What type of articles do people want to see in 009 News?
The goal of any editor is to create a magazine that appeals to the majority of the membership (after all, their subs pay for it), whilst attempting to have something for everyone. We are a VERY broad membership with a wide variety of interests.
What do you want? What do you like or dislike? What do you find most encouraging?
Stuart
I'd agree with David Weber on that other thread, more prototype.
Something that seems to have been missing form 009 News for some time are scale drawings. There seemed to be a phase in the 1980s & 90s for short articles that covered a prototype that would be illustrated with a scale drawing, or if not 'dead scale' then something guestimated from photographs and known dimensions, so that someone with a spare chassis and a few bits of plasticard or brass (or to bring it up to date a 3D printer) could have a go at building one, whether it was a loco, coach wagon or whatever...
I'd also like to see articles on modelling techniques, tools and technologies. Both a review of traditional techniques that may be getting overlooked because of being assumed 'outdated' or something that 'everyone' already knows, and the wealth of new gadgets. There's a lot more than just 3D printing! Silhouette cutters for example may actually be more useful for the average modeller. As a Silhouette fan myself I'd be interested in contributing an article but having only made a few simple things with it, it might be better for a more experienced user to contribute.
Re; prototype articles. I completely understand the concerns raised in the other thread about prototype content too easily devolving into some printed equivalent of an amateur travel blog. Indeed as a 16mmiller as well, I've noticed that association's magazine featuring less and less prototype content precisely because of this problem. Since the intention of discussing prototypes in the magazine is surely to inspire modelling, perhaps such content should focus on looking at a particular theme or subject area rather than a specific railway or period. Eg; "The Evolution of Diesel Railcars" or "Transporting Livestock by Narrow Gauge".
An obvious issue with this is sourcing prototype pictures since unless it's a modern subject then the author will probably not own copyright on any appropriate images. Using public domain photos from the internet might not be welcomed even if it is technically legal. An traditional solution was for the author to draw pictures instead, but while this gives a certain character if done well I'm not sure that it would be accepted these days.
Cannot argue with any of the suggestions put forward, but somebody has to write these articles and send them to the editor.
So we need people to step forward, then Stuart can fill the newsletter.
Stan.
I would like to see more "How To" articles, but from what I have picked up the new handbook might be covering that quite nicely.
I also like to read about other peoples layouts, especially any problems they had realizing their vision and what they did to over come the issues.
Stephen
"There's a lot more than just 3D printing! Silhouette cutters for example may actually be more useful " thank you David.
I would certainly like to see an article on these cutters.
If I may add 'all of the above'. I think it is good to see a wide range of topics, styles and 'levels'. It is great to see what experienced modellers achieve but can also be inspiring to see what new modellers do and articles aimed at beginners.
Quote from: Stephen Rainsbury on April 25, 2021, 23:32
I would like to see more "How To" articles, but from what I have picked up the new handbook might be covering that quite nicely.
Stephen
This forum is also a good place to show techniques and hints, not least because it allows for 'instant' feedback from others who have done the same thing / found a different way of doing it / found useful hacks and hints and so on.
I'd also agree with the request for more drawings, which are always interesting and maybe even useful.
David.
I never finished the Egger-bahn series articles.
I stopped because I thought that interest had waned.
Yet to complete are:
The stanchion wagons. (Easy enough info for a complete article with the cars and the cement mixer!)
Four-wheel bogie vans and open wagons. (Including the crane wagon and mineral water van.)
Four-wheel vans and open wagons.
Tanker Wagons.
Livestock wagon and Hopper wagon.
However, perhaps the interest in what colour the horses and cars are, the origins of some of bodies, the width of the couplings and if some have no axle box detail are perhaps all a bit meaningless to many 009 modellers!
Please keep the thread going. I like some of the ideas mentioned so far. It's helping me think about the variety we could include. Stan's right that it needs people to step up and write something but I think there is value in having the discussion.
Quote from: B.Meldon on April 26, 2021, 12:10
I never finished the Egger-bahn series articles.
I stopped because I thought that interest had waned.
However, perhaps the interest in what colour the horses and cars are, the origins of some of bodies, the width of the couplings and if some have no axle box detail are perhaps all a bit meaningless to many 009 modellers!
Maybe to a few of the newer arrivals into the hobby who are not aware of the history/provenance of it, but to MOST of us, your series was and still is very much appreciated Brian. Please keep it going, it is an invaluable and also very interesting reference work.
Mick
Mick
Quote from: MickT on April 26, 2021, 14:23
Quote from: B.Meldon on April 26, 2021, 12:10
I never finished the Egger-bahn series articles.
I stopped because I thought that interest had waned.
However, perhaps the interest in what colour the horses and cars are, the origins of some of bodies, the width of the couplings and if some have no axle box detail are perhaps all a bit meaningless to many 009 modellers!
Maybe to a few of the newer arrivals into the hobby who are not aware of the history/provenance of it, but to MOST of us, your series was and still is very much appreciated Brian. Please keep it going, it is an invaluable and also very interesting reference work.
Mick
Mick
More Eggerbahn please!
Mal
Definitely some more Eggerbahn please. I found those articles really interesting.
I like to see articles that show me something I could do, which could be building a loco, or other rolling stock, or a layout, or maybe an unusual idea for a layout or for operating. Articles which include some information on how to do it as well as just "here is one I did earlier" photos.
As we are the 009 society, things to build that are particular to 009, or at least small scale narrow gauge, and which you might not find in bigger scales or standard gauge layouts, are pretty obviously squarely in the middle of our interests. However, good ideas can come from anywhere!
Frank
I am much more interested in articles about layouts and operation than rolling stock construction, but that only means there should be some of each.
-
Quote from: MickT on April 26, 2021, 14:23
Maybe to a few of the newer arrivals into the hobby who are not aware of the history/provenance of it, but to MOST of us, your series was and still is very much appreciated Brian. Please keep it going, it is an invaluable and also very interesting reference work.
Mick
Quote from: WALLSHIRTS on April 26, 2021, 18:44
More Eggerbahn please!
Mal
Quote from: Peter Boulter on April 27, 2021, 07:31
Definitely some more Eggerbahn please. I found those articles really interesting.
Ok I get the idea!!
I will start typing them over the next few days.
Could a poll be set up with topics and for and against votes - suitably anonymised!!
Quote from: engerth399 on April 27, 2021, 17:18
Could a poll be set up with topics and for and against votes - suitably anonymised!!
If it comes down to a choice of what to put in and what to leave out, but I don't think that is the problem!
I think that within reason, the wider the range of subject and approaches to modelling the better. Ultimately though it comes down to the interests of members writing articles as it is 'us' doing the writing, not a writing team of 'them'.
I can't say if it is the case but perhaps there is an element of people imagining what is wanted is articles along the lines of what might be seen in commercial railway modelling magazines whereas I find articles like the Egger-Bahn and the Electric Mice ones fascinating. I'm not sure how one would devise a poll to encompass them.
Quote from: B.Meldon on April 27, 2021, 15:41
Ok I get the idea!!
I will start typing them over the next few days.
I look forward to receiving them :)
Stuart
Quote from: GraemeD on April 27, 2021, 19:43
I can't say if it is the case but perhaps there is an element of people imagining what is wanted is articles along the lines of what might be seen in commercial railway modelling magazines whereas I find articles like the Egger-Bahn and the Electric Mice ones fascinating. I'm not sure how one would devise a poll to encompass them.
Graeme, I agree a poll could be quite difficult to achieve but I am thinking I will do one in a few weeks. What I'm not sure of is how many members visit the forum. I've highlighed the forum in the June issue to bring in some more people to the discussion.
Stuart
I'm not sure there's enough to warrant a poll to give a reasonable idea of the overall membership's wishes, Stuart. Even if you included a voting slip with an SAE in the News I doubt you'd get all that many... Let us come up with ideas and then stick them in your editorial, hopefully that will be enough to get things moving!
Quote from: engerth399 on April 26, 2021, 08:02
"There's a lot more than just 3D printing! Silhouette cutters for example may actually be more useful " thank you David.
I would certainly like to see an article on these cutters.
I think it really needs two articles; one to introduce the topic and one to describe a project using it. First draft for the first of those is done.
Look forward to that in due course.
Let me just say that your editor is enjoying this. In the past few days I have received several articles after a lull of a couple of weeks. Cause and effect?
My only dislike (and then only recently) is that the cover photograph has had no connection with any of the articles in the News.
A sense of disappointment arising in that the photo has led me to expect an article on the subject.....
Quote from: FSKeith on May 10, 2021, 15:45
My only dislike (and then only recently) is that the cover photograph has had no connection with any of the articles in the News.
A sense of disappointment arising in that the photo has led me to expect an article on the subject.....
Yes, I have heard this from others. I will endeavour not to do it!
Stuart
Quote from: FSKeith on May 10, 2021, 15:45
My only dislike (and then only recently) is that the cover photograph has had no connection with any of the articles in the News.
A sense of disappointment arising in that the photo has led me to expect an article on the subject.....
I think that is a very good point. I appreciate that sometimes a cover photo may not be able to be a lead-in to an article in the News, for a number of reasons. One of these may be that the cover photo needs to be of as high a resolution as possible as it is a full page photo and the main suitable article in a particular issue may not have had photos submitted of a sufficiently high resolution or "framing" to make it to the cover - don't forget that most digi photos seem to be in landscape format, whilst the cover photo needs to be either in portrait or be able to be cropped from a landscape (ie wider than it is tall) to portrait (ie taller than it is wide) without ruining the main subject of the photo.
That is just one example, there may be many more. So, where there is a need to have a cover photo which doesn't directly connect to something in the content of the issue, then I would suggest that an extended caption is needed - to adequately describe the photo and acknowledge who submitted it, in fact this should ideally apply to all photos that appear in the News, not just the cover photo but in the context of the cover photo, then I think this would be essential if it doesn't connect to an article inside.
Mick
While we're talking of photos, how about a (small!) picture of authors in the byline where possible (suitably Photoshopped and airbrushed, of course)? It might help us to put faces to names around the Society. The Hon. Editor has one, maybe the other Officers when they contribute, too?
David.
Like this one? :)
[edited]
QuoteLike this one?
What a thug!
Quote from: Iain Morrison on May 10, 2021, 19:45
Stuart
what would be nice to see is how people build the layout, including wiring and scenery. I think that this is why Hugh's Three Bridges won the Brian Guilmant award because it covered all the parts of creating a layout which encourages people - seeing superb, exhibition standard layouts with no explanation of how to create such wonderful scenes is very disheartening for the average modeller.
Just my 10 cents :)
I agree, articles which show how you got there are probably the most interesting. I wonder how many people photograph their layout during its construction? I know when I built Melin Dolrhyd I took photos but then when it came to writing the article I didn't seem to have that many or they weren't any good. Hopefully others will do better than me!
Stuart
Quote from: clayliner on May 11, 2021, 12:27
While we're talking of photos, how about a (small!) picture of authors in the byline where possible (suitably Photoshopped and airbrushed, of course)? It might help us to put faces to names around the Society. The Hon. Editor has one, maybe the other Officers when they contribute, too?
David.
You'll find my photo has disappeared from the next edition but overall I like the idea. I had thought of asking all authors to submit a picture if they could find a suitable headshot. It's on the list of possible changes. I have no sense of whether it would be popular with authors but I suspect it would be popular with readers.
Stuart
Quote from: clayliner on May 11, 2021, 12:27
While we're talking of photos, how about a (small!) picture of authors in the byline where possible (suitably Photoshopped and airbrushed, of course)? It might help us to put faces to names around the Society. The Hon. Editor has one, maybe the other Officers when they contribute, too?
David.
I tried to do that during my tenure back in the days when the NEWS was on clay tablets... It didn't work out! :) I think most contributors are either too shy or hiding from Special Branch
Quote from: hughn on May 11, 2021, 21:25
Quote from: clayliner on May 11, 2021, 12:27
While we're talking of photos, how about a (small!) picture of authors in the byline where possible (suitably Photoshopped and airbrushed, of course)? It might help us to put faces to names around the Society. The Hon. Editor has one, maybe the other Officers when they contribute, too?
David.
I tried to do that during my tenure back in the days when the NEWS was on clay tablets... It didn't work out! :) I think most contributors are either too shy or hiding from Special Branch
All the best ideas come back again. I wonder when flares will be back in fashion...
Photos? Please no......
Focus on the modelling, not the modeller?
There's already much too much tendency these days to consider what is being said to be less important than who is saying it.
Quote from: Stuart Taylor on May 11, 2021, 21:32
All the best ideas come back again. I wonder when flares will be back in fashion...
I wasn't aware they ever went out of fashion............... oh dear, note to diary: "empty wardrobe, contact Oxfam for collection, visit bank, visit Primark, re-stock wardrobe"
Quote from: David Weber on May 11, 2021, 23:20
Photos? Please no......
Focus on the modelling, not the modeller?
There's already much too much tendency these days to consider what is being said to be less important than who is saying it.
David, that's a valid point in the wider context but in a smaller community where we hope to meet together again soon at shows then it serves to help recognise fellow 009 Society members. I suspect, as Hugh said, that generally authors will be reluctant and it's not something that could be enforced.
Stuart
Worse still I think is publications that insist on a potted biography to accompany a photo with every article.
I occasionally exhibit at local exhibitions. I am often told afterwards that one or other Society official or other well known modeller visited. Unless they actually came up and introduced themselves I would not know. Although I know them online, in real life they usually look nothing like their avatar pictures! So yes, photos would be a good idea.
Frank
Quote from: David Weber on May 11, 2021, 23:20
There's already much too much tendency these days to consider what is being said to be less important than who is saying it.
I would agree that it is the content which really matters, but sometimes - in general - it can help to understand what the author is saying better if the reader knows where they are coming from.
But Graeme is right - in the context of the
News we probably don't need marital status, voting history, religious affiliation and the like! :)
David.
Quote from: Frank on May 12, 2021, 07:55
I occasionally exhibit at local exhibitions. I am often told afterwards that one or other Society official or other well known modeller visited. Unless they actually came up and introduced themselves I would not know. Although I know them online, in real life they usually look nothing like their avatar pictures! So yes, photos would be a good idea.
Frank
*
I do not wish to be impolite, but think the situation described bears analysis.
(i) Was the exhibited layout "OO9", "HOe", or similar?
(ii) If it was, and a Society official did not introduce themselves, one might ask why that was the case?
(iii) The answer might be that the said Society official was a quiet, shy, and retiring person who did not wish to impose themselves upon others.
*****
Speaking from my own not inconsiderable experience of exhibiting layouts in a number of different scale and gauge combinations, if interaction with the public is desired it is best initiated by the exhibitor. It is not about being forceful, but rather dependent on such simple matters as being approachable, polite, wishing parties who show an interest "good morning", and so on.
In short it is far more about personality than visual recognition based on a photograph.
It also considerably helps if one operates from the front rather than the layout being some sort of protective barrier keeping the public at bay.
[I appreciate that as we emerge from Covid-19 front operation may be deemed difficult if and when exhibitions are able to resume.]
CP
Quote from: clayliner on May 12, 2021, 12:11
I would agree that it is the content which really matters, but sometimes - in general - it can help to understand what the author is saying better if the reader knows where they are coming from.
But Graeme is right - in the context of the News we probably don't need marital status, voting history, religious affiliation and the like! :)
David.
*
The best way to know where an author is "coming from" is for said author to explain.
A photograph will be irrelevant.
For example, a good construction or layout article does not just tell "what" the builder did - but also explain "why" they did it. Insight into the modelling philosophy of an author is far more useful and informative than a snapshot of their appearance.
CP
Quote from: cp.409067 on May 12, 2021, 16:36
(iii) The answer might be that the said Society official was a quiet, shy, and retiring person who did not wish to impose themselves upon others.
Or:
(iv) They just fancied a quiet day out? I don't think it's compulsory for them to have to introduce themselves!
On a similar note, though, I remember one time getting an "009 Society" badge that I could stick on the front of the layout to show I was a member and they will also give you a load of membership leaflets and holder as well if you ask. It may be worth plugging them in the News as I don't think many people are aware they can get them?
CP,
Thank you for your helpful tips on exhibiting.
Just to put this in context, the majority of exhibitions I exhibit at are 009 specific ones.
I demonstrate radio control. I do this from the front of the stand so I can talk to people and show them things. Many people come up to talk about radio control, or just out of curiosity, and I attempt to engage them all, mostly with success. I explain the equipment to them, and answer their questions. I show them various locos that have radio control installed in different ways, to give them ideas of what can be achieved. I encourage them to drive the locos on the small demo layout to see how different they are from "normal" locos (I would not class your superbly responsive locos in this category). I find that in fact I generally spend the majority of the time talking to the public.
My point was that several times I have been informed that someone has been round the show and indeed I have probably talked to them without knowing who they are.
As to the future, I agree that the aftermath of COVID 19 will likely make it much more difficult to exhibit in this mode, which is a great pity.
Frank
Using a society T shirt or sweatshirt may help, those who don't use them may wish to remain lower profile.
Quote from: engerth399 on May 13, 2021, 07:45
Using a society T shirt or sweatshirt may help, those who don't use them may wish to remain lower profile.
Many people have their own T shirts with logo for the layout made up, I didn't but I do tend to wear my JHMD T shirt (the real line my layout is based on!). Even just a badge?
Quote from: engerth399 on May 13, 2021, 07:45
Using a society T shirt or sweatshirt may help, those who don't use them may wish to remain lower profile.
At 6' 3" tall some of us can't do 'lower profile'! :laugh:
I just put an Essex Group badge on that has my name on it when at exhibitions, even if I am not exhibiting a layout.
This appears to do the job as I have had lots of people stop and talk to me.
I do however think it would be a waste of good ink to show my image in 009 news every time something from me gets published!!
It often surprises me that people are interested in my articles at all, I would not want to put them off with a photo of myself!!
Quote from: engerth399 on May 13, 2021, 07:45
Using a society T shirt or sweatshirt may help, those who don't use them may wish to remain lower profile.
I have never been accused of having a low profile. I will be wearing my new Society embroidered "Webmaster" sweatshirt when and if we have exhibitions again!
I must say that you are one of the exceptions, I remember you coming up to me and introducing yourself at one of Stan's exhibitions at Rainhill.
Frank
Quote from: Frank on May 13, 2021, 18:31
I must say that you are one of the exceptions, I remember you coming up to me and introducing yourself at one of Stan's exhibitions at Rainhill.
Frank
I too was at Stan's Rainhill Exhibition (or was it Rainford...? It always Rains in that neck of the woods...) and you introduced yourself Andrew. Excellent.
I also recall Frank spending a great deal of time sitting in front of his Radio Control demonstration, explaining at a level that I could understand, not only RC, but also many other aspects of electricery and I came away much wiser than when I went in.
As a raw beginner I can't thank you guys enough for sharing as you do. I know that railway modellers are that sort of people in general, and that's what makes the hobby so good, but it is much appreciated when people with as much experience as you, are prepared to spend time with newcomers who initially can contribute very little.
I agree Frank, the return after Covid (assuming the damned virus can be lived with...) will change a lot of practices. I think I'll be wearing a mask for some time yet - so any photos will have to show the sitter wearing a mask or else no one will recognise anyone...), and of course, if two metres is maintained, then hearing aids will have to be turned up to infinity.
We seem to have drifted off the topic, but...
I have got used (when I'm exhibiting my own layout or helping with someone else's) to being addressed by my name (as I wear a name badge) - but often the person speaking to me seems to think I know who they are; They aren't wearing a name badge; sometimes they'll say their name, but I only know them by their forum "handle"! (Plus of course, I'm not good at remembering names, anyway...)
Could I also suggest that if you are exhibiting your layout, you not only wear a name badge but also display your forum "handle"?
Quote from: hughn on May 23, 2021, 15:12but also display your forum "handle"?
That's why, like you Hugh, I put my name in the signature so I can be identified if need be at exhibitions. Not everyone wants to be identified, of course, hence they choose a name for the forum and don't add a signature! You will find that some people won't do as you request.
Continuing this thread drift a little further (sorry!). At the Wessex NGM December Colehill open day, which were annual until 2019, Brian Guilmant, who was the driving force for the event, insisted on providing badge holders with colour coded labels for all 3 categories of: exhibitors, "stewards and helpers" and paying visitors. Paying visitors upon being relieved of their cash were invited to take a badge holder, to be returned on departure, and write their preferred name (usually just first name but some liked to put title, full name and decorations etc) on a label to go in the badge holder.
Might not be appropriate for a Warley, York or NG South etc , but works very well for a small event with around 100 or so attending. My experience of doing shifts on cash desk duty was that probably over 95% of those visiting were happy to take part, only very few declined the invite to name themselves, very few people "forgot" to hand in the badge holders on departure and it considerably added to the friendly and informal atmosphere that all who attended the Colehill event remarked on.
Let's hope we are able to have another Colehill type day, even if it is not in Colehill, when things get back to normal
Mick