I am not a modeler so I cannot speak for the model industry, but when it comes to prototype railroading there are only 3 main magazines, TRAINS, CLASSIC TRAINS, and RAILFAN. You would be more likely to find in-depth articles on Narrow Gauge in Railfan than the others. They are more fan friendly in that regard. Their editors get out and railfan to get their stories. I remember meeting Jim Boyd for the first time in 1980. He was chasing newly refurbished Nickel Plate 765 along with others running freights on the old Toledo, Peoria, and Western(Illinois). He was really down to earth and not arrogant at all. He has now passed on, but I ran into him on an Ohio Central trip in 2002 and he had not seen me in several years. His greeting was "Didn't you used to be Greg Scholl?" I ran into current editor Steve Barry in Michigan for a 1225 Charter in 2007. So they still get out there for events now and then.
I have spent tens of thousands of advertising dollars with Railfan over the years(30), and at one time Jim Boyd said the video ads helped us to transform our magazine from black and white to color. The ad guy there, John Early, has always treated me right, and I hope his situation works out in all this.
So what can anyone do......well support your hobby magazines, vendors, and everything within the hobby if you want things to continue.
I found the comments interesting as 2008 was a watershed year for a lot of businesses. I remember we were doing great in 2008 until the financial mess. I would hate to be a new video producer trying to get started today!!!
Have rambled too much, but I do hope to see the magazine continue.
Greg Scholl
PS Besides these magazines where else does one advertise railroad related items?? Yes I know..Internet, but specifically or other?
Cartens Publications is closing
