TRAINS MAG. and Amtrak

[Anonymous]

Wish Kalmbach published a magazine that strictly focused on today's railroading,without all the ideology and the "that's the way we used to do it"stories and comments.I love trains...not commentary and opinion.

[Anonymous]

You guys seem to be mixing two different arguments here. TRAINS editorial policy regarding Amtrak vs. a political argument about Amtrak's future.
Well I do agree with some of the statements about TRAINS having fewer in depth articles of late,I also understand that the magazine has always tried to balance being a railroad news magazine and a rail enthusiast magazine. This is a fine balancing act.The magazine has provided in depth coverage of Amtrak since before 1971. As someone interested in many aspects of railroading I think TRAINS does a pretty good job,I can't name a better general railroad related publication. I also read DIESEL ERA,EXTRA 2200 SOUTH and RAILPACE regularly,these are great publications,but specialized and so more narrow in scope.

[favuprailroadfan]

Thank you Dan


Dru

[Anonymous]

Dru, I agree 100%. Way too much Amtrak.

[favuprailroadfan]

Thank you, I am glad that I am not the only person who sees railroading the way that I do. I can see the one guys point about how it is a way of seeing how our tax money is being spent. But it does no good when they continuasly ask for more. They just keep digging their hands into the confer as wanting more. I only live 30 miles from the route of the Southwest Chief. I would go down and see this, but it always runs at night both ways. They need to talk about more of the hidden lines that don't get much talk. I am a big UP fan, but I would like to see a article on the BNSF's High Line through Montana and the Dakota's. They need to revisit the DM&IR in Minnesota. Soldier Summit is another one. But they also need to update us on the Sunset Route. Some of the traffic that runs through there, runs there my town. I need to know how the trackwork to help the capacity increase is doing. Granted back in the Nov. issue, they did a great story on the Golden State Route. But that is one of the last great stories I've read. However, in this month's issue. One Word. FANTASTIC. Especially about the yards. But one other thing though. Too much Amtrak.

Keep the replies coming,

Dru

[Anonymous]

Dru,
You have made a good point. I agree that in recent months, Trains has had too many articles about Amtrak. In my recent railfan trackside visits, I have only seen one Amtrak train out of 200+ trains. That Amtrak was 6 hours late. I am interested in freight railroads and how they operate. The articles on UP Super RR and BNSF articles on their operations were great. The items about UPS at Willow Springs IL BNSF intermodal ramp on the Trains web site were super. Trains should run some articles on the automotive parts and vehicle business the rails carry. That is a major part of the nations rail freight.
Most railfans do not have contact with many Amtrak trains. Freight railroads are where the action is.
Amtrak should operate in the Northeast Corridor, the Auto Train and in California and the rest should be eliminated.
Let's put the freight back in railroading.

[Anonymous]

I would guess since Amtrak is the 'national' passenger rail service, then the magazine HAS to report it. After all, it is one way of finding out how the taxpayers money is being spent. My own view is that $500 million is NOT a lot of money to run a continetal rail network. Here in the UK, the government has to 'bail out' private train operators even more than the old British Rail.

Jason.

[Anonymous]

I agree with you, too much Amtrak. The article on how to save it was long on wishful thinking and short on analysis. I hope Amtrak dies, but I expect congress will continue to fund it

Mac

[Anonymous]

Yes I agree with you about Trains not being as in depth about their reporting as they use to be. I've been getting Trains for the past nine years and the articles do not seem to have the detail they once had, maybe we just have to wait while the Mark(Hemphill) gets his hands wrapped around the ball(so to speak) and leds the magazine in his own direction. One issue I really liked for the detail involved was the October 1995 issue regarding UP. When I pick up the latest issue from the news stand I look to see what is coming next month and think I will have to get that issue. One issue I was disapointed with was this years January issue, the cover story turned out to be nothing more than a pictorial. I can understand that not every issue can contain stories that are highly detailed but I felt a liitle bit more on the history could have been included. On the Amtrak issue(pun unintended), it is a big issue now with a new president and Amtrak asking Congress for more money, wait a few months and it will go away(the news not Amtrak)

[Soo2610]

Dru... In some respects I agree with you. While Amtrak is a big issue right now, I don't foresee the railroads taking it over. They don't want anything to do with passenger service and are quite happy to be rid of it.
I don't think Trains Magazine is as good as it was a couple of years ago. I just tried two free issues after not getting it for a couple of years and it just isn't the same. I can't quite put my finger on it but it just doesn't seem to be as in depth as it used to be and the articles don't seem to be as diversified. I don't know if they have lost a couple of contributors or what, but it just isn't the same.

[favuprailroadfan]

I would really appreciate any opinions on this topics. OK First things first, I wi***hat TRAINS magazine would stop reporting on AMTRACK every issue. I get the mag. to read about railroads not just Amtrak. I am so sick and tired of this issue. It just clutters up the pages, and I don't want to see it much more. I want to see some more hardcore down in the trenches type stuff when they went to Nebraska to visit the UP. Now that is railroading to me, why haven't they done an issue like that since. I am not slamming the reporters in any way. Its just the fact that it is in every issue Anyways, if yall are sick and tired of it too. Write your opinion and lets see what can happen. Yes, the Amtrak issue is big to some of you. But I don't care for it because I think its a waste of government money and tax dollers. I say let the railroads take back over. But that is a complete differant issue.

Let me know what you think, Dru