Got my CTT today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DCmontana]

I thought it was a great issue. The attic layout was a real hit. Being a true nostalgia buff, the 1945 layout was equally impressive. If there were only one manufacturer of three rail O gauge, I would still be buying from them. I have a variety of rolling stock, but my old Lionel 2056 is still my favorite. It is decked out in Milwaukee dress and pulls a nice string of 9500 Milwaukee passenger cars. I can't imagine people taking the legal actions between the produces in a personal way. I don't know those people and their fights, justified or not, are not mine. I don't care who makes a great product, I buy from any manufacturer. As to exposing the hobby, my layout is portible. I am a school administrator and take it to my office just before Christmas. We bring the elementary students to the district office and I let the school district pay me to run the trains for a couple of days. The only compaints I get are from parents that don't know where to by a train set in the remaining few days until Christmas. CTT got me back into the hobby several years ago and I look forward to every issue. As a matter of fact, I cannot recall a bad issue.

[Anonymous]

I agree with BillFromWayne. The content is really good, and the upbeat lead off from the editor is appreciated. I let my subscription to another magazine lapse due to what I consider to be less than interesting material that they present and the plethora of ads that they run with the outdated prices and lack of availability. CTT has interesting features and it is written in a real friendly tone.

It was a little on the thin side -- I stand by that comment, but I am happily subscribed through 2007.

[winrose46]

I normally do not get excited about reviews but ctt's MTH alcoS-2 was right on. I just picked up the Chessie version and everything in the article is correct. The sound is great and the detail is unbelieveable. One difference on the Chessie from the reviewed model is that it does not have the watch your step decals on the steps. Additionally, MTH has its mininum curve as O-31; however, my unit did not have any problem with my O-27 loop on my level. It did hickup going over a gargraves switch (It did not have any problem with K-Line 42 switches) at speeds less than 15 smph and I will see if I can reposition the pick up roller.

[MTsteamfan]

I had been wondering why there have been no Lionel reviews lately. Thanks Bob for providing the reason.

I don't understand why Lionel is not sending products to CTT for review. They must be aware that advertising is not required. Why wouldn't they jump at the chance at what is essentially a free ad for one of their great new products? It just doesn't make sense.

[Anonymous]

I have no idea what Lionel might be thinking, but I have to wonder about something:

If all the manufacturers move toward a "build to order" model for their products (which seems to be the case, especially for the higher-end stuff), then what would be the point of submitting a product for review? A review or an ad might help the dealers move the few items they bought for shelf stock, but that's it.

Those guys spend a ton of money on catalogs every year. Maybe that's all the publicity they think they need.

I'm not saying they are right or wrong, it's just something to think about.

[Anonymous]

"If all the manufacturers move toward a "build to order" model for their products (which seems to be the case, especially for the higher-end stuff), then what would be the point of submitting a product for review? A review or an ad might help the dealers move the few items they bought for shelf stock, but that's it."
----------------------------------

That's actually a very good point. As it is already, product reviews often enough are of little real value to a perspective consumer because the products are, just as often, long gone from the dealers' shelves even before the review appears. And this situation, especially as it exists for high-end products, is bound to get worse in the future. Furthermore, pre-ordering--the trend of the times--pretty much negates the value of reviews for those products that must be preordered.

I know that folks like to read product reviews, if for no other reason than to validate their choices, but changes in the hobby industry in recent years have rendered many of these reviews somewhat meaningless. It may be time for the various publications to re-evaluate the allocation of at least part of their editorial lineage.

[winrose46]

I disagree on the reviews being too late. I bought the Chessie Alco S-2 based upon the review and seeing that it was in stock in Laurel.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like a great issue! I'm especially looking forward to the article on the 1945 showroom layout! It has arrived at my house in Langenburg, but since I'm here in Regina right now, I'm not going to be able to look at it until the Nov. 11 long weekend when I'm heading back home. Oh well, I'm quite busy right now anyway.

[Anonymous]

It seems ironic that model train magazines are thinnest when interest in them is at it's peak.

[Anonymous]

Issues continue to get thinner. Subscription rates are down something like 18% over the past 5 years. The collector market is shrinking and the magazine should really take a look at trends inthe hobby and go with the flow. You are also seeing that magazines that cater tro the operator are growing in popularity. This magazine won't be top of the heap for much longer if they don't change.

[Bob Keller]

Hi Ru,
As a matter of fact we changed directions several years back - you see virtually no "wall of trains" collection stories or "count the rivets in the 6464 car" commentaries any longer. We feature far more operator-oriented features, track plans, and how-tos than ever before. I guess it all comes down to what your perception of the magazine is.

If we run a story on how to tune up a postwar Flyer engine or a Lionel transfer table, I'd say that is an operator story (since it is to get the engine or the accessory to run) while others would say it is a collector story because it is about "old" stuff.

Similarly, if we run a feature on a collector's layout (not the collection), I'd say operator feature, but if the trains are prewar, some are going to lable it 'prewar collector' and page on past it.

Thanks for the comments.

[M1Tanker]

CTT and the Army Times always get read through cover to cover in our house!

[daan]

Got it yesterday. A very nice magazine, and still the best in classic toy trains. I loved the article on the standard gauge from lionel. Beautifull machines!

[tmcc man]

Daan, how did you get yours so quickly. I was starting this on the december issue.

[Anonymous]

Got my Jan. issue today in PA. Thought the "Building the PERFECT Christmas layout" article was very funny..."Rule #1: Go with something small, less than 200 square feet". Holy Christmas, this 8x12 layout is bigger than my year-'round 5x8!!!
"went together fairly quickly...over a couple of months" Duh?
Look, the layout looks great, but are you sure this wasn't a early "April Fool's" joke?
In any event, the story has a happy ending...it's now a permanent layout...which makes me wonder why it was billed as a "perfect Christmas layout" in the first place.

[Dr. John]

Jan. issue arrived today. Been busy working on the Christmas layout today.

[ChiefEagles]

Been putting up Christmas decorations all afternoon [after returning from Todd's Train Depot]. Just went to mailbox as drove in from going to dinner [Combo fried chicken and pork ba-be-que [:D]], My January issue was in there. [:D] Now sit back and enjoy. OH, have lighted Christmas train on my back roof.

[tintrax]

Here in New Zealand my CTT used to arrive quite quickly in spite of coming via Germany! (Germany!!!!!!!!). Now I am not sure where it comes from, outer space maybe, as it takes a week longer. than it used to I don`t expect the January issue here for another week or so. Time will tell.

[watinva]

My copy arrived today in Roanoke Va. Williams ad on backcover got my attention. Penn GG1 @149.95 for Platinum Club Members seems like a pretty good deal. Am I correct in believing that this is the same size as the orginal postwar lionel GG1s? Does anyone have one of this and if so how do you like it.
Thanks

[tmcc man]

I just got mine. Not reading it just yet. Looking at the adds

[prewardude]

Got mine yesterday. It sure is nice to see some Standard gauge in the mag again! [:)]

[PaulEFudd]

I received mine on Saturday, a nice treat for the holiday weekend.

When I first picked it up I thought it was a bit thin, however, it had excellent featured layouts and Christmas putz' to boot and it was not overwhelmed by ads. The reviews of yet more diesels is either a sign most are going diesel or CTT needs to go out and buy/burrow some modern Lionel steam to review. Personally, diesel reviews are a waste of space.

I have to say that over the past year CTT has been getting better and better, especially with coverage of well-done layouts (these are the ones that inspire to build). Please keep this aspect up.

Paul

[Bob Keller]

Lionel hasn't shipped us anything in more than a year. I did go out a few weeks back and bought a Lionel 0-4-0, which will be reviewed in the near future.

[wrmcclellan]

Have yet to see the Jan issue in N Texas. [:(]

[Jumijo]

Bob,

I'd be very interested in seeing a long-term review on the Polar Express Berk or a similar Lionel "small" berk of the same ilk.

Jim

[Anonymous]

I haven't recevied mine to date. I wish CTT would start shipping them in the plastic wrappers like they used to. My issues have been coming late and sometimes a little damaged. As if someone at the post office is looking thru it first. My local hobby shop has them before do.

I have two more years on my subscription. I may not renew my subscription in order to get a copy quicker and in better condition. I look forward to receiving each issue of CTT. I have every copy.

[Bob Keller]

The Polar Express Berkshire has been on our display layout (you may recall the two-level desert and Christmas project layout we ran in the magazine in 1999 or so) in our offices, and has been regularly for visitors. It has run fine and the only problem we thought we had - was actually a transformer wire issue. It has been a real crowd pleaser running through the Christmas village.

Note to dtpowell, if you receive damaged copies, call our customer service number and they'll send you a new copy.

[Blueberryhill RR]

I got my Jan. 2006 issue today.

HOOOO RAAAAH

See the Williams sale on the back cover???

Chuck

[Buckeye Riveter]

The Roger's Corners post office delivered mine today.

and I want you to note what is being advertised on the inside of the back cover.

Now I have more than enough reason to post my G Scale photos on CTT. [:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

And make sure you see Page 74.....What has the old Buckeye been telling you about foam? [:0][swg]

[wrmcclellan]

Got it today finally!