up the good stuff for pennies in the olden days) to what people are doing with their trains and accessories, new and old. This is based on what our readers tell us and our continual surveys.

All-Star is a continuation of the first. Heavy on the old stuff, no new stuff. The first sold, so there will be a second. If there is a third, it will be because the second sold well. Roger Carp is the title's staff and there is no financial connection between All-Star and CTT. If it does well, thats swell. If it doesn't, that's no drag on CTT.

All-Star is a free standing title designed to give postwar fans more of what they want - material that is not within our scope.

[nblum]

I bought number one and will buy number two, despite not being a postwar collector. I just like reading about the stuff and its history, and the people involved therein. It's cheaper and takes up less space than collecting the stuff itself [:D]. One reason I prefer CTT is it's broad approach to the hobby and not ignoring the hobby's toy train roots.

[Anonymous]

It is always refreshing to read comments concerning the toy train magazines and the hobby in general. Sometime the comments are good, others can be critical and hopefully the publishers can learn from the experience. It is a shame that criticism should be censored by those who feel threatened which in turn leads to dull forums governed by the moderators opinion and dictates.

Concerning MASET, I agree with the writer and feel such articles could be incorporated into the regular CTT issue, especially as the current month is a little on the lean side!

[Bob Keller]

Postwar-focused articles are in every issue, we just run a diverse lineup of overall topics. Vintage trains is just one of several categories we insert in each issue.

[trigtrax]

As long as you keep that nasty HO stuff out of the magazine you're OK by me.
[soapbox] [:D]

[Anonymous]

Amen! And by the way, I'm willing to pay a little more for more stuff and 12 issues a year!

But I will buy the special issues anyway.....

[Anonymous]

"Just don't try to trick me into purchasing "special issues" "

Huh? Is someone making you buy the "special" issue? (let alone "tricking you" into buying the special issue). If the material isn't something you are interested in, don't let them "trick you" into buying it.

[dwiemer]

I love the magazine and also enjoy the specials, but I would like 12 issues if only for the fact that I go through withdrawls when we skip a month. I know, with a relatively small staff, that you are limited, but it would be nice. I think that the quality is worth the price, and more, and perhaps that is why we need more.
Thanks,
Dennis

[Jumijo]

I agree with you, Dennis. 12 issues would be great.

I'm very interested in the "More All Star Electric Trains" special, but I will wait to look it over at the hobby shop first. Last year's didn't appeal to me for some reason.

Jim

[Bob Keller]

Thanks for the comments. Actually, it isn't the staff size or available material, but the math of advertising and additional costs when we an an issue. Both subscribers and advertisers tend to balk. We would, if we could ...

[dwiemer]

No problem Bob, I for one think you guys do a fantastic job. Just got the latest issue today and as usual, it is impressive. I know there are a whole littany of reasons that y'all can't put out more issues, but I only state that I would like 12 issues because it is something I look forward to. Keep up the great work. Also, thanks for you and all the guys being so accessible and responsive to your readers.
Dennis