OGR Website RIP

[Anonymous]

Well, effective in May, OGR is charging $18.00 to use their site. That would seem fair, except today I can't get into their site. I guess I will pass and use other free sites. [?]

[cwburfle]

I will not be participating. I could see limiting access to OGR subscribers, but I cannot see charging a fee just to use the board.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Welcome back to the other side of the tracks guys. Its been a little quiet around here lately!

The truth is, I subscribe to both magazines, and am a member of both websites, but for a nimber of reasons have been much more comfortable over here. The decision to charge for the OGR forum, may very well be the death of it, and those that choose to pay will find the conversation much less fun and interesting without the voices of those who don't.

[spankybird]

Good morning all,

I have read the OGR form over the years, just joined this year. I notice the question of Newbies and are they willing to pay $18.00 for one question – one answer. Will they pay that or look else ware. I think new blood is the life that keep the form going. I’m still new here. I joined last year, but didn’t post until this year. I don’t know if I would have paid $18.00 to do that.

Time will tell.

tom

[Anonymous]

Just bid the OGR Forum adios. I participated for about four years ...mostly just checked the topics every now and then to see if there was something that could help me. When I'd post a question I seldom got any replies. Seemed to be more of a clique than anything else.......but that's just me.... Bottom line is, I would not pay 18 bucks on top of a magazine subscription. I still subscribe to OGR along with Model Railroader and CTT and I'll continue to take all three until the OGR subscription runs out ...then I'll probably let it drop. John Harding

[brianel027]

Without doubt the OGR Forum gets more action than over here. More members, and members who are very active posters. There has been discussion over there for sometime about this fee thing happening.

But along with member Alan Miller I am profoundly bothered by the name calling, under the so-called premise of having fun. Many of the scale guys on the OGR Forum have become more fussy, more demanding and more picky than any HO modeler I have ever met. The term "weenie" fits these O scale guys far better! I read the recent posting over there on the whole "weenie" topic and found it disgusting. How guys that can be so smart on topics of train technology and control can act or say things that are so stupid, narrow-minded and ignorant is beyond me.!!

That and I strongly feel the hobby should be more INCLUSIVE, not EXCLUSIVE!
Whether you choose "traditional" trains or scale, whether you run TMCC or DCS, or don't use digital control at all, whether you're a tinplater or a hirailer, whether you just buy Lionel, or K-Line or MTH - OR have no brand loyalty. EVERYONE should be made to feel like they are part of the hobby. Put downs and insults on modelers who make different choices don't help the hobby.

Granted, the opinions of a few individuals don't represent the whole of the hobby. And even with the active group of members over there, they still do not represent the "whole" of this hobby. I know many modelers, 027 guys who don't buy scale or control, who are too busy to be posting on a train forum everyday. They have kids, jobs and constraints on their time that comes with all that.

I respect much of the knowledge that guys over there (as well as over here) have on different aspects of the hobby. MTH has acknowledged that members of the OGR Forum have been essential to working through problems with DCS. Which is terrific. What isn't terrific is the predominant attitude that if you don't use "control" and don't model in perfect prototypical "scale" then you don't know how to run trains.

Trains have been non-command and non-scale for nearly 90 years and the hobby has made it this far. The new technological and scale advances obviously open new doors and have brought in new blood to the hobby. But I have as much fun with my trains without any of these advances.

I don't knock those who choose scale or command control. Why some of those folks feel it necessary to knock those who don't is the exact and only reason I stopped posting over on the other Forum, money or not.

[Bob Keller]

We certainly welcome any newcomers (to the hobby or our website).

We've been on-line since 1996 providing monthly product news updates.

We're the only toy train magazine posting on-line videos of many of the locomotives we test for the magazine.

We post additional editorial content (where appropriate) to supplement what's in the magazine.

We have a free monthly newsletter that will clue you in to any breaking news stories.

We have on-line PDF files for each year of publication and a PDF file to help you find which issue of CTT a specific locomotive or product was reviewed in.

And of course we have a forum.

And while I'd hate to go out on a limb and say we'd never charge for accessing the website – I'm not aware of any movement to do so. Kelly Shaw and I do most of the grunt work for the web and it isn't a significant drain on our magazine time.

Thanks to the folks already participating on our forum, and welcome to those just looking around!

[eZAK]

I think OGR may be making a fatal error.

I myself and alot of others are taking a wait and see stance as lurking there will still be free for now.
If enough members refuse to pay, the value of the site will drop.

Here is what you get for $18;
Web hosting of pictures. (this can be easily found on the web for free)

Good advice & solution to problems. (With a little effort this also can be done for free through the web and other forums) (Hopefully this one)

Possible inter-action with the toy train importers. (This will only work if their answers are truthful and to the point. No side stepping)

On another note; If you are coming over from the 'other forum' Please try to use your same sign in name so that I and others can identify with you.

Pat Zak

[Anonymous]

" ....members who are very active posters"

I've enjoyed and appreciated what I consider to be the more "open" and "courteous" discussions found here.

I do have to say that I'd enjoyed many of the discussions and topics from quite a number of the posters on OGR. As well as all the helpful tips and suggestions. However I found that came at a stiff price to begin with. Over "there" a post about smoke fluid alternatives, quality control problems, poor customer service or modern day toy train prices will get your topic deleted pronto. And in the few cases that it does not the cantankerous types start berating your level of involvment, what they thinkg your income bracket is or the "hidden agenda/reasoning" behind your stance.

IMO that problem will only increase as those paying to join "the club" will now feel even more entitled to behvae that way.

[Anonymous]

I lurk on both boards. I find the information here to be more technical and more helpful.

My lurking days at OGR will end when the fee begins. By the way. I ONLY subscribe to CTT !

Jeff

[Anonymous]

I was one of OGR's more perdominant posters. I think they shot them self in the foot with this move.....


Chris-The Train Kid.

[JFermani]

I've been a member of the OGR forum since 2000 and only have 300-400 posts. In no way is $18 worth it for a few posts a year. A lot of people on that forum do not have high posts so I would be surprised if a lot of them pay. Only a few posters have high counts. Maybe this can become the next premier fourm. I've been a member here for awhile but I think my participation will be increasing. I already pay for the internet, I do not want to have to pay to access a forum. My budget won't allow it. Anyway, glad to see some familiar faces from the other side of the tracks. [:D]

I am looking forward to see what happens in June. In the meantime - Lets talk trains here!

[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

Thanks for coming to this forum. As my co-worker Bob Keller mentioned above, everyone is welcome. We've never had to censor anything on the CTT forum or kick anyone off the CTT forum, but the usual rules about appropriate language and being civil to each other apply. If you have any specific questions about CTT, you can send me an email directly at [e-mail].

Sincerely,
Neil Besougloff
editor, CTT

[MartyE]

I think the RIP is a bit early. Although the issue of charging for posting abilities may prove me wrong. I'll probably spend the $18 and see what I get for my dollar and decide after the first year if it was worth it. Already having Lionel in a special web session is a positive sign.

That being said though, I have already joined the this and other forums so I can keep in touch with the friends that decided to move on. I respect their reasons regrdless of what they are.

So I shall keep in touch my friends. This is a blessing in disquise as I have found 2 other forums to belong too as well. I already knew and belong to this one for a while.

And if I'm not mistaken, Mr. Keller used to be part of the Compuserve TrainNet Forum. Good to see he has done so well for himself.

MartyE

[Anonymous]

You may have a big jump in posters in the next couple of months since a lot of the OGR people are not staying on board with the fee charge. I didn't like the tone of some who said that $18.00 was "chump change", indicating that everybody could just jump right in a pay the fee no questions asked. Let's see: I subscribe to OGR, CTT, Garden Railways; belong to two garden railway clubs, LGB club, etc., etc. - and I'm RETIRED!!! The buck has to stop someplace. MLS started charging a fee for their website and LSOL got me a few years ago with a fee. So, by now $18.00 is not "chump change" - it's a pain in the rear.[:(]

[FJ and G]

I will be coming over here and visiting a few other forums (I go to Model Railroader's forum for scenery and track tips, posting under FJ&G, despite being a 3-railer myself). I'd like to continue meeting some of the ex-OGR crowd, wherever they might be as it once upon a time was the best forum to visit. But all good things must end.

Dave Vergun

[FJ and G]

I feel a lot better now. I just did my final post on OGR, wishing everyone the best. On to some new forums now.

Dave Vergun

[JFermani]

Dave,

Glad to see you moved over. I always liked your posts on OGR and look forward to reading more over here.

Joe

[Anonymous]

I said goodbye to the OGR forum a while ago, too. Nice to see familiar names on-board here. Even though I don't like the term "toy train" (right, Neil?), I can live with it.

[Anonymous]

Well I just made my first post here, I feel that forums are not forums unless there is free access. I think the people make a forum what it is. I am into Scale but like pre-war Lionel also so you will not get any flak from me if you are into those great trains of our youth, or your Dads youth[:)]. JIM

[Anonymous]

I have just come over from the "other Furom" website and will now look forward to interacting and posting on this website forum. [8D]

[nblum]

Nothing against the OGRR Forum (where I am simply NEIL), which I've benefited from and enjoyed, but it has always been possible to discuss the trials and tribulations of this turbulent industry over here (CTT), but not over there (OGRR). There are potentially extraordinary changes taking place in this industry and hobby (some you've heard about and a few not).

As hobbiests or amateur toy train historians and philosophers :), those who are interested in these issues should be able to have a civil discussion of what's going on in the three rail world, IMO. If this is the place where that can be done, more power to CTT and this forum.

I've always been a big fan of CTT since their first issue many years ago now. I hope to see this forum become an even busier and more dynamic place than before. Welcome to the OGRR refugees ;). I hope OGRR Forum continues to do well also with its new business model. But the potential for large numbers and free discussion, and friendliness to newbies is greater now here, IMO.

[Craignor]

Folks,

Hi guys, I too have just come over from the OGR Forum.

I subscribe to both CTT and OGR.

I like to run Scale, Semi-Scale, Pre-War, Modern, Toy, Command Control, DCS, TMCC, Proto 1, Conventional, Traction, you name it!

If its O-Gauge, I am going to like it.[:)]

I just finished my basement and built a new 8x16 layout. Here is a photo.

[GPJ68]

Hello, my name is GPJ, and I was an OGR'aholic......

It's kinda cool actually, leaving that "other" forum and finding so many familar names now here. While I'm not exactly a prolific poster, I do read quite a few and tend to go on a posting "binge" every now and then. And since I fall into the "Toy Train" category more-so than a "Rivet Counter", I'm guessing I'll fit in a little better here as well.

And an early "Thanks!!" to CTT for providing a free access forum for train enthusiasts to meet and discuss all the goings-on in the hobby.

[tsu sam]

I signed up here a little while ago, I think, and looks like I will be checking in more regularly. I did so because of the tie in to the other mags associated with CTT. I have just renewed my subscribtion to CTT, and had finally signed up for an OGR subscribtion. Now I am supposed to pay for OGR forum too. To be honest, the Kalmbach websites are way more informative than OGR's website (not talking about the forums), and they are free! Doesn't bother me to be seen ona toy site, cause I do it for fun, not to get twisted up over someone elses approach, though I love the brass steam engines and accuracy. I'm into ATSF, Frisco, Katy, steam and diesel. Also love the small scenic railroads (Branson Scenic, North Arkansas & Missouri, Arkansa &Oklahoma, etc) and class II local rails. Anyway, Hello.

[Anonymous]

Hi Guys,
I have come over as well. I have subscribed to CTT for a lot longer than OGR. It is not because I can't afford the 18 bucks, I just feel that if you support the magazine, you should get some return. I will probably drop OGR over this issue, as one magazine on toy trains is enough for me. Not to butter up our new hosts, but I actually prefer CTT better anyway.

[chorst01]

As I said over there, some consideration needs to be given those who subscribe to the mag. I subscribe to CTT also and find it an excellent contribution to the literature of model railroading. Hopefully the management of CTT will be more enlightened than over at OGR.

-chh

[johnnyc]

OGR forum is not dead yet , jus kinda smells funny . [swg] johnnyc

[Anonymous]

I BELONG TO BOTH FORUMS BUT AFTER JUNE 1 I WILL ONLY BE A MEMBER OF THIS ONE

[Phil1361]

Wow! All I can say is Wow!

This whole thing hasn't hit home yet. The OGR forum was such a big part of my life. I mean I would check it every day at home and then again when I'm at work. It is going to be weird not to post there anymore.

Hey Chris the train Kid it's good to see you over here.

Happy Railroading
Phil (Hudson J1e)