MR product reviews

[dknelson]

If I have one beef about MR product reviews as they are now, compared to what used to be the case years back, it is the focus on engines, cars, and structures. Sometimes it is the other products that need the review more -- I can pretty much assume that a Kato engine is a good one for example.
A case in point. The Oct 03 issue has an ad page 10 for a new line of car-specific lead weights. Rite Wey Thin Weights. Evidently this is direct order only, hobby shops won't have this so you cannot see before you buy. They even plan on wood grained lead weights so FINALLY we can properly weigh gondolas (now -- how about riveted lead weights for newer gons?). This could be a major advance, since underweighted cars are a major cause of derailments and other operating problems. This is the kind of product where I would really like to see a detailed review, but perhaps it is not "spectacular" enough for Product Reviews.
Ditto the Darwin Universal Coupler Pocket advertised page 42. Sounds likea really good idea for adjusting coupler length on passenger cars. But I need a review before I buy.
Dave Nelson

[dknelson]

If I have one beef about MR product reviews as they are now, compared to what used to be the case years back, it is the focus on engines, cars, and structures. Sometimes it is the other products that need the review more -- I can pretty much assume that a Kato engine is a good one for example.
A case in point. The Oct 03 issue has an ad page 10 for a new line of car-specific lead weights. Rite Wey Thin Weights. Evidently this is direct order only, hobby shops won't have this so you cannot see before you buy. They even plan on wood grained lead weights so FINALLY we can properly weigh gondolas (now -- how about riveted lead weights for newer gons?). This could be a major advance, since underweighted cars are a major cause of derailments and other operating problems. This is the kind of product where I would really like to see a detailed review, but perhaps it is not "spectacular" enough for Product Reviews.
Ditto the Darwin Universal Coupler Pocket advertised page 42. Sounds likea really good idea for adjusting coupler length on passenger cars. But I need a review before I buy.
Dave Nelson