Specialty Magazines ...

... I too, have found myself drawn away from MRH towards the "O-scale Resource".  As my current project is in O-scale, I have found that "O-scale Resource" offers much more content that is of interest and usefulness to my particular situation.  I expect similar feelings from others who are working in a specific scale.  It is a combination of both articles AND advertisers -- the two work hand-in-hand in creating a publication that packs a lot of return for my limited time.  Dave O

Specialty Magazines ... not needed by this N-scaler

I have been an N-scale modeler since 1986.  I have subscribed to Model Railroad Craftsman in the past and currently subscribe only to MRH and Model Railroader.  I have never subscribed to any of the N-scale specialty magazines.  When I converted from HO to N in 1986, there wasn't much to buy or read in that scale.  So, over the years, I have read many articles pertaining to HO scale and have adopted/adapted many of the techniques to N-scale and thus never became interested in specialty type publications.  By the way, my favorite railroads are all HO scale.

John T

Does This include all the Historical Societies Outputs?

Being a TOC modeler I really find the various historical societies have some really outstanding publications that add a lot of insight to the style and pace of railroading when the cars were wood and men steel.

For me the problem with N

For me the problem with N scale resource material whether written or otherwise, including structures is that what is offered is HO recycled.  If you look at the plethora of modern motive power and cars, you'd assume that automobiles, structures, etc would not only be from the transition era, but modern structures as well.  The sad reality is that  there isn't much out there.  Trust me I'm trying to build a modern city, much in the look of Seattle or Vancouver BC and a scratch building I shall go.

Another example is that two story HO structures just don't have the physical presence in N scale.  In my opinion, our structures should be doubled in height to get the same feel as in HO.

So when I look for scratch building resources in all the mags, internet or not, I'm often frustrated by the lack of scratch building plans for buildings modern.  There is stuff out there, but you will go through much before you find relevant material.

So even material from N Scale mag or its twin brother..N Scale Railroading doesn't work much for me.  

When I went to the Chilliwack BC train show last fall, an N scale type person was handing out freebie mags and I swear it felt like it was about 15 pages thick; this freebie un-inspired me to subscribe.

What I enjoy about N scaler's is they aren't afraid to deviate from the normative methods of construction, design, and presentation.  When I talk to newbies I tell them not to get hung up on peer approved methods in magazines, for example, I'll say - remember, the point of bench work is so your layout won't fall down.  Now I know there are some advantages to L girder, but the majority of layouts I've seen in MR and other mags have featured open grid.  And N scaler's led the charge for wall brackets and various platforms from plywood/foam combos to hollow core doors, to plain wide closet doors.

Because on average N scaler's are younger they were faster to embrace DCC than their HO compatriots.  Living through the DC/DCC wars on various forums is still a fresh memory for me, the most notable battles were on the old Atlas forums.

Skyscrapers +10

I agree with rsn48, you don't get a "downtown" impression with two story buildings.  They're great for small town main street.

I've scratch built several buildings using styrene, but until they pass ten stories, they don't look like a downtown skyscraper.

I've "topped out" at fifteen stories so the buildings are not higher than the backdrop of the railroad.

kato

iOS 7 and MRH, no problem!

In your July, 2014 issue you comment on a problem using an iPad with iOS7. When I open an issue with iOS7.1.2, yes the navigation bars do show. However, with a single tap anywhere on screen (except an ad, of course) the navigation bars withdraw and the view is unobstructed. There's no need for another APP.

Regards,

Hary