I'd like more articles on. . .

[Rene Schweitzer]

This should generate some conversation (hopefully, all good![:p]). What would you like to see more of? Maybe there's something I don't have on the list.

[markperr]

I'd like to see an article dedicated on how to work with styrene. How to glue it, cut it, and bend it. How to use an airbrush would be nice as well. I also like multi-part "how-to" articles. It allows the author to go more in depth with their information. The pond series is a perfect example. I realize that some of these topics may have been covered in copies gone by but I'm at work and just throwing these ideas off the top of my head.

I'd also like to see the content to advertising ratio be a little more balanced but I understand that they pay the bills so I'll have to accept how it is.

Mark

[vsmith]

I wish I could vote twice,

Of course I voted indoor layouts, I need all the sources I can steal from! But I really like articles on kitbashing projects like adding the modified Annie cab to the Indy type of article. A readers photo gallery page would also be nice.

[Tom The Brat]

Ummm.... EVERYTHING!

[Anonymous]

I would like to see more buildings to make. ben

[kstrong]

Well, I should vote for "Beginner Material," if only for job security...

I'd love to see more how-to articles, perhaps a two or three part series showing how someone kitbashed a locomotive or scratchbuilt a box car. Such an endeavor would have to be conceived and written specifically for such an article, it couldn't really be done for an already existing model in someone's collection. Model Railroader ran a series years ago on scratchbuilding a brass locomotive. If I recall, it ran for something like 8 issues. Over on the mylargescale forum, there are ongoing "masterclasses," which take the modeler step-by-step through the building process. A series along those lines would be ideal for inspiring folks to "take the next step" so to speak.

Mark,
Upcoming installments of my column will be looking at modeling techniques with various materials; a sort of "Beginner's guide to modeling techniques" kind of thing.

Later,

K

[van buren s l]

Rene
I voted for how-to articles on the assumption that the topic covers scratch building.
Bob

[Anonymous]

Rene,
I would like to see more articles on signals (basic) using low cost items and just general How to things. One thing would be surveying for a bridge or something like that. Thanks - Greg

[Anonymous]

I would like to see some upand coming trends.Some good pictures and some reviews by ordinary people.Most model shops do not stock a lot of things due to cost.
When trying to reseach a new product to use-or on wish list-it's very difficult to see behind the advertising rubbish and decide weather it is the thing I want.
Tony Walsham recently did a very useful thread on battery control.
I use DCC but even though I use MTS I know there are far superior systems out there.
If I ask my model shop they have not a clue.Most of the good DCC come from the US but I'm not going to hand over some hard earned cash without seeing for myself what it can do.
Good,clear and concise articles.
Ramble over,thanks,Troy

[Rastun]

I voted for how to projects, but there really is a good space for beginner's articles and more gardening topics. I know we want more of everything [(-D]

Take care,
Jack

[Rene Schweitzer]

Troy,

Stay tuned. An article on DCC is in the works here!

[Anonymous]

Great stuff Rene,Make sure they have a good website and are export friendly.
Troy

[TurboOne]

Simple articles for new folks. How to on indoor and simple outdoor projects. Your links that are stickied are great. Maybe an article letting the readers know about this forum to generate more traffic.

Tim

[emipapa]

Rene,
I would like to see an article in SIMPLE ENGLISH on how to wire a garden railroad for track power and it should include loops, switches and the like.
Thanks for your efforts,
Ron

[Anonymous]

I would like an article of power packs and power in general that would help me to pick on from the many choices I have seen.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by iaviksfan

Rene,
I would like to see more articles on signals (basic) using low cost items and just general How to things. One thing would be surveying for a bridge or something like that. Thanks - Greg

More deatail on what you would like to know.
Bearing in mind even for basic signaling most garden lines cannot fit it in.
I can help a bit with principals and practices of railway signaling but each railway carries those out differently.
But a very basic signal can be made with a 1/2" alluminium tube an inexpencive hollow Red or yellow 1-6 mm thick triangle for the arm the plastic plug for the tube a nail from a nail clip and a bead the high tec version has a constant yellow light your whole line could be done with those..
You cannot get any more basic than that or you can go to what I call half signaling which is to install as close to full signaling as you can.
regards John

[Marty Cozad]

I voted to see more layouts, but I see more folks voted for How to thingys. How about advanced how to thingys? I have a number of folks using large RR technoiogy or should I say heavy duty on their smaller RRs.
What articals have NOT been done before?

[Curmudgeon]

Actual Operating Railroads.
Headlights ON.
No cars derailed (unless there's a big-hook on-scene).
Showing folks actually operating, switching moves, passing meets, not this round-y-round stuff.
TOC

[Anonymous]

Pull out plans of larger, historic or interesting buildings, particularly stations, fire houses, schools, non-routine buildings that plans, and ideas are hard to find for.

[kstrong]

Capt Carrales - I wrote a comparative power supply article around three years ago, though I forget exactly which issue it appeared in. (June or August '02 comes to mind.) Not too much has changed since then. Back issues should still be available.

TOC - historically, headlights were not mandatory when operating during the daytime. [;)] Derailed cars on the other hand...

Later,

K

[081440]

I'd like to see some How-To-Articles using inexpensive peices. (i.e. Kitbashing or severly modifying a plastic boxcar [:)]. NOT cutting apart a LGB locomotive and then installing a $$"super computer"$$[xx(])

I would also like to see the projects have thier measurements in all the popular scales / gauges (i.e. 1:20.3, 1:22.5,..........) [#dots]

[Rene Schweitzer]

Capt and Kevin,

The power pack round up article was in the June 2002 issue. I believe the back issue is still available, plus it's available as a PDF download.

[Anonymous]

Well if you put a letter next to everyones post not counting Rene's were up to the letter S, so I say T all of the above[:D]

[Anonymous]

Some "How To" articles I would like to see are:

* How to body mount Kadee couplers
* Building with Jig Stones
* Other techniques for building outdoor structures
* Painting outdoor structures
* Building other Trackside details suitable for permanent outdoor display
* Weed control
* General maintenance needed for engines
* General maintenance needed for other rolling stock
* Repainting rolling stock
* Other upgrades that can be done to rolling stock
* Kit bashing a small engine (like an H-L-W Mighty Mack) into something fun

I also think the How-To articles need to assume minimal tools and/or special equipment; and, use of materials that are commonly available. Let's face it, if I already have a full complement of crafting tools and equipment, I probably already know how to use them and don't need a GR article to show me how. And, don't show me how to build something that you built with stuff you pulled out of your junk drawer that I'm not likely to have and/or can't get.

Jon

[Marty Cozad]

Jon
i think i could help you with most of those just by having you come visit and run trains for a weekend. Once you SEE how its done, its much easier than reading about it.
Your always welcome.
We do "operate" our RR by running trains in a circle. Its the same as if you go two miles west to the U.P. mainline and see trains run by every 20 mins. By the time its out of sight, you can hear the horn of the next train..

[markperr]

Would anyone else be interested in learning something about airbrush weathering. Something detailed including how an airbrush works, best methods for layering of colors, airbrushing items on you layout other than the loco or rolling stock?

I wouldn't mind pull out plans that offer 1/29th rolling stock. The pull out plans by Ted Stinson are fantastic but are primarily narrow gauge. Does Ted create only in Narrow Gauge? Could he be coaxed into doing mainline? Perhaps someone else? I would definately build projects that are in line with what I want to model. A modern car carrier or roadrailer seems like good places to start.

Mark

[bman36]

Hi Rene,
Indoor lines got my vote. I too like the idea of seeing the RR's owners and / or friends included in "operating shots". Great idea for a poll BTW. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36

Hi Rene,
Indoor lines got my vote. I too like the idea of seeing the RR's owners and / or friends included in "operating shots". Great idea for a poll BTW. Later eh...Brian.

I to would like to see indoor stuff. I especially like the hole in the wall article, people getting them from inside to outside.

[Anonymous]

Get yourself a great big shed Matt.That's what I've done.This summer I'm going to build an in shed depot with a small loop and a turntable.Drive them in,turn them or park them.
Troy

[Anonymous]

Hi Rene
If this list is anything to go on I think you might need a bigger magazine and more incoming articals [:D]
regards John