Interesting. Hmmmm...
Well, let me say a few things. First off, while I've had NO issues and have had nothing but respect for the Kalmbach personnel in the trenches putting out the various publications like Trains, Classic Trains, and Classic Toy Trains I've had my doubts the past few years about whether whoever the "Big Cheese" was really understood the publishing business, the hobby publishing business specifically and the hobby publishing customers especially. Add to that the fact the costs for the publications kept going up and the content kept going down. In addition to which there was what struck me as a not-so-subtle attempt to push the clientele away from print publications and into on-line publications.
Again, I don't blame the Kalmbach people doing the grunt work. Like good soldiers they have to say "Yes sir!" salute smartly and carry out the orders, but quite frankly I don't think whoever was giving the orders knew what the hell he was doing. That thought struck me immediately when Bob Keller was let go several years ago. I know what I had to say about it!
Anyway, let's see where this goes. It should be interesting. If the outfit that's purchased the Kalmbach family of publications understands the business then all should come right in the end.
I hope they can bring new life into what has already been developed by Kalmbach, they did a great job, but feel there are some areas lacking. ( this forum for one. ( I understand going best deal as a money thing, but in this case I feel they were misled and were stuck with what we have)
The trains family is a good family, just needs some refreshing in my view. Wish them the best.
I don't know any more than what the press release stated, but I'm decidedly optimistic. Sad about the departure of Kalmbach ownership (hey, I've been a customer since the December 1966 issue of Trains), but pretty pumped up by a new owner who sees future potential in the railroad-related titles.
Bob Keller
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/firecrown-media-grows-again-with-addition-of-trains-astronomy
Same me, different spelling!
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