One thing I must say for Kalmbach Media is that they do not seem to do anything on the cheap. They produce quality products with a quality feel to them.
The magazine archive is a great resource, but it is one thing I do not subscribe to. I have too many back-issues laying around.
I do not think scanning the books would be a worthwhile addition and not worth the effort, and I hope they wouldn't do it if they were not going to do it right.
How many books would even be interesting that are out of print.
Andy's Yard Design Book.
Armstrong's Creative Layout Design.
I don't think there are enough "holes" to worry about.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Bayfield Transfer RailwayHow dare a company want to make a profit
Not by printing more copies -- Steve says they won't.
Not in selling used copies -- those sales make them not a cent; in fact if anything they are a drag on necessary reprint demand.
Perhaps via Barnes & Noble e-book commission of some kind -- but furnishing the e-book themselves as I suggest would net them more.
Where else do you suggest they 'make a profit' in this situation?
I don't read all the track planning books, because I hate track planning.
However, I would bet that within all the layout design books in print right now, MRP annuals, and the Engine Terminals book, all the information anyone needs is out there.
OvermodThat's just silly.
Silly? I don't think it is. You do. That settles that. Do you realize when you post something like, "That's just silly", it's insulting to the person who wrote the post?
Now, I'm going to be a fortune teller. I'll predict that your answer to me will be that if I post something silly, then your comment is not an insult.
Of course, I don't think anything you've ever posted is silly.
OvermodCertainly plenty more difficult books were efficiently scanned for the T1Trust repository, so I can say for a fact it is 'doable' on relatively small budget.
Then maybe you could convince the T1Trust repository to make this 'doable' project available. After all, they get donations to do their work, and their intent is preservation, not making a profit, unlike Kalmbach.
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."
York1Silly? I don't think it is. You do. That settles that. Do you realize when you post something like, "That's just silly", it's insulting to the person who wrote the post?
+1
I am glad I am not the only one that has noticed this.
Overmod Bayfield Transfer Railway How dare a company want to make a profit Make a profit, exactly, how? Not by printing more copies -- Steve says they won't. Not in selling used copies -- those sales make them not a cent; in fact if anything they are a drag on necessary reprint demand. Perhaps via Barnes & Noble e-book commission of some kind -- but furnishing the e-book themselves as I suggest would net them more. Where else do you suggest they 'make a profit' in this situation?
Bayfield Transfer Railway How dare a company want to make a profit
Make a profit, exactly, how?
Look at my disclaimer.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
I guess I’m the silly one, I thought this was a model railroad forum.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
SeeYou190Must have: 18 stall roundhouse for my brass steamers. Can do without: Diesel locomotive refueling/service tracks. The prototype could never make these decisions in 1954.
True, by 1954 you couldn't find a single brass locomotive on any prototype railroad.
Paul
If this thread degenerates further into argument, I will lock it.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
I will try to bring this thread back on topic.
Since Kalmbach has made a business decision not to reprint this book, so be it. But let me applaud Kalmbach for publishing the book in the first place. I consider this book as one of the very best model railroading books ever published by Kalmbach.
Rich
Alton Junction
Sorry, Steven and everyone.
SeeYou190I don't read all the track planning books ...However, I would bet that within all the layout design books in print right now, MRP annuals, and the Engine Terminals book, all the information anyone needs is out there.
I do read all the track planning books; and you'd lose that bet. While there is a lot out there in other places, the Sperandeo book has principles and examples – and an explanation of choices and trade-offs – that aren't duplicated elsewhere.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
cuyama While there is a lot out there in other places, the Sperandeo book has principles and examples – and an explanation of choices and trade-offs – that aren't duplicated elsewhere.
While there is a lot out there in other places, the Sperandeo book has principles and examples – and an explanation of choices and trade-offs – that aren't duplicated elsewhere.
Kalmbach DOES provide a nice sampling of freight yard design information, free of charge
https://mrv.trains.com/-/media/Files/PDF/Marketing/Freight%20Yard%20Design.pdf
As a .pdf you can even download it and print a copy if you are so inclined.
Good Luck, Ed
gmpullmanKalmbach DOES provide a nice sampling of freight yard design information, free of charge https://mrv.trains.com/-/media/Files/PDF/Marketing/Freight%20Yard%20Design.pdf
As one of the authors included in that booklet, I agree that it has a lot of good information. Not a direct substitue for the Sperandeo book, but the price is right!
Byron
IRONROOSTERTrue, by 1954 you couldn't find a single brass locomotive on any prototype railroad.
I bet not!
cuyamaI do read all the track planning books; and you'd lose that bet. While there is a lot out there in other places, the Sperandeo book has principles and examples – and an explanation of choices and trade-offs – that aren't duplicated elsewhere.
I should have known that.
York1Now, I'm going to be a fortune teller. I'll predict that your answer to me will be that if I post something silly, then your comment is not an insult.
And yes, I'm thankful to the Kalmbach that edited and published this book, and I would be thankful to see it offered again in some form, even though that be electronically, by the Kalmbach now.
OvermodI apologize for implying anything insulting; if things need further redaction to eliminate the taint, please let me know.
I also apologize for my posts to you. I appreciate your insights on railroading.
York1I also apologize for my posts to you.
A big thanks to SantaFe5000, who sent me his copy of the book for keeps. And wouldn't even let me pay the shipping.
It is a great book, and together with the Engine Terminals book and the Armstrong one I have plenty to think thru as I start laying track this fall. Good stuff.
Andy
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Milwaukee native modeling the Milwaukee Road in 1950's Milwaukee.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/196857529@N03/
Kudos to SantaFe5000!
Santa Fe, thank you for your generous action!