Allan Miller as new editor of OGR magazine

[brianel027]

Hey gang, I haven't seen the new OGR magazine, but there's a post on their forum stating that Allan Miller is the new editor of that magazine.

I personally find this to be a very interesting development. It goes without saying; Allan certainly has the qualifications without question. Though in my thinking, I could envision Allan as being the editor at Classic Toy Trains over OGR. Allan's own observations and viewpoints as written on both this and the OGR forum place him at odds with much of the contemporary thinking - at least as far as what gets posted on the train forums, especially the OGR forum with the obvious slant towards expensive technology, scale proportions and high end.

Which I also find some amusing since every single train company CEO has publically admitted in the pages of both train magazines, that these expensive high end products never make money on the first or second runs. And yet many advanced modelers do not want to see the same product models released over and over again, and are very vocal about this. And despite what gets said on the train forums, I think the real truth is this hobby needs far more emphasis on basic non-scale products if there is to be real growth. And slowly, it seems that some of the importers are getting this message with the likes of the RMT product line, the expansion of the Atlas Industrial Rail line (and even the Trainman line, though it is scale, it's more affordable), and Lionel products like the Polar Express, Hogwarts, NASCAR sets, more affordable starter sets and rolling stock (especially the add-on packs) and the Dockside steam engine... and last but not least, many of the traditionally sized K-Lionel offerings.

Allan and I have agreed many times in the past that this hobby needs much more emphasis on affordable basic non-high end train products. We've both defended products like the K-Line Alco S-2 (decidedly non-scale), the Lionel 4-4-2 starter set steamer (again, decidedly non-scale), and products of the like of the RMT product line and Lionel MPC products (despite their compromises).

As of this date, if it came down to a choice, I could live without the OGR magazine easily. I do get both, and enjoy both. But I personally find Classic Toy Trains to be a far superior magazine in terms of content and the kinds of trains covered. OGR just leans too much toward the scale, high-end MTH side of the hobby for my tastes.

As with any publication, subscribers and advertisements are what pay the bills. The more subscribers, the easier it is to entice advertisers (which is the real money) for they will get more viewers of their advertisements. I personally suspect this might be a move to broaden the circulation and revenues of the OGR magazine. He won't want to lose too many current subscribers, but I can't help but think this could rock the boat a bit. I do suspect this could have the potential to make many current subscribers of that magazine unhappy, again given the recent "scale" slant of the magazine.

Again, I find this most interesting. Allan is a smart man and knowledgeable on the hobby. But he has had more than a few disagree with his views on the hobby, especially on the OGR forum. In my thinking, this has the real potential to up the ante a notch between the two train magazines and the direction they each go.

I think Allan is smart enough to not exclude the scale side of the hobby. And hopefully he will be wise enough to include the toy end majority of the hobby right along side the scale end. After all, they're all trains.

Many congratulations to you Allan. May the "toy" train force be with you.

[nblum]

"But I personally find Classic Toy Trains to be a far superior magazine in terms of content and the kinds of trains covered. OGR just leans too much toward the scale, high-end MTH side of the hobby for my tastes."

Even though I do buy some of the new scale stuff, I'm basically a toy train guy at heart.  So I'm with you on this to be sure.  In particular, I'm interested in the human side of the hobby, especially its history and personalities, and OGR has no one with Roger Carp's writing skills and interest in that aspect of the hobby.  Apparently, somewhere around 60-70%  of the folks in the hobby agree with our take on things,  as despite recent circulation and advertising losses, CTT's circulation figures remain about 50% or so higher than OGR.   Clearly there has been a growing hi-rail/scale segment of the hobby, but it's still much smaller than the classic, Lionel-centric toy focus at this point in time.  I think the folks at OGR realize that a scale, MTH focused magazine would be a recipe for circulation stagnation at best, and a significant drop at worst.  I'm sure Allan understands that as well, so I think we'll see more balance in the magazine than we would under any number of potential editors with less broad interests.  If not, it will be sayonara to my OGR subscription. :)

[Jumijo]

I think George Brown did an outstanding job as editor, and can't help wondering why he is stepping down. OGR vastly improved on his watch in both look and content. It remains to be seen what Allan will do, but he is a qualified person, and his love of the toy side of the hobby bodes well for people like me who aren't all that interested in scale equipment. Having said that, I think he'd be foolish to upset the good thing OGR seems to have going currently.

Best of luck to Allan, and to George.  

[FJ and G]

Have to agree with Jaabat that OGR improved considerably under George. Allan has a great background for the magazine, however, as he's a writer by trade. He also has a vast knowledge of toy trains. But of course OGR includes the 2-rail variety as well so we'll see what happens. Virginia Tech and its president (in today's Washington Post) have come under fire (a long and smoldering fire) for the way things have been handled re: the tragedy. I'd hate to be in their public relations department at this time.

[Bob Keller]

I posted that info a couple of days ago in the coffee pot thread. I was surprised it caused so little a stir!

Let me again say that George did a great job, and wish Allan all the best! Oh, George will be remaining on the OGR staff for product reviews.

[Jumijo]

I posted that info a couple of days ago in the coffee pot thread. I was surprised it caused so little a stir!

Let me again say that George did a great job, and wish Allan all the best! Oh, George will be remaining on the OGR staff for product reviews.

 

I was surprised that no one read it on the pot and posted it on OGR. 

[trigtrax]

I think the folks at OGR realize that a scale, MTH focused magazine would be a recipe for circulation stagnation at best,

Dang, Hoss!! Somebody needs to tell Clyde. He's putting his two pagers in the wrong rag!!

[brianel027]

Just for clarity, I do want to say I agree with Jaabat that I think George Brown did a great job. And the OGR interview with Jerry Calabrese and the recent extensive article on the trip to Sanda Kan in China were both outstanding and beat CTT to the punch, so-to-speak. And the quality of the photography in OGR has always been first rate.

Both magazines have strengths and weaknesses. From my early days back in the hobby, I always liked the how-to-do and kitbashing articles in OGR, where they also did a little better than CTT. And BOTH magazines have leaned a little more to the scale side in recent years (the new issue of CTT is kind of a clinker for me, but that's to be expected once in a while). But in all fairness, those are the new products that seem to generate the most excitement - even though they are not produced in the same quantities as many lower-end starter products.

I still think this is an interesting change for certain. If you've been on either forum for any amount of time as I have, you know that Allan Miller has defended the traditional side of the hobby. Besides, many of us traditionally-sized train operators still run our trains in a high-rail environment... my own in-progress layout is quite detailed and certainly not the track on a green board kind of layout.

Both magazines have their struggles and challenges. From my view, it appears ad revenue is down at CTT because the magazines seem to be a little smaller this past year. They lost K-Line as a major advertiser, Lionel hasn't advertised, and the MTH ad's are much smaller now than in the past. On the other hand, OGR is increasingly harder to find at newstands. Even one train shop where I would get OGR isn't carrying it anymore because of poor sales.

[dbaker48]

I still think this is an interesting change for certain. If you've been on either forum for any amount of time as I have, you know that Allan Miller has defended the traditional side of the hobby. Besides, many of us traditionally-sized train operators still run our trains in a high-rail environment... my own in-progress layout is quite detailed and certainly not the track on a green board kind of layout.

I dont intend to create an "arguement", and I would definetly be considered a "newbie", to the forums, even though I have been "operating" O scale since 1968.  And, have acquired quite a few post war, and unfortunatly MPC era stock.  The layout I am CURRENTLY building which I had a room added on to the house to support, is a "track on a green board kind of layout".  I appreciate BOTH magazines tremendously!   Kinda like ET, "data, data, more data". 

I recall (and still have) many MR's which was the only mag available at the time, and was EXTREMELY excited when CTT came out, even though it was only published quarterly.  After a 15 year hiatius due to family responsibilities, and I come back to the hobby.  What do I find ???

Two major dedicated magazines !

A complete new generation of capability, TMCC and DCS !

Significant number of manufacturers in addition to Lionel,  MTH, K-Line, Weaver, Atlas !!!!!

Wow!!!! Does it get any better than this ????

I hear the continued bashing of OGR for their prejudice, and wonder, WHY?  If its that bad don't buy it!!   I hope Mr. Miller enhances the magazine, which in my mind DOES NOT mean disassembly and rebuilding.  But adding on.

Regarding the "traditional" vs. "new electronic and feature laden",  maybe the world would be better if the automatic transmission was never implemented either.

I find "my aspect" of the hobby perfect for me.  I enjoy the nostalgia of the post war stuff, and even my 1688 which is particular where I run it due to the flanges.  I love playing music from the tender, and going through all the startup ritual of the DCS.  And, can't wait to see the innovations with the Legacy and new Big Boy soon!  As far as my green layout.... I'm in my green euphoria state as I enjoy "playing" with all the stuff!  My artistic skills leave a lot to be desired, I may in the future do some "scenicing" in specific areas to learn and continue evolvement.  But in the meantime I will race to the store at 1st opportunity of a "new" catalog.  Too see what I can't live without.

Finally, I am not a purist, and hope to never become one, because I'm having to much fun.  So even though the purist seem to look down their noses at us "green guys", you can't enjoy your layout anymore than I do mine, maybe as much, but not more.   So the silent majority speaks.

BTW, when I want realism on a layout I can go to our club, where some of the guys really get their  jollies with the details, even thought 3 of them have NEVER brought an engine or train to run in over 2 years.  They just enjoy modeling and painting.  More power too them!

Wishing the greatest success to Mr. Miller !!!!

[bfskinner]

 

I know I'm excited, but thousands of CW-80's must be quaking in their boots.

Good luck, Allan.

[nblum]

"And the OGR interview with Jerry Calabrese and the recent extensive article on the trip to Sanda Kan in China were both outstanding and beat CTT to the punch, so-to-speak."

 

I think Ed Boyle and the folks at OGRR realize they are in position where they have begun to alienate some of the estimated 60-70% of the hobby's participants who are still primarily Lionel three rail fans and could care less or little about hi-rail and MTH, Atlas, 3rd Rail  (particularly MTH, the naughty Lionel haters :). Hi-rail may be growing, postwar collecting may be receding, but the overall size of the hobby isn't growing any longer. That's one reason Jerry Calabrese is looking to widen the top of the funnel. 

 Thus, OGR, if they want to grow, is going to have to maintain and/or recoup some of the Lionel/toy train crowd before such folks like myself give up on OGR in boredom and disgust. They have worked to disprove the claim that OGR is an MTH puppet, by publishing stuff on Lionel's CEO Jerry Calabrese, Legacy, and a whole issue on Sanda Kan (who, while they make Atlas, make 10 times as much Lionel, and make NO MTH :).  I suspect this is mostly Ed Boyle's doing, as he is the least biased and most broadly visioned owner as far as I can see, amongst the OGR people.  He is also, unlike some others, and like Roger Carp, knowledgeable and interested about the history of the hobby, and toy train collecting.  

 

I suspect Allan's appointment is part of this attempt to broaden the focus of the magazine and regain some of the credibility with the two-thirds of the market share that belongs to Lionel, toy train collecting, nostalgia and history.  This will probably seriously annoy some of the hi-rail people who want the magazine to be purely hi-rail, or purely MTH,  but these people are a tiny minority of the hobby I believe, compared with the Lionel, American Flyer, and other toy train folks who keep CTT's circulation at 50% larger than OGR's.  So I would predict a gradual increase in Lionel related stories and toy train oriented stuff in OGR on Allan's watch.  Time will tell.

[brianel027]

Don, no argument here. I enjoyed what you just wrote and it was a nice read. And you bring up many good positive points about the hobby today.

When I re-entered the hobby some 16 years ago, I was a little green, naive and very excited. There were the two train magazines and there was K-Line in addition to Lionel. I'd go to shows and ogle at the trains like everyone else. Then I'd make my purchases and get comments like "that's junk" or "that's crap" or "you know that'll never be worth anything." I didn't understand any of that, and much of my defense of the traditional-end is a knee-jerk reaction to all the undue criticism low-end trains get.

I remember getting into this discussion with a TCA guy at some show and he had nothing positive to say about Lionel MPC or K-Line. I had to remind him that not every single postwar product was top-notch quality and that some were made with compromises to keep the production costs down. And if some kid enjoyed that first "cheapened" Lionel train set, what difference did it make? And that if someone like me is re-entering the hobby by buying K-Line and Lionel starter products, isn't that how most people get started in the hobby?

Even one of my relatives, a TCA member, took particular joy in telling me over and over again how my trains were junk and never going to be worth any money. Gee, like money (investment) is the ONLY reason someone should be in this hobby? How about just sheer fun and enjoyment?

My grandparents used to define junk as something you paid too much for that doesn't work as it is suppose to. By that definition, not one of my trains falls into that category. Given the threads one reads over problems with command-equipped trains, one might suppose that definition is more appropriate with those trains. Yet not all have problems with their command-equipped trains either.

I'll take a gander that Allan will not be as vocal or as frequent a poster now that he is the editor at OGR. But do a search on his prior postings and you'll find he and I are both in agreement that there is nothing wrong with any operating aspect of the hobby: be it high-end prototypical scale, toys like MARX, traditional, command or tinplate.

Most of the criticism comes from some (not all) high-end enthusiasts who have little tolerance for the continued production of traditional or toy trains. I think truth-be-told, Allan would agree with me. I know he has said as much in postings on these train forums.

BUT all these train products they all have their place - as do both magazines. I'd personally have to be a fool to not acknowledge the effect the new technology has had on the hobby. But anyone else would be a fool to not acknowledge that the sales of starter sets and traditionally sized trains help keep the hobby going too. The production numbers alone speak to that.

And like MTH or not, their presence that helped push the hobby forward in ways no one could have imagined a couple decades ago. And though I'm not big on the technology, Neil Young's contributions have also pushed the hobby in leaps and bounds.

As did Lionel MPC, which kept the hobby going during some lean times. Do all MPC products measure up to the standards of today? No. But they still have their place, still sell well (albeit at mostly lower prices than a decade ago) and still do their part to keep the hobby going. And the same can be said for all the other companies, be they high-end specialty companies like Dallee or TIA, or affordable traditional product companies like RMT or Williams.

And what is also amazing is how so many of us can take the same exact products, and use them so differently on layouts that in many cases, are truly unique.

 

[dwiemer]

Bob, I had read your post announcing Allan's new position.  I too congratulate him. 

I have subscribed to OGR for the last year, mostly to augment the information (and train fix) that I get from CTT.  Sometimes, I get more usefull information in OGR than CTT, but it depends on the issue.  I have found myself getting a bit caught up in the whole MTH/Lionel thing as many of the photo sections and layouts found in OGR show a definate slant towards MTH.  When one can see a  whole spread on someones layout in which a good number of products are shown, but they only tell you about the ones from MTH, it makes you take note.

The direction of the hobby seems to me to be toward the more scale items, but not the High end, high dollar.  More add on details like handrails, etc., but not down to the last rivet that make the tooling and end product too expensive.  I think you will see more starter sets with very respectable detail. 

One thing I would like to see, and perhaps it is not possible, but, I would like to see the magazines off set from one another.  Space them out so that we get more regular delivery of train magazines.  Perhaps get OGR this week, and CTT two weeks later....just kidding, I know two separate entities in competition could not do this.  Seriously, what I would like to see is more How to sections.  It seems that both magazines tend to reserve the best information for the books and suplimental for separate sale.

As for advertising revenue, I think some aggressive sales folks could help with this.  If you take a casual scan of the forums, you will notice plenty of information regarding products available for use in model railroading that may be sold at places not currently advertising, nor normally associated with model trains.  An example of this would be the Lemax buildings, etc sold at Michael's stores.....has anyone called them to suggest advertising and perhaps include a 40% coupon?  What about that department store that recently had great deals on K-line plymouth sets and Polar express sets?  Have they been called?  I think the future of the hobby is in bringing in new, younger people.  See if we can't foster the idea of starter sets in more stores.  Let the hobby get more exposure.

Speaking of exposure, recently, there have been a few shows about trains on RFD-TV, History Channel, History International, perhaps CTT, OGR, Lionel, etc could advertise here too.

Dennis

[Dr. John]

I wish Allan every success in his new venture. I stopped subscribing to OGR a couple of years ago, not that I disliked it, but CTT appealed more to my areas of interest. Allan will bring a wealth of knowledge to his job. I'll have to check out OGR once he has a chance to settle in at the helm.

[cnw1995]

i decided not to post this over in OGR when Bob first shared it with us because I wanted to respect their timing in posting it. Why steal their thunder? I admire Allan and look forward to his work. He has an impressive pedigree in the hobby and in publishing. I also think he's a closet traction fan ... A few years back, I too decided to sub for CTT rather than OGR and just pick up an occasional copy of the latter - wish I could afford to subscribe to both. Anyway, given the difference in circulation (and probably ad rates), I've always enjoyed perusing OGR too for the plethora of its smaller adverts more so than its articles.

[3railguy]

Does this mean their will be a page dedicated to "Fans of the 520"?

[brianel027]

John, I could see Allan having the title of his opinion page "From the Cab of the 520."

Allan, if you want to use that idea, go ahead. I won't require a royalty.

 

[FJ and G]

I posted this on OGR so thought I'd let you in on Allan's background:

 Allan served in two wars—Korea and twice in Vietnam—as a U.S. Army captain (he was in the 101st Airborne Division). Get this: he then returned to Vietnam as a freelance journalist.

Allan then took 18 months of much-deserved R&R in Hawaii, working as a fashion photographer and as the “official” photographer for Hawaiian entertainer Don Ho (he then became the public affairs officer at the East-West Center in Honolulu and then spent 13 years as photo and graphics editor for The Honolulu Advertiser, the state’s major daily newspaper.

Allan had so many different jobs after that that I’ll just provide a list:

* Managing editor for Greenberg Publishing Co. in Maryland
* Managing editor of the book division of Kalmbach Publishing Co. in Wisconsin
* Managing editor of the specialty book division for Landmark Communications in Dubuque, Iowa and then in Norfolk, Va.
* When Landmark was sold to Krause Publications, he became a work-at-home author and editor for a couple of years until they decided to downsize the operation and eliminate their satellite operations.
* In 2003 he was hired as university editor for Virginia Tech. where he's seen frequently walking his Australian Shepherd named “Pepper.” (not sure if Pepper is still around). His other exercise includes biking, ice skating, tennis, and archery).

Allan has written more than 120 articles about the train hobby which have appeared in various publications, including OGR and CTT. He also was the model railroad history columnist for the now-defunct Vintage Rails magazine, which, in his opinion “was the finest prototype railroad history magazine ever published.”

Allan also had a contract with Lionel Trains Inc. (the folks who owned Lionel prior to Lionel LLC) and he assisted with the club magazine and provided editorial content for Lionel’s web site.

He has written three model railroading books, including “Getting Started with Lionel Trains” and he has contributed to, edited, or published another 70 or so train books, as well as books on subjects such as Barbie Dolls, Beanie Babies, and Coca-Cola collectibles.

Somehow, in between all of that, he managed to graduate from Ohio State with a B.A. and an M.A. in journalism, and he also pursued a Ph.D at the University of Maryland. He also has teaching experience at Ohio State, University of Hawaii, and the University of Maryland at College Park.

I'm sure he's done a lot more writing since this 2004 "resume" of sorts. I know he's written a lot on the forums; stuff that's helped a lot of people. He's esp. glad to help beginners and see the hobby grow.

As you can see from this, he's probably over qualified for his new job.

[cnw1995]

Wow, I had heard about a quarter of this over the years. Allan's quite a humble guy. Thanks for posting, David.

[nblum]

I'm not sure Allan would agree that he's quite a humble guy ;).  We've debated all sorts of issues on-line over the last decade or more, and self-doubt has not characterized either of our approaches.  Nor should it necessarily.  Allan has very well defined and strongly held views on almost every issue of importance to the industry, and will not be wishy-washy as an editor pursuing increased content or advertising excellence is my guess.

On the positive side for sure, I think he does have a pretty broad view of what the hobby means to its many varied constituencies (Allan models or dabbles in about a zillion different scales by his own admission).  He could be just what OGR needs right now, and I wish him luck as the hobby needs all the high quality information and media exposure it can muster at this point in time.

[FJ and G]

From what I think I know about Allan, he'll demand honesty in his product reviews.

[csxt30]

Dave : I just wonder how he could have been in the Korean war & 2 tours in Viet Nam ?  How old is he ?  I see he will be moving back to Ohio also which is very close to where I live, only about 50 miles or so. OGR attends some of the train shows here & maybe he will . I have met Ed Boyle & Bill Parissi before !  

Thanks, John

[PaulEFudd]

Allan has a wealth of knowledge about all scales of model railroading and I hope he continues with George Brown's efforts to bring OGR back to its roots of more scale and realistic model railroading, what many call 'hi-rail.'  I also hope to finally see some of Allan's long talked about model railroading scenic ideas and layouts.

I subscribe to both CTT and OGR and in general have enjoyed both.  OGR is, in my opinion, the better magazine for the hi-railer while CTT caters to a broad range of people, from beginners, to Postwar, to hi-rail.  I hope OGR continues on its path of covering the most talented and artistic our hobby has to offer.  I think we all get inspiration from the best of any field of human endeavor.

Paul

[FJ and G]

Hi John,

Don't know exactly, but I'd say he's as old as the hills.

[nblum]

"How old is he ? "

 

I believe I recall him stating early to mid-60s, so if he served in Korea, it was in the late 1950s-early 1970s, i.e., Vietnam era, not the Korean War unless he was the only 10 year old bearing arms for Old Glory ;).  

[cpsteamer]

 On the other hand, OGR is increasingly harder to find at newstands. Even one train shop where I would get OGR isn't carrying it anymore because of poor sales.

 

I know that my favorite shop over in Hamburg NY does not carry OGR because of it's pro MTH stance.

 Ken

[trigtrax]

I know that my favorite shop over in Hamburg NY does not carry OGR because of it's pro MTH stance.

 Ken

Ah! So the magazine should take an anti-MTH stand to increase circulation.. Interesting considering MTH actually supports the publication through advertising. It's amazing how the announcement of somebody's employment could stir up all the venom I've read in this post.

You'ld all like to return to the days when Lionel offered 2 new Geeps and 4 new boxcars each year. The Glory Years before MTH broke their stranglehold on O-Gauge. So after you're rid of MTH what's your next target, Atlas, Williams, Third Rail... RMT maybe? Then what, run Ross and Gargraves out of town so we all can run on Fastrack?

I can just see it now, CTT and OGR with 20 pages each, 10 of which are ads by Lionel's dealers trying to cut each others throats. That's some no choice world you've all got planned.

 

[Bob Keller]

Well, we seem to have gone from tipping our hats to Allan to orange/purple, so with that, let me lock this before the fist fights start.