what influenced me to join the hobby

Simple : the Cover of the Kalmbach book " Scenery for Model Railroads " by Bill McClanahan , the original edition , back in the late sixties.

I mean … who could resist this charming Model Railroader , pipe in his mouth , wearing a striped railroad cap , with all the wisdom blessed upon by his age , smiling at us , with his head standing next to his super Texas & Rio Grande ! Who could resist that ?

Can anyone please bring back this cover in circulation ? This was an all-time classic , and the content forever changed my directions in modeling .

Jean Brisson Victoria , BC . Canada

I have this book you mention. 14th printing, 1988. It is great material.

I recall that cover, and yes, there was something so pure about that shot. So many people who wonder “why do you like trains so much?” could have their questions answered with that one simple photograph. I think MR needs more images that show hobbyists enjoying their creations… not the mug-shot “Meet Mr. RailLover” but the more genuine candid shot, modeller relating to layout. Pan back, show us the edge, put us there shoulder to shoulder with a happy model railroader.

Simple : the Cover of the Kalmbach book " Scenery for Model Railroads " by Bill McClanahan , the original edition , back in the late sixties.

I mean … who could resist this charming Model Railroader , pipe in his mouth , wearing a striped railroad cap , with all the wisdom blessed upon by his age , smiling at us , with his head standing next to his super Texas & Rio Grande ! Who could resist that ?

Can anyone please bring back this cover in circulation ? This was an all-time classic , and the content forever changed my directions in modeling .

Jean Brisson Victoria , BC . Canada

I have this book you mention. 14th printing, 1988. It is great material.

I recall that cover, and yes, there was something so pure about that shot. So many people who wonder “why do you like trains so much?” could have their questions answered with that one simple photograph. I think MR needs more images that show hobbyists enjoying their creations… not the mug-shot “Meet Mr. RailLover” but the more genuine candid shot, modeller relating to layout. Pan back, show us the edge, put us there shoulder to shoulder with a happy model railroader.