I'm thinking of dropping a few hints to family to get me a model railway magazine subsciption for Christmas.
Which one would you knowledgable people recommend please?
Railway Moddeler has allways been a favourite of mine but I only buy it when there are N Gauge layouts inside, but also a good read.
:hellosign: I agree, the Railway Modeller is in my opinion the best, It lists nearly all the exhibitions and is printed on good quality paper. :thankyousign:
How about an N Gauge Society subscription? OPMMV but I find it's worth it just for the magazine.
Quote from: railsquid on October 29, 2016, 01:18:07 PM
How about an N Gauge Society subscription? OPMMV but I find it's worth it just for the magazine.
Hmm - I've just joined and had my first N gauge society magazine. IMHO it isn't great quality, especially the photos. Maybe less content but with better quality photos would an improvement from my point of view. Apologies to those who no doubt are working very hard to put it together, i'm just giving my first honest impression and I understand that you can't please everybody all the time. I also accept that I couldn't do a better job.
Railway modeller is still the best for my needs and it least it does have some N gauge content every month which is not always the case with the others. I find some of the other magazines talk down to me and insult my intelligence at times. I fully accept that others, especially less experienced modellers, would welcome these articles stating how to suck eggs.
I get irritated that many magazines incessantly push DCC almost every month. Yes we all know it exists and by now we have all made our choice.
Oh dear, I'm sounding a little grumpy today - didn't mean to.
Indeed, the NGS Journal photos are generally user-supplied which makes the quality variable. Admittedly not every page of every journal has been of compelling interest to me, but personally I like it. There are other benefits to NGS membership as well. I pick up a Railway Modeller every time I'm in the UK but have never felt the urge to subscribe to it as I'm not interested in the mainly non-N gauge content, but that's just me :D
I used to like Model Rail but to be honest it has gone downhill of late, the themed issues just don't often interest me. Railway Modeller is still solid, almost always an N gauge layout, useful adverts kept to separate sections and articles on prototype stuff (plan of the month, track etc.) means there is something there for me in every issue. The NGS Journal may lack the polish of the big monthlies but it is all N gauge and costs about half the price of any of them, with free NGS membership thrown in. What's not to like? The NGS Journal is the only one I read from cover to cover.
Just signed up to NGS for three years, now all I have to do is shoe-horn the cash from one of my sons, some hope there :thumbsdown:
Another one for 'Railway Modeller' here as even the larger scaled layouts have some ideas to steal and transfer to N gauge. I generally find there's nearly always at least 1 N gauge layout featured and many layouts of NGF members have been featured in the past and, no doubt, will continue to be.
The only trouble is what to do with any such mag once read? My poor little bungalow is gradually filling up with RMs and there's a limit as to how many doctor/dentist waiting rooms I can surreptiously 'dump' some in. :help:
Just wanted to add that from the mainstream general magazines I'd still go for Railway Modeller (and/or Continental Modeller) above the others that I've come across.
As for issues of space, I've dealt with that with other magazines by ruthlessly cutting out the bits which interest me, filing them and throwing the rest away. In this era of ominpresent internet I reckon that if I do chuck out something I'll later regret, it will be feasible to track it down without too much pain. (+1 for the NGS on that, there was one article in a back issue before I joined I was looking for, one email and I had a scanned copy).
Quote from: newportnobby on October 29, 2016, 03:10:41 PM
Another one for 'Railway Modeler' here.
The only trouble is what to do with any such mag once read? My poor little bungalow is gradually filling up with RMs and there's a limit as to how many doctor/dentist waiting rooms I can surreptitiously 'dump' some in. :help:
I seem to know where you are coming from here. :hmmm:
When I got back into railway modelling I subscribed to nearly all the UK magazines going to try and get some ideas, and being a stereotypical Yorkshire-man I don't want to just throw them away, my cupboards, shelves are just full of em ???
But in answer to the O.P. I would also opt for "Railway Modeler".
When I was getting nearly everyone going I generally found once you had read one then in the same month the other were the same.
Same adverts, same reviews, same news. Sometimes even the same layouts were featured in some.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading them, and found some useful articles that did help me and did give me ideas. But after the year was up I cancelled all the subscriptions except "Railway Modeler".
Just one tip if you can be bothered. Just have a bit of a search on the web as you can sometimes find a cheaper deal than subscribing to the publisher.
A quick search you can get an extra 10% off "Railway Modeler" on the link below.
https://www.isubscribe.co.uk/Railway-Modeller-Magazine-Subscription.cfm?&affid=1820&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkdHABRCHiZ2gs6yGh50BEiQAA91WlhWtTzZgbakGsJTlViXMrz9TwS8zQZL0JTuEtEdMohAaAkBu8P8HAQ (https://www.isubscribe.co.uk/Railway-Modeller-Magazine-Subscription.cfm?&affid=1820&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkdHABRCHiZ2gs6yGh50BEiQAA91WlhWtTzZgbakGsJTlViXMrz9TwS8zQZL0JTuEtEdMohAaAkBu8P8HAQ)
Unless you want the special offers available in the magazine itself but usually they are more geared to OO gauge and usually something you don't really need.
Steve
Guys
Agree with the comments above but I feel all the major magazines have a GWR bias as modern modeller this really doesn't appeal and I wish there was a modern modelling magazine
Dave
Quote from: scottishlocos on October 29, 2016, 03:52:27 PM
.......and I wish there was a modern modelling magazine
I agree - I'm actually more interested in Post-Privatisation (and to a lesser extent Modern Image) in other scales than steam-era layouts in N. IIRC Model Rail was post-steam oriented when it was part of "Rail", and Rail Express still has a post-steam pullout modelling section, but it would be great if there was a proper dedicated mag!
Cheers Jon :)
Given up RM due to consistent lack of n gauge now get BRM pics are excellent.
N Gauge Now (http://www.ngaugemodelling.co.uk) :thumbsup:
Might only be quarterly but it's 100% N gauge with some very informative articles :)
Paul
There briefly was a modern modeling mag, probably a good few years gone by now, by the name of Modern Railway Modelling published by Warners - I think it folded after a ccouple of years due to lack of interest.
More on topic, Im another one who would have RM if only allowed one.
As it is I sometimes buy Model Rail and place MRJ in the "magazine cellar" to mature.
I also like Model Railroader - Good modelling is always good modelling regardless of the scale or location :)
Just taken out a sub to Model Rail, mainly because I got it using Tesco Clubcard Vouchers so it's almost a free mag for a year. Time will tell if it's a good read.
Trying Continental Railway Modeller on a piecemeal basis, even if I'm a Kato man and it's a Peco mag. I'm just following Rule 1.
I liked MRM though I may be biased as I did their N gauge reviews.
Personally Rail Express nearly always hits the spot for me.
Quote from: Topcat on October 29, 2016, 03:58:07 PM
Given up RM due to consistent lack of n gauge now get BRM pics are excellent.
The RM does gave N gauge every month. I've had two N gauge layouts in RM in the last two years and my friend's N gauge layout featured recently even gracing the front cover of RM.
I also think Steve Flint's photos in the RM are excellent.
Quote from: Derwentbob on October 29, 2016, 02:53:38 PM
I used to like Model Rail but to be honest it has gone downhill of late, the themed issues just don't often interest me.
Couldn't agree more. I think this is a magazine to buy as/when it is focused on something you enjoy. A subscription might feel like bad value if too many issues are on stuff you don't care about.
Quote from: Derwentbob on October 29, 2016, 02:53:38 PM
The NGS Journal may lack the polish of the big monthlies but it is all N gauge and costs about half the price of any of them, with free NGS membership thrown in. What's not to like?
Agree here, too! Given the other benefits, like the shop, an NGS membership is a bit of a no-brainer to me. The last NGS Journal felt a bit off with all the jumbled up pages, but usually I find at least as much to read in it as any other magazine.
Quote from: red_death on October 29, 2016, 04:47:26 PM
Personally Rail Express nearly always hits the spot for me.
I've started buying this magazine semi-regularly after being recommended it by a friend. It has a nice modelling section in the middle, though it does seem biassed towards post-privatisation settings and products. Anyone interested in transition-era or earlier will probably be disappointed.
The magazine itself is variable, in my opinion. Lots of good photography and short news items, but relatively few in-depth articles, and these are often biassed towards the contemporary end of the subject. There's honestly only so many articles about EMUs or franchising I can read before my eyes glaze over!
Cheers, NeMo
Quote from: railsquid on October 29, 2016, 01:18:07 PM
How about an N Gauge Society subscription? OPMMV but I find it's worth it just for the magazine.
Okay Railsquid, I give up! :confused1:
What on Earth does "OPMMV" stand for? :confused2: :hmmm:
All I can find is two possibles: "Original Pilipino Music Music Video"
and this obviously more relevant interpretation ;)
"Astrological Analysis and meaning of OPMMV
OPMMV has a life path of 7. OPMMV means: With a Life Path 7, your numbers are (7, 16/7, 25/7, 34/7). Used 735 times in the bible is the foundation of God's word. It is a number of completeness and perfection. It signifies collective consciousness, completion faith and spirituality, Mysticism, wisdom, peace, endurance. In Africa seven is a symbol of perfection and unity. It is a thinker and searcher of truth. Number 16 represents wholeness, a symbol of perfect completeness. In terms of personality number 16 are sociable with great sense of humor. Usually, they are involved in charities and humanitarian foundations; helping the needy. They are efficient, responsible and committed to their work and expect others to react the same. In mathematics, number 16 is the sum of the first odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7. Flexible in nature, twenty five from the biblical stand point symbolizes 'Grace upon grace'. Number twenty five possess a great mind and are excellent researchers. They are very critical and conduct investigations before making conclusions."
Yeah, right! :no:
Enlighten me please. :)
@daffy (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634)
Perhaps: Original poster's mileage may vary???
NeMo
No worries, I've worked it out:
Orient Poster Makes Meaning Vague!
Must be right. :D
What has 'mileage' got to do with magazines anyway?
Doesn't make sense ???
Paul
Quote from: Sprintex on October 29, 2016, 06:57:28 PM
What has 'mileage' got to do with magazines anyway?
OP = original poster, right?
YMMV = your mileage may vary, an American expression indicating individuals may experience different results from those of the commentator.
Hence, my suggestion for OPMMV as "original poster's mileage may vary". Simple!
Cheers, NeMo
Quote from: scottishlocos on October 29, 2016, 03:52:27 PM
Agree with the comments above but I feel all the major magazines have a GWR bias as modern modeller this really doesn't appeal and I wish there was a modern modelling magazine
It has been tried a couple of times with poor support - "Modern Railway Modelling" (MRM) from the publishers of BRM lasted around a year and according to rumour some issues sold less than 1000 copies.
Model Rail started out with a Present Day focus reflecting it's roots as a supplement to RAIL Magazine, but has had to widen it's horizons to attract a sustainable readership...
As regards to the OP's question which to subscribe to, to be honest I've not had any on subscription for over 10 years, preferring to scan through them all (model and Prototype) in the SMITHS reading room and purchase any or all (or none) that have something of interest.
Typically, I finish up with around 15 mags per year and usually Railway Modeller accounts for over half the modelling content, so if I had to choose one, I would also go that way...
I don't have to make a choice or worry about storage. The model railway club I am a member of buys them all and stores them in our library.
I get Hornby mag on subscription as I find it suits my taste (by the way it's not exclusively 00 by any means).
I buy others for a browse if we are away or on a long journey.
Quote from: NeMo on October 29, 2016, 07:11:31 PM
Quote from: Sprintex on October 29, 2016, 06:57:28 PM
What has 'mileage' got to do with magazines anyway?
OP = original poster, right?
YMMV = your mileage may vary, an American expression indicating individuals may experience different results from those of the commentator.
Hence, my suggestion for OPMMV as "original poster's mileage may vary". Simple!
Close, actually I meant "Other People's" as this is the kind of topic where there's no "correct" answer ;)
Sorry for any confusion :angel:
Clarity at last. Thanks Railsquid :thumbsup:
IOCWPUA
:D
No one has mentioned N Gauge Now , has this fallen from favour . My own reaction to this was fairly mixed
When I was a young'un, the only magazine that I got was Meccano Magazine. It had model railway content because Hornby clockwork and Hornby Dublo came out of Liverpool.
I then discovered Railway Modeller magazine, and have a huge collection dating from 1957 right through (almost unbroken ) to 1997. After that, I have bought it sporadically.
To me, that mag has been part of my life, and it was a pleasure to meet Editor Steve Flint and Tim Rayner at the Wigan exhibition in 2014.
As I developed my own N gauge layout in the late 1980s - early 90s, the late John Brewer thought it worthy enough to publish in Railway Modeller. I was excited and proud beyond belief. I had 5 articles published during the 1990s.
Forum member Chetcombe is about to have his wonderful layout featured very soon, I believe.
When the MRJ appeared on the scene and 2mm finescale had a voice, some folk started calling RM the "Railway Toddler", but to me, it is, and always wll be, a railway modelling institution.
Quote from: javlinfaw7 on October 30, 2016, 11:01:08 AM
No one has mentioned N Gauge Now ,
Haven't they? I'm pretty sure
someone mentioned it back on page 1 . . .
http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=35059.msg409422#msg409422 (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=35059.msg409422#msg409422)
Paul
Quote from: Bealman on October 30, 2016, 11:36:32 AM
When I was a young'un, the only magazine that I got was Meccano Magazine. It had model railway content because Hornby clockwork and Hornby Dublo came out of Liverpool.
Every Meccano Magazine is available free on line - see http://meccano.magazines.free.fr/ (http://meccano.magazines.free.fr/)
Sorry missed your post and link. :sorrysign:
I subscribe to digital versions Model Rail and Hornby magazine because I like the approach they take to the hobby and buy the occasional issue of Railway Modeller and BRM.
Regrettably I've had to let my N Gauge Society membership lapse due to cost and the fact that the magazines are unlikely to ever get here. I do wish they could do PDF versions of the magazine but I realise it might not be possible.
I think the 'which magazine' question will yield a great variety of responses. One thing that doesn't worry me too much is the amount of N gauge content a magazine contains, as I get inspiration from good modelling whatever the scale.
Quote from: silly moo on October 30, 2016, 12:40:23 PM
One thing that doesn't worry me too much is the amount of N gauge content a magazine contains, as I get inspiration from good modelling whatever the scale.
A very good point and one I agree with wholeheartedly :thumbsup:
However, we may both be banned for life from the forum now :(
I read Railway Modeller out of habit and pick up others when there's something of interest. I guess we just have to accept that, like the manufacturers and dealers that pay for the advertising and the readers that subscribe or pay the cover price, they are appealing to the widest base so that's OO Gauge modellers fixated on GWR and steam :)
RM's 12 month digital-only subscription offer is excellent value as it gives access to every back issue since 2011. Now I can print and save articles online and bin those bulky paper back issues.
BRM is a good magazine; having met the staff at TINGS, I can say it's also written by really nice, down-to-Earth people which is reflected in the writing.