[mos-ki-toe]

Hi Everyone
I don't normally complain, but.....
I am a subscriber for the Model Rail magazine, My opinion is becoming that
Its editorial content is getting tired.
The design needs looking at
and the paper is so thin it is hardly quality.
Should I continue or swap to another? Perhaps others diagree. I have noticed it before.
GH

 

[mos-ki-toe]

It is rather like stabbing an old friend in the back.
gh

 

[mos-ki-toe]

I remember Backtrack magazine which was originally printed on high quality paper. I have kept all of these from the late 80's and 90's. I really stopped buying them after the paper got thinner. And I no longer look at it at all. But the readable content seems to carry on. With the latest Model Rail, ok its held back by the paper quality, but the style and images etc are, I think, poor. The images seem too dark. It is no longer driving rather it is following with content.

Its best summed up by...when I was younger, I used to look forward to the monthly Railway Modeller and have kept many from the sixties. Model Rail was the same for some time , but has been replaced by Hornby Magazine, whose content , style and images make a good quality read. My apologies to all at Model Rail if you are reading this but it doesn't mean the magzine is dead in the water.
I do think they have been pushing their luck with certain things. For instance the Hornby 2008 announcements. I received my copy well before 31st December, in fact just like I did the year before. Its almost as though they were the wide boys of the model railway publishing. Some call it the Lad's magazine but I am certainly not that.

I also like reading Pat Hammond's on line magazine.

I have also realised I have been a lurker in chief with Model Rail Forum, something to do with never remembering my password. I might even try adding some of the Icons etc
Graham

 

[mos-ki-toe]

Other magazines may have jumped the gun with 2008, but Model Rail made such a fuss over not releasing the information. I am not sure they proof read much as there are so many silly (and in the case of Heljan not so silly ) mistakes.
The paper is an issue but the style and design is very poor. Its very competetive out there and they need to sharpen their pencil.
Graham

 

[mos-ki-toe]

I didn't mention reviews at a cause of concern. In fairness to Model Rail they did mention the rebuilt royal scot's chinmney. Surely the worst offender for reviews is the Railway Modeller. They seem to mention the obvious....Its in blue....I remember this class.... very nice etc.
Graham

 

[mos-ki-toe]

It does depend on what a reader (or purchaser) of a magazine wants.
Is it?
Entertainment through a good read with a good style, differing and interesting content.
Practical guides to help further the building of a layout/models
Information on new products that include analysis, perceptive comment aswell as a straightforward description
The ability to keep this information as a semi bibliography
The ability by the reader to discuss topics and latest issues (probably its weakest section)
The ability to influence manufacturers
By reading adverts, be able to make judgements on what is currently available and some idea about price.
The magazine itself be easy to handle and physically have a feel good factor about its paper etc.

Does Model Rail hit these criteria? Or do others do it better? Was I a little hard on them with my topic starter?

My feeling regarding manufacturers is that surely they have a good idea of what the market wants by talking directly to their customers. Some of whom never read magazines or forums.

Without being too cynical, if I was a manufacturer I would be actively talking up my products in online forums.
Cheers Graham

 

[mos-ki-toe]

I have received the latest edition. Sorry still not impressed
Graham

 

[mos-ki-toe]

There is an editor that hands over to a new editor for two months, then comes back whilst the new editor is on holiday. Ok but do we need to have a photograpth of the old editor with the lead editorial alongside 'Black Dog'. It all seems strange to me. Was it really a hand over or not? If the old editor can't let go thats ok by me but just say it.

I noticed on the front page there is referennce to the new Bachmann Patriot and Hornby HST with first look. Yes but hardly great images that can barely be seen.

I liked the image of a streamlined b17 with milk train and the rest of the article. The black dog revamp is what I call filing cabinet content. Something that is not particularly creative and just lurks around for suitable 'padding' in an edition.

I often think they write the letters themselves

Am I just being overly critical?
Graham

 

[mos-ki-toe]

Bought the latest edition and to be fair it was very readable. Poor quality paper still brings it down
Graham

 

[mos-ki-toe]

To be fair I think the January issue is very readable and a good edition. Well done!
Of course it might have helped that I am interested in all the reviews.
Graham

 

[mos-ki-toe]

That was of course the December issue. I wonder whether I'm going to get interested in Javelin throwing when I read the Jan issue.
G