Do you buy the Walthers annual catalog?

[WilmJunc]

Now that the full catalog is available on the internet, I was wondering how many folks spend the +/- $20 for Walthers annual catalog. I did pick one up this year at the LHS for the first time. I probably won't buy one every year, but it seems like a pretty good resource.

[icmr]

It does comes in handy when you need a quik reference. The last one I have is the 1998 edition.



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[scubaterry]

I just bought one from Flying scottsman for 16.00 + 4.00 shipping. I like to just browse it to get ideas and figure out what I can't live without. www.fshobby.com He has all kinds of good deals. He charges 4 bucks shipping no mattter what so I always check him first. SOme of these ya hoos charge twice what it costs to ship.
Terry

[jacon12]

I browse through the book at the dinner table, in the living room and the train room. Places tough to get my computer into.. :)
I''ll probably buy it every other year or so.
Jarrell

[Texas Zepher]

I have many, but have only purchased two brand new. Most of my collection is picked up second hand at swap meets for $1.

[Anonymous]

I have bought it every year since 1995. I am in mine at least once a day. Usually more. Mom calls it my little blue blankie after Linus from peanuts.

James

[rolleiman]

No.

[ericsp]

I have the 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004, and 2005 editions. I have no plans to buy the 2006 edition.

[davekelly]

I love the walthers catalog. It is great for general reading and to see what is out there. I also use the pictures of the various structure kits to help me plan where things might go. What is especially useful is if the structure kit description has the dimensions of it. I cut out a piece of cardboard the same size as the structure footprint and paste the pic from the catalog on it. Makes full size planning a whole lot easiser - at least for me.

[Anonymous]

I buy it everyother year, great referrence and reminds me of when I was a kid and would look through the Sears toy catelog with my little sister and wonder, Will Santa bring us this?
Bob

[Anonymous]

Bought my first one ( '06 N/G) since I'm a "O guy" newly working with N. Great read! Found a N "town square" fountain I would have never known existed, so I'm happy.

[Anonymous]

Like nospace said, it's an adult wish book..got mine next to the throne...

[railroadyoshi]

I am just fine with the free, nightly updated, search engine equipped, internet version. I bought the 2004 catalog, I don't plan to buy anymore

[IRONROOSTER]

I buy the HO every 4 to 5 years and the Big Trains every couple of years.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

I buy the book every couple of years.

[tatans]

no

[Anonymous]

I buy one every year. Carry it in my backpack. I like to have it handy when I get an inspiration, to check out what might be available. Also, use as a reference for retail price when I run across something at fleamarkets, garage sales, and swap meets.

I get frustrated with the computer site, because on dial-up, its seems to take forever sometimes to find and display what I'm wanting to see.

OkieRRr

[rlandry6]

I bought one last year because I was getting into the hobby, and I wanted to see what was out there, also to determine if I wanted to model N or HO. I probably won't buy one every year. It's easier to stay current but surfing the on-line merchants..

[BRAKIE]

Simply put no..Why waste the $20.00 plus for a outdated book? After all two right clicks of the mouse and I can view all the goodies at www.walthers.com. for free and be updated instantly.[:D]

[ouengr]

I usually at one of the two or three fall train shows. Normally I can get the book for around $16. Although I ofter visit the Walthers website, many products in the book are not easily found on the website. More than a few times I have found items in the book that I never saw listed in the new products section. The book is a little pricey but I beleive that it is a valuable resource.

[Cox 47]

No I would rather put the $ on something for the layout...Cox 47

[dgwinup]

I have several annual issues and I might buy the 2006 version. I also use the website to check availability.

No one has mentioned the other interesting parts of Walthers catalogs: the pictures and sidebar articles. I get a lot of information from these features, and I enjoy them. I don't think it's worth the price of the catalog just for these features, but together as a package, it's a good deal. For me, anyway.

I use the catalog as a retail price reference when I am contemplating a purchase. I want to know how much the items sold for new so I know if the asking price is fair. Since Walthers updates their catalog annually, many items are dropped that are no longer in production or Walthers doesn't carry anymore. Having back issues gives me the prices on those items, albeit somewhat out-dated. At least it's a good reference point when considering a purchase of new/old store stock.

Darrell, quiet...for now

[modelmaker51]

I buy one at least every other year and as mentioned it is more portable, (it's tuff to get that desktop in the throne room[:D])

I also find it more convenient as a quick reference and the pics and illustrations are very helpful. I do use the website to check for availability and current MSRPs.

For me, the $20 is no more a waste of money than buying rolling stock, glue, paint or any other mr supplies.

[joeyegarner]

Oh sure I buy it but just not annualy. I keep my old one and go through it from time to time. I can usually find what I need, if not is's always on eBay.

[Rene Luethi]

I bought it several times when staying in the USA, and the last time when I was there was in 2000. Over here this catalog is simply too expensive.

[chutton01]

I used to be an 'every other year' buyer, since, I don't know, 1976 (my first one, I think that's the correct year - it had the Washington Metro posed next to the E60.
The central spread was 'The interurban layout', and I memorized that catalog - Oscar and Piker, Ulrich vehicles, my first look at Vollmer and Heljan buildings, a sidebar ad for Walthers Goo every 3rd page [:D], Revell buildings [I think it was the Print shop which had an Eko early 1960s Dodge Dart posed next to it just like our neighbor had - cool] - 30 years on its still memorable to me (as a contrast, the 'Magic of Model Railroading' sections from the 90s issues are kinda forgotten, except for some that I clipped and saved here and there...)
Anyway, the 2004 issue is currently the one I own, as the 2006 does not list Athearn and Roundhouse for obvious reasons - not sure if I'll buy another one anytime soon, but alas I know if I do I won't be studying it cover to cover like that 10 year old boy 30 years ago did ...

[nbrodar]

I normally get one every other year. My LHS has them for $20. It's so much easier to flip through the cataloge looking for ideas then to sift through web pages.

Nick

[Anonymous]

Yes, I don't have an Internet connection in the bathroom![(-D][(-D][(-D]

Trevor

[onetrack64]

I buy one every other year. I can usually find them for $15 at the shows. And I keep the old ones for reference.

[markpierce]

Yeah, I buy one every other year. It is a good resource, probably covering 75% of what's available (excluding brass.)
Walther's Terminal Hobby Shop is very reputable, although many items you can get cheaper elsewhere, and don't forget to support you local hobby shop if it is deserving.