Since scratchbuilding or kitbashing are not of interset to me, I like viewing other’s layouts. I do also like the GR product reviews.
I’m struck by the fact that with the single exception of Mark V, nobody has mentioned wanting more or better or different garden features. If I were Marc, reading this, I’d be wondering if I shouldn’t take the magazine in a more “layouts and plans” direction.
Oh, wait. I forgot, there are already magazines that do that.
Personally, I enjoy seeing a railroad well-integrated into a garden, even though my own road is elevated and completely sans plants.
As always, only my opinion.
Steve
I mostly like “how to” articles, as long as they aren’t ridiculously beginner-level. And I almost always get something out of Kevin’s articles.
I also like seeing other layouts, even if they aren’t necessarily a type I would choose for myself.
I like to see occasional indoor large scale layouts, for a couple reasons: One, they can achieve a higher degree of realism than is typically possible in an outdoor layout; and Two, they often have even less space than outdoor layouts, and so may display some creative solutions to dealing with limited space.
I really miss Peter Jones’ wonderful column, as do many others, I’m sure. His musings and approach to the hobby were always charming, interesting and thought-provoking. RIP, Mr. Jones.
(tongue firmly in cheek) It’s simple really, I want only articles about stuff I’m interested in, and none of the crap I don’t. I only want ads for stuff I could use and can afford - and is currently IN STOCK! I want hard hitting reviews that crucify those manufacturers who use customers as beta testers, and sing the praises of the ones I like. Oh, and the per issue cost should still be the same as it was in 1979!
Mik said:Hehehe. I think that sums it up just perfectly. :D
(tongue firmly in cheek) It's simple really, I want only articles about stuff I'm interested in, and none of the crap I don't. I only want ads for stuff I could use and can afford - and is currently IN STOCK! I want hard hitting reviews that crucify those manufacturers who use customers as beta testers, and sing the praises of the ones I like. Oh, and the per issue cost should still be the same as it was in 1979!
I enjoy the how to’s, scratchbuilding and seeing other peoples layouts.
Ron
Mik said::)
in cheek) It's simple really, I want only articles about stuff I'm interested in, and none of the crap I don't. I only want ads for stuff I could use and can afford - and is currently IN STOCK! I want hard hitting reviews that crucify those manufacturers who use customers as beta testers, and sing the praises of the ones I like. Oh, and the per issue cost should still be the same as it was in 1979!
Mebbe they could re-run some of Peter Jones’ columns.
Mik said:LOL you hit the nail on the head. No matter what the magazine does there will always be people who dont like it. You have to find that happy medium and I think GR does that already.
(tongue firmly in cheek) It's simple really, I want only articles about stuff I'm interested in, and none of the crap I don't. I only want ads for stuff I could use and can afford - and is currently IN STOCK! I want hard hitting reviews that crucify those manufacturers who use customers as beta testers, and sing the praises of the ones I like. Oh, and the per issue cost should still be the same as it was in 1979!
And as someone mentioned “don’t like, don’t buy” which happens at the bookstore, never mind a subscription! 
A swim suit edition would be nice…
Ken Brunt said:Ya and we can have you, Andy, Rooster and Ralph as our models LOL
A swim suit edition would be nice..................;)
Shawn said:I think I'd have to cancel my subscription :) :) ;)Ken Brunt said:Ya and we can have you, Andy, Rooster and Ralph as our models LOL
A swim suit edition would be nice..................;)
Dave Marconi said:Yea, me too...........;)Shawn said:I think I'd have to cancel my subscription :) :) ;)Ken Brunt said:Ya and we can have you, Andy, Rooster and Ralph as our models LOL
A swim suit edition would be nice..................;)
Ken Brunt said:like this Ken?
A swim suit edition would be nice..................;)
Alan Lott said:Ken Brunt said:like this Ken?
A swim suit edition would be nice..................;)
Sure beats Andy and Rooster…
David Russell said:Rooster, That is true, to some degree. They certainly don't want a carbon copy of a post here. But Ray and Shawn's GRR have both had a lot of exposure here. I think you should send Marc a picture of your Superliners and inquire if he'd be interested in an article. Although you posted here, you left out a lot of construction details and didn't really post a "how to" ;) Ralph
Yes but to my understanding they do not want articles/build threads if they are already seen elsewhere ....like here?
To those who say don’t publish beginners’ stuff , how then do the beginners get begunned?
Far better , surely , to have a build-by-issue write up to cut out and keep giving basic jargon info , simple how-to , how bits work , why they don’t , in fact a part work encyclopedia of Garden Rail Stuff .
Too many articles are written on the assumption you know what they are talking about and possess high qualifications in electronic design , mechanics , machining and so on .
There is also too much of the “masterclass” stuff , the arrogance of they who consider themselves masters is beyond belief .
We don’t all have lathes , bench drills etc., or complete workshops .
Modelling is expensive enough as it is without coaxing people into investing in machinery that they use once a year if lucky .
And talking of expense , a lot of us cannot afford to buy locos to hack about into an unrecognisable shape .
So what I am saying is keep it simple , stupid for half of us and get a bit more advanced for those who know it all .
Above all , do not be elitist but rather try to encourage newcomers .
Or the hobby , like the mag in question , will die .
I shall now re-hibernate .
Mike
All the model magazines years ago used to have detailed blueprint drawings of railcars in their issues… Not to mention, bridge blueprints, and such… One reason I keep the old issues is to use them for research…
I have no problem with including some stuff for beginners but there needs to be a better balance of intermediate and advanced material.
Kitbashing and scratchbuilding don’t have to involve expensive shop tools. So far the only power tools I have are a Dremel, a drill, and a saber saw. The vast majority of my work is done with X-acto knives, razor saws, etc.
(BTW, a while back, the Narrow Gauge & Short Line Gazette had a series of articles showing how to build brass locomotives from scratch, using only common hand tools!)