I agree. Tony's columns are always one of the first things I read each month. And while I sometimes agree and sometimes don't, they are always enjoyable and usually thought provoking.
MR is and has been my favorite magazine since 1971. I have all the issues but 6 or so back to 1948 and a few earlier ones as well.
Enjoy
Paul
I enjoy Tony's "Train Of Thought" column too. Thank you Tony!
Wolfgang
Pueblo & Salt Lake RR
Come to us http://www.westportterminal.de my videos my blog
I have always read Tony's column and appreciated his words of advice down through the years. He is also featured on several of the Dream, Plan, Build series and to see him in action is always a treat. People may disagree with him at time, but then people probably disagreed with Linn Wescott or Gordon Odegard as well but even today some invoke their names with a certain sense of respect.
So Tony, if you ever read these posts, thanks for everything!!
There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....
Bob.... Thanks for sharing some of your personal background as well as your gratitude for Tony Koester's monthly commentary.
When I receive Model Railroader each month, I read two columns first, and then read the rest later. I read Trains of Thought by Tony, and I read Workshop by Jim Hediger. Both men deserve lots af appreciation from model railroaders. They certainly have been inspirational and informative to me.
You mentioned Tony has critics, and I should not be surprised because there are always judgemental people based on my observations. Yes, there are some of those in our hobby. We model railroaders are just people.
However, in my opinion, the model railroad community tends to be less critical, less spiteful, and less judgemental than other groups of people. I think Tony would have more critics if he were in another profession.
Again in my opinion, the quality of people who are model railroaders does add to the enjoyment of "The World's Greatest Hobby".
Happy Model Railroading!
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Hi,
I've been playing with trains since the mid '50s, and have been an MR reader/subscriber since the December, 1955 issue (and an RMC subscriber since the '70s).
I certainly don't know Mr Koester personally but have read his works for some time. One thing I have noticed, is that he (and a few other authors that have been around awhile) went through their "only my way is right" period - but all have definitely mellowed with age. Of course I've seen this with many other folks that once had "assertive personalities" including myself.
I've learned that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and while I may not agree with it, I may still learn something from them. In any case, I need to respect their opinions, as I wish them to respect mine. Of course that's easy to say....................
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I have read Tony's comments for years and at first thought yup,just what the hobby needs another wacko "expert".
However,as I matured in the hobby I found myself agreeing more with Tony's views..
I still enjoy reading Tony's "Train Of Thought" column.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I agree with the value of contributions Mr Koester has made to the hobby. He is more "fanatical" in his approach to some aspects than I, but when I contrast his views to mine, I often arrive at a better result.
Yea team Koester.
Bob,
thank you for your appreciation of Tony´s work and the many helpful hints he has given us over the years. I too like his column very much - a reliable source of food for thought.
I am into model railroading for 47 years now and, aside from the actual modeling work, I like a positive dialogue with friends. We don´t have to agree at all times, but we should at least maintain a civilized approach to settling disputes.
I am sorry to read that there a few folks who are unable to do so.
I have been in model railroading for 74 years now, first train at age 6 months from my father who was a Santa Fe engineer and wanted a boy to play trains with. He got it. Since then I have never been without a layout except for a few months in college when I had to discover I could slide a sheet of plywood under a dorm bed.
Tony talks about reactions from other model railroaders to his ideas and thoughts, some good and some bad. I have disagreed at times with Tony, but I have been in agreement a larger percent of the time. I picked up a good amount of my layout building ideas from articles by Tony and others in MR and other sources. I was sorry to read about the two gentlemen he mentioned that were on a vendeta against everything he said, but I found that in all the years I served as a pastor, while also working in the computer field, that there were those who agreed with me and those who didn't. I managed to learn a few things from those do didn't including a couple of gentlemen who post on this forum and are "old school" model railroaders.
But my Santa Fe in Oklahoma in 1989 (HO) has served me well since the first track was laid in 1984 and I owe much of it to comments from other modelers like Tony. I have had several of the "well knowns" visit over the years, and I believe my books indicate Tony was here at one time also.
So just want to say to Tony and others on the MR staff who work to provide info, tips, ideas, on the hobby, "THANKS", because through many of your articles, I have been able to build a better railroad.
Robert (Bob) Miller, MMR 138.