We will let this issue bake in for a few hours and then we'll change the current issue and front page to reflect the release of the January issue.

Has two issues I found.

Pg 2 there is still an editorial comment in the track plan.

Pg 3 I'm pretty sure Sunbeam Bakery consumes flour, not flower!

there is red text regarding a spelling typo

I notice that, in the online version, when you try to go to the layout planning contest winner you get transferred into the middle of the "Getting Real" column.

I don't know if the above is a subtle editorial statement or an "undocumented feature", but it is a bit disconcerting. It's almost as if we're being quietly told that the idea of a $500 layout is a total fantasy.

Mike

Is it a Typo in the DCC-column page 2 about middle of the page?

I worked vto show and explain....

Or is at abbreviation I do not know?

Not having the time at the moment to "read" the mag, I flipped through paying more attention to the new format, doc layout design, art quality and placement, and overall look and feel.

Joe and staff, well done. No, I should say very well done. The mag has a much more professional look to it not that the prior versions were unprofessional. The Gen2 version just looks that much more professional. Without argument the content is the value but for me, because I am in the doc paste-up business, I can't help but analyze the doc layout. I find Gen2 to be a more impressive presentation. And BTW thanks for getting rid of shadowed copy. It so rarely works well in a publication.

While I totally get why you cater to the mobile crowd, the portrait format comes at the expense of optimized for PC viewing. Lots of wasted letterbox gray real estate now especially on a 16:9 screen. But that is trivial. The new format is extremely readable regardless of page orientation. Sure did up the page count though!

I vote Gen2 is a winner.

[EDIT] I am referencing the PDF with my comments about page orientation. FlippingBook version works well on a 16:9 screen.

A few years ago, one or more monitor manufacturers had a monitor rotation mechanism, motor driven, in the base of the monitor. Perhaps we could get one of those to rotate the mag presentation and then rotate the monitor screen so we get a better presentation (or maybe view the mag while prone?).

I will most likely avoid the nice full screen mode and work with the side-by-side mode in the future to overcome the bad aspect ratio. With the coming of the HD 16:9 ratio, the standard 4:3 ratio standardized by monitor manufacturers is no longer decent. To overcome, "letter box" mode was implemented, but then the image became smaller.

We must all adapt to change, because "there is nothing as constant as change" (but I sure did love the landscape format).

..but I sure did love the landscape format

I did to.  Fortunately, with the larger print of Gen2, I can easily view the magazine two pages at a time.  No annoying page turning animations, and (other than the split down the middle) it works exactly like it always has.

What I'm not so keen on is the file name.  I remember when MRH standardized on a naming convention which would (and does) keep all past and future magazines in order in a folder.  I even went back and renamed all the older issues so that they would follow the standard.  This morning, I had to rename the January issue to fit the standard as well.  Just an oversight?  A new convention?

Tried this both ways... I really like it on my iPad, but not so much on my laptop because of the obviously smaller page size on the screen. iPad from now on.

Puzzled about the smaller page size comment ... if you do facing pages, the two-up page size is identical to the old 1-up landscape page. Plus the body font size has been increase 20% to make it more readable on smaller mobile device screens.

The one other possibility if page size seems to be a problem is with the online edition to make sure you're viewing it in full screen. Click the full screen button on the bottom of the online edition panel.

Ken:

Sorry about the file name change, but we've been wanting to standardize on the issue number at the front of the name, so we took the oppportunity with Gen2 to break from the old standard. Just consider the new naming to be when Gen2 started, if that helps.

First off, I started reading the new issue on my iPad and it really does have a much cleaner look and feel to it.  It's interesting...I never considered not needing page numbers but you're right!  What's the point?  There aren't any pages. I guess it's similar to the calendar app no longer being made to look like a desk blotter calendar.  Those are disappearing as well.

I also spotted a typo (if it's not too late for corrections)-- page 2 of the publisher's musings:  

We’re also masterminding better ways to bring you superior content with the most effective solutions to you your model challenges that we can present. 

All in all I'd say the new look is a keeper.  Congratulations MRH staffers on the release of Gen2 and thank you for your efforts!

Bill

The one other possibility if page size seems to be a problem is with the online edition to make sure you're viewing it in full screen. Click the full screen button on the bottom of the online edition panel.

Yes, this was my initial mistake as well.  Once I switched to full screen with the facing page layout on my 15" laptop screen I could read everything just fine, without my reading glasses on!

I was a vocal opponent to the Gen 2 changes and yes, like some others I still like the old landscape look but it sounds like MRH will be taking steps to alleviate the perceived problems with the new portrait orientation, so maybe it's not so bad.

I'm letting Gen 2 grow on me, much like I let Gen 1 become familiar.  I think once a few issues have hit the electron streets in the new format, that I'll be fine with it.

I had an early look at the new format using the tiny screen on my smart phone, and I have to say I was impressed.

Overall, I have to give kudo's to the MRH team for striking what I see as a very acceptable balance between the needs of the "sit down meal" subscriber and the "get it to go" crowd that is emerging, as this new smart technology matures.

Two thumbs up Joe!

I am finding using my home computer I noticed I was missing pages in the single page view, so it appears on my home PC I must view the MRH in the double page view.  Not what I want to do.

Okay, all the minor glitches you all found have been corrected in both the online version and all the downloadable ones. If you downloaded the Jan issue earlier, you should download it again and discard the old one.

Okay, we changed the settings in the Online edition so it now remembers your place when you click a link.

For those who download the magazine and just can't stand not having next and prev buttons on the bottom of the page, we've added them into the PDF spread - so now you get your buttons back on desktops and laptops if you're downloading the PDF.

Tip for those reading the online edition: to zoom in, double-click. To zoom back out, double-click again.

Have been with you from the first issue.

If this is to be the new format of the magazine, I do not think I want to be with you any more.

As an old reader, I have trouble reading old those stuff on my I phone.

Please make somthing that still use the PC format.

I will wait to jan 14, an look what the embeded version will show.

If that just the same, then I go back to the Model Railroader in paper.

Ivar

I found the old style messy, I had to waste a few hours ripping any interesting articles out and creating my own version with no advertising and no pointless articles.

The new version is even worse, double the number of pages has doubled my work and trying to read it as supplied is next to impossible even if I display 4 pages on screen it looks like a childish effort at producing a school magazine.

I will not be wasting my time downloading any future editions.

I like? the new gen2 format, I can read the pdf fine on my windows pc, click the TOC links they take me where expected, but when I click/tap they don't work on my fire HD.  Of course it could be me as I just got the Fire HD (ok really it's my sons) and wanted to see how the mag looked on it. I actually like it better on the fire HD than the PC.

I know I can do 2-up side by side reading on the PC, even though that looks like the old landscape format I don't get as much info per page because of the bigger font for the tablet/smartphone reading.  Don't know if you can scale the font for the platform or not.

As for the Fire HD I'm using the as shipped pdf reader with the everything but windows PDF version of the mag. So is it something I'm doing wrong, the reader, or the mag, that clicking on the toc "links" doesn't take me to the articles?

Also why does there need to be different versions for the PC windows and everything else?

I have never used the online reading option so didn't try that if it makes a difference, don't know why but I like the idea of having the file on my computer/tablet.

Thanks,

Jim

I'm using Google Chrome on Win 7 to browse the online issue.    I'm finding many advert links don't work, ie:

http://vps880.inmotionhosting.com/~modelt5/mrh/2013-01-jan/#/6/

takes me to this page:

http://model-trains-universe.com/am3/cgi/index.php%3Freq%3Dam_track%26tr...

And others, ie:

http://vps880.inmotionhosting.com/~modelt5/mrh/2013-01-jan/#/36/

just changes to the next page, and don't link at all.

Just an FYI

Ivar,

I'm not with the magazine, but don't understand what you mean by "Please make something that still use the PC format."  The magazine is in PDF and you can download a version for windows, granted you need to select 2 page view, it is under the View menu -> Page Display in my version (11,0,0) of adobe PDF reader.

I don't use the online version, but if you do there is an option, maybe only in full screen mode, to also do a 2-up (facing) page display.

Hope this helps.

I'm a newbie here so please forgive me if I'm talking out of place.  No doubt, I applaud MRH for venturing into the tech world and taking into account e-readers and smartphones.  The Gen2 format looks good...and works great for those who use those devices.  However, I am very disappointed by the loss of the old format which gave PC viewers an absolutely stunning view of your photography in wonderful landscape format - and not obscured by that awful line in the middle of the page (when viewing a 2-page layout). 

What really excited me about this online magazine and drew me in was the stunning photography emphasized by the occasional landscape-oriented views.  For example, take a look at the Nov 2012 Issue - the landscaped cover photo and the photo of Mike Confalone's Allagash Quarry on Page 69 - vibrant and absolutely gorgeous on my PC monitor!  Even the landscaped adverts on page 115 and 116 are really cool!  Then, look what happens on page 132-133 in the Jan Issue - that center line just does not do it for me.  If I wanted a crease in my page, I'd keep reading those "offline" mags with less than vibrant photos. 

Just to be clear, I like the Gen2 for when you are using those types of devices, but please, please, please keep the Gen1 format for those who have not yet thrown out our PC Monitors.

I have been an avid consumer of MRH for well over 4 years, though until today I have never actually posted.

The new GEN2 brought this on, and I actually only want to make one point - I am amazed at the response from Joe & the MRH team to all the comments (both positive & negative) that have been made in the last few days about GEN2.

When I first downloaded and started reading (Adobe Reader on a laptop PC) my initial impression was not good. The usual issues of something new and having to find my way around the new layout. After my first quick read through I came away feeling disappointed. A definite feeling that the mag had lost something. I tried it again the next day on my iPad and felt the same.

Then I started following the feedback on the forum and particularly the suggestions from Joe in response to complaints and requests. I checked out the different ways of changing the presentation - for example, I didn't know there was an alternative to "full page" in Adobe.

Joe, I want to congratulate you on customer care - the last 48 hours on this forum could be used by any business school as case study in looking after your customer!

The end result is that I am beginning to feel I can get along with GEN2, and am certainly far more willing to give it a go, due the excellent response from the MRH team. Thanks a lot!

John

Joe, I want to congratulate you on customer care - the last 48 hours on this forum could be used by any business school as case study in looking after your customer!

Second the motion. Try to think of another model railroad resource, or any business for that matter, that operates the way MRH does. Truly the way it should be done.

Thanks for the kudos on our response - and there's still more.

We just figured out how to take our pasteup and with our tools with not much extra effort get a gutterless landscape version of the PDF.

Here's a link to it if you want to download it and give it a try:

LANDSCAPE PDF Version of Jan MRH

The Gen2 format is perfect for my Galaxy Note 10.1. This is a dream for me as I sit at a computer all day long for work and the last thing I want to do when I get home is spend more time at a computer reading a magazine. The new format makes reading Model Railroad Hobbyist on my tablet an absolute joy. No sliding around to see all of the screen. No squinting at small print. Just read and flick the page to turn it.

Awesome job!!!

I think I'm going to be a lifetime fan! I really appreciate your attentiveness to your readers and am very please with the new landscape-friendly version. Can't wait to see some more of those great photos!

To paraphrase a movie phrase "By George, she's got it." (My Fair lady)

I tried to download the new Landscape Gen 2 and it takes a long time and then the Acrobat Reader says it is corrupted. When I try opening it in the browser it takes a long time to load. I gave up after 1 minute.

Did it get corrupted?