A day without magazines is a glum one and I look forward to the postman delivering my GR, MR, Finescale, Gazette, and Scale Rails, not to mention various car, auto racing and photography mags. I keep the current issues in a basket on our kitchen snack bar, to be "devoured" while I'm eating lunch or enjoying a between-meal treat. Unfortunately, and because I save each one, my magazine friends are taking over our den/office. But what a treasure trove of information and enjoyment they provide.
Garden Railways Magazine Stands strong.
21 - 40 of 74 Posts
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
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
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.
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.
If the hobby is reduced to running trains in circles, it will be far different hobby from model railroading.
Mark
If the hobby is reduced to running trains in circles, it will be far different hobby from model railroading.
Mark
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4,872 Posts
So much for positive notes on this one, also the last word Strong was not a pun.
I also want to point out that I understand the "need" for operation and a purpose for the RR.
But in REAL LIFE most visitors here just want to see the trains run around. Many folks use the word that I hate most, cute.. But Cute sales. look at the bug like things Arsito sales. I'd use them for paintball practice.
Even whimsical is not found on my RR ,BUT when I took the photo of the snow monster in the plow car I got the greatest responce ever EVER from e-mails on that photo.
What can we say, ????
I also want to point out that I understand the "need" for operation and a purpose for the RR.
But in REAL LIFE most visitors here just want to see the trains run around. Many folks use the word that I hate most, cute.. But Cute sales. look at the bug like things Arsito sales. I'd use them for paintball practice.
Even whimsical is not found on my RR ,BUT when I took the photo of the snow monster in the plow car I got the greatest responce ever EVER from e-mails on that photo.
What can we say, ????
Joined
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686 Posts
I agree with you Marty. I to look forward to each issue. Even the featured layouts that I wouldn't put on my A list on a layout tour, quite often have some unique feature I would like to incorporate in my layout. Maybe if the rivet counters had supported Uncle Russ, we would still have 2 competing magazines covering the hobby.
G
Guest
·My kids like watching our trains run in circles...they also enjoy pressing the button on the RCS TX24 to sound the bell and whistle when it's under their control...that is why I built the RR...for my kids to enjoy...as they get older (and I can retain interest) they may want to do some switching, till then it's the roundy-round...Battery Powered of course!...
Oh and GR Mag....it's a family favorite for the kids as well ole Dad...trains, trains, and more trains...so yeah, we like it too!
cale
Oh and GR Mag....it's a family favorite for the kids as well ole Dad...trains, trains, and more trains...so yeah, we like it too!
cale
Joined
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3,609 Posts
Fabuloulistic article, Marty..... Great images and descriptions.....
G
Guest
·I still have not gotten mine, i went yesterday to hobby shop to pickup and was told they no longer carry it cause there magazine vendor say they dont sell enough to ship them anymore, so im trying to find another local place that has them. im getting really agurvated that my local hobby shop has no control over what magazines he sells... what a bunch of BS/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/angry.gif
Nick...
Nick...
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1,543 Posts
Well..... I had to go back and read the org. post from Marty. We enjoy the mag. Even if it not detailed on some articles, it is still enjoy to read. Update on new stuff that is out that I wouldn't not normally see.
I did have a problem with the last few maz. on Subscriptions mailed to me./DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/crazy.gif"
Some where missing pages or bent so bad it was hard to get it flat again.. So I called Garden Railway Magazine and told them of my problem living in the boonies. That was last Monday and got new maz. replaced yesterday staring back at fist of the year in a warped env.( Feb. April and June.) and one that is Octobers, 2008 in a warper.
So couldn't believe the response and curtsy of them on the phone... Nice people to deal with..
So ya...... We think it not like Model Railroader maz. but it the best around for large scale."
If you don't like what you see then send them in a Article. I was told they have a lot of back logs but always can use more. Oh and photo least 5 meg pixels or better.
So send some stuff in and lets see what you have.. It can make a better maz. for all of us.
I did have a problem with the last few maz. on Subscriptions mailed to me./DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/crazy.gif"
Some where missing pages or bent so bad it was hard to get it flat again.. So I called Garden Railway Magazine and told them of my problem living in the boonies. That was last Monday and got new maz. replaced yesterday staring back at fist of the year in a warped env.( Feb. April and June.) and one that is Octobers, 2008 in a warper.
So couldn't believe the response and curtsy of them on the phone... Nice people to deal with..
So ya...... We think it not like Model Railroader maz. but it the best around for large scale.
" If you don't like what you see then send them in a Article. I was told they have a lot of back logs but always can use more. Oh and photo least 5 meg pixels or better.
So send some stuff in and lets see what you have.. It can make a better maz. for all of us.
Joined
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842 Posts
I enjoy GR. I am always showing my wife something from the magazine (trying to spark an interest since she just tolerates the trains). It’s a lot easier then trying to get her to look at the computer screen.
About 2 years ago there was an article on a small backyard RR. I recognized the name as a client I was a consultant for about 8 years ago with another firm. I called him and congratulated him and told him I too enjoyed garden railroading. He thanked me and then asked if I was interested in being a consultant with his firm. He has been my client ever since. That one pictorial has more than paid for a lifetime subscription to GR.
Tommy
Rio Gracie
. It’s a lot easier then trying to get her to look at the computer screen. About 2 years ago there was an article on a small backyard RR. I recognized the name as a client I was a consultant for about 8 years ago with another firm. I called him and congratulated him and told him I too enjoyed garden railroading. He thanked me and then asked if I was interested in being a consultant with his firm. He has been my client ever since. That one pictorial has more than paid for a lifetime subscription to GR.
Tommy
Rio Gracie
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528 Posts
I look forward to buying GR every month. Admittedly I get it later this side of the pond but as they say something good is worth waiting for.
I have had copies now for just over two years: it has helped me get to know the American railroad model scene as well as info about the 1:1 railroad practices. Like many posts here I just like to get on and enjoy our great hobby. I have been amidst hassle most of my life - now its time to just relax and enjoy.
I would hate to see it disappear.
I also get Classic Trains, another great magazine.
I have had copies now for just over two years: it has helped me get to know the American railroad model scene as well as info about the 1:1 railroad practices. Like many posts here I just like to get on and enjoy our great hobby. I have been amidst hassle most of my life - now its time to just relax and enjoy.
I would hate to see it disappear.
I also get Classic Trains, another great magazine.
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150 Posts
I'm afraid I'm like JJ about reading it from cover to cover, and then going back and looking at articles that really caught my attention. I ALWAYS learn something from every issue, and find things I want to do in the future.
I'm also glad I'm not the one who has to find enough things to try and satisfy most readers, and fill all those pages. As for too much advertisement...that's where I see new things coming down the pike, or maybe something I would like to have, or need to finish a project.
Yep, would surely miss it, if it was to go the way some others have gone./DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/sad.gif
I think Marty is right on!!!
I'm also glad I'm not the one who has to find enough things to try and satisfy most readers, and fill all those pages. As for too much advertisement...that's where I see new things coming down the pike, or maybe something I would like to have, or need to finish a project.
Yep, would surely miss it, if it was to go the way some others have gone./DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/sad.gif
I think Marty is right on!!!
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158 Posts
Unfortunately I'm still looking forward to mine. Still haven't gotten it yet....oh well, hopefully soon.
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3,912 Posts
Mine arrived Thursday afternoon and I'm still looking through it. I find that I pick-up back issues and re-read and always notice something I missed the first go-round.
I look forward to the mailman bringing me the latest GR, there is always something of interest for me- some issues more-some issues less. I save all my issues and when going on a family vacation take a box with me to reread as I might find an article of interest to me now that wasn't of interst to me then. i enjoy seeing what other people have done and what new products are coming out. Although I am an avid "operations man" I realize others are content just to sit back, relax, and watch what they have built run around in some sort of loop - to each his own. I think Mark H has done a fine job in keeping GR up & running all these years.
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302 Posts
I breezed through the "other topic".. Just couldn't bring myself to add to the discussion.. mainly because
a) I'm in this hobby to relax, enjoy and make friends.
b) I really enjoy and look forward to the magazine.
c) I view GR as a great reference point from which I can springboard my own ideas.
and
d)... It's a freakin hobby magazine..
----------------------------------------------------
Couldn't have said it any better myself, so I'll just go with the quote. I, too, was tempted to respond to the other thread, but finally figured it was not worth the time and effort.
a) I'm in this hobby to relax, enjoy and make friends.
b) I really enjoy and look forward to the magazine.
c) I view GR as a great reference point from which I can springboard my own ideas.
and
d)... It's a freakin hobby magazine..
----------------------------------------------------
Couldn't have said it any better myself, so I'll just go with the quote. I, too, was tempted to respond to the other thread, but finally figured it was not worth the time and effort.
21 - 40 of 74 Posts
