Saw today in an email from Kalmbach that starting in April the video editions of MR will be included with the paper editions.
I guess that means that the paper edition prices will go up.
"We are excited to announce the digital edition of Model Railroader magazine will now be included with your print subscription!
The April 2021 issue will be live on our partner’s site, Zinio.com, this Friday, February 19."
I’ll have to watch for that. Must be part of the roll out for the new Trains.com thing.
Mike.
Might be the only way I get my issues. Still waiting on the March issue to arrive. I contacted customer service earlier this week and still haven’t gotten a reply.
Might be the beginning of phasing out the paper edition like my local newspaper is doing.
I just renewed my Classic Trains subscription per a ‘deal’ sent via email. It was a very low price, and the reply stated that I would be able to access the videos as well.
Still not enticing to make me subscribe…
Tom
Still waiting for my March issue also
I’m just trying to figure out how to add the archives to my subscription. The little button on the website doesn’t work. I guess I’ll have to call…
I made the original post so that those who might be interested could have a look-see.
It is my hope that it doesn’t get derailed by every Harry, Dick, and (especially) Tom who might have a non-related nit to pick. You’ve all had your say elsewhere.
I think this might entice me to start my subscription again.
I just logged onto the digital site. I like it.
I like the paper version, but I will enjoy reading the online version, especially if I need to look up something in past issues that I may not have kept.
I also like the zoom feature. I was able to zoom in on some of the photos in the magazine.
I appreciate Kalmbach doing this for us, in addition to this free forum.
I’m wondering about those who already paid extra for the print/digital combo subscription, do we…er…they get a refund now that digital is “free”?
I hope not.
I just can’t read periodicals or books electronically. I need pages!
-Kevin
That sounds like a forlorne hope. I have been reading some posts from 10ish or more years or so ago and the forum was much less contentious then; more complimentary and the users generally more helpful.
Back to the topic in hand. I actually like the ZINIO interface. I can throw the magazine onto my TV and read it more easily than in print format. I bought a whole load of their Classic Trains titles a few months ago and to be honest I wish they had more.
I have sympathy for those who prefer print though because if looking at pdf’s or other digital media in niche markets like this is not your cup of tea then better enjoy your magazines while they are made.
There was a bit of a thrill 20 or so years ago when the Model Railroader would drop through my letter box in the UK hotfoot from the US, not contract printed locally.
Thanks for the heads-up.
I much prefer actual pages as well. Still have Model Railroader issues back into the 40’s - nearly complete from about 1947.
Similar situation with Railroad Model Craftsman, starting in the mid 50’s.
I consider the older issues more valuable than the new ones, drawings, more technical info, etc.
I was fustrated just yesterday not being able to measure something on a scale drawing in MR when looking at the digital version. My print versions are not well organized at this moment because of the move and home improvement work in preparation for layout construction.
Storage space in not an issue here, basement sized layouts have lots of storge space under them, so I will keep the magizines, the 1700 vinyl records, the books, etc.
I have subscribed to MR since 1968? And have had a subscription to the electronic archive since they created it.
The rest of their digital stuff is of no interest, I find it very tedious to watch most videos on these kinds of subjects.
Sheldon
And this is not a non-related nit to pick?
I understand the ramifications and problems of printing anything with a 19th century method but I get eye strain after a very short time of looking at a computer screen. Plus with a magazine I don’t have to reload it if I set it down for awhile. Personal preference not scientific.
“And this is a non-related nit to pick?”
Well, let me think about that a bit…
Okay, thought about it. No, I don’t think so. My post, so I get to choose who the relatives are. Might be a little distant, but related.
On the other hand “I still haven’t received my March issue” (it is still February, is it not?); trying to add archives because the button doesn’t work; or customer service hasn’t called me back (yes, that is a problem, but last couple times I called they said they were in Texas, and I think most of Texas has other issues right now) have as much relationship as the 6 degrees of seperation from Kevin Bacon.
Besides, as you can see, my train got derailed anyway.
Now, back to the original topic, which I think had to do with snow shoveling.
Regards
I think it’s reasonable of an OP to request that folk try to stay on topic otherwise what was just a heads-up for board members ends up with the usual ramble into hatered of DCC, Broadway Limited, locomotives being too detailed, 12 inch thick to scale running boards, those who are audacious enough to buy a model and not put 200 miles on it a week etc, etc, etc…