I used to subscribe to Classic Toy Trains for several years, then quit. Want to know why? Simply this: I am a long time S-gauger. Classic Toy Trains treated my gauge as almost non-existant. Yes, an occasional article would appear in the magazine, but not enough to keep my interest and desire to subscribe. The focus of the magazine is almost pure Lionel, which as any true enthusiast of railroading can see is so far from being realistic with 3-rail track, clumsy looking locomotives, cars, and accessories. Therefore, the title ot the magazine is misleading. It should be titled, “CLASSIC LIONEL TRAINS”.
Just an honest question but, why did you join this forum then if your into S gauge.[:)]
Indian,
If you do not like the magazine, you are free to choose another one, maybe “S gaugian”.
This is a free market we live in. I don’t think your negative comments about Lionel products are necessary. Linn Westcott said, in one of his “at the throttle” editorials in MR years ago that criticizing another man’s choice of scale invites a reaction similar to criticizing his choice of automobile, political party or church. Therefore, such remarks should be avoided. With all due respect, it is advice well worth taking. Perhaps, if you feel strongly that there is an unserved market for a purely AF magazine you could start one yourself. The magazines we have today all started somewhere.
George
Gee - Here I thought the third rail is what put Toy in Classic Toy Trains.
First, welcome to the forum, we aren’t particular to any one gauge, we’re a light hearted group out to enjoy toy trains no matter which gauge. As to your comments about CTT, I would guess that it is somewhat to do with the size of the market for the different gauges determining the focus. As there has been more new S gauge coming onto the market there has been an occasional mention in CTT. As, and if, S grows you will probably see more info. in the future.
Maybe the overlord will comment when he sees this.
Much of what a magazine prints depends on what they receive to print; aside from the regular columns, practically all of CTT’s articles are submitted by people not on the staff. If you think tha there’s a market for S gauge articles in the magazine, write some yourself, and be sure to let the magazine know how much you enjoy it when such articles do appear.
FWIW, indian river, Lionel has been really upgrading their realism lately along with the rest of the industry. I think you should take another look at their offerings over the past few years. Sure they still make plenty of “toy train” like items, but their scale engines and cars are very nice.
OBVIOUSLY, the majority who replied to my posting missed the train, so to speak. It is a matter of what the magazine should be correctly titled. Simple enough! Why did I subscribe in the first place? That is simple too. The title of CLASSIC TOY TRAINS implied ALL gauges, which as time went on proved to be an utter falsehood. Yes, I am aware of the S-Gaugian. IT is correctly titled and its topics appropriate. As to 3 rail being “toy” train territory, that is not correct as there are other “toy” trains out there which are correctly depicted as 2-rail.
It’s not uncommon for a lot of our fellow O-gauge guys to mention how they get magazines like Model Railroader, an HO magazine, for great reading & ideas. If I was into S-gauge, I surely would be picking a copy of CTT & others now & then to see what I could build, or get ideas or help with mountain building, etc. Well Indian, It’s good you came over & told us your problem, cause now we can counsel you on it . I’ve noticed a lot of very highly educated people here & not too many rivet counters ! I will continue to enjoy my clumsy, unrealistic Toy trains ! Thanks, John
Indian River, welcome to the Forum.
Seeing as this was your first post, I am
curious…Did you come here to stir up a little dust with the guys
or to just vent your problems.
Why don’t you write a letter to the CTT mag and complain.
I could give you a dozen things wrong with S gauge. But
that is my opinion and I would not be as rude as you.
Chuck
The largest share of our readership is interested in O gauge, S gauge falls in second.
We run nice S gauge layouts (we’re in the middle of a two-part S gauge construction story), we have an S gauge locomotive repair story coming up in an issue or so, and whenever new S gauge locomotives come out, when we receive them, we review them. For example, I’ve got an S-Helper starter set coming up in the January issue.
But we can’t be all things to all people, so S Gaugian, a terrific magazine, may better suit your interests.
indian river - I would have to say your are being unnecessarily offensive. I am into S on the scale side as opposed to the toy train side. I subscribe to CTT because most of the S products crossover into scale with the change of wheels and couplers, but I also enjoy reading about what’s going on with Lionel, MTH, and the rest of 3 rail world. I’ve even got a loop of Lionel track on a table under my layout where I run Lionel’s NYC Flyer, so I guess I am not a purist. If I had the room I would run a little standard gauge as well. I think CTT does a good job covering S. I also subscribe to S Gaugian, MR, and RMC as well as belonging to NMRA and NASG. I guess my point here is - it’s all fun lighten up and enjoy the trains whatever the scale, gauge,etc.
Enjoy
Paul
“The title of CLASSIC TOY TRAINS implied ALL gauges,”
Yep! And all gauges of toy trains is what it includes. Not every gauge or type of toy train is represented in every issue, of course, but who could realistically expect otherwise?
Not enough S gauge? Well, put your keyboard to more productive use than just coming on-board with a big chip on your shoulder, and write an article to submit, or at least send in a proposal for an article.
“S Gaugian” is a fine magazine. I read it myself from time to time and I’ve never owned any S gauge trains in my entire lifetime (although I would if I were starting over again). Stick with that publication if it’s more to your liking, but I hope you do realize that’s it’s both rude and crude to knock on the door and enter someone else’s home so you can proclaim what a dump it is.
Back when I was a boy, my friends and I went through the two-rail vs. three-rail thing a thousand times over in a good-natured way. There were no winners or losers; just some inspired dialog that never became heated, bitter, or nasty. I guess people–even young ones-- were generally more civil and mannerly back then.
Paul said you were being “unnecessarily offensive.” I wouldn’t be quite as polite in describing your behavior as a new kid on the block.
well put guys, for my [2c] Notice it did not get deleted here and got an answer from CTT. [;)]
Just curious, but I wonder what the actual market is for:
N
HO
S
O
G
In other words, if we put 100 “train” people in a room, what percent primarily models a particular scale. I would assume that HO would lead the pack based upon my reading and my observation at train shows.
HO, N, O, G, S–in that order from most popular in terms of overall sales to least popular–would be my guess.
I’ve got many back issues of CTT and they are are filled with S-scale articles.
Jim
I could better understand your problem if “S” did not have it’s own publication. I do NOT understand your problem with the title of CTT unless you took out a 5 year subscription before you realised it was’nt “S heavy”. Most of the “how to” articles are not scale-specific (S-scale snow???). I “started” with O as a kid, re-started with postwar AF S, now mainly into newer O, and recently built a small N layout. Because I love trains, I love ALL publications that deal with them.
This has got to be the most questionable complaint of the year, IMO. Inaccurate, petulant and self-serving, not to mention unfair. CTT cannot publish stuff they don’t receive and the magazine is the only one that covers a broad range of toy train topics, including historical information, other than the TCA Quarterly, which requires TCA membership. Suggest you reconsider both your position and level of hostility. And write an article about S gauge trains for CTT. There will be more S gauge stuff and you’ll get paid for it too ;).
Indian River,
I AGREE with you!
I too think that the title Classic Toy Trains should change. The new title should be:
“Modern and Classic Toy Trains in O and S Gauge, Featuring Lionel, MTH, American Flyer, K-Line, Williams, 3rd Rail, Weaver, & Several Others.”
Do you think that would fit on the cover?
[:D][^][8D][}:)][:O][:P][:P][:P][:P][;)]