I was sadden to see that Mr. Bob Keller’s job has been eliminated. I have really enjoyed Bob’s Train Box and Mr. Keller’s ability to share his toy train knowledge in a user friendly manner. I have enjoyed CTT mag for many years but have been debating if I should renew at the end of the year. It is folks like Mr. Keller that make CTT what it is. Thank you CTT for making my deceision to renew or not easy as I will let my subscribtion expire. Good luck to you Mr. Keller in your future adventures and thanks again for all you have done for the toy train hobby.
WHAT THE #&!!! Where did you hear that? He just posted a new “Bob’s Train Box” video eight hours ago! Are you sure you’re not mistaken?
Bob sure doesn’t look like someone who’s getting the axe on that video, he’s hi usual upbeat self, although admittedly I haven’t watched the whole thing yet.
I found this out in the Coffee Pot Posting and Mr. Keller posted that his job had indeed been eliminated. I also found this very hard to believe.
I just saw the “Coffee Pot.” Read my comment. See if you agree.
Bob was told on Monday that his last day was today. He was CTT to us. If you go back a few years you can see how much staff has been removed along with half the pages. Not a good sign.
Bob I hope you do well and just maybe come out of this better off.
S.J.
Very sorry to hear !
Good luck, Bob Keller ! You have given us so much !
Many people I have enjoyed reading over the years, and I respect your reviews, and insights.
I have also enjoyed Terry Thompson, Kent Johnson, and I miss the heck out of John Gramms.
Still a great magazine,but you’ll leave a void.
Paul
This one’s for Bob. Hope he sees it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHOq6Sl9u38
Thanks for your service sir!
Firelock - Fitting Tribute!!
I have send a correspondance through the big K website, doubtful I’ll get a response, but we shall see.
It has been said before, Bob was the face and the embodiement of CTT. To “eliminate” one’s position with that kind of stature is just bad business.
Salute to you, Bob, thank you for your friendship, your knowledge and your humor. You will be missed, greatly so.
ANJDevil…
Thanks 'Devil!
I sent a message through the “Our Magazine” section on the website, respectful, since it goes to the editor and I’m sure this is not his fault, but expressing how angry I am over this.
Which section of the “Big K” website did you utilize? Maybe two shots from two angry Jersey guys might have some effect!
Bob Keller wrote elsewhere: Just to clarify, “relieved of duties” sounds so ominous. My position was elminated. A business decision was made to fit the resources available and I can’t argue with it. The market (and world) is changing and this is a case where there is nobody to blame.
The hobby and landscape of the hobby certainly has changed in the past decade. Major train retailers have shut their doors. Train makers, that from the outside, appeared successful are no more. The remaining train makers have all downsized staff. And as a result, the train magazines too, have gotten thinner.
The last time I bought CTT was years ago: It was the issue with the article on the early years of MPC production with box cars and tank cars. I have absolutely no interest in the new scale trains nor any real interest in the control systems outside of LionChief and LC+. And lately it seems the vast majority of reviews and articles are on the newer scale trains. Or to the other extreme, on postwar collectibles and variations.
We’re going to miss you! [:(]
So long, good luck. Stop in and keep us posted
I would not say that CTT’s management is worthless. They are a business that is just reacting to a shrinking hobby world. I am sad to see Bob go and I enjoyed his articles. All we can do is wish him well on his future endeavors. If you look at a competitive publication they have been downsizing as well. Sign of the times.
I just want to say thanks to everyone. Who knows what the future holds? I’ll be an optimist!