Integrity of Model Railroader Product Reviews

[DSchmitt]

There are both objective and subjective componets to any review.

Some magazines lean heavily to the objective giving statictics of the model compared to the prototype and sometines other models

Others magizenes seem to lean toward the subjective, giving the reviewer's impressions of the product but little hard information.

The ideal review would do both.

Often differences in reporting the subjective are because of the different reviewers knowledge, experience, and skill. (I have built some model kits successfully, then latter read a review where the reviewer said they were unbuildable and also seen great models by others from kits I could not complete)

[Anonymous]

If you like no-holds-barred reviews, I seem to recall a number of guys here recommending Model Railroading News. I was thinking about subscribing and asked for people's opinions. The product reviews are apparently pretty tight, according to the responses I got.

[rrinker]

I've seen a few of those, they give the awa free at the one locla train show. I've considered subscribing because of their reviews - talk about in-depth! They run 3-4 pages sometimes!
And MRN is not afraid to badmouth something, I think it's the Jan 05 issue I have with a review of the BLI N&W hoppers - the only thing I've seen more detailed is brass, and they SLAM them!

--Randy

[davekelly]

Tileguy,

While possible, I really don't think that's happening. Of course, I may be wrong and everyone here that is slamming MRR reviews are actually on RMC's payroll.

[Adelie]

While I think they handle things like the 12-car load limit on a $250 loco too softly, I don't think anybody is having their pockets lined, either. Many publications these days tread lightly in reviews to avoid annoying advertisers, and let's face it, MR knows Life Like is going to be an advertiser.

My opinion of their reviews diminishes when they understate things that, in my opinion, are major shortcomings. On the other hand, I could care less if they even notice that the number of rivets does not match the prototype.

So when does RMC cut payroll checks, Dave? Mine hasn't arrived yet this month.