Reading Model Railroader

[Anonymous]

MR is starting to get way off track if you ask me. Just bought the 2005 Model Railroads special issue and it has an article about a two foot gauge live steam "layout?" in the issue. Noticed some garden railway and outdoor club stuff in regular issues also. Why have garden railway mag for that stuff and then have it in MR also. Not my interest at all. And the two foot gauge thing. Well that is stretching model railroading to the point of being way out there to me.

[SilverSpike]

I have subscribed to MR off an on for many years, couldn’t afford it a few years back, but now have been getting it for the past two. I have some old issues of MR from back in the 70's when my dad and I worked our HO layout and I love looking at them and remembering the times we had together in the back shed on those late winter evenings. The articles I enjoy most are ones that provide detailed explanations and product selections for modeling techniques. I especially enjoy the articles on scratch building structures, and you don’t see many of those today. I have an old Walthers HO catalog from 1973; it is about ½ inch thick and was $3.00. Take a look at the 2005 HO catalog, it is 2 ½ inches thick or more, just goes to show you have the hobby has changed in the past 32 years.

- Ryan

[JoeVoisinSr]

I've been a subscriber to Model Railroader for several years now, and have found many articles and pictures that have given me many ideas for the railroad I am working on now. I read the magazine from cover to cover and when I find an article or picture that I think might improve my railroad , I use a post it note and stick it on the cover of that issue. That way I can go back through my magazines and easily find the articles that I am interested in. At the same time I want to thank all of you who contribute so much to this forum. I deffinately get a lot of information from you. Joe Voisin Sr.

[Anonymous]

I also subscribe to MR along with Trains. As for MR, honestly I subscribe to it to look at the pictures and to read about other peoples layouts that I can only dream about. But in the end I do manage to read the whole magazine and I have also recently bought some binders to keep them in as a reference for later dates. I agree with quite a few. Alot of the focus seems to be on large expensive, high tech layouts. Something that I probably won't ever achieve at least not in the near future. Oh well it gives me something to shoot for.

But I must say that I do like reading about Jim Kelly's Turtle Creek Central branch RR that he is building. For a new guy such as myself, this is a great motivator and a teaching tool. Thanks MR and Jim Kelly for doing this little feature. Hope to see more like it in the future.

At the current time, I dont mind all the ads. It gives me an idea of whats all out there seeing that I dont have access to any major catalogs.

I guess if I had to give a suggestion, I'd like to see MR do features on smaller displays, something that falls in the 4x8 or less category. Beginners layouts in other words. After all in order to get new people into the hobby, it dosent hurt to attract them to a starter layout that they can actually do and pay for on a smaller budget.

Steve

[halifaxcn]

I do suscribe. There are a few articles that hold my attention. I do not like all the attention paid to large and supersize layouts. the coverage of DCC is far above my knowledge base and pehaps I had a masters degree in enginerring I may be able to follow it. I find that some of the layouts feature "high end" layouts of persons who have more income than I do. They seem to be catering to a niche market of the "few"and have forgotten the rest of the novice and intermediate modler. I can find something useful and I like the ads.

I also subcribe to RMC and N Scale.

[pennsy-gg1]

I have subscribed to MR for a number of years and look forward [:P] each and every month for the new issue. I guess I have gotten a little compulsive about reading it [8)]-- 1st run-through, gives me an overview of the whole mag. Just flip pages, look and read an occasional ad and some captions. 2nd, I read the columns and articles cover to cover -- in the order of their appearance. Yes, each one! [^] Save Tony's [bow] column for last and just ponder the thoughts! [8D] 3rd read is for the ads. Sometimes I even get on the web and check out an advertiser's site. Always learn a lot of new info. reading MR this way. Get a lot of information that I can use for my modeling. I really, really enjoy MR every month. Yes, even the articles that contain “shameless product plugs” and “tie-ins.” [:O] Even have come to expect some of the plugs – That way I “learn how.” [:D] I can use whatever product I want! [:)] MR keep-up the Great Work!!! [:D] [8D]

[darday]

Have a sub and read it every month. Just got my Feb issue yesterday, and read most of it last night, already. [:)]

[SteelMonsters]

My subsription ends late 2007.


[:P]

[mcs08097]

I have subscribed for a number of years. There is usually something in every issue that I find useful or at least entertaining. Sometimes it even motivates me to head downstairs and "play with my trains" (as my wife calls it). My only gripe is the cost. $40 is a bit steep for a monthly. I realize its a specialty mag with a limited readership base, but it seems that fifty to sixty percent is ad copy (which can be informative too). They may want to bump the cost of advertising to cover a drop in subscription cost. Who knows, they might even sell more copies.

[Anonymous]

I read it, and keep it. However, the magazine today pales in comparison to the publication during the period from say, the mid 50s through the late 70s or so. The coverage of useful prototype info and development of hobby skills was really something. If you want to look at a REALLY well done magazine, pick up an issue of Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette. Bob Brown has produced the best done magazine in the BIZ. Another good one was Hundman's Mainline Modeller. I have the first 10 years or so, even though I am a fan of shortlines, bought it for the superb modelling skills teaching, I haven't looked at a copy for 8-10 years so I have no idea how it is today. MR is a general interst magazine. It seems to have evolved into an advertising/good review vehicle for manufacturers, and a display for layouts that show you what you might be able to do with the items being advertised/and good reviewed. Decades ago, there was really only MR and RMC, so they covered all aspects of the hobby. TOday we have dozens of specialty magazines for the serious specialist. There is still a need for an "overview" magazine like MR has become, but I would like to see more hands on stuff like the old days. If they would delegate 8 pages to 'a visit from the past' and re run some of the seminal articals from the 50s, 60s and 70s. ......Opps they do that in Kalmback "RERUN" BOOKS now.......

Jennifer On3, Lionel postwar, and some HO and O std

[twhite]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FundyNorthern

QUOTE: Originally posted by twhite

--#@^&-ing TAB key! How come this is the only forum that submits a reply if you accidentally hit the thing, anyway?

Tom:

Did you know that you can edit your own posts? When you view them there is the option to edit, change, add or I think even delete. Something to file away for any future oopsies! [:D]

Bob Boudreau

Bob--thanks for the information. I've been a model railroader forever, but a computer guy only since last June. I'm still in the midst of trying to convince myself that it isn't just a glorified typewriter, LOL.
Tom [}:)][}:)][}:)]

[GMO Fan]

I read it, and I LIKE it ! Always have. Sure some issues are better than others, but thats the same way with any monthly publication.

[TurboOne]

Well I guess I am the one to go against the grain on this one. I like to see the pictures (sound like another mag with pics) but most of the articles for this returning newby are either about a huge layout that I will never build but I enjoy looking at, or about something I am not interested in doing myself. If there is nothing in the issue, I buy a BB athearn kit with the money.

I love the online info. There are so many website with a story about a person that is at my level, and then you see this great layout. What makes train people so great is that they are willing to share info, it is not a trade secret. Of course most of us are not maiking a living with our train secrets, unlike the computer guys that are.

Anyway, I love online because you can go to a website like tonys, atlas, kato, bachmann and get more info than anywhere else. Computers mean power of information quickly. If I need a manual, download it instead of hunt through boxes of manuals. If I need to fix something, just on trains there are thousand of threads, with a search engine. Or you can ask and get great help. There are so many people on here that are very helpful that if it is available, ask. The information revolution is bigger than the industrial, or any other revolution. A newbie can gather info in hours and minutes instead of months.

Thanks to all who share there knowledge. You are the ones enabling this hobby to grow.

Tim

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by PARKERLEGEND

I really hope MR is reading this post. I WANT A FREE SUBSCRIPTION!!! HOOK ME UP PLEASE

I want a free subscription too. I also want a free BMW. Alas, I don't expect either.

Wayne

[CP5415]

I don't have a subscription, but I do try to buy MR every month.
I'm always looking for ideas on how to make my layout better

Gordon

[n2mopac]

I subscribe to MR. I have for 10 years. It is the only magazine I have ever taken that I actually read cover to cover every month. I really enjoy it. I have subscribed to several other model railroading magazines over the years, but MR is the only one I have continued to take.

Ron

[Anonymous]

I really hope MR is reading this post. I WANT A FREE SUBSCRIPTION!!! HOOK ME UP PLEASE

[Anonymous]

I am a fairly new subscriber, 2 years to be exace. I would say that I skim the articles and read the articles that peek my interest. I enjoy the photos though. Until I got my first magazine I thought that model railroading was just toy trains. Now model railroader magazine has open my eyes to whole new world. I have been overwelmed with ideas and information. I have just started building my first layout, Grand Valley, from woodlands scenery, but also have been thinking of ideas for my next layout. I would say that i am thankful to the magazine for opening me up the a great hobby

[camarokid]

I read it cover to cover and everything inbetween every month when it comes in the mail. Sometimes I sit right down and read it when delivered. I like the steam layouts best. Of course my layout will never look like the ones in MR, but I don't want it to. When it's to time to show off to friends, family and knowledgable people, the nit pickers(I've seen them work their magic) take the fun out of it. I read MR for everything useful I can use for now and in the future. DCC Corner sometimes is confusing to me because the author supposes everyone is as literate as he is in his field. Tony's Trains of Thought is what I save for last because he always has something witty or very useful to say. Suffice it to say I'm lost with out it.
Archie

[Anonymous]

I will somtimes read all of mr but mostly whatever looks most interesting. but i am a proud subscriber.[:)] when i do read cover to cover i will read it again and again and on until the new one comes. of course, i read back issues for tips for my layout.

[Bob Hayes]

Wasn't the bowling alley in Alhambra? The basement layout under the hobby shop was in Pasadena.
Bob Hayes

[mikebonellisr]

I read it cover to cover,ads and all.there is always something that will gain my intrest. Along with the other model railroading magazines,and this forum we can find a gold mine of modeling information.This forum is usually quicker and you get information AND more veried views ,opinions, and experience.I use anything and everything I can get my hands on to make me a better modeler......Such a long way more to go,I'll never stop learning,IT'S GREAT!

[gvdobler]

I don't have a layout, but I read all the books. I've been a radio control airplane guy for lots of years and its about the same in that sport.
The magazines have to have beginner articles which the experienced people gloss over, and if its all tech stuff the newbys get lost.

I have photos I took at the Sierra Pacific layout when they were in an old bowling alley in Pasadena. Ever since I've been a "closet model RR" fan with no layout.

I also get the "Great layouts" mag each time it comes out. The artistry of most of the layouts I find facinating.

Hats off to all of you.

[Anonymous]

I keep mine in the one seat library. It gets read cover to cover.

[Anonymous]

When i get to where i can't read anymore, i'll still like the pictures. It's gotta make the top ten of bathroom reading.

[PennsyHoosier]

LIke luc, I subscribe and read it from cover to cover. Then I read it again. And then, usually, again.

[Anonymous]

I suscribe, read it cover to cover, then go back over the interesting bits. And yes even the adverts

[Anonymous]

Cover to cover. I am almost done with February.

[PistolPete]

I resubscribed about 2 years ago but I still have my issues from 78 to 82. I enjoy MR and look forward to each new issue. I read every article even the DCC information which I do not and most likely will never have. I really like the layouts visited even though most are way beyond what I expect mine to be, but it is fun to look and daydream. I have picked up many ideas on ways to improve my layout plan and tips on how to build different sections. Now to finish reading February's issue which just showed up in the mail.

[Anonymous]

I subscribed a month back, hope to get a copy in the mail shortly[:)]
Morgan