I generally enjoy each issue of Classic Toy Trains, however, like any publication, it has strengths and weaknesses. One common denominator between issues are the large format photo spreads, which, seems to increasingly resemble a sort of hobbyist Look or Life magazine where graphics, and photojournalism appear to disproportionately displace text in the form of more information, whether it be new product information, history or the more technical issues of keeping our trains running.I counted nearly eight full pages that were either exclusively or largely devoted to photographs, and only two product reviews while the flood of new products are confined to be covered by the large advertising space, where, unless you know what to look for, my friends have commented, you have no idea largely what you are purchasing. Word of mouth seems to be the litmus test.
The large majority of posts in this forum are troubleshooting issues, compared to a nameless "other." I would pay the full subscription price if I could view a weekly Bob's Train Box on line, which leads to another subject, which is the extra value of the subscription versus the newsstand..I personally feel that more on line information updated more frequently would be a plus. I think the strength of the magazine is the variety, although I think tinplate has gotten a short shrift in favor of post war Lionel, which seems to be a obsessively perennial subject..I have Marx and Hafner Trains I collect in addition to MTH, K-Line and Lionel etc yet I have yet to see any historical background, of anything beyond the exception that is a full coverage of Marx layouts instead of gargantuan museum "hi-rail" type layouts Am I the only one who is somewhat frustrated by this "hi-rail" exclusivity?
The forum posts on Prewar American Flyer here on the forum (with photos ) have been fascinating, and in some respects far outweigh the coverage of the print magazine. I am no Flyer collector, but these posts have been a revelation, as any new knowledge is.
Is there anyone else here on the forum who has these similar thoughts?.
Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense: no one thinks he needs more of it than he already has.
WalleyWorld I had just emailed BK this morning about the possible of having a on line subscription available also as another mag offers at about a 40% discount over the paper version.
He stated they have discussed it but for now basically its not going to happen. I wish they would reconsider as I would probably subscribed to it as I really getting tired of all the mags piling up in the corner.
I would bet they might even pick up on the number of subscriptions and the savings in print could be very large I bet and I may be wrong but I thought you had to basically enter it on a computer first and wouldn't be that hard to have it available via the net with subscription
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
rtraincollectorWalleyWorld I had just emailed BK this morning about the possible of having a on line subscription available also as another mag offers at about a 40% discount over the paper version. He stated they have discussed it but for now basically its not going to happen. I wish they would reconsider as I would probably subscribed to it as I really getting tired of all the mags piling up in the corner. I would bet they might even pick up on the number of subscriptions and the savings in print could be very large I bet and I may be wrong but I thought you had to basically enter it on a computer first and wouldn't be that hard to have it available via the net with subscription
I would think this would be not only the future of publications, the multimedia possibilities are seemingly endless, ie, the wonderful BTB.. I gave up on saving issues too, unless I literally cut out and compiled a folder of those articles that are of personal interest and I refuse to pay a second fee for an article I had mistakenly discarded.in order to download it...this is of no advantage to me personally. I hope they do reconsider as well..they already run ads on line, I get a load of them in every CTT newsletter! Whats the difference between a pop up and a cardboard insert? I learned about Trainz on line and have been very happy with their prices and service..so whats the hang up? I have no idea...
Bob Keller
Bob,You could start a 'mail your favorite item to Piere for review'.
Personally, I detest any multimedia publication of any print presentation of the same material. I have never liked online catalogs; I prefer to have an actual thing I can feel in my hands and see the vibrant colors myself, instead of staring at a screen like everything else is pretty much done these days. So, while I do understand how it may be more convenient for some to have online publications of the magazine, I personally would rather have the print version and think it would be unfair if CTT would take the approach of the "other" magazine and offer a 40% discount on possible future online publications.
I am glad CTT has no plans on converting to a online magazine system.
"Lionel trains are the standard of the world" - Jousha Lionel Cowen
OgaugeoverlordWe can be pretty rough on stuff - I've had more than one locomotive become airborne. I don't think anyone would like their new Challenger or SD70 returned in kit form ...
I believe you when you say that less product is being sent for your review, but while you mentioned engines I was including new operating accessories, retrofitted sound systems, that would work in conventional locos (like RMC which I discovered a review of elsewhere that was supplied to another publication) but I do have brand loyalty in regard to publications as a product..and it seems very counter-intuitive that manufacturers would not send product for review as I have yet to read a complete thumbs down on any product..it would be like cars not being supplied to Car and Driver for testing..what do you attribute this to? It seems rather bizarre. Is it inconsistent quality? I noticed some glitches remarked upon in some past reviews...if you are not given product how can a major publication push self same product? . Others have remarked that they are reluctant to invest over 1K on a locomotive whose quality is uncertain...I myself have been burned with bad product and so I rely on word of mouth largely..to vouchsafe a choice of where I spend my few dollars I can..What about all the new tinplate product in O scale? I think the manufacturers are doing themselves a disservice with the choice of product out there..ie..more choices...by not providing you with product. Cest La Vie..
The big plus of online subscriptions is you can print the info easily for reference and the pics along with it .... edit and save the files for fabulous references . I agree Bob .... if a company or employee does'nt own and test a product ... I don't want a review or opinion of it . Some online reviews give rave reviews on manufacturer specs and no real trials .... those just seem like paid advertisements for them in my opinion .
In my opinion, CTT is just fine the way it is. I enjoy the variety of topics covered in each issue. My layout leans toward the Hi-rail side but I also like to see and read about postwar and tinplate. I actually like the pictures the way they are currently presented. Text is indeed important, but sometimes it is difficult to put into words certain aspects of scenery and other parts of our layouts. In regards to a printed magazine versus an on line version, I prefer a printed magazine. I personally find that a printed magazine is far more portable and light weight than my computer. Longevity is another reason. I still have a few favorite issues of Model Railroader and RMC from 1981. These issues come in handy when researching structures to scratchbuild. I am not sure if our computer downloads will be accessible thirty years from now. In fact, if everything goes digital, future archeologists may think that we were an illiterate society because no printed material will exist. Of course I doubt anyone will be interested in our toy trains a thousand years from now. All of this is just my opinion and others may have different opinions that are also correct for their individual preferences.
FiresteelIn my opinion, CTT is just fine the way it is. I enjoy the variety of topics covered in each issue. My layout leans toward the Hi-rail side but I also like to see and read about postwar and tinplate. I actually like the pictures the way they are currently presented. Text is indeed important, but sometimes it is difficult to put into words certain aspects of scenery and other parts of our layouts.
I second this. I would hate to see pictures made smaller. Big pictures show details better. I also abhore the notion of a digital magazine. I have saved every issue I have in a file by year so I can read them in bed or in the car while my wife is driving etc. I would hate to have to print out everything I want to save. It would probably cost me more in ink jet cartridges than the current subscription and wouldn't be the same quality. CTT might want to offer a digital magazine some day but I hope that will be only an option while we still can get the print version. Love the magazine. Keep up the good work.
Terry Thomann Fredericksburg, Virginia That is me on the left. My brother got the train TCA 09-64381
lionroar88 Bob,You could start a 'mail your favorite item to Piere Pierre for review'.
Bob,You could start a 'mail your favorite item to Piere Pierre for review'.
88........What a great idea!!! One of your best ever!!!!
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
I'd like to see
More issues like the December 2009 issue
More articles on the lesser known trains.
Less Hi-rail and custom built layouts
Maybe an article or series of articles on how Toy Trains evolved
Once in a while how about something on early HO. Or on Lionel and Gilbert's foray into the scale
Banks, Proud member of the OTTS TCA 12-67310
BanksLess Hi-rail and custom built layouts
BINGO! Or put another way, more toy train layouts.
More "traditional/classic" layouts, although I understand that the boyz at the magazine are in there pitchin' with these.
Improved writing/editing in the "how to" articles, including better error-checking, particularly in the stories dealing with wiring and electricity. Includes proper errorless schematics.
More reviews of operating accessories and operating rolling stock.
The "best" articles (to me) so far in 2010 were in the March issue. They were: "How To Make one-of-a-kind buildings," "1954: Lionel builds a great store display layout," and "2010: A modeler builds a better postwar-inspired Lionel display."
Focus on CTT roots: Concentrate on "Classic" and "Toy."
Bottom line, CTT is doing a pretty good job. It can't be easy to try to please everyone all the time.
Pete
"You can’t study the darkness by flooding it with light." - Edward Abbey -
Texas Pete Banks Less Hi-rail and custom built layouts BINGO! Or put another way, more toy train layouts. More "traditional/classic" layouts, although I understand that the boyz at the magazine are in there pitchin' with these. Improved writing/editing in the "how to" articles, including better error-checking, particularly in the stories dealing with wiring and electricity. Includes proper errorless schematics. More reviews of operating accessories and operating rolling stock. The "best" articles (to me) so far in 2010 were in the March issue. They were: "How To Make one-of-a-kind buildings," "1954: Lionel builds a great store display layout," and "2010: A modeler builds a better postwar-inspired Lionel display." Focus on CTT roots: Concentrate on "Classic" and "Toy." Bottom line, CTT is doing a pretty good job. It can't be easy to try to please everyone all the time. Pete
Banks Less Hi-rail and custom built layouts
Personally I prefer magazines, and would be happy to receive anybody's unwanted, unloved issues. The issues I do have I look through repeatedly, checking out what other's have done on their layouts and studying the tech articles. I love that. I don't spend any real time in the reviews or ads.
Another aspect is all the current talk among "lawmakers" about charging us even more for internet access.
I like seeing hi-rail layouts. I don't think it should only be limited to tinplate on a board. Classic Toy Trains as a name means more than windup toys on the carpet or prewar or postwar. There is more to it than just retail pieces scattered around a layout. I do enjoy seeing a good postwar layout built in the traditional Lionel catalog style but I also enjoy seeing the handiwork of those who wish to add a bit of realism to it. If you go back to Lionel's Model Builder Magazine from before WWII, you can see that they were fully into the idea of custom building and realism. It is completely appropriate to see those layouts associated with Classic Toy Trains. I think it's nice to have a balance. Some prewar, some postwar, some hi-rail, some not, etc. If you limit it only to a segment you also limit your customer base.
I wish we could see more pictures of layouts. I know it comes down to room but take N-Scale magazine as a prime example. They have 1 large feature layout every month and it gets 15-16 photos. There is a nice article but then followed by several pages of just photos of the layout. Obviously you wouldn't need this many pictures for small layouts but the point being that if you have a layout with lots of custom work, you showcase it.
I'd like to see more how to articles that go into detail rather than a simple tips and tricks section although admittedly some tips and tricks are simple and don't need much room. I don't want to see how to make streams or mountains using modern techniques as that's what Model Railroader is for. I'd like to see old techniques. A full step by step how to when it comes to Lionel postwar showroom layout groundcover or perhaps postwar layout tunnels. Old techniques using sawdust and paint. Basically articles that show techniques that can be used to build a modern recreation of old layouts that is more than just a simple trackplan.
One other thing I'd like to see is at least one feature on old outside 3rd rail setups. How it was done and why, pro's, con's, etc. I've always had a fascination for it and have several pieces but it is about as classic toy trains as you can get. It is really a lost art and no one mentions it anymore. It still has validity. Even Lionel sold outside 3rd rail pickups at one point!
lionroar88There is far more to 'O-Gauge'ing than Pre- and Post- War...
Of course there is, but aside from some of the absolutely terrific modeling being done it just doesn't happen to interest me much. Different strokes, and all that. The last thing I need or want on my setup is realism. I don't even care if my trains are not "exact scale." Life is plenty realistic enough, it doesn't need to be barging in on my little fantasy world.
For me, part of the charm of toy trains was/is their simplicity, which means that many modern iterations of them leave me cold. From the last paragraph of the Q&A column in the July 2010 CTT - "Most subassemblies on recent products are not simple for users to repair." Rather than repair the part that needs it, a whole sub-assembly gets replaced. This is utterly ridiculous, and it needn't be so. Modern society is gadget-crazed to the point of absurdity. Planned or otherwise, obsolescence runs rampant. Hobbyists sweat beads of blood when their newest million dollar baby fails to perform as advertised or shows up DOA.
Anybody else want a little K.I.S.S.?
How about getting rid of that annoying pop up when we sign on. It really is what did I say, oh yeah annoyinggggggg!
Texas Petelionroar88There is far more to 'O-Gauge'ing than Pre- and Post- War... Of course there is, but aside from some of the absolutely terrific modeling being done it just doesn't happen to interest me much. Different strokes, and all that. The last thing I need or want on my setup is realism. I don't even care if my trains are not "exact scale." Life is plenty realistic enough, it doesn't need to be barging in on my little fantasy world.For me, part of the charm of toy trains was/is their simplicity, which means that many modern iterations of them leave me cold. From the last paragraph of the Q&A column in the July 2010 CTT - "Most subassemblies on recent products are not simple for users to repair." Rather than repair the part that needs it, a whole sub-assembly gets replaced. This is utterly ridiculous, and it needn't be so. Modern society is gadget-crazed to the point of absurdity. Planned or otherwise, obsolescence runs rampant. Hobbyists sweat beads of blood when their newest million dollar baby fails to perform as advertised or shows up DOA.Anybody else want a little K.I.S.S.?Pete
I would second that. Anyone want a quadraphonic stereo or a beta max real cheap? How bout an 8 track tape? I want to see these systems thirty years from now and when left in an attic or basement, how well they perform...of course Ill be 90, and won't care anyway let alone know what planet I'm on...I love toy trains but at close to grand, or at 1200 or 1400 per engine, my common sense tells me my imagination will do just fine thank you..I have Marx crossing bells that sound like doorbells and I love their anachronistic, out of scale oddness..the colorful lithography..anytime the train goes by it sounds like a teletype is coming through... the real litmus test is my grandchildren who love the Marx more than the others with all the scale what nots and "realistic sound"..I don't feel my blood pressure rising when they careen across at warp speed as a smile comes over their faces...now that's toy trains! If that isnt classic I don't know what is...The push button Girard station gets a work out...none of this entering this address, then Johnny select the correct key and then go back to the menu and blah, blah..they don't care as to the level of sophistication...toy train products if they are to hypnotize youngsters need to be simple, affordable and fun...I must be a kid at heart.
balidas Personally I prefer magazines, and would be happy to receive anybody's unwanted, unloved issues. The issues I do have I look through repeatedly, checking out what other's have done on their layouts and studying the tech articles. I love that. I don't spend any real time in the reviews or ads.
Having said this, I will also say I love this forum. A tremendous amount of good info here. It's also good to know that I am not the only one scratching my head at times, and, as servoguy would say, "talking to myself".
Love reading these comments and enjoying the passion behind them! I enjoy the unveiling of each issue of CTT. I appreciate the forum, for being able to connect to fellow hobbyists who are at least familiar with the latest CTT - and the online extras for subscribers - Roger Carps commentaries, Bob's reviews, and especially the Train Box.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
I too think that CTT publishes more articles about Hirail items than I'd like. I do think that I am in the minority of subscribers though, in that my layout is intended to look more like a postwar dealer display than anything else.
I think that the articles they publish are indicative of what their readers want since aren't most of the articles submitted by readers? I can also see that a lot of the "classics" have been written about already. How many articles do subscribers need about a 252 crossing gate?
Keep up the great work,
J White
I completely agree. A couple more suggestions or reviews on operating your layouts, i.e. challenges or something like railroad puzzle solving. Something that after reading makes the reader want to go play with their trains.
Jeff Meyer
Founding member of the All Aboard Fastrackers! See us at: www.allaboardfastrackers.com
Just 1 suggestion - Monthly (12 per year) publication.
fifedog Just 1 suggestion - Monthly (12 per year) publication.
Couldn't have said it better.
Buckeye Riveter fifedog Just 1 suggestion - Monthly (12 per year) publication. Couldn't have said it better.
Yes SIRs, also for the same price.
laz57
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