brianel027 wrote: ...The only thing that really gets my goat with CTT lately is the reviews and how the less-than-scale products take the rap and get points under the "CONS" for being under scale. Heck, in my book anything that is scale should have a mention under the "CONS" catagory for not being semi-scale or not being able to clear normal 027 turnouts. After all, isn't this Classic TOY Trains magazine, and not Classic Scale Trains magazine. The other thing that has been bugging me was Peter Riddle's observation in his otherwise excellent article, that everyone should start off in the hobby by buying a complete TMCC and D CS control system. That's just not a realistic thing for most young families to do who are buying a youngster a first train set, or are planning a first train layout. And actually borders on being a little elitist. This guy is a grandfather and has been in the hobby for years. The way HE operates and runs his trains and the way a newcomer will are probably two totally different stories. ...
...The only thing that really gets my goat with CTT lately is the reviews and how the less-than-scale products take the rap and get points under the "CONS" for being under scale. Heck, in my book anything that is scale should have a mention under the "CONS" catagory for not being semi-scale or not being able to clear normal 027 turnouts. After all, isn't this Classic TOY Trains magazine, and not Classic Scale Trains magazine.
The other thing that has been bugging me was Peter Riddle's observation in his otherwise excellent article, that everyone should start off in the hobby by buying a complete TMCC and D CS control system. That's just not a realistic thing for most young families to do who are buying a youngster a first train set, or are planning a first train layout. And actually borders on being a little elitist. This guy is a grandfather and has been in the hobby for years. The way HE operates and runs his trains and the way a newcomer will are probably two totally different stories.
...
Brianel027:
I pretty much agree with everything you said. I was in a LHS the other day(browsing for old stuff...) and a couple came in looking for a set for their grandson. I overheard the sales guy steer them to one of the Pennsy Flyer sets as something to get him started in. He told them to keep it simple and that if the kids' interests grew they could help him expand. I thought he offered good advise, considering they were still plunking down a couple hundred bucks for their g/son's first train (the grandma said "did you plan on spending that much?" Gramps just picked up the train and walked to the register!).
As for me, I run some pre and postwar stuff around the holidays until I one day build my permanent layout. I like scale detail and realism, but lack the room for 072 curves and 30ft straights, so scale 'O' is out for me. I figure that I can do a lot with scenery to accomplish in scale what I may not be able to with the actual trains. And unless I end up retrofitting my engines (maybe the GG-1 I'm putting together from parts), or purchase brand new stuff, I will probably not get into DCS or TMCC.
Jakeoregano (aka Dwayne)
Brianel makes several good points. I see the TMCC, and I think it's a great thing. IF you have that kind of interest and money. Speaking for myself, being "reborn" into this hobby, I couldn't have imagined the advances in technolgy. My first Lionel was, indeed, the NYC Flyer. The sounds from this entry level set amazed me (though now I wonder why my steamer sound like a diesel engine). I remember the air whistles and the chugachuga sounds and the like. My roster now includes the 2005 NYC, 2006 Pennsy Flyer, 2020 S-2 ('40's w/tender), '90's CNJ 2000 Blue (hey Dep, I have the box for this one), a 2037 & the 2002 Fire/Rescue. My rescue set sounds like a real steam engine. It is too awesome to describe. BUT if you notice, most of the things are pre-trainsounds/railsounds. This is my choice, again. I love the postwar stuff. TMCC may bring a DIFFERENT way to run trains, but I have no problem hangin' near the x-former and throttleing up & down as my limited terrain requires. I guess if I had more of a TMCC roster, it may sway my thinking. I cannot see, like brianel says, spending money on the upgrades, while the entry level stuff is so amazing. If you get into this awhile, time and money may allow you to go digital. For now, I just can't see it.
(and I got my CTT 2 weeks ago, label was half off, for the record, and it goes right to my PO Box).
I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.I am the venom in your skin --- Breaking Benjamin
I always enjoy my CTT even though I get it at the newstand and so get it a tad bit later than subscribers do. I don't know whether CTT mailed gets put in a plastic bag or something, but I like my issues to look good - not all banged up by our good friends in the USPS.
The only thing that really gets my goat with CTT lately is the reviews and how the less-than-scale products take the rap and get points under the "CONS" for being under scale. Heck, in my book anything that is scale should have a mention under the "CONS" catagory for not being semi-scale or not being able to clear normal 027 turnouts. After all, isn't this Classic TOY Trains magazine, and not Classic Scale Trains magazine.
It's completely unrealistic to expect newcomers to the hobby to immediately jump in head first and buy everything imaginable. And again, as I have said many a time, I would like to meet just one other hobbiest who has spent as much time as me talking to beginners and young families at out of the way shows and events where normal folks go... folks who are not already die-hard train hobbiests. From a decade of talking to these people, I can tell anyone first hand command control IS NOT a consideration or determining factor in introducing the hobby to newcomers.
I back up my own observations from talking with people with the fact that the New York Central Flyer steam set from Lionel has been a best selling for the best part of a decade. And then there's the tremendous success of the Polar Express set. If TMCC was essential for people to get into the hobby, then no one would have bought them.
That's not to say that the newcomer will not embrace the new technology at some future point, but you have to get them interested first. Remember folks, MOTHER's have a big say in the purse strings of many young families. Just mention the starting costs of modeling with digital control and you can watch the horror in her eyes as her face falls off. QUALITY, PLAY VALUE, AMOUNT OF TRACK INCLUDED and PRICE are far bigger determining factors for young families in the purchase of a train set and found Peter Riddle's recommendationfor beginners to be utterly unrealistic.
There are lots of kids who get guitars for CHRISTmas. But they don't get a Guild solid top, or a Martin Dreadnaught or a Les Paul custom... they get some knockoff cheap guitar from a department store. But maybe that's where the interest will start and maybe grow. Then when the kid gets older and more serious, he gets a better quality guitar.
The same is true for our train hobby.
I got nothing against the new scale stuff or the command stuff. It's great CTT reviews it. I just wish when traditionally sized items are reviewed, that the fact it isn't scale wasn't listed as a CON feature. Nothing wrong with mentioning this fact in the review text. But for some of us, undersized and semi-scale is a HUGE "PRO!
brianel, Agent 027
"Praise the Lord. I may not have everything I desire, but the Lord has come through for what I need."
Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale
dwiemer wrote: jaabat wrote: I didn't receive last month's issue, but finally did get a replacement. At first I was ready to blame the Post Office, but when this latest issue showed up, I thought twice. The label on my issue was actually hanging off the edge of the front cover. Held on (just barely) by only one of the 2 beads of cement, it was flapping freely, more off than on the cover. I can see why I never got last month's issue. Most likely, the label was missing. This isn't the first time I've seen a mailing label on CTT hanging by a thread. In hindsight, maybe I'm lucky to have only had one issue go missing. Poor alignment and poor adhesion. Could this please be brought up in conversations with the printing folks?Jim Jim, I had one arrive late and it did not have a mailing label on the cover. The address was printed right on the front of the cover photo.....I don't know how they did it as I could barely read the black print on a dark section of photo. I must give two thumbs up to CTT, I called and they were quite receptive, even offered a new issue, but nothing wrong with the one I got. I have found they have great customer service.Dennis
jaabat wrote: I didn't receive last month's issue, but finally did get a replacement. At first I was ready to blame the Post Office, but when this latest issue showed up, I thought twice. The label on my issue was actually hanging off the edge of the front cover. Held on (just barely) by only one of the 2 beads of cement, it was flapping freely, more off than on the cover. I can see why I never got last month's issue. Most likely, the label was missing. This isn't the first time I've seen a mailing label on CTT hanging by a thread. In hindsight, maybe I'm lucky to have only had one issue go missing. Poor alignment and poor adhesion. Could this please be brought up in conversations with the printing folks?Jim
I didn't receive last month's issue, but finally did get a replacement. At first I was ready to blame the Post Office, but when this latest issue showed up, I thought twice. The label on my issue was actually hanging off the edge of the front cover. Held on (just barely) by only one of the 2 beads of cement, it was flapping freely, more off than on the cover. I can see why I never got last month's issue. Most likely, the label was missing. This isn't the first time I've seen a mailing label on CTT hanging by a thread. In hindsight, maybe I'm lucky to have only had one issue go missing. Poor alignment and poor adhesion. Could this please be brought up in conversations with the printing folks?
Jim
Jim, I had one arrive late and it did not have a mailing label on the cover. The address was printed right on the front of the cover photo.....I don't know how they did it as I could barely read the black print on a dark section of photo. I must give two thumbs up to CTT, I called and they were quite receptive, even offered a new issue, but nothing wrong with the one I got. I have found they have great customer service.
Dennis
Dennis, month before last's issue was the same for me. Scanned it and emailed it to Bob. He sent it on. He is trying to get them all the info he can so they can correct.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Now, all I ask is more 4X8 layouts with tubular & Fastrack. The basic stuff I like. It's nice to see the ever-evolving hi-zoot layout, (who the heck has time for that? I'm not even close to retirement...) with fine detail. I'm still using LifeLike grass mats!!!! I'm celebrating my 1st anniversary of getting back in it!! K.I.S.S. is what I was taught in the Fire Academy, it would be nice to see more of that in the mag. Otherwise, I love it!
Dennis,
Kalmbach's customer service department is second to none. They are and always have been extremely courtious and helpful to me when ever I call. I never for a second meant to imply that I thought CTT was at any fault. I think it's a printing plant issue that needs to be QC'd better.
Here's two great big thumbs up to the customer service department!
TCA#09-63805
Bob Keller
BK RULES!!!
laz57
PaulEFudd wrote: The Jan. CTT had nothing of interest to me and was the first issue EVER to hit the recycle bin within one day of receipt. Granted, I am into hi-rail and have zero interest in Postwar anything. Paul
The Jan. CTT had nothing of interest to me and was the first issue EVER to hit the recycle bin within one day of receipt. Granted, I am into hi-rail and have zero interest in Postwar anything.
Paul
So the hi- rail Realistic Roadway Crossing article was not interesting to you?
jaabat wrote:If you don't want yours, send it to me. I've yet to receive mine.
Read my Coffee Pot psot this AM and you will now see why yours has not come.
PaulEFudd wrote:The Jan. CTT had nothing of interest to me and was the first issue EVER to hit the recycle bin within one day of receipt. Granted, I am into hi-rail and have zero interest in Postwar anything. Paul
Greg T. wrote: Is it too early to say Happy New Year? Considering we got our January Issue in November... maybe not.
Is it too early to say Happy New Year? Considering we got our January Issue in November... maybe not.
Of course, the reason for the cover-date-timing you mention is that putting the "January issue" on newsstands in late November increases the shelf-life of the product.
As an added benefit, it also creates the image to subscribers that they get their issues early, too. Or if the USPS is unusually snail-like, it will still get delivered before the first of the month on the cover.
Y'all speak and I envy. I have yet to get the latest CTT. I think it is more an issue with USPS than CTT. Anyway, I do look forward to it.
Another OUTSTANDING ISSUE CTT! Is it too early to say Happy New Year? Considering we got our January Issue in November... maybe not. Anyway... awesome job on the mag... and I just resubscribed... so I look forward to more great issues.
Thanks,
Greg
I have seen Lionel super O track and to me it doesn't look like K-Line's snap track, super O has a very narrow center rail and a little bit narrower outside rails than K-Line snap track, the K-Line snap track looks more like Lionel tubular with a darkened center rail on GarGraves cross ties. Can't say if super O track is easier to use or not as I don't have any of it.
Lee F.
I liked the article about super O track, it helped me to see that there is more to super O than I had previously known about, even adapters to go from super O to 031 or 027 track.
A lot of people like the super O track but I am not one of them, would rather see Lionel bring back T-rail track with the screws and plates, I think that T-rail looks more realistic than super O track.
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