Great Model Railroads 2004 - observations

[bluepuma]

Been working my way through the new issue, I keep telling myself I won't buy it, but ran across it at Spring "Valley News and ..." (booze)
and couldn't resist.

Liked the Midwest UP N scale layout but had to smile when I noticed the UP at Rochelle line on the layout north track was drawn more heavily as a main, while the other next to the viewing platform was the "siding" on the layout. The outside line actually has lighter rail (thanks to MR for teaching me siding vs main), and the track is in worse shape, more bouncing/flexing of the tracks. Noticed that a lot of Double Track main is lighter rail, roadbed on one track. Trains go both ways on either track. Noticed similar double track at other locations, BNSF. That layout has the space I'd like to have, most of the western roads were single track. There are some other towns along the UP line, I like Sterling, along the Rock River, usually a idling diesel there, interesting old buildings, and the UP crossing of old miss at Clinton with the swing bridge. Coming from Clinton along the line is the flyover(?) crossing of a north/south trainline over UP. Old Illinois Central track or ??? Happened to get there one day when UP was below and another up above it, it is one of the few non-flat areas with a bit of a hilly area. Would like to catch that in a photo, without a schedule or with one, might take years to catch it again.

My favorite UP line was across Pomona to Ontario toward Riverside CA, or through Southgate at Firestone, Imperial Highway, Paramount, then on to Long Beach/LA harbors. Waited many a night for the train on the way home from a market run and could feel them shaking my dresser handles at night.

[Anonymous]

I have to say,this was one of best issues in years. I like all the layouts,the last few years have been so-so has far as the type of layouts I like to see. Good job to all on this issue!

[AggroJones]

QUOTE: Originally posted by swdave

I have to say,this was one of best issues in years. I like all the layouts,the last few years have been so-so has far as the type of layouts I like to see. Good job to all on this issue!

I totally thought the same thing. [^]

[eastcoast]

I am still waiting for my copy of
MODEL RAILROAD PLANNING 2004.
I did enjoy the GMR 2004 issue, good models in there.
Next is the MR 2004 calendar. Hope it is worth it as well.

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bluepuma

Been working my way through the new issue, I keep telling myself I won't buy it, but ran across it at Spring "Valley News and ..." (booze) and couldn't resist.

Hey, do I know you? I'm down the road from there in Peru. LS&BC Model RR Club, The Valley Roundhouse LHS down the street from Valley News, and all that. Neighbor?

Paul Kossart - "The CB&Q Guy"

[CBQ_Guy]

I'm slowly reading it now. So far I really like John Signor's ATSF/SP/UP layout.

[douginut]

Like the last Peggy Lee song on the charts, "Is That All There Is?"
again it seemed another larger issue of MR (not a bad thing to be at that) but nothing to write home about..
The real pet peeve with it is the very poor quality of the paper and printing. I had to check through five of them to find an issue that had not already begun to fall apart or that was not cut obliquely.
I keep looking for somthing special here and never seem to find it.
Each month's MR ranges from a low of GREAT to WOW and INSPIRING!
I will of course buy every one of these you publish, but am usually a little dissappointed with what my five bucks has bought me..
Doug, in Utah

[AggroJones]

My issue came with some yellow vertical streaking on 2 of the pages. Other than that, it was okay quality wise.

[Anonymous]

On the C&O layout and the modular PRR articles I noticed a couple of pictures where the engines' wheels were not on the track. One more thing, on the Furlow- based layout, the guy said that he detailed interiors down to bars of soap, but the tugboat picture, a yellow building clearly has a printed interior (drawing, not photo).
My nitpicking for the day

[Anonymous]

Still haven't gotten mine?!? Should it have come in by now?

-Dale

[Anonymous]

Dale -

They (GMR, not MRP) have been available in my local train shop for about a month now.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

but when I renewed my subscription, I checked the box that said for like $3.95 extra I would receive a copy... MR???

-Dale

[Anonymous]

It was interesting. I got a real chuckle out of the superb 'Carbondale Central' variant. I actually liked it a bit more than the superb original.

[bluepuma]

After studying the plans, pictures, I liked the L-shaped corner layout with Tugboat, in one picture, up on top of one of the buildings is a partially hidden "JESUS SAVES" sign which is something I want in my city scene. Right down the street from the dives, liquor stores and Cocktails signs and Lounges.

I study the layouts (maps) and shooting locations.

Looking for ideas, what I like about some layouts. Was glad to see the layout with Indio and the staging table, should have loved it, ATSF, UP and SP. Liked the street running, orange trees, but didn't care for the overall look, plan. I want the grass green, not burned out, poppies and flowers on the hillsides. I want to model my piece of So. California like a winter day with snow on Mt. Baldy, green grass on the hills, probably more like March-April. The entire layout reminds me of Indio. There was a great chance to do a section of the coast line to San Diego, part of San Juan Capistrano, and the ATSF station in Riverside. My trains would go to staging before San Bernadino or past the Colton.