I’m thinking about writing an article about the start up and operations of a decent sized short line in the south. A couple of the managers are old friends and coworkers of mine and I could get access for whatever photos I needed and I’m sure cab rides, or whatever (big thrill at 20mph).
I’m writing to ask if those of you here on the site would be interested in read a real blood and guts type article. No real glitzy paint jobs or steam (or even Alco) locomotives, just modern day short lining. Perhaps a bit on history of the line followed by history of the short line, current operations, customers, interesting sights (like industrial switchers along the line) how to find it and what it means to the area (restored depot , etc).
So let’s hear it. Would you buy a magazine containing such an article?
I don’t know… no Alcos you say? [:0] Could you make up a bit about an Alco? [;)] No? Oh OK, shortline blood and guts will have to do. (Are you sure you couldn’t convince your friends to get their road to maybe LEASE an Alco for a bit while you do your story? No again huh? Darn[:(])
The closest railroad that I have access to is a shortline, main industry Gypsum mine, and I love watching them. Would love to read an article about another hard working line.
You know they can get Alcos cheaper than other locos. I really like Jeff’s idea about them getting some. It would add a little character to their short line. You know they pull “everything in the barn”. [:)]
Guys, believe me I know all about Alcos and their Canadian cousins. But I’m not in charge of this line and have no say over what they use for power. I’m sure they use what is cheap and reliable…
I have written three articles for the mainstream railfan press, all of them focused on shortlines. Here’s what I think I’ve learned so far.
My first two articles were published in Railfan & Railroad, and they followed the same basic format you have outlined. The editors made few, if any changes to my manuscript. I thought the articles were great, and several of my friends who had similar interests in those lines thought so too. But after several years of subscribing to R&R, I realized that they publish an awful lot of these articles, and frankly, many of them bored me to tears. Looking back at my articles, I realize that I probably put more than a few readers to sleep too.
My third article was published in Trains. The first manuscript I submitted was more of the same. The editor politely told me that I would need to find some element of the shortline’s story that would have a broader appeal to readers nationwide. He explained that a nuts-and-bolts article might be very popular among railfans already interested in that region. But a wider audience will want to know about something new or different that the railroad in question is doing to set it apart from other shortlines. Fortunately in my case, I was able to tell about some specific marketing techniques the railroad’s management was using to revive rail traffic along its line. After a few more revisions, my article was accepted, although the final version that hit the newsstands was heavily edited to put more of a “spin” on the storyline.
Writing these articles was a lot of fun, and I hope to have similar opportunities in the future. It’s a great learning experience as well. So . . . If you want to write about this line, GO FOR IT! Just realize that there are some magazines that may not buy it without what they perceive as a strong story with a wide appeal (after all, they need to sell magazines). Editors are always looking for fresh viewpoints, and they are usually pretty willing to help you focus your art
It’s in my grip and consists mainly of outlines and ideas at the moment. I have to agree with what potlatch said above. I need a “hook” to sell it. I have some ideas, but I need to reflect on it quite a bit more before it is ready for any real writing. I have spoken to a couple of editors of different publications and some writers and editors I know personally outside the railroad/railfan genre (one has expressed interest, to my shock and amazement-business magazine).
In other words, it is a work in progress, so don’t hold your breath. I need to get it to the point of a decent query letter yet.
That’s the type of article I think is missing in today’s press. No one really goes behind the scenes anymore to teach us modelers about what really goes on in the railroading world especially the shortlines. A book of this sort would really help out model railroaders faithfully depict operations and railroad activities on their scale layouts.
THANKS for the info. Nice to hear it is still in the works. I have been editor of a small christian college newspaper and have also been sports editor of our high school paper. I also was a writer for a business college paper. So I know it takes time.
Good Luck [:)] Please keep us posted. Again, thanks.
I wouldn’t mind be bored to death by an article on a short line, alcos or not. To me, Trains Magazine is not as good as it used to be. (Maybe the wrong place to say that.) I still subscribe and plan to continue subscribing, but lately, more emphasis seems to be on the class 1big carriers. Short lines are really more vital , I think than people realize. For the most part they need carload/small shippers to survive where the big guys mostly have the 100 cars at a time. Many times even the 100 cars are assembled by a short line(s).
As far as reader interest. The recent articles on the NKP Yard or the PRR Yard in the railroad blueprint really had a lot of appeal for a RI fan working for the UP on the former CNW. (Even the recent article on Hutchinson,KS for me was lacking since they barely mentioned the RI, lots about the SP then UP.) So the NKP or PRR isn’t my biggest interest. I still read the articles. Only bored half to death.
There is one thing about writing, you have to write about what is within you. Do not write about what you think people would want to read. Write about what is your passion and if it is railroads, you will find an audience. Good luck.
I have written three articles for the mainstream railfan press, all of them focused on shortlines. Here’s what I think I’ve learned so far.
My first two articles were published in Railfan & Railroad, and they followed the same basic format you have outlined. The editors made few, if any changes to my manuscript. I thought the articles were great, and several of my friends who had similar interests in those lines thought so too. But after several years of subscribing to R&R, I realized that they publish an awful lot of these articles, and frankly, many of them bored me to tears. Looking back at my articles, I realize that I probably put more than a few readers to sleep too.
My third article was published in Trains. The first manuscript I submitted was more of the same. The editor politely told me that I would need to find some element of the shortline’s story that would have a broader appeal to readers nationwide. He explained that a nuts-and-bolts article might be very popular among railfans already interested in that region. But a wider audience will want to know about something new or different that the railroad in question is doing to set it apart from other shortlines. Fortunately in my case, I was able to tell about some specific marketing techniques the railroad’s management was using to revive rail traffic along its line. After a few more revisions, my article was accepted, although the final version that hit the newsstands was heavily edited to put more of a “spin” on the storyline.
Writing these articles was a lot of fun, and I hope to have similar opportunities in the future. It’s a great learning experience as well. So . . . If you want to write about this line, GO FOR IT! Just realize that there are some magazines that may not buy it without what they perceive as a strong story with a wide appeal (after all, they need to sell magazines). Editors are always looking for fresh viewpoint
If you have enough material for a book, go for it. I wrote and published a book about trains/railroads just last year. Went through one of those self-publishing companies. They did a great job. Really enjoyed the experience. Sold quite a few too.