We had a thread recently where we discussed how Model Railroader used to occassionally show people on the cover working on models or running their layouts.
Well... the latest issue of MR has brought that back. The cover shows a hobbyist working on a set of passenger cars.
I like it. It shows the hobby, instead of just another modeled scene. Hopefully it makes the hobby seem more interesting to a casual viewer. I hope this is something that happens somewhat frequently in the future.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I was struck by that too as soon as I saw the issue, together with a feeling that I'd somehow seen it before, something clarified and verified in Carl Swanson's editorial.
I think now and then showing a modeler doing the activity written about is very appropriate, although I admit that some of those 1940s and 1950s issue covers were pretty goofy, and model railroaders as a class are rarely the nicest looking folks, no insult intended.
But it is an excellent reminder that the original name for the magazine was The Model Railroader. The definite article "The" means the emphasis is on a person doing this activity or having this attribute.
Similarly I think photos that show a layout in a room which give a sense of both layout AND room are useful and good and should be encouraged, in addition to the photos that just try to make the trains as realistic looking as possible.
And while I am on my high horse I'd also say that some of the most effective MR covers were those with a minimum of text on them. Some had no text whatever. MR covers have become an endlessly repeated cliche. The argument is that screaming headlines (With! lots!! of!!! exclamation!!!! marks!!!!!) which obscure the cover photo gather attention at news stands. Now there's a quaint notion. News stands. Is that the same store where they sell butter churns?
Dave Nelson
Well, I hope that he isn't wearing a little striped engineers cap.
- Douglas
dknelsonI'd also say that some of the most effective MR covers were those with a minimum of text on them.
https://pictures.abebooks.com/inventory/18974642083.jpg
wjstix
John has been my mentor since 1951.Mel
My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California Turned 84 in July, aging is definitely not for wimps.
SeeYou190Well... the latest issue of MR has brought that back. The cover shows a hobbyist working on a set of passenger cars. I like it. It shows the hobby, instead of just another modeled scene. Hopefully it makes the hobby seem more interesting to a casual viewer. I hope this is something that happens somewhat frequently in the future.
I agree 100%.
www.bostontype.com
I will add my agreement that this was a wow cover. Great job!
Steve
Doughless Well, I hope that he isn't wearing a little striped engineers cap.
What's wrong with striped engineer's caps?
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Medina1128What's wrong with striped engineer's caps?
The don't have a LION on them!
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Medina1128 Doughless Well, I hope that he isn't wearing a little striped engineers cap. What's wrong with striped engineer's caps?
DOH!
Seriously, I assume that Kalmbach would not want its cover to suggest to the browsing public that a person had to wear one in order to be a model railroader.
DoughlessWell, I hope that he isn't wearing a little striped engineers cap.
Nothing in the world is wrong with them. Love your overalls too Marlon! You look better on camera than I do.
I don't have a picture of me in my striped engineers cap. Mine dates from when I was in High School. It has a vintage Florida Live Steamers patch in the center. It is well worn with coal soot and rust.