I have the 2010 DVD's of the Trains and Classic Trains archives, and in addition have the first three years of Trains in bound volumes from late father-in-law. With that, the Trains archives don't provide anything new, BUT the DVD's are only usable on my oldest computer so having the archive on-line is nice (also helps that I have a 240Mbps internet connection. Another advantage of the archive is that it is being updated.
Other than the missing search function, the on-line archives are a bit better organized than the DVD collections.
I DID have a lot of fun perusing the MR archives, catching up on articles that I saw reference to when getting occasional issues in the 1964-67 timeframe (MR subscription started Jan '68).
Is there a search function for the magazine archives?
I would like to search for the word "Alco" and see a list of all articles containing that word. This type of search was possible on the 1940-2010 archive on disc, but I have not been able to find a similar type search on the website.
Convicted OneI have found it particularly interesting going back and reading about the landmark mergers, from back in the times that it was fresh news. Wabash and N&W, Erie and D ,L, & W etc.
I probably have an almost complete set of Trains and MR going back to the late 1970's. Several other magazines, as well, especially "Firehouse."
I have a lot of them sorted and grouped by date, others not so much.
But you're right - every now and then I'll randomly pick out an issue and look through it. It provides an interesting window into years past.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
My local library has hard copies going back to the 40s.
I have found it particularly interesting going back and reading about the landmark mergers, from back in the times that it was fresh news. Wabash and N&W, Erie and D ,L, & W etc.
And of course the prelude and aftermath of Penncentral
If you signed up for the unlimited subscription you get access to one of many archives from Kalmbach. I must say it is worth it! I'm am having a blast going back and finally getting a chance to read Mr. Iconoclast himself John G. Kneiling's columns. Also reading the editorials of D.P.M.
I had to chuckle a bit as I was reading the April '62 issue and came across a picture of Big Boy 4014 heading to Southern California for display as a museum piece. 59 years later it's steaming again. How much has changed and remains the same in certain regards. I hope those who can access the archives are enjoying them as much as I am. Time to head back and get my fill of history!
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