I purchased Model Railroader's Calendars for myself and my son, Neil, for Christmas. I have been doing this for years. The great photos by Lou Sassi, and Paul Dolkos as well as some great layouts like the Hoosac Valley and the RPI club to name just a couple of many great photographers and model railroads made it inspiring. This along with good editing and choices by the MR staff made for a great calendar. I did the same this year. While talking to Neil, he mentioned that last years MR calendar while containing some wonderful photos and layouts also contained some photos and layouts that were  lacking in the overall greatness of previous versions. I don't think this is due to a lack of available great photos, but a lack of editorial staff that doesn't understand the difference between model railroading and "toy trains".  The loss of Andy S and other real modelers as well as the promotion of staff from 'Toy trains" side of the hobby, I believe, have contributed to this change. I am sure budget restraints have hurt also.  Neil asks instead if I would get him a calendar from the MRH selection, which I did.  The difference in the photos  is obvious. I believe the credit for this goes to Joef and the MRH staff and the fact that they are model railroaders first and magazine editors and publishers second. I still subscribe to MR and probably will continue, but for real model railroading content MRH Joef and his staff are head and shoulders above MR.  .

                                                                                         Thanks Joef