What an Issue!

[michealfarley]

Several times while reading the new Model Railroader that came Saturday, I had to look on the cover to remind myself that I was reading the current issue, and not one from 10-15 years ago.

So many things I have missed about Model Railroader seemed to return in September '04, none the least of which were the objective product reviews. This is an area that I've felt has really gone down. Most of the product review segment has become a glowing endorsement of products by the MR staff. This month, Andy had the gumption to point out some serious flaws in the BLI 4-8-4, and a similar review of the Lionel Veranda. I've really missed these "more critical" reviews of products.

Also, a majority of the issue seemed to be focused on operation, which fits right in to my current projects. Add to that the SDL39 article in which someone actually "built" a model. What a concept! [;)]

Kudos for a fantastic issue!

[Anonymous]

I'll check this out! The August issue with Eric Brooman's layout and other array of good articles is another encouraging sign that MR may be righting the ship. The Utah Belt layout feature was one of the best I've seen in MR for nearly three years. Lots of photos, a large trackplan, and other interesting tidbits, such as the turnout control sidebar.

I wouldn't say that the product reviews of recent years have been "glowing endorsements." Rather, any criticism of a particular product often has been soft-pedaled or nuanced so as to not ruffle too many feathers. I hope that tendency by MR is coming to an end. Tell it like it is and worry about credibility with readers first.

[Noah Hofrichter]

It's A nice issue that's for sure. I just got it in the mail and I've read a few pages, but now I've got to go read the rest!

Noah

[Anonymous]

Just got mine today. Awesome reviews on the BLI 3751 and the Lionel Veranda. There's also an add for the new Athearn Challenger! I'm pysched![:D]

[Anonymous]

I haven't seen it yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

A lot of people weren't pleased with Terry right out of the gate, but I've come to realize a few things just now.

1) When he took over, magazines were already planned 6-8 months into the future.
2) It always takes the new guy a month or two to get his wheels under him, so to speak (to use a bicycle analogy). Then another few months to 18 or more to overcome the corporate inertia.

Hopefully this is a sign of things to come. Hopefully we're seeing Terry's vision for MR if this stuff holds.

As people like Bob Boudreau always point though, if you want to read it, somebody has to write it.

[Anonymous]

This isue is a very good/interesting issue.

[Anonymous]

It rivals my favorite issue (october 2003). it answered all my trackplanning needs !

[BRAKIE]

As far as reviews I want facts..I can fix the missing details and even fix the paint by weathering,but a overall review is what I am looking for..How does it run,How does it look overall? Does it have major problems?
I will not give a cat's meow for any review base solely on the reviewers likes,dislikes of the manufacturer(s) or one base solely on the reviewers modeling tastes.

[Fergmiester]

Got mine yesterday and can safely say I'm once again impressed. I felt August was very good as well especially the article on painting buildings. So between buildings and rock work I look forward to a productive winter. Love those "how to" articles with lots of pictures.

Thanks

Fergie

[Anonymous]

My September issue came shredded. This can happen when things are shipped via bulk mail with the USPS. I have contacted MR and I am certain a replacement will arrive shortly (this ain't my first time requesting a replacement). I had enough left of the the issue to get most of the shelf layout article. One thing I am happy to see MR returning to is the overall view of a layout rather than just close-up vignette scenes. Gives me a better feel for the layout and helps me relate better to the track plan. And I am very happy to see kitbashing buildings and rebuilding (semi scratch building) locomotives is not a lost art, practiced only by old farts like me. Maybe the little nerds (is nerds the right name?) that MR has hired to replace those that have died or retired have finally reallized that a neat looking, glossy magazine that focuses on broad and general subjects is not what the hobby ordered. Perhaps one of them actually purchased a kit and assembled it, and was overwhelmed by the shear joy of the experience. Maybe, just maybe, MR is returning to be a magazine for the railroad hobbyist, not a magazine for the very wealthy ready-to-run crowd that has their layout built by others. Through all this, one must wonder how the likes of Jim Hediger and Andy Sperandeo held on. They must feel like the Lone Ranger and Tonto from time to time (you can choose which one is Tonto). When the content becomes as substantive as many of the issues from the 1960's to the late 80's, the new staff at MR will have reached maturity, and MR will once again embrace those of us that actually enjoy the creative side of the hobby. Time will tell.

Steam is KING.

Tom

[darth9x9]

I must say the September issue has Terry's most intelligent editorial yet. It is worth reading and puts a common sense approach on the licensing issues. Hopefully it will stop most, if not all, of the flame posts here on this forum about this topic.

[tomwatkins]

I agree. It's an excellent issue. Terry's editorial is the most reasonable and informative discussion of the licensing debate I've seen. The how to articles are well done and very informative, and I'm pleased that the reviews discuss both the strong points and shortcomings of the items being reviewed. I believe that is very important, and I appreciate it greatly.

Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

[fec153]

BRAKIE- Thats is why I asked if anyone had a CF-7 and what they thought of it.
Phil

[Anonymous]

I went out and purchased my MR at my LHS, and have already read most of the magazine, and I agree that this issue is great, and that MR is coming "full circle" to the quality magazine of years ago.

In case the MR "brass" is reading this ever now and then, I would like to note that I USED to subscribe to MR, but I got finally got tired of the shredded and badly mangled issues and I have bought my magazine at the "stands" ever since. I save my copies of MR, and if they would mail the magazine in a clear poly wrap like a lot of magazines now do, I would gladly subscribe once more.

Terry Thompson, you're doing a FANTASTIC job, but I hope you heard that one !

IronGoat

[dphusman]

I have to agree that the last issue of MR is one of the best I have seen in the last few years. I loved the SDL39 story.

Step by Step is also fun to read every month. The N scale layout David Popp has built is very sharp. Keep up the good work!

[AggroJones]

It's okay. I just wi***hey would start shipping the magasine with a protective plastic cover. The post office workers don't respect the mail they handle. When I get my MR in damaged condition, its kind of a drag.

[back_pack]

I agree that this issue was one of the best I have seen in years from the team at MR. It reminds me of the times when the magazine was actually worth reading. Well, I just renewed my subscription for another year...so here's hoping this issue starts a trend in quality!

Andy

[Anonymous]

This was a pretty good issue. I agree that the MR of 2004 is much better than the MR of the past few years.