I work with Roger to have a good mix of articles in every issue. We try to include these topics in each issue: history, Lionel eras (postwar, modern, digital), other manufacturers (Flyer/Marx, etc), how-to projects, layout features, and layout planning/track plans.
If you’re a Trains.com member, I’ve been testing other topics online. For instance, I’ll be starting a series on “Why I collect [brand]” and I have a story on postwar O gauge trains in Argentina for this summer.
I’m looking for feedback on the types of articles you’d like to see in the magazine. And if you have a story idea to propose, email me at editor@classictoytrains.com!
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Rene, I realize that you are limited by the material you receive.
I just got–and am still reading–the latest issue. I am very excited to see a notice that the next issue will contain a story on a Standard Gauge layout. It’s been a long time since we had such an article, and I would love to see more. When I review past issues (I have them all), I see a somewhat higher percentage at the outset of CTT’s run that has fallen off in the last couple decades. This may be because all the material available has been used. It might be because of editorial bias over the years. It might be because of the perceived need to please the readership–I think everyone realizes that postwar and modern era Lionel is the Toy Train world’s bread-and-butter. You have to publish what will sell.
But the title is Classic Toy Trains. Articles on prewar manufacturers beyond the Big Three are as rare as Lionel 2 7/8s gauge trains. It may be that nobody who reads CTT knows enough about Voltamp, Boucher, Knapp, Electoy, Carlile and Finch. It may be that everything about them has already been published in books and TCA publications, but it also may be that few of your current readers have ever seen any of those publications. Maybe CTT could introduce new generations to 1 gauge and 2 gauge, to the wide variety of prewar trains. Or maybe none of the readers care enough. But I would like to see you try. They are the classics.
Convince Northwoods Flyer to write some pieces on prewar American Flyer wide and narrow gauge, maybe? Do you have any IVES articles buried in the files anywhere?
I do like to see the attempt to incorporate more postwar Flyer (and I don’t even have any).
Anyway, I understand the challenges that you face, but, since you asked, I just thought I’d applaud your efforts to cover the bases. I simply hope that “classic” is one of the bases that will get covered.
Classic items are a staple of the editorial mix. For instance, the summer issue we have articles previewing two new books (a prewar Lionel and postwar Lionel). There may be some material on other manufacturers in the files but I’d have to look again. Roger does a good job covering some of these in the “collectible classics” column too.
Rene,
I think it might be interesting, if possible, to have a column or occasionally highlight “classics” from other countries. It may be tricky, but I think it would be a neat opportunity to show readers trains that they maybe didn’t know anything about.
I recently came into ownership of a couple Paya pieces from Spain, and was very amazed and impressed with their size, heft, and aesthetics. Mine require several replacement castings due to zinc rot (Paya had these issues very bad, much worse than prewar Lionel), but there are definitely complete examples out there.
PS: I am still working on that article you solicited. Trying to think of some good pictures to stage!
Rene, please understand that I was wishing, not complaining.
The debate about what classic in the title means goes back to when Dick Christianson was coining it. Roger has done a great job over the years, as postwar is the core audience. But others of us look further back for our idea of classics. No postwar piece really excites me, but a Flyer Flying Colonel makes me shiver 
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fwiw, here’s my Paya piece. The locomotive was known as the ‘Santa Fe’, as it is based upon a Renfé locomotive with a 2-10-2 wheel arrangement. Paya shrank down the proportions, but the engine is still about the same size as a Lionel F3, and weighs almost as much.
Paya had issues with zinc rot, and this model is no exception. But when you consider I paid only $40 for it, much can be forgiven.
-El
Rene,
I agree with palallin’s observations about where your bread and butter comes from.
My vote would be for more prewar equipment and minimal focus on Lionel. In 2020 I started a thread called Heritage Tinplate Photos in the old forums. I have found it through the search feature and while the text is still there I can’t see any of the photos. I wonder if a page of photos from this era with this title in each print issue would find interest among your readers. I have plenty of photos of trains and accessories from American Flyer (Narrow and Wide Gauge), Dorfan, Ives, Lionel and Marx.
Those of us who collect this equipment are small in number and seem to be decreasing with each passing month. However the group that remain are fairly passionate. I think it is important to keep our feet firmly planted in our heritage. These are just some thoughts in response to your request for suggestions.
I hesitate to offer to write articles because while photos of the equipment are mine, the historical information that I can provide is not necessarily first hand information. Much of it is gleaned from other sources already in print. However through the collaboration of several collectors on the original prewar thread that I hosted we were able to find out the origins and the artist who produced the smiling boy holding an engine and a passenger car used in American Flyer/Chicago Flyer advertising and box labels.
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods-Flyer
Greg
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