I just got the October MR, and was astonished to find several N Scale articles. They include: "Modeling N&W passenger Trains of the 1950s" by Rich Weyland, "Painting a Scenic backdrop" by Mike Danneman, "3 Railroads, 1 layout" by Patrick Flynn, Tony Koester discusses Tom Knapp's painting techniques in his column. There is also an article on assembling Z Scale etched structures. Curiously, there were no N Scale product reviews, but we are coming off of the Summer drought. So maybe someone does listen to our griping. Cheers, Rod
You know, I saw the MR newswire e-mail I get every week, and saw the upcoming articles and thought the same thing! Could it be that since it seems that there more n scale posts on this forum than in other scales, and, there's so much more product announcements in n than in other time in n scale history, that MR is finally taking notice? By the way, if by chance some of you haven't seen Mike Danneman's layout, you owe it to yourselves to check out MR and NSR back issues that contain the articles on his layout!
Now watch- someone will write/email in to complain about the excess amount of articles relating to N scale! These folks would, as they say here in Texas, complain of you hung 'em with a new rope. Personally, I'm glad to see the new stuff coming out in N, as well as the write-ups.
ah, you guys make some good points... let me throw in something (devils advocate?)... without seeing or reading the articles... N&W passenger trains....k, n-scale... painting a scenic backdrop...sounds universal (applicable to any scale)... 3 railroads/1 layout....i can't say for sure without reading the article.... knapp's painting techniques...also sounds universal... assembling z-scale etched structures?...eh....i'm sure there are points there that would be of assistance for any modeler doing such kits, no matter the scale... k...i'm done... so, to recap.... seems there is only one item (the 1950's passenger trains) that could really qualify as truely n-scale related... and so, from this cursory (and feel free to correct me...as i'm probably wrong)... seem's to me that MR hasn't really changed their "layout"... just seems that way.... playing the middle of the road...
I'm certainly not looking to start controversy when it comes to scale preference. Everybody has their reasons for modeling in the scales that seems right for them. Having said this, I feel that n scale has been sorely lacking in model prototypes that those in other scales have long enjoyed. How many times have read statements, on this forum and others, " I'd like to see this, or that engine or car modeled ". These statements apply to all eras modeled. I realize that the information in the upcoming article on backdrop painting applies to all scales, but I believe that there would be accompanying photos with the text that would highlight Mike's modeling skills in n scale. People interested in the article just might see the possibilities of what can be achieved in n! Fortunately, all of these things point to a bright future for n scale, that those in other scales can agree, it's been a long time coming for n scalers!
At least I know it's going to be worth waiting for. I purchase my either at Wal-Mart or the local bookstore. Neither one puts out the magazines until at least the 15th of the previous month. So, I won't see it until at least September 15th.
