What's new?

[Anonymous]

Kalmbach's Scale Auto Forum has a dedicated "what's new forum" that is well attended and I find it very helpful. Feedback is probably of value to manufacturers and publications as well, since it quickly indicates a new product's reception, any issues with it(especially if a kit), or where to find it, etc. Would a 'poll' re: this be of interest to you? If there is sufficient interest, perhaps such a Forum could be added

[Anonymous]

Sounds like an all around winner to me. The who , what , where , when & how aspect of it could be to all of our advantages. I think that it would take right off. As long as we stick to the topic. Thanks for the post.

[CBQ_Guy]

I like the idea, too.

Hope it would actually be seen by the manufacturers as a source of valid comments, though, and not just as a female dog list for us. I'd prefer it as a source of change and improvement. If that were the case, I would definitely be in support.

[Anonymous]

Any manufacturer not paying attention to the kind of real- time feedback that forums like this offer has their head in the sand. Just because a periodical gives a model a good rating when reviewed doesn't guarantee success in the marketplace. It is we modelrailroaders that are going to make the buy or pass on it decision, and a forum like this would probably provide a broader spectrum of acceptance of a product, or our wants and needs. (how about this for an obtuse example: both the Chev Corvair and Chev Vega were "Motor Trend's" 'Car of the Year in 1960 and 1971respectively; if you owned either one, you'd appreciate the analogy!)

[CP5415]

Why not ask MR to add a REVIEW section for modelers to the Forums?
We'd have a better idea on how things actually work, using our own opinions.
We could review everything from Life-Like & Bachman to Broadway Ltd offerings & everything in-between, ourselves.
To make it work though, we would have to refrain from using words like "crap" & "garbage" to make it effective.
Give views on why you bought it, how well do you think it works, is it detailed enough for you etc etc etc.
This could backfire on us too making the manufacturers nuts think we ask for too much.

Just my 2 cents

Gordon

[Anonymous]

hey Paul & Gordon -- Agree with both of you re: keeping our comments free from trashy language and overly severe indictments of a product or manufacturer. . . Inputs should be concise and to the point, if they are going to be of merit to fellow modelers and as feedback to the manufacturers. Bill

[Anonymous]

Hey Gordon- Almost forgot to address your comment re: "asking MR to add a 'review section for modelers to the Forums" - that is ultimately where this topic is heading-hopefully. Would like to get more feedback from other Forum contributors first, so that it is 'defined' to benefit the majority of those who use this Forum. "What's new" could be expanded to spread the word re: new hobby shops opening, sales (but NOT ads from retailers, etc.), availability of a previously unavailable road name or prototype, and so on. Some small, cottage- type companies don't get reviewed at all in the mags and/or can't afford to advertise This would be a good way to spread the word. How about some more comments on this topic?

[Anonymous]

Ref: 'General Discussion' (Model Railroader ) "What Bergie wrote about us reviewing products on the forum"

[Anonymous]

Hey Gordon, that's a great idea! We could all give our own opinions (of course, in a NICE way), it'd be like a more "in-deapth" MR mag. review.