There is a major upgrade to the Trains.com group of websites in the works, which we hope will include the Forum software. In the meantime, because of the work being done on this project, no resources will be allocated to fixing the old Forum software. Therefore, there's no point in continuing to point out all the things about the Forum that are broken. Trust me, we are already too aware of them. So this thread is being locked.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
richhotrain rrinker The other forum I am on (not railroad related) which has what I do think is vastly superior software to this, is also very picky about necro threads - but they do have one thing going for them - if you attempt to post a reply to a thread that has had no activity for a significant amount of time, it pops up a notice that says so and urges you to reconsider starting a new thread. It also notifies you if, while you were composing your reply, someone else has posted a reply to the same thread and gives you the opportunity to go back and read the new reply(ies) before posting yours. There you go, now you're talking. I like that approach a lot. Rich
rrinker The other forum I am on (not railroad related) which has what I do think is vastly superior software to this, is also very picky about necro threads - but they do have one thing going for them - if you attempt to post a reply to a thread that has had no activity for a significant amount of time, it pops up a notice that says so and urges you to reconsider starting a new thread. It also notifies you if, while you were composing your reply, someone else has posted a reply to the same thread and gives you the opportunity to go back and read the new reply(ies) before posting yours.
The other forum I am on (not railroad related) which has what I do think is vastly superior software to this, is also very picky about necro threads - but they do have one thing going for them - if you attempt to post a reply to a thread that has had no activity for a significant amount of time, it pops up a notice that says so and urges you to reconsider starting a new thread. It also notifies you if, while you were composing your reply, someone else has posted a reply to the same thread and gives you the opportunity to go back and read the new reply(ies) before posting yours.
There you go, now you're talking. I like that approach a lot.
Rich
The boating forum software I mentioned previously also gives that notice on older threads.
Brian
My Layout Plan
Interesting new Plan Consideration
gpharoAs mentioned, search your topic followed by cs.trains on Google
I have found that using site:cs.trains.com after your keywords will bring the best results.
https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/2466433?hl=en
For example,
https://tinyurl.com/s8lmqbq
Cheers, Ed
As mentioned, search your topic followed by cs.trains on Google
ex) static grass cs.trains
Thanks for that reminder, Onewolf.
I was able to use that link to find the thread eulogizing my beloved Thumper, a Bachmann steamer that suffered the same fate as Jimmy Hoffa, returned to Bachmann for repairs never to be seen again.
Alton Junction
In case it hasn't been mentioned, the best way to google search this specific site is to start your google search with: "site:cs.trains.com/mrr/f" and then your search terms.
Modeling an HO gauge freelance version of the Union Pacific Oregon Short Line and the Utah Railway around 1957 in a world where Pirates from the Great Salt Lake founded Ogden, UT.
- Photo album of layout construction -
I don;t have much problem with necro threads either. IF we are talking about adding new information, or asking for clarification on something that was part of the original thread. If you start a new thread on the same topic, pretty soon the new one looks just like the old one as everyone who is still around posts the same reply they posted 3 years ago when the questionw as last asked. Why bother? The existing thread already has all those answers. A better and working search would reveal this.
THe other forum I am on (not railroad related) which has what I do think is vastly superior software to this, is also very picky about necro threads - but they do have one thing going for them - if you attempt to post a reply to a thread that has had no activity for a significant amount of time, it pops up a notice that says so and urges you to reconsider starting a new thread. It also notifies you if, while you were composing your reply, someone else has posted a reply to the same thread and gives you the opportunity to go back and read the new reply(ies) before posting yours.
I would guess this sort of thing is outsourced, and as I mentioened it seems liek there is a lot of integration with the pay extras and the video content serving, so there may not be many other options available. ANd especially in a specific vertical - bith the client and the integrator tend to get a little tunnel vision with regards to the available products when they primarily serve only one or two verticals, especially if they are similar. So while others in the publishing field may use this same software, there may be something else out there that's not specifically designed for the publishing field yet could meet all the requirements.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
richhotrain I'm with Henry on this one. Start a new thread. Or, include a link to the old thread. But, do not add your reply to a thread that has been dormant for 5 or 10 years or longer. Rich
I'm with Henry on this one. Start a new thread. Or, include a link to the old thread. But, do not add your reply to a thread that has been dormant for 5 or 10 years or longer.
Well, I guess I agree regarding the newby who does a search and posts something in a 10 year old thread that really makes no sense.
I just ignore them unless it does seem to make sense to answer.
So if someone did a search for info on Bachmann locos and came up with my thread about the improvements I made, is that not better than posting a new question? They may find what they need right away, rather than waiting for people to read and respond.
Actually, I do have all that info available for copy and paste, and would happily answer additional questions. But if they add those questions to the existing thread, it builds a chain of related info.
Sheldon
SeeYou190ATLANTIC CENTRAL I have no problem with "necro" threads, I don't get why that bothers people so much? I don't either. I do not understand why people act like it is a personal face-slap when an old thread gets brought up to the top. -Kevin
I have no problem with "necro" threads, I don't get why that bothers people so much?
I don't either. I do not understand why people act like it is a personal face-slap when an old thread gets brought up to the top.
-Kevin
It's not a slap in the face, it just decreases the signal to noise ratio.
I'm here to enjoy model railroading with my forum friends and trade information, learn new techniques and knowledge, admire others' workmanship and skills, ask questions and help others. Reading a post where someone advises a forum member who hasn't posted in 10 years what gauge bus wire to use fails all those measures. No one learns anything from that thread.
There is a 4 year old thread on yard scenicking that was resurrected yesterday. The new question was whether to use roadbed in the yard and expands the discussion of yard scenicking in a logical way. I don't have a problem with that kind of old thread. OTOH taking that discussion and asking what kind of yard switchers should be used in a 1980's Conrail operation, is not the best way to seek information. Some questions deserve their own thread and a future search might be more successful with a proper title to the new thread.
I don't have a problem with newbies who ask should I go HO or N scale, DC or DCC, cork roadbed or homosote? They are the fleas that go with the dog. Even though we see those posts every other week, the at least the newbie is learning.
We haven't seen any of those inflammatory threads in quite a while. The ones with the title DCC Plus is killing DCC or Loksound stinks. It's the newbie's first and last post ever but there are 4 pages of replies. Those offend me, because as soon as I read one, I can usually tell they are jerking our chain.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Tinplate Toddler ATLANTIC CENTRAL tstage Tinplate Toddler I wouldn´t mind starting with a blank canvas, either. This could have the benefit of a better structure of the various subforums... I'd like to see that, as well. But that could be done without dumping the existing history......... Sheldon I participate in a few other model railroading forums around the world and they all have migrated to different platforms over the time, keeping the history accessible via an archive. However, the had a much more detailed structure, allowing to "weed out" topics and threads to general or unspecific to be worth keeping.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL tstage Tinplate Toddler I wouldn´t mind starting with a blank canvas, either. This could have the benefit of a better structure of the various subforums... I'd like to see that, as well. But that could be done without dumping the existing history......... Sheldon
tstage Tinplate Toddler I wouldn´t mind starting with a blank canvas, either. This could have the benefit of a better structure of the various subforums... I'd like to see that, as well.
Tinplate Toddler I wouldn´t mind starting with a blank canvas, either. This could have the benefit of a better structure of the various subforums...
I wouldn´t mind starting with a blank canvas, either. This could have the benefit of a better structure of the various subforums...
I'd like to see that, as well.
But that could be done without dumping the existing history.........
I participate in a few other model railroading forums around the world and they all have migrated to different platforms over the time, keeping the history accessible via an archive. However, the had a much more detailed structure, allowing to "weed out" topics and threads to general or unspecific to be worth keeping.
Again I will respectfully repeat, the tractor forum I belong to, a very big user owned forum, had no problems moving to a different vendor platform and keeping all its history.
I participate in a few other model railroading forums around the world and they all have migrated to different platforms over the time, keeping the history accessible via an archive. However, they had a much more detailed structure, allowing to "weed out" topics and threads to general or unspecific to be worth keeping.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Quite often I will do a search to find an answer to an issue I may have and most of the time I get the answer without starting a new thread, I am in and out quick. If I dig up an old thread and want to add to it or get further clarification I don't see why that should be a problem but with some it is.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
ATLANTIC CENTRALI have no problem with "necro" threads, I don't get why that bothers people so much?
.
Weird.
Living the dream.
I was once active on several other train forums, but these days on this train forum and a tractor forum.
The tractor forum just got new software, from a different vendor, and had no problem transfering all the history and photos.
On the tractor forum I have posted a lot of technical info, if lost I would not have the time to reconstruct it......
Same is true here. While I have not posted anywhere near as much tech stuff on here as on the tractor forum, some of what I have posted on here has been brought to the top repeatedly by others for reference.
On the tractor forum my technical improvement thread about my improvements to my tractor is now nearly 9 years old and curently on page two, with activity just a month or so ago. it is the second most viewed and posted in thread on the GRAVELY section of the forum - why? because it contains information people need and want, that is timeless for those who own GRAVELY 4 wheel riding tractors from the 70's thru the 90's.
My Bachmann improvement tips on this forum have received many positive responses when they re-appear from time to time.
When I get my track plan ready, I will post it in the thread I already started about my design, if that is possible. And if I am able, I will post my layout progress all in one thread as well.
Just my thoughts.....
Easiest search function is Google.
Type "cs.trains" then whichever topic you are looking for.
Yes, the search the forums function has not been working.
Yes, that is old news. And it frequently pops up in threads. Just like the woe is the hobby threads. And the nobody shops local stores anymore threads. And the this item is too expensive threads.
Maybe a sticky announcement on how to search the fora?
Not too sure I would want all the prior informative threads to go away with starting over...
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
tstageI think I'd have very few regrets about wiping the slate clean and starting afresh
I would just repost the big STRATTON AND GILLETTE projects.
All the discussions would just be refurbished and brought up again.
I wouldn´t mind starting with a blank canvas, either. This could have the benefit of a better structure of the various subforums, which in turn could generate more interest.
I think I'd have very few regrets about wiping the slate clean and starting afresh. Given the frequency of redundant topics, it would probably take <1 year for all the usual questions to be asked...and asked again.
rrinkerAfter all these years - do we want to start over from scratch again? Probably not.
I'd be real tempted to vote Start Over.
It would put an end to the necro threads where newbie with 2 posts wants to tell Mr Anonymous how to attach his track to the roadbed 15 years after the question was asked and all the threads with dead links to pics and internet sites.
Having no idea how data bases work, will the new system be able to search the old posts by poster, date, forum?
No doubt some valuable info would be lost, but if it can't be found with an ordinary search, maybe it's lost already, except for those newbies that find the darndest things.
The problem is, they are now stuck with whatever this forum software vendor can do. There generally isn't a way to transfer content to a completely different program, even if there are superior ones out there (I'm on some). So while it might be possible to get something better, we'd lose all the historical message content. After all these years - do we want to start over from scratch again? Probably not.
ANd based on the latest Ask MRVP, it appears there is a lot of integration in whatever they are using here, more so than a typical forum-only program, since David Popp mentions the previous epsidoe comments all being lost when the glitches happened a few weeks ago. There were definitely issues with the database, seeing there were fairly regular database errors reported when trying to access the forum. A series of posts were lost as well, which tells me they had to restore the database to an earlier version. Based on how much was lost, I have to say they probably have a decent balance set up between cost and storage requirements and the level of importance the database has. These forums are provided free, so to expect bank-level redundancy and backup is a bit much. I suspect the process to create and maintain the search index is causing other issues and thus is simply suspended for now.
BigDaddyhaving said that, I do not see that MR put out the usual monthly magazine preview video.
I think we only see the layout preview video a few times a year. It seems a lot of months get skipped.
Maybe I am just missing them.
richhotrainAnd I keep asking myself the same question over and over again. How could the forum search function suddenly stop working and why doesn't Kalmbach get it fixed?
Lion explained it once, but I'm not sure I can explain it well. Programming has evolved. Legacy programs that worked with Windows 97 no longer in Windows 10. The same thing happened to various functionalities in the forum. It might have something to do with software security issues, but I'm way over me skiis here.
We can only guess at the later question. It either wasn't seen as a significant benefit to the sale of MR subscriptions and products, or the cost of providing a free forum was hurting the bottom line.
Recently MRVP sent something, that they were going to be more active on Facebook, perhaps. Perhaps that reflects a change in business strategy.
edit having said that, I do not see that MR put out the usual monthly magazine preview video. So maybe they are just playing catchup with the software before the forum is unusable.
I know of a forum software where not only the search function works really well, .....it will even take you to an individual posting, not just the page of the discussion.
It also notifies any participant in a discussion that a new posting has been added to the discussion they are participanting in,....something I think this site use to do
richhotrain And I keep asking myself the same question over and over again. How could the forum search function suddenly stop working and why doesn't Kalmbach get it fixed? Rich
And I keep asking myself the same question over and over again. How could the forum search function suddenly stop working and why doesn't Kalmbach get it fixed?
Don´t even attempt to find a good reason! Any answer to that question won´t be favorable.