WOW, got my new CTT today!!!

[ChiefEagles]

Can not wait to "dig" into it. [:D]

[csxt30]

Chief, that is great news, as I now have a subscription, too!! I did notice a potential problem in the words" DIG IN" , though. Someone may think you're talking about food again!! [:D][:D][:D] Thanks, John

[dougdagrump]

If I'm lucky I MIGHT see it by this weekend. [|(] [censored] [sigh]

[Roger Bielen]

Mine also showed up today. Had to force myself to put it down, I'd like it to give at least 2 days of reading.

[ChiefEagles]

I like the layouts in smaller rooms. Mine will be in 13X13 with some going through the walls into a walkin attic. Most folks don't have big rooms or basements. This helps us "little" guys. Thanks CTT.

[ben10ben]

I haven't had a chance to read much more than the smoke unit article, but that, in my opinion, was enough for me to have bought the issue if I weren't subscribing.

I've "Normalized" my smoke units before, but the thought of reversing the fan direction never crossed my mind. My K-line Trainmaster never has put out smoke with the force that I thought it should, so I'm planning on trying the fan reverse trick in it.

[ChiefEagles]

You are right Ben. Think I will be taking all my Lionel diesels apart and looking into the smoke units. Think I might order the book too.

[prewardude]

Got my issue today, as well. Ya gotta love that Blue Comet article! [:D]

[webenda]

"WOW," about sums it up for me too.

It seems to me that the editorial staff of CTT magazine design each magazine to appeal to a broad audience. An entire issue on one topic, say, Christmas Layouts or Custom Layouts, would be pretty boring for me. I like more variety.

As for CTT's July issue, I give it two semaphore blades up, proceed to the next issue while I read this one.

[Anonymous]

This month was double the excitement.
My MTH catalog and my CTT mag came in the mail on the same day!!!
I see MTH has come out with another Railking Big-boy for 031 curves.
I wonder how much it differs from the one they released a few years ago?
I sure hope CTT reviews this new engine....... (hint hint)

[laz 57]

Got mine today looks good. Didnot read it yet maybe tonight. Some nice articles and layouts.
laz57

[FJ and G]

Very nice issue. Kudos to CTT. BTW, did notice a couple more "professionally built" layouts. Neil's missing bridge trackplan is a hoot! The only thing he forgot to add is a wrecked bridge.

Looking forward to reading every article. Skimmed over the Leigh Valley article and it looks like a nice medium sized layout that most anyone could accomplish. Some colorful trains on it too.

[Dr. John]

Very good trackplans as was the Lehigh Valley layout. I appreciate seeing small to medium sized layouts that are more within my range of ability and space.

[cnw1995]

I'm saving this issue to read on vacation...I'm intrigued by the sleeve for Modeling Railroads of the 50s.

[lionelsoni]

I see one difference, Wabash: They put a plausible number on it this time.

(By the way, it is not that hard to modify for O27.)

[cheese3]

QUOTE: Originally posted by prewardude

Got my issue today, as well. Ya gotta love that Blue Comet article! [:D]

[#ditto]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cnw1995

I'm saving this issue to read on vacation...I'm intrigued by the sleeve for Modeling Railroads of the 50s.

I ordered it a few weeks ago, but its my understanding that it won't be available until Aug. or so. Looking forward to it since I grew-up(?) in the 50's. Joe

[ben10ben]

I just read the article on the AF Game Train today, which I had failed to notice earlier.

That is a set that I didn't know much about, and have always wanted to research, but had never gotten around to it. The CTT article was a welcome read, in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

I got mine a few days ago. Very nice issue. Well rounded and
articles for almost everyone. Nice to see some tinplate in the
pages both wth the article and the photo section. I agree with
the comments about "professionally built" layouts. Could use
a few "how to" articles. After all, the hobby is also about con-
structing layouts as well as running and displaying trains.

I beleieve the reason one is seeing more "contractor-built"
layouts is this is the next step by people who are more into dis-
playing their trains rather than actually being "hobbyists". In
the early days one had "collectors" who didn't even have a
layout, they just put trains on shelves. Now we are seeing a
new generation who want to operate, but don't have the time,
inclination or whatever to construct their own layout. So they
hire a contractor to do it for them similiar to department stores
of old.

In a way this is a shame as we are losing touch with what the
hobby really is. After all, it's more than just running the trains.
It's learning about electricity (or now electronics), model building,
design, and most of all...imagination! The last is something
that seems lacking in today's society. We have become an
"instant" and "pre-packaged" society that expects everything
to be "ready right out of the box". Always in a hurry to "save time",
we no longer have the patience to work towards a goal such as
building a structure kit or piece of rolling stock. Even Walthers,
the last bastion of kits, pieces and raw modelling materials is
carrying more and more pre-assembled items for the newer
generation of "hobbyist".

[lionelsoni]

Paul, I have to take exception to your comments. I believe that it is incorrect for anyone to define a "hobby" in a way that excludes what others enjoy doing. There are many ways to enjoy toy or model trains. We should not disparage others' interests in them which might differ from our own: Some people like to collect trains. Some like to run them in circles; others like switching. Some like building scenery; others like building the trains themselves. Some like tinkering with the electronics. Some don't care how closely they resemble prototypes; others care passionately. Some like two rails; others like three. Some like TMCC, DCS, DCC, etc.; others like e units. I feel that all are entitled to emphasize their own interests, without conforming to anyone else's paradigm.

I hope that we can be tolerant of and appreciate these differences. Although I seem to disagree with you, I thank you for the civility of your comments. I hope that no one follows our postings with the kind of name-calling that has marred the forum in the past.

[Anonymous]

Still waiting for mine. But, being in Canada, it usually comes a bit later than for you guys in the States. It sounds like a great issue.

[brianel027]

Got mine today and the first thing that jumped out at me was there was no K-Line ad on the very first page. When I first got back into the hobby I really looked forward to the ads from K-Line and took special notice of them. Of course, at that time K-Line was making products in a price/size range I really liked and wanted. Granted, K-Line has headed in a more scale product direction (so I haven't been as excited about their ads in the past couple years), but I do believe this is the very first time since I've been getting CTT that K-Line wasn't on the lead page or for that matter, anywhere in the issue.

Other than that, looks like a good issue with lots of good reading (and looking)!

[MTsteamfan]

We have a downstairs 'rec room' type area that I've been trying to convince my wife would be a great place for a layout. The CTT article about the "living room" layout will help...she really liked the picture of the two easy chairs with layout behind. Thanks CTT for another great issue -- the one mag I get that never disappoints.

[Anonymous]

Just got mine today and while I haven't found time to start reading it yet, it looks like another great issue. The articles on the Blue Comet and the AF Game Train are the two that are of most interest to me and I look forward to reading the most.

[FJ and G]

I am trying to figure out if I like the walnut benchwork railroad. I believe I DO!

However, I'm a bit puzzled by the lower end of the diagram. The track seems like it should curve around but it just sort of stops where the transformers are located.

AM I SEEING SOMETHING? Maybe need new glasses

[trigtrax]

The transformers are sitting on the roof of a tunnel.

BTW, I'm T Rex from Steeltoys and I provided the Catenary for that Layout.

If you notice the conductors they mount with a single screw to the supports. In the tunnel they are screwed into wood blocks glued to the roof.

[DCmontana]

I noticed that K-Line was missing too! Come to think of it, I did not see a Lionel ad either. You don't suppose???? They ran off somewhere do you????