RMC vs. MR

[egmurphy]

It's all a matter of personal preference. I get them both and enjoy them both, while recognizing that they certainly have differences. I haven't bothered to try to determine which I think is better.

Regards

Ed

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley

I like them both. Each has something to offer.

I also like both magazines as each one tends to compliment the other in many ways. MR is the leader by a long shot in articles and advertising, but RMC has added drawings and articles to the hobby that are either overlooked, or not done by MR. MR also does a better job of testing new models and giving out the data on them. Did you catch the MR error recently with drawbar pull on the diesel?
I think both are good and they do compliment each other.

[CNJ831]

Both are "good" (but sadly not excellent) magazines, each having its strong and weak points. MR has great production qualities but tends too much toward the glitz, flash and fluff end of the spectrum. The layouts displayed are typically eye candy, beyond the skills and ability of 99.9% of hobbyists. The accompanying text gives little or no useful info, with pictures that show close-ups of about 5% of the actual layout. Although I have and treasure every copy since 1940, I have to say that MR has evolved into the "People" magazine of model ralroading .

The production quality of RMC is decidedly lower, with many errors in editing and poorer quality illustrations; the layout graphics sometimes don't even correspond to indicated photos in the articles. Most of the layouts that appear in its pages are of the down-to-earth or "I could probably build that" variety - sometimes truly a good thing. RMC is also mostly about real modeling and detailed instruction in the how-to aspects of the hobby (MR was once also). I haven't missed a issue in twenty years.

Incidentally, I've tried most of the other HO magazines over the years but always found them too limited in scope. If they happen to be covering your particular prototype railroad they could prove very useful but I found this rarely happened for me. Eventually I dropped my subscriptions to each.

So, with regard to MR vs. RMC, the choice for me becomes rather a toss-up. One tends to balance the other and I really wouldn't want to drop either one.

CNJ831

[twhite]

I subscribe to both, enjoy both pretty equally. I agree with a lot of you guys about the depth of the articles in RMC--I think the name of the magazine Model Railroad CRAFTSMAN pretty much says it all. Sometimes I think they get a little carried away with focusing on Eastern--especially North-Eastern railroad prototypes, but, hey, there are New Haven and Boston and Maine modelers out there, too, thank God. I've REALLY liked their boxcar series, it's very informative, especially concering the fact that I'm modeling pretty much in the same era. Also like their Collector's Corner, sometimes it brings back fond memories, especially their articles on Max Gray. Look forward to both RMC and MR, because sometimes they arrive at my mailbox on the same day and I have to postpone Real Life for a couple of hours to peruse them. MR, with its focus on layouts and basics, appeals to a broader contingent of model railroaders, and you've probably read my comments on another forum about that, whenever anyone starts criticizing an issue as being 'irrelevant'. Like I said, I like both. Long may they wave!

[Anonymous]

Havn't bought an RMC for over 10 years now. I understand that I'm not missing much. [V]
I get MR every month[:D], and Model Railroading every once in a while, maybe for a few months if a prototype series that I am interested in is running.

[Anonymous]

I get both and like both. If I had to drop one though it would be MR as RMC has more of the stuff I like to read.

James

[on30francisco]

I subscribe to the Narrow Gauge And Shortline Gazette and the Light Iron Digest as these magazines cater to my interest in narrow gauge modeling. I occasionaly buy MR , RMC, and Model Railroading at the newsstand depending on the issues' contents. Even though I'm more of a freelance modeler, RMC has some good construction articles in it. There is usually some good modeling information in all these magazines.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Hello VSmith,

Deshane does bring up a good point. A lot of the guys that do strive for accuracy don't put down fellow modelers that excercise the "imagination license". Even Tony Koester (MRR Column contributor) who enjoys accuracy in his freelanced "MidLand Road" talks about flexibility and creativity.

[:(!]"Rivet Counter" usually refers to modelers that will cut you down to pieces or snub your work if it does not meet their standard. Among modeling friends though, the term is often used as a tease.

If you go to www.lcrailroad.com (Live Steamers Club) you can see the red and black Seaboard S12 that my students painted for this club. Was a challenge! When I told the club president, John Beard that one of the decals was slightly higher than the prototype, first thing he yelled jokingly to me was: Aw Tony! Good Grief! I didn't know that you were a RIVET COUNTER! She looks great!" We both laughed.

Thats one heck of a group you've got there, wish i had the time and $$ for live steam.

[Anonymous]

I do like RMC because they have more eastern stuff. There is not as much eastern stuff in MR.

[easyaces]

I agree with what IronRooster said. Both are equally good magazines, and you can pick up good tips from both. I get both monthly and read them cover to cover.

[Anonymous]

Robmik, Thanks for the correction! Rivit just looked right, never even thought to get out my dictionary. Does knowing the correct way of spelling rivet and correcting others for their misspelling of it make you a "rivet counter"?

[DTomajko]

I greatly enjoy both MR and RMC, as both present information well in their own way.I also get Mainline and MRG, and enjoy them equally as the others.

[AntonioFP45]

Hello VSmith,

Deshane does bring up a good point. A lot of the guys that do strive for accuracy don't put down fellow modelers that excercise the "imagination license". Even Tony Koester (MRR Column contributor) who enjoys accuracy in his freelanced "MidLand Road" talks about flexibility and creativity.

[:(!]"Rivet Counter" usually refers to modelers that will cut you down to pieces or snub your work if it does not meet their standard. Among modeling friends though, the term is often used as a tease.

If you go to www.lcrailroad.com (Live Steamers Club) you can see the red and black Seaboard S12 that my students painted for this club. Was a challenge! When I told the club president, John Beard that one of the decals was slightly higher than the prototype, first thing he yelled jokingly to me was: Aw Tony! Good Grief! I didn't know that you were a RIVET COUNTER! She looks great!" We both laughed.

[Anonymous]

I think Model Railroader. I buy RMC back issues but I seldom buy the current issues but I have tons of MR back issues.

[Anonymous]

A "real" rivet counter........spells the word :

R I V E T

I know that it tends to be a long, difficult word.....but it's a fact that spelling and grammar, are effectively the "detail" of our language.....I find it a contradiction in terms, that someone can be a stickler for "detail", but could someday letter a tender, with every rivet accounted for, as a "Santer Fay"...!!!
regards;
Mike

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by deschane

Vsmith, You were one of many folks who has spoken about "Rivit Counters". I don't really consider myself to be one, however I do enjoy Arm-Chair-Railroadin' almost as much as modeling down in my lay-out room!

I just thought I'd have a little fun with the word!

However, I think it would be better if we quit with the generalizations and name calling. A real "Rivit Counter" to me is someone who is annoying as hell about their knowledge and pick apart the good efforts of others.

For me, I'll always try to refer to those meanspirited types as "Evil Rivet Counters" as I know there are those out there who are craftsman supreme who still consider themselves "Rivet Counters". I want to distinguish between the good and the evil.[;)]

Maybe the term "Craftsman" would be a better choice to describe those supreme modelers than "Rivet Counter? Just a thought...[?]

[Anonymous]

Vsmith, You were one of many folks who has spoken about "Rivit Counters". I don't really consider myself to be one, however I do enjoy Arm-Chair-Railroadin' almost as much as modeling down in my lay-out room!

I just thought I'd have a little fun with the word!

However, I think it would be better if we quit with the generalizations and name calling. A real "Rivit Counter" to me is someone who is annoying as hell about their knowledge and pick apart the good efforts of others.

[nfmisso]

I subscribe to Mainline Modeler (MM) and Model Railroading (MRG) for modeling.

I subscribe to Model Railroader (MR) mostly for ads.

I pick up RMC and RMJ occassionally.

[Anonymous]

I love the collectors consist in RMC. As a new train buff this is great fun to wander back thru the years to see what was aviable and how much it cost. Kind of makes you appreciate todays psoducts more. MR gives me great inspriation, RMC gives me the nuts and bolts. Bill

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by deschane

I enjoy a thorough look at the history, development and changes made to a particular item that interests me and at times have read 5-7 pages of interesting information on AAR box cars! However, I didn't know I was a "Rivit Counter"! Do I need to seek a mental health professional for this. Is this considered a malady? Are there groups I can join to help me overcome this terrible disorder? My god, I just realised the fact that I read books! Certainly there must be no help for me!


Well, this may be fair if we come up with a somewhat disdainful name for you guys whom arn't "Rivit Counters"!

Hey Deshane

If you were refering to my refernce to RMC being aimed more at rivet counters , let me clarify, by rivet counter I meant extremely-accurate-just-like-the-prototype modeler, thats all. RMC contains stuff that I just dont get into that level of accuracy, but many modelers who meet that defintition of "rivet counter" (which is what to me, the term means) do study, so thats why I refer to RMC being more aimed at those modelers.

[ndbprr]

I dropped both. There comes a time when the bar needs to be raised to keep improving and neither one offers me that. So I subscribe to the PRRT&HS society and get their publications and books. No one has mentioned Mainline Modeler which does an excellent job of inproving ones abilities regardless of the project.

[Anonymous]

Skip it!

[ClinchValleySD40]

I like them both. Each has something to offer. They are the only two I subscribe to (and have for almost 30 years)

[dknelson]

Well they keep each other honest and are different enough in tone and content (and advertising) to each have a role to play. Sometimes RMC publishes an article that looks to me like it was rejected elsewhere for poor photography and inept writing.
I am not totally pleased with the new MR regime's emphasis on ready to run, "cool" locomotives, and other indicia of a teenager/tinplate mentality. I would challenge anyone to truly build a passenger car based only on their two latest "construction" articles, the streamlined fluted side and the narrow gauge combine. The info you need must have ended up on the floor during editing.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

I enjoy a thorough look at the history, development and changes made to a particular item that interests me and at times have read 5-7 pages of interesting information on AAR box cars! However, I didn't know I was a "Rivit Counter"! Do I need to seek a mental health professional for this. Is this considered a malady? Are there groups I can join to help me overcome this terrible disorder? My god, I just realised the fact that I read books! Certainly there must be no help for me!


Well, this may be fair if we come up with a somewhat disdainful name for you guys whom arn't "Rivit Counters"!

[Anonymous]

Definitely RMC. I enjoy the depth of the articles that RMC offers. The "this is it" mini paragraphs given by MR along with the plans and prototype info just does not give me what I want.

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dwick

Variety, like MR & RMC and the Gazzette is the key to reader interest. One thing RMC should do is get off the nastelgia soapbox [are you listening, Hal?] and get on with model railroading that is happening today. Remenising about the so called "good ol' days' is fine for old time readers, but most of the 21st century readers get a little tired of reading about things that is now antique history.

I always read "Collectors Consist" in RMC, but I'm an "old timer" now [:(][;)]. Bought may first RMC at a news stand in 1963. Started getting MR shortly thereafter.

I also buy RMJ, Model Railroading, Mainline Modeler N Scale, N Scale Railroading, O Scale News, and O Scale Trains regulary, and some other magazines (including prototype mags) occasionally. They all have something to offer. An article that doesn't interest me today may have exactly what I need in the future. You can see I like variety.

Lately I've found more of interest to me in RMC than in MR ,but that may change..

I like the prototype articles and plans in RMC. I like the layout feature and planning articles and layout how to articles in MR.

[vsmith]

First off my fav is tha Gazette, its best for what I like to do. But to address th question?

MR is much better than RMC, with the exception of using color photos RMC hasnt changed in at least 30 years, I have older issues that could be the current issue. At least MR trys to address the evolving nature of the hobby, Also I've also felt that RMC has always been aimed at a the rivet counter crowd. A recent issue had 7 pages devoted to the history of a grain car, ya'know I really dont need to know 7 pages of history for a frieght car, show me some more layouts or cars or loco models.

[dwick]

I read both MR & RMC. They are both complimentory to each other. Years ago, I dropped my subscription to Rail Model Journal because they devoted, on an average, of 8 plus pages to a particular model which I had absolutle no interst what so ever. It got boring and mundane. They continue to this day with the same format. I like Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette, because of the great variety offered to the narrow gauge modeler.
Variety, like MR & RMC and the Gazzette is the key to reader interest. One thing RMC should do is get off the nastelgia soapbox [are you listening, Hal?] and get on with model railroading that is happening today. Remenising about the so called "good ol' days' is fine for old time readers, but most of the 21st century readers get a little tired of reading about things that is now antique history.
However, both of these magazines should continue to keep pace with the modelers of this generation. I like the new look of MR and the editors and art directors should be given a round of applause for their creativity and forsight.
Don Wick - The Yard Master
West Bend, WI