I have been reading TRAINS on a regular basis since September 1967 and it always been more than strictly a fan magazine. The fact that they carried a monthly column by John G. Kneiling for years speaks to that orientation. So do a variety of articles over the years on a variety of behind-the-scenes issues and the issue-length "Who Shot the Passenger Train?" issue in 1958.
The change in layout is more of a change in visual style than a change in editorial direction and it is refreshing. I'm not happy that the layout seems to stress photos over the written word but that's a matter of personal preference.
I don't like it. But I never like the redesigns...
The true test will be six months from now. If I'm still thinking the same as I read an issue this coming summer, I suppose I really didn't like it.
But if I've long forgotten about it and don't give two thoughts to the redesign, I suppose it was okay after all. That's always ended up the case in the past, so I imagine it will happen this time as well.
My favorite era of Trains where the layout and aesthetics are concerned probably was the 1993 overhaul that lasted until the end of 2001. Even the paper felt much higher quality. I assume they've regressed in paper quality due to our internet-centric world and trying to control costs (a necessary evil), but I prefer the old feel.
So far so good...
1979
Jones 3D Modeling Club https://www.youtube.com/Jones3DModelingClub
OvermodNot as long as it was out of New Jersey. That's an occupational pastime there. I should know.
Wouldn't have bothered me if they were at least correct. But they weren't.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
zugmannDid that other mag ever get better with not putting snide little editorial quips in every photo caption?
Not as long as it was out of New Jersey. That's an occupational pastime there. I should know.
Frankly, I've never been very observant of details, but I wouldn't have noticed any of the changes if they hadn't been pointed out.
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"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
BackshopThat other mag that was out of New Jersey seems to do a better job focusing on railfans.
Did that other mag ever get better with not putting snide little editorial quips in every photo caption?
CMStPnP I wonder about their marketing program and why the magazine isn't a lot more popular. In a country with a population approaching 350 million, they have such a tiny subscription base.
I wonder about their marketing program and why the magazine isn't a lot more popular. In a country with a population approaching 350 million, they have such a tiny subscription base.
Meh!
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Progress is always change, but change is not always progress.
Has the magazine been late this month? Still haven't received mine yet.
motor I'm surprised they didn't change the font for the article texts.
The pencil-line caricatures of the regular columnists are definitely more flattering than the prior actual photographs! lol.
motorWhat think ye of the changes?
Is the way the Table of contents is organized on pages 4 and 5 part of the new design theme?
Dividing the "in this issue" content from the "in every issue" seems smart.
Not bad, not bad at all...
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
Not bad, not bad at all. Magazine format changes do occur over time, it's inevitable and actually necessary since reader tastes change.
For example, at a train show give-away table I picked up some copies of "Trains" magazine from around 1972. In spite of the great writing of David P. Morgan and the columnists like John P. Kneiling the format of the magazine as it was then just wouldn't work now, too archaic for current readers, and I remember "Trains" from those days.
As a matter of fact, ever hear of David P. Morgan's book "The Mohawk That Refused to Abdicate?" It's a collection of DPM's writings, an absolute masterpiece. I got my copy at a train show, but was almost put off by it's garish, total 70's, black-silver-red dust jacket that looks like cheap gift wrapping. It was only because I'd heard of the book and how good it was that kept me from walking right past it. Thank the Lord I knew about the book and had to have it!
Not all change is bad, not always.
New headline font, new photo caption font, new fonts on the mb's and the news wire... and the slogan "THE magazine of railroading" gone from the logo. Will take getting used to IMO. I'm surprised they didn't change the font for the article texts. What think ye of the changes?
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