Model Railroader Reviews

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rsn48:
Get your copy of this March's MR 2001,<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I havn't seen it yet - "Air Frieght" copies are $$$$
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rsn48:
turn to page 16 and look at the paint seperation between the blue and the silver in the large photo on that page of the HO F59PHI. Notice to the left of the number 2008, the paint is noticeably jagged, ... what does the review say about the paint job: (p.17) "All of the sample F59PHIs came neatly painted. The color seperations are excellent, the printing opaque, and all lettering is clearly legible." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's just not right. That's letter to the editor kind of stuff. Did they review and photograph the same model?

[ 08 March 2001: Message edited by: yankinoz ]

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alan:
I have a dental appointment in one hour's time, and there will definitely be no railroad magazines there! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry mate. I had one on Monday and have to go back next Wednesday and she has to see me a THIRD time.

 

This is a very interesting message topic. The posts are great.

Here's my two cents.

One, MR is more honest now than it was in the past. I remember reading it back in the 1970s and they really weren't honest. I couldn't believe that they printed as many favorable reviews some of the near-train set quality equipment as they did.

I believe that the reviewers aren't pulling their their punches. Rather, I think they are trying to be as fair as possible. I think as a reader we have to remember that the editor has to review an item in context. I believe a Life-Like Proto 1000 locomotive should be reviewed in a different context than an Athearn Genesis or Kato loco.

I don't expect the Proto 1000 loco to match up in the Genesis or Kato category. But, I expect the Proto 1000 to beat it's peer group.

I do believe the editors are raising the bar for all their reviews.

But, here's another side to consider: model railroad equipment is better now than it has ever been.

Here's a for instance: When you look at the products available 20 years ago, the best locos on the hobby shop shelves were Atlas Geeps and SDs, followed by Athearn (non-scale width hoods and all).

Now, look at what's available to us. Not only a better F-7 but in all the different phases, and for the most part accurate replicas.

Is it accurate to call a locomotive a piece of junk if the horn included with it is wrong, but is accurately represented in all other aspects and is a great puller?

I think the forum provided by this board offers a great opportunity to provide alternate points of view and we should take advantage of it.

And, one other point, I have noticed that MR has run review written by non-staff writers. It seems to me that we are starting to get more of a diversity of opinion from the magazine. How about if someone from this message board approached them with the idea of writing some reviews?


Thanks for letting me have my say.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Clifton:
I believe that the reviewers aren't pulling their their punches. Rather, I think they are trying to be as fair as possible. I think as a reader we have to remember that the editor has to review an item in context. I believe a Life-Like Proto 1000 locomotive should be reviewed in a different context than an Athearn Genesis or Kato loco.
...
But, here's another side to consider: model railroad equipment is better now than it has ever been. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The new Athearn SD40-2 review a few months back is a good example. They said it still does not have directional headlights, the tank is lacking detail, drivetrain is still not the tops - but it is available in many versions and the review made it clear that it costs much less than other locos that have the extra detail. From that stand point I think MR is going a good job of sorting out the value for money of todays models.

BTW - to call a model junk because the wrong horn is on it is ridiculous. Go buy the correct horn for $2. geez.

 

Speaking of Doctor/Dentist's offices and lack of Model/Prototype Railway Magizines. The last time I had an appointment, I took my own (MR and TRAINS). I'll be darn if three other guys wanted to take a turn with my mags!
"Hey, when your done with that, can I have a look?"
>"Sure, but it is mine, I'll need it back when I go..."
"Thanks!"

Too bad those guys weren't from the area and modeled in N-Scale, we might of started a club!

[ 08 March 2001: Message edited by: Maxwell Plant ]

 

maybe we should all drop a hint to our health service providers. You know, leave a couple of those nifty order forms in their offices, etc. If there are four people interested in the magazine at any one random day, then these should definately be a hit!

 

Does anyone else remember the old policy at Kalmbach on product reviews? (back in the '50s and 60's): their stated policy was that they would not publish a negative product review. Readers/subscribers were left to wonder if a product that hadn't been reviewed was bad or they just hadn't gotten around to reviewing it.

 

Here's the email I sent to the Editor of MR (Andy Sperandeo) last night.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> Dear Mr Sperandeo;

There has been a few discussions on the Internet about the lack of impartiality in MR product reviews. (Specifically on www.trainboard.com - a plug you can publish or edit out - it's up to you.) My personal opinion on the matter is that MR is more impartial than it has ever been - and I'm not just kissing up. Given the outstanding quality of today's model kits, it is no wonder that there are few, if any 'negative' reviews. The specific review that got the discussion at trainboard going was the March 2001 review of the new Athearn F59PHI. While the photograph shows noticeable paint separation problems, the review comments on how nice the paint looks - specifically the color separations. This started a rather long discussion on past reviews that, while pointing out negatives about various products, still ended with a positive slant that appeared to be in place to appease advertisers.

While reading this discussion it occurred to me how the motorcycle press reviews motorcycles. Most of the major magazines include a Highs / Lows side bar in each review. I think MR and it's readers (and it's advertisers) would benefit greatly from such an addition. For example, the new Athearn SD40-2 (reviewed December 2000) has specific Highs (price, variations in detail and paint that are prototypically accurate, no molded on grab irons, not limited edition) and also has specific Lows (noisy drive train, non-directional ighting, poorly detailed fuel tank, no 81" nose version.) I feel I can comment on this specific product because I am the owner of one - a decision made in part as the result of reading the review. While most of these highs and lows were pointed out in the review, clearly laying them out for each product reviewed will help each modeler determine if this model is right for them. It will also assist your advertisers in determining what areas of their product need improvement.

Rob Barker
Sydney Australia<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Don't hold your breath waiting for a reply from the MR jerks, they never replied once in 55 years, and even kept all our postage and photos, (sent self addressed & stamped envelopes) with each! That's why I dropped my subscription.

 

Guys,
You know what gets me about MR???? Its how they interview the items made that are junk to us all but the real trains that aren't junk you never see!!!!!!!

I think its that MR does the reviews on trains that to us aren't comparable to other things that we all know are decent or great stuff. Its the fact that if they had reviewed one of the "GOOD" ones the other ones they've reviewed would be in no comparison to anyone thats how good and junk compares!!!!! And yes i'll agree with everyone nothing I have found in MR is comparable to my standards I haven't bought a subscription of MR since 1993!!!!!! And I have no plans too either!!!! And I haven't bought a subscription to MRC since 1997!! And again I have no plans too. So yes guys we all have to watch out for each other when one scratches anothers back do the same in return. Its the only rebound we have to help each other from waisting money. Because Mr, or MRC isn't going to help us to save money from buying JUNK!!!! They make money when we buy junk they advertise and we get what???? CRAPED ON!!!!!!!! And Watash I truly believe in the words you've stated to us all to read and thats to be open minded and a very LOUD and out spoken people to help others if someone sees a mistake being made by another thats all we have to rely on. I done that since I can remember and guys I plan to keep doing it so....If I go off on someone for somethings thats junk to me, don't take it seriuously i'm only stating the truth from past experiences i've had with JUNK loco's and or cars... Not to mention paint or what not. Like the saying goes guys "we all have an oppinions and you all know what they are like right"???? "*******S" "Everyone has one" Like a few train manufacturers I know and from experience. *Not mensioning any names* You's know exactly what i'm talkin about The companies that make total junk and sell it for an arm and a leg and maybe some other body parts for good measure!!!!!!!! Sorry guys I got kinda carried away but..... Its only the truth... And it makes me mad We do spend good earned money for what???? Junk or Good materials or products ?????? In my opinion I believe that you all will agree.... I like to spend money yes, but when I do want to get my moneys worth from what ever I buy!!!! And a hugh To manufacturers that make junk and charge us all they can get and then some...........

 

Hi all,
I think it is time for MR and RMC to drop the reviews if they cannot be honest. If the advertisers go away, then so be it. If you cannot stand a bad review, then don't put out junk! I have never had a subs. to RMC and do not plan on any for Kalmbach in the future untill they get it right. Just take a look at the pandering they do in Trains to the You Pee. There may be some good articles in the mags, so I just go to the local pusher and peruse and /or buy. There are enough resources on the web now to get an honest opinion of anything, so don't trust the mags anymore.

 

Gentlemen,
I don't have a problem with anyone putting in writing their opinion of any Railway Magizine, positive or negitive. But could we please keep it constructive? It's starting to sound a little harsh fellows, we don't need to be that way to get our points across. Thanks!

 

I would like to read a comparison review of the so called "Brass" equipment that is so great. I thumb through the MR and kept a subscription to RMC, but all I see about Brass anything, is adds telling me it is the greatest. I would venture that when it first started, it wasn't so hot, and probably had flaws like a new car just starting out. As long as they have been making Brass now, it would seem to me that if it is any good for the money, we would see reviews of at least the good Brass. Maybe it is like Rolls Royce, it is guaranteed to be perfect, or should be at the price. I have seen a store full of it, and it looks like the ones my dad made, so I may be a little less than awstruck, but the looks isn't everything. The one I had was a beautiful display piece, but if you put 12 volts to it, it was a joke. Surely by now one of the 'craftsmen' over there has learned how to make one worth the money. Anyone else bought Brass?

 

Watash,
I bought A Brass 150 ton 3 truck Shay (unfinished) I'm going to do a full paint job on it of the Western Maryland #6. And thats all I have to do to make it Western Maryland is the paint job. But as far as running it runs like a million and has no rubber band tires on it at all and weighs right around 4 and a half to 5 pounds. A real decent puller for one and its nothing new in brass as that is concerned I believe the friend I bought it from got it in the early to middle 1970's. And for its age its well taken care of. I bought it for $300 so.... Nice price huh guys????? Well It wouldn't have gotten sold but the friend that had it had some unexpected taxes to pay on his house and he was going to part with a mallet in brass and i told him i'd give him what he needed for the Shay to keep his mallet so.... But he visits and gets to run one of his ex Shays anytime he wants so..... Hes a real trustworthy type guy so... But at the moment the shay is still unfinished. I haven't got to it yet. But as an overview of it I see nothing to compare it too it runs great and looks just as good. And everything is brass too I thought the side rods would be nicle or something but their brass no plating on them at all. So My brass being that what it suppost to be it is I'm happy with it. At least I can say it is respectable to what alot looks for in brass. And it has what most look for I can't down it for anything. It sure does beat all my other loco's and they are all plastic ones I only have this one brass one and thats it so far....

 

I have some brass watash. I have 2 Sunset 4-8-0s that have run great since I first bought them. Very quiet and reliable. In my narrow guage days I had a SP 2-8-0 that had the old style open frame motor that was also VERY quiet and powerful. Also at the time I had a NWSL spartan series 4-4-0 that ran well after a bit of tinkering, and adding pickups. All of these locos had a good slow speed, and operated well for years. My only problem loco was a Fuji 2-8-8-2. It ran but was noisy and required a bit of TLC from tim to time. Finally traded it on a couple of 2-8-0s. I think for the most part brass runs well now-days, but it pays to see it run b4 you buy it........Mike

 

Years ago, "Model Railroader" used to regularly review brass models. While MR does not charge for a review, it does keep the model submitted, and probably, since even N scale locomotive are going for four figures left of the decimal point these days, most importers do not feel the cost of giving away a model for review will result in enough increased sales. Especially when the model run is sold out before it is produced.

My only experience with brass since converting to N in 1968 was a GHB ITC interurban. It was a gorgeous model, with even the controller visible insdide the motorman's window, but it couldn't pull itself up a 5 percent grade! I bought it at auction from BLW for $120.00 and sold it to Caboose Hobbies a year later for $280.00.

The first brass to come from Japan in the years immediately following WW II was junk, but was only nominally more than die cast models. Whjile the quality got immeasurably better, the prices have gotten immeasurably higher too!

 

My dad sent a $100.00 check to the NMRA around 1940/41 for a life time membership for my Christmas present. Mom showed me the cancelled check a few years ago after dad died. We never got it! I still don't have it, nor want anything to do with them now.

My dad sent the first photos to MR in 1936/37 of the Lionel layout I posted here awhile back. Never heard from them, never received our photos back nor our self addressed stamped envelope. Every letter, article, and photo we have sent since then has been totally ignored!! They kept all our photos and postage. So it wasn't just some jerk, as you say, it was the Grand Poobas of the Shrine of MR!

It doesn't matter anymore. If you get your education, become a big shot, have lots of money to spend, then people like them both will beat a path to your door! Its all money. Win the Lottery and see how fast they come courting you. Your models will be perfect, your every written word will be published, along with whole series of articles with photos of your layout, junk box, even your toilet!

Best to just enjoy the trains you are able to acquire and don't let the wags make you feel less than they think you are. Be yourself, your friends are here on the TrainBoard, not publishing some rag or sitting in judgement on whether you are good enough to join their ranks or not.

No one will change my mind on either of them, I have lived through the facts!