Goodbye and Goodluck Mr. Keller

[Bob Keller]

I just want to say thanks to everyone. Who knows what the future holds? I’ll be an optimist!

[dlagrua]

I would not say that CTT's management is worthless. They are a business that is just reacting to a shrinking hobby world. I am sad to see Bob go and I enjoyed his articles. All we can do is wish him well on his future endeavors. If you look at a competitive publication they have been downsizing as well. Sign of the times.

[Banks]

So long, good luck. Stop in and keep us posted

[Penny Trains]

We're going to miss you! 

[brianel027]

Bob Keller wrote elsewhere: Just to clarify, "relieved of duties" sounds so ominous. My position was elminated. A business decision was made to fit the resources available and I can't argue with it. The market (and world) is changing and this is a case where there is nobody to blame.

The hobby and landscape of the hobby certainly has changed in the past decade. Major train retailers have shut their doors. Train makers, that from the outside, appeared successful are no more. The remaining train makers have all downsized staff. And as a result, the train magazines too, have gotten thinner.

The last time I bought CTT was years ago: It was the issue with the article on the early years of MPC production with box cars and tank cars. I have absolutely no interest in the new scale trains nor any real interest in the control systems outside of LionChief and LC+. And lately it seems the vast majority of reviews and articles are on the newer scale trains. Or to the other extreme, on postwar collectibles and variations.

I personally would love more articles on the MPC years. And more on the influential underdog of the hobby, MARX. And lots of other companies that are no longer with us. I do understand that a magazine has to cater to the broadest number of readers, which means variety. But like I said, lately it just seems to be mostly large scale layout profiles and scale product reviews. Given how actually small the scale 3-rail market is, it would not be a surprise to me if CTT circulation was down.

And I understand that this scale stuff is the "new" thing, and that's what a periodical would naturally cover: The newest thing. But given the millions of trains that were made during the postwar and MPC years, they haven't just vanished. Even during the MPC years, production runs could approach ten thousand for one item. Compare that to the current runs of a few hundred to a couple thousand. I think the majority of people in the hobby are still what are called "traditional" modelers. Really though, that's a dumb word. If you say Lionel, it means the same thing... traditionally proportioned trains, which has been the overwhelming bulk of Lionel's production. The new stuff to me, is just over-sized HO with none of the magic of the ealier trains.

But you wouldn't know that from reading the train forums. It appears the whole hobby has gone digital and scale. Just one minor glitch: It hasn't.

Nonetheless, there have been significant changes. At one time, more people had trains, just fewer of them. Today, it's fewer people making up for their childhood's by owning more trains. For the short term, it's good for the manufacturers. For long term growth of the hobby, it's anything but good.

That's why we see SO many postwar and MPC trains for sale. It's not that no one wants them and that there is no longer a market for them. There's just too many trains and not enough individual buyers. Some say this is the best of times, the new golden age of the trains. It some ways, it is the best of times, but it is just as easily the worst of times. The 3-rail market is so fragmented today with so many sub-niches. No normal hobby shop can afford to stock everything, outside of the big mail order venues. Then we complain about shipping costs. And on top of that, just simply not enough participants to support the diversity and quantities of this 3-rail hobby.

Outside of Menards, list prices for traditional rolling stock is nearly equal if not exceeding prices for the far more complex scale stuff, which defies explanation. We've been told for years that US production would raise prices, yet the LionScale products are priced lower than foreign made tradtional train cars. Huh?

The active hobby base is aging. People move more frequently, often due to jobs. And then people rent instead of own. More kids are being raised in single parent households who often do not have the extra time and money for a hobby like trains.

So I too am sorry to see Bob Keller have to go. I'm not trying to make light of it at all. There's a human cost to every business decision of this kind. But as Bob remarked above the market is changing. And unfortunately, I think there will be more inevitable shake ups to come.

I wish you luck in your future endeavors Bob.

 

[Firelock76]

Thanks 'Devil!

I sent a message through the "Our Magazine" section on the website, respectful, since it goes to the editor and I'm sure this is not his fault, but expressing how angry I am over this.

Which section of the "Big K" website did you utilize?  Maybe two shots from two angry Jersey guys might have some effect!

[anjdevil2]

Firelock - Fitting Tribute!!

I have send a correspondance through the big K website, doubtful I'll get a response, but we shall see.

It has been said before, Bob was the face and the embodiement of CTT.  To "eliminate" one's position with that kind of stature is just bad business.

Salute to you, Bob, thank you for your friendship, your knowledge and your humor.  You will be missed, greatly so.

ANJDevil....

[Firelock76]

This one's for Bob.  Hope he sees it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHOq6Sl9u38

Thanks for your service sir!

[Postwar Paul]

Very sorry to hear !

Good luck, Bob Keller ! You have given us so much !

Many people I have enjoyed reading over the years, and I respect your reviews, and insights.

I have also enjoyed Terry Thompson, Kent Johnson, and I miss the heck out of John Gramms. 

Still a great magazine,but you'll leave a void.

Paul

 

[sir james I]

Bob was told on Monday that his last day was today. He was CTT to us. If you go back a few years you can see how much staff has been removed along with half the pages. Not a good sign.

Bob I hope you do well and just maybe come out of this better off.

S.J.

[Firelock76]

I just saw the "Coffee Pot."  Read my comment.  See if you agree.

[watinva]

I found this out in the Coffee Pot Posting and Mr. Keller posted that his job had indeed been eliminated. I also found this very hard to believe.

[Firelock76]

WHAT THE #&!!!  Where did you hear that?  He just posted a new "Bob's Train Box" video eight hours ago!  Are you sure you're not mistaken?

Bob sure doesn't look like someone who's getting the axe on that video, he's hi usual upbeat self, although admittedly I haven't watched the whole thing yet.

[watinva]

I was sadden to see that Mr. Bob Keller's job has been eliminated. I have really enjoyed Bob's Train Box and Mr. Keller's ability to share his toy train knowledge in a user friendly manner. I have enjoyed CTT mag for many years but have been debating if I should renew at the end of the year. It is folks like Mr. Keller that make CTT what it is. Thank you CTT for making my deceision to renew or not easy as I will let my subscribtion expire. Good luck to you Mr. Keller in your future adventures and thanks again for all you have done for the toy train hobby.