Posted By MarkLewis on 08/29/2008 2:59 PM
I couldn't disagree more! The last two cover articles, for example, were all about appearance with no reason given for the layout being built other than that. Last month we had the most absurd layout of all time, which the author praised for the "wow" of multiple running trains in a layout with no operational interest whatsover. That's the kind of wow I'd expect in Classic Toy Trains rather than GR.
This month we get a pictorial of a desert layout with no operational interest at all, just a double tracked dogbone. Look closely and you'll see a desert RR with Pennsy signals! The author tells us where he bought the signals, but doesn't explain why he selected Pennsy signals instead of the kinds of signals actually found in deserts.
Frankly I am tired of layouts being held up as good examples when they have no apparent purpose other than running trains in circles. RRs with a purpose are the rationale for most model railroads. Running trains in circles is no more model railroading than annual Christmas Tree "layouts".
I read GR for the product reviews and the advertising. The rest of the content is largely useless.
Mark
There are plenty of examples of trains in the real world that also just run around in circles all day. There are also plenty of tourist railroads that do nothing but go back-and-forth or round and round all day and earn a living doing it. Many have more ridership than than rural areas on "real" routes. These are also the railroads that will generate future interest in railroading as a hobby for the youth.
Ever been to Dizzyland of Nott's Feiry Barn and seen the kids faces when they get off the train? Ever go through the shops at Nott's Feiry Barn and see actual narrow gauge engines and cars in restoration?
Compare that with the annoiance at the school from the NW-2 that switches hazardous chemical tankers for mainline pickup and tell me what is going to sustain the hobby.
I couldn't disagree more! The last two cover articles, for example, were all about appearance with no reason given for the layout being built other than that. Last month we had the most absurd layout of all time, which the author praised for the "wow" of multiple running trains in a layout with no operational interest whatsover. That's the kind of wow I'd expect in Classic Toy Trains rather than GR.
This month we get a pictorial of a desert layout with no operational interest at all, just a double tracked dogbone. Look closely and you'll see a desert RR with Pennsy signals! The author tells us where he bought the signals, but doesn't explain why he selected Pennsy signals instead of the kinds of signals actually found in deserts.
Frankly I am tired of layouts being held up as good examples when they have no apparent purpose other than running trains in circles. RRs with a purpose are the rationale for most model railroads. Running trains in circles is no more model railroading than annual Christmas Tree "layouts".
I read GR for the product reviews and the advertising. The rest of the content is largely useless.
Mark
There are plenty of examples of trains in the real world that also just run around in circles all day. There are also plenty of tourist railroads that do nothing but go back-and-forth or round and round all day and earn a living doing it. Many have more ridership than than rural areas on "real" routes. These are also the railroads that will generate future interest in railroading as a hobby for the youth.
Ever been to Dizzyland of Nott's Feiry Barn and seen the kids faces when they get off the train? Ever go through the shops at Nott's Feiry Barn and see actual narrow gauge engines and cars in restoration?
Compare that with the annoiance at the school from the NW-2 that switches hazardous chemical tankers for mainline pickup and tell me what is going to sustain the hobby.
