83 Tip Challenge

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Fill disclosure.  I am not on the CTT staff.  I did write the article on the IKEA shelves, but I have no idea how many tips CTT counted from said article.  As I re-read it, here is what I think might have been counted.

1 - Using the original box could be the storage unit.

2 - Display cases can be used, but are expensive.

3 - Glass doors are a good option for the bookcases.

4 - Assembly is easy, but wall anchoring is essential and sometimes hard to do.

5 - The Styrofoam shelf liners.

6 - Suggesting shelving sizes for different types of trains.

7 - Shopping at IKEA can give a person ideas on shelving.

I do not know if this is the "official" count or not, and I do not presume to speak for CTT, but this total is an example of what could be behind the thought process.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[phrankenstign]

Since nobody else has taken up the challenge, I'd like to officially request from the staff at Classic Toy Trains to list all 83 tips.

[teledoc]

There are certain "outright" tips, sparingly throughout the magazine.  The large number apparently comes into play, from all the minutiae contained in the various "Layouts", within each issue.  How can a reader expect to count those items as a TIP.  I personally do not have a layout, or intend to have one any time soon. I merely skim over the 'every detail' of the posted layouts, but I enjoy the photos, and envy those who have their layouts published.  BUT come on now, and point out the "83" tips. Just my $.02!!

[phrankenstign]

Overall, I've been very satisfied over the years with the content.  That's why I've got every issue since the first in 1987.  I don't like this practice of stating there are a number of tips without listing them.  It seems a bit dishonest to me, since I was unable to even come close to finding them all.  I took on the 83 Tip Challenge, but I failed miserably.  I'm hoping CTT members can tell me where the rest of them are.  That will restore my faith in the magazine.  I'm usually fairly observant and good with details.  Perhaps I'm losing my attention to detail in my old age of nearly 58.

[Banks]

I agree 100% What really frustrates me is Magazine content gets thinner while they keep producing high  $$$$ "SPECIAL" issues. If they spread those articles through the year I'd feel much better about renewing my subscription.

[phrankenstign]

Back in June EIS2 started a thread entitled "CTT July 2017, 75 Tips?" where he stated,

"The July, 2017 CTT touts "75 Tips!" on the front cover in very large letters, but there is no page number shown.  The index doesnt show 75 Tips either.  So where are they?

Earl"

The reply from Bob Keller was, "Carl (the boss) counted every tip in the magazine and there were 75 throughout the issue."

Earl.....as I'm sure many of us.....thought it was a joke answer.  However Bob and Rene both replied it wasn't.

 

KRM, Dave45681 and Hap stated their displeasure for the answer, and I agree with them.  I was hoping the practice would stop.  However the latest issue states "83 TIPS INSIDE THIS ISSUE".  It's true there are many magazines out there with covers touting "Top Five", "Top Ten", "Top Twenty", et cetera.  However the difference is they actually DO include those lists in order where they can be easily found.

 

I went through the October issue (Vol. 30 No. 7), but I couldn't find all 83.  I only found 22.

I didn't count anything in ads nor in reviews.  I can't imagine anything in an ad should have been counted, because it doesn't make sense to view every single item as a tip.

"You can add that item to your collection/layout/display."

"SAVE UP TO 43% - BEST DEAL $106.95"

How would item reviews have tips?

"MTH modeled a new Alco"

"It has a draw-bar pull of..."

"The paint work is the best"

Can statements like those be considered tips?  I don't think so.

 

Anyway.....here are the tips I found:

01. Page 06 - Use 20-gauge black insulted wire to "twist-tie" the track snugly to the roadbed.  Lowers noise level.
02. Page 16 - Use the top row for the outside rail.
03. Page 16 - Use the bottom row for four blocks.
04. Page 16 - Use WD-40 on a cotton swab to clean wheels and pickup rollers.
05. Page 16 - Use very fine sandpaper to scratch up the sides and tops of springs for better electrical contact.
06. Page 16 - Obtain brass screws, nuts, and fiber washers to create variable volt terminal post in transformer.
07. Page 20 - 584 good condition value.
08. Page 20 - 584 excellent condition value.
09. Page 21 - 582 good condition value.
10. Page 21 - 582 excellent condition value.
11. Page 22 - 587 good condition value.
12. Page 22 - 587 excellent condition value.
11. Page 22 - 588 good condition value.
12. Page 22 - 588 excellent condition value.
13. Page 25 - Twain's best-known characters can be used to personalize a model railroad with a specific locale and era.
14. Page 27 - Replace an older E-unit with a modern component.
15. Page 28 - A scrap piece of wood provides suitable support for the circuit board of the replacement E-unit.
16. Page 28 - Keep the board from touching any part of the metal chasis to prevent a short circuit.
17. Page 29 - Parts and tools list needed to replace E-unit.
18. Page 43 - "The best teacher when making scenery is the process of trail (sic) and error".
19. Page 54 - Project number one.
20. Page 54 - Project number two.
21. Page 66 - An inexpensive way to display your trains are IKEA bookcases.
22. Page 66 - Use 1/2" thick Styrofoam sections cut to fit on the shelves inside.

 

What 61 tips did I miss?