Publication of Choice?

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Publication of Choice

  • Total voters
    43
NWCanuck

NWCanuck

Tip&Ring
I had to bring this up here because you guys (Bob, Karl and NWY&B...) have kind of led off in the direction of publications in the rising prices thread and I kind of thought this topic might deserve a thread of it's own.

What are your preferences when it comes to Model Railroad Magazines, be it Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman, Model Railroad Hobbyist...ect?

I myself currently subscribe to Model Railroader, Trains, download Model Railroad Hobbyist and pickup Railroad Model Craftsman at the news stand. I also dabble in the the online publication of "CRO" (http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/).

Really, more rail than one guy should ever be exposed to but who’s counting (my wife knows of two and mums the word)?
 
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The two publications mentioned in the last posts are my favourites. But I think that NG&SL Gazette is the winner in my book.
 
I usually pick up 6-8 Model Railroader maybe one RMC. I miss getting Model Railroading and RMJ.
 
I voted "MR" because it seems to be the best for those getting started in the hobby. Also like their photography, layout diagrams. But RMC is a VERY close second. And as was mentioned, I also miss Model Railroading and Railmodel Journal -- at one time I had subscriptions to all four, now it's down to two...

I have to admit I've never really read a copy of Narrow Gauge, so I can't make a statement on it one way or another; and a co-worker lets me read his MRH, and while I like their reviews, to me it seems like that's about all it is -- reviews. And ads, but I get those in MR and RMC, so even without Jim's good graces, I doubt I'd ever buy a copy, let along subscribe.

As a side note -- I find the availability of on-line materials, like this forum, especially enjoyable!

Regards,
Tom Stockton
 
MR has been the standard for years, IMO. RMC seems very hit or miss for me with their content - it's either great or it's of little use to me. MRH is very good but I still like paper and ink in my hands now and then. I also used to buy N Scale but it's been awhile.

I REALLY wish Pacific Rail News was still being published. Proto only content but I loved that magazine...
 


Speaking of magazines... does anyone know the status of "Extra 2200 South"? I'd purchased issues from a LHS for years, then sent them an order to fill in the issues I missed -- which was promptly and completely filled and sent to me. But I also purchased a subscription, and have not seen any issues. Their web site is still up, and still with the last issue I received (as a part of my back order) -- but nothing new since. I've sent a few e-mails, but have not had a response.

Just wondering if anyone knew if they're still in business... (Hope so!)
Regards,
Tom Stockton
 
I currently subsribe to MR, mainly for the online content, but I find most of the printed articals are short on real content.
 
The magazines I really liked & subscribed to for many years are no longer in business.
I really miss Mainline Modeller. Use to get TRP, but, that mag. got out of my price range.
 
In all honesty, I do get MR, but mainly out of habit after many, many years of subscribing, but I don't consideration it of much real modeling value these days. It's really aimed at the beginner and not the serious modeler/hobbyist (as it was decades ago). RMC is therefore my first choice, containing almost exclusively hands-on modeling articles and ads more aligned to the kit and scratchbuilder. I can't use all the content, but I generally can glean something of value from each article.

I might add that it used to take me hours and hours to get through an MR due to the info it provided. Nowadays I'm done with it in about 15-20 minutes, mainly just browsing its pages.

NYW&B
 
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QUOTE:
"I might add that it used to take me hours and hours to get through an MR due to the info it provided. Nowadays I'm done with it in about 15-20 minutes, mainly just browsing its pages."


It was like that "back-when" and today it costs more and delivers less. I think it's just publishing costs catching up with all magazines. When I was a student, Scientific American was an inch thick. I recently bought a few issues and it's something I can get through far too quickly. And I haven't got any smarter either.

Computer magazines were huge too. The internet has changed all that - not to mention that products have become so generic.

I always liked all the ads in MR (most people complained) back in the 80s and 90s. They gave me as many ideas as the "content". But I don't think many of the companies can afford running ads now. MR used to brag that it had 300,000 readers. I haven't noticed any comment on that these days but I may have missed it.
 
Tom, I was about to mention Extra 2200 South also, since I used to be a contributor in the early 70's, when it was a very small magazine. Unfortunately, it will no longer be coming out in print, but the publishers say they will have a digital version soon. Go to http://www.extra2200south.com/letter.html and follow the directions to get signed up for the on-line version. I hope they make it, although I know they are on shaky financial ground.

I still subscribe to MR also, although I'm not really sure why. with a few exceptions, I can read the whole thing in an hour and get very little out of it. RMC is better and I may very well drop MR and get MRC next year. The best thing to come along in a long time is MRH. You really need a broadband connection to appreciate it, but it's a very high quality publication, with lots of good articles, hints, and tips.
 
I subscribe to MR and RMC. I used to prefer MR but it seems like it is much more "Ready To Run" than it used to be. I suppose that is a sign of the times. RMC seems written for the modeler in between Beginner and Master Model Railroader.

Now to a separate issue. I have a few magazines from 40 years ago. There were some pretty fantastic layouts before ground foam and pink or blue styrofoam.
 
Jim, thanks for the info on Extra 2200 South -- I'll go check that out!

Okay, Model Railroad Hobbyist is an on-line "magazine"? Then what one am I thinking about, in print, that is almost all reviews of specific products, that in my mind was "Model Railroad Hobbyist"?? :confused:

Regards,
Tom
 


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