Thinking about writing a RR article...

[potlatcher]

I have written three articles for the mainstream railfan press, all of them focused on shortlines. Here's what I think I've learned so far.

My first two articles were published in Railfan & Railroad, and they followed the same basic format you have outlined. The editors made few, if any changes to my manuscript. I thought the articles were great, and several of my friends who had similar interests in those lines thought so too. But after several years of subscribing to R&R, I realized that they publish an awful lot of these articles, and frankly, many of them bored me to tears. Looking back at my articles, I realize that I probably put more than a few readers to sleep too.

My third article was published in Trains. The first manuscript I submitted was more of the same. The editor politely told me that I would need to find some element of the shortline's story that would have a broader appeal to readers nationwide. He explained that a nuts-and-bolts article might be very popular among railfans already interested in that region. But a wider audience will want to know about something new or different that the railroad in question is doing to set it apart from other shortlines. Fortunately in my case, I was able to tell about some specific marketing techniques the railroad's management was using to revive rail traffic along its line. After a few more revisions, my article was accepted, although the final version that hit the newsstands was heavily edited to put more of a "spin" on the storyline.

Writing these articles was a lot of fun, and I hope to have similar opportunities in the future. It's a great learning experience as well. So . . . If you want to write about this line, GO FOR IT! Just realize that there are some magazines that may not buy it without what they perceive as a strong story with a wide appeal (after all, they need to sell magazines). Editors are always looking for fresh viewpoints, and they are usually pretty willing to help you focus your article on the railroad's key elements. Don't be afraid to re-write your manuscript a few times too, trying to squeeze as much information into as few words as possible. And no matter to which magazine you submit your article, you owe it to your reader to tell an interesting story. An interesting story will triumph over ALCO's every time

[FJ and G]

As you can tell from my FJ&G moniker, I love shortlines, slow speeds; go for it!

[Anonymous]

Sure, I'd love to read it. I'm always interested in any story about the operations of a railroad.

[Anonymous]

Guys, believe me I know all about Alcos and their Canadian cousins. But I'm not in charge of this line and have no say over what they use for power. I'm sure they use what is cheap and reliable...

Thanks for the input.

LC

[Anonymous]

L C [:p]

You know they can get Alcos cheaper than other locos. I really like Jeff's idea about them getting some. It would add a little character to their short line. You know they pull "everything in the barn". [:)]

[Anonymous]

LC,

I don't know.... no Alcos you say? [:0] Could you make up a bit about an Alco? [;)] No? Oh OK, shortline blood and guts will have to do. (Are you sure you couldn't convince your friends to get their road to maybe LEASE an Alco for a bit while you do your story? No again huh? Darn[:(])

The closest railroad that I have access to is a shortline, main industry Gypsum mine, and I love watching them. Would love to read an article about another hard working line.

Jeff

[edblysard]

Sure, would love to read something along those lines.
But then, I am a little biased.
Ed

[Anonymous]

LC [:)]

I would love to see / read it.

I especially like the idea about the old depots.

(And a pic or two of HOBO JO wouldn't hurt either lol) [}:)] I guess that would be a real short line hhhaaaaaaaaaaa.

About the article, GO FOR IT

And Best of Luck with it.

[JoeKoh]

Add it that its written by a railroader go for it!I would buy that magazine.
stay safe
Joe

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking about writing an article about the start up and operations of a decent sized short line in the south. A couple of the managers are old friends and coworkers of mine and I could get access for whatever photos I needed and I'm sure cab rides, or whatever (big thrill at 20mph).

I'm writing to ask if those of you here on the site would be interested in read a real blood and guts type article. No real glitzy paint jobs or steam (or even Alco) locomotives, just modern day short lining. Perhaps a bit on history of the line followed by history of the short line, current operations, customers, interesting sights (like industrial switchers along the line) how to find it and what it means to the area (restored depot , etc).

So let's hear it. Would you buy a magazine containing such an article?

LC