Chubber Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 Reading my didgital version of the HM this morning I began to wonder who the magazine is aimed at. The August issue features amongst other things 'Just Plug In', a Woodland Scenics modular lighting system which appears to cost £56 to illuminate 4 l.e.d.s, but don't worry you can spend more on extension modules to light more! The W.S. site is disingenuous stating that without their kit the subject is difficult and costly but points out that at least it saves you having to learn how to solder. Tim Shackleton gives a three double-page master class on airbrushing and weathering S.R. coaching stock, using no less than twelve different jars of paint, glazes etc. I'm not knocking his skills orjournalistic ability, his techniques are very impressive and I am in awe of the realism of the finished products. However, it's very high-end stuff. Chris Jones keeps us up to date with progress on his new wall mounted multi-layered whole room layout, with its automated camera observed upper ceiling height layer. I'm please that he was able to effect considerable savings by buying twin slot steel shelving components in bulk directly from the manufacturer, it must have made the purchase of the 'essential Bosch laser level' so much easier. I'm pleased that Nigel Burkin assures me that 'power districts, boosters and other power management devices ' will improve d.c.c. layouts but doesn't go on to tell me just how deeply I'd need to dig into my pocket to buy the necessary kit of electronic components and whilst 'signals call the shots' on a compter controlled layout they do nothing about the dust so well photographed on the models. Product reviews are well done in a readable style, and in the 'reality check' features, this months article by Evan Green-Hughes on the Drummond adds interest and knowledge to a new release, and no dust! Is it me, or am I justified in saying 'Come on Hornby Magazine, get in touch with the real world...' Doug Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kandc_au Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 Doug, I would have to agree with you, even though I won't get that issue for another 4-6 weeks or so. That said, I think since recent changes in the mags they have all gotten much the same and probably better addressed in another thread. Khris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold JohnR Posted July 9, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 9, 2015 I think all magazines go in cycles, somewhat. Last year, BRM upped its game, maybe its time for Hornby to do a similar "refresh"? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chubber Posted July 9, 2015 Author Share Posted July 9, 2015 Thanks for those first reactions, I'm beginning to wonder if I should have [out of politeness] have copied this to Mike Wild, who I have found a very pleasant chap to deal with? Doug Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParkeNd Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 Despite being an N Gauge practitioner I do buy Hornby Magazine occasionally. The first time I bought it I was delighted to find that it covers my gauge as well as OO, deals with scenery in a way that is equally applicable to any gauge, and does quite a lot with prototype material. Just as Railway Modeller doesn't specialise on Peco products, HM seems to cover a similarly broad spectrum. Here's hoping Hornby Magazine doesn't become introverted and just concentrate on Hornby products. Who would read it if they did? As regards them using 12 different pots of paint for one job, and spending £56 on one item that isn't a loco, the hobby is remarkably cheap compared with other 2015 activities. In contrast I would find an article based on a "Blue Peter" approach to building a signal box from a Weetabix packet, the discarded packaging from under a shirt collar, and the sprues from an incomplete plastic kit bought at the church jumble sale, amusing but not something I would seriously consider doing myself. Who is the magazine aimed at? New and existing railway modellers in multiple gauges, who are being encouraged to be aspirational and be made aware of what is on the market and what can be done with it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talltim Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 The name, Hornby Magazine, implies that it is about buying things Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted July 9, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 9, 2015 In a long overdue effort to economise (on money, time, and storage space,) Hornby Magazine was the first one that dropped off my 'regulars' list a couple of issues back. Not difficult to drop as I had found it seemed to be getting a bit stale and losing that 'breath of fresh air' things it had had in earlier issues. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clearwater Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 Agree Mike is a very nice guy from my limited interaction with him at a show. He plainly loves the hobby and emits communicating that to others Personally, I quite like the magazine - it's production value are high and I like the mix of articles aimed at different skill levels, particularly now they've added a dial to show level required. If all were basic or complex, suspect they'd lose more of their readership. The range shows what you need to learn to progress. Taking my first steps in converting my own non dcc ready to dcc, I found January's article on the MN conversion helpful and will be giving it a go myself. Of the others, railway modeller is by far the most staid... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stanley Melrose Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 I gave up subscriptions to all the modelling monthlies a couple of years ago - after collecting every RM since the early 1960s and the rest from initial publication. I haven't missed any of them for a moment but I still subscribe to MRJ, Backtrack and BRILL which I continue to enjoy - and I was looking forward to Bob Barlow's Finescale Review as well. Stan PS Anyone want all those RMs, BRMs, etc? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Graham_Muz Posted July 9, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 9, 2015 Despite being an N Gauge practitioner I do buy Hornby Magazine occasionally. The first time I bought it I was delighted to find that it covers my gauge as well as OO, deals with scenery in a way that is equally applicable to any gauge, and does quite a lot with prototype material. Just as Railway Modeller doesn't specialise on Peco products, HM seems to cover a similarly broad spectrum. Here's hoping Hornby Magazine doesn't become introverted and just concentrate on Hornby products. Who would read it if they did? As regards them using 12 different pots of paint for one job, and spending £56 on one item that isn't a loco, the hobby is remarkably cheap compared with other 2015 activities. In contrast I would find an article based on a "Blue Peter" approach to building a signal box from a Weetabix packet, the discarded packaging from under a shirt collar, and the sprues from an incomplete plastic kit bought at the church jumble sale, amusing but not something I would seriously consider doing myself. Who is the magazine aimed at? New and existing railway modellers in multiple gauges, who are being encouraged to be aspirational and be made aware of what is on the market and what can be done with it. Just to reiterate Hornby Magazine has no connection to Hornby other than a licence to use the name. Hornby have no influence on the content in anyway, it is published by Key Publishing (was originally launched by Ian Allan). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahame Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 Tim Shackleton gives a three double-page master class on airbrushing and weathering S.R. coaching stock, using no less than twelve different jars of paint, glazes etc. I'm not knocking his skills orjournalistic ability, his techniques are very impressive and I am in awe of the realism of the finished products. However, it's very high-end stuff. I don't think having some 'high-end' articles necessarily means it has lost its way or is an indicator of such - more a case of appealing to a wider range of modellers and that, IMO, is not a bad thing. After all at the beginning it's target market seemed very limited - OO/4mm, steam/transition era and mainly RTR/basic stuff - but from what is being said it appears to have broadened it's appeal and approach. G. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Dickerson Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 As regards them using 12 different pots of paint for one job, and spending £56 on one item that isn't a loco, the hobby is remarkably cheap compared with other 2015 activities. In contrast I would find an article based on a "Blue Peter" approach to building a signal box from a Weetabix packet, the discarded packaging from under a shirt collar, and the sprues from an incomplete plastic kit bought at the church jumble sale, amusing but not something I would seriously consider doing myself. That "Blue Peter" approach has worked very well on any number of well-regarded layouts; cost and technique don't have to negate eventual quality. Even an aspirational magazine might recognise that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rovex Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 I stopped regularly buying modelling magazines ages ago. Now I scan through them and only buy one if there any articles of interest (and more than just one article at that). I've found over recent years that the same layouts appear in different magazines, often within a very short space of time, with increasing regularity. Possibly if it wasn't for the model reviews I might not buy any magazines at all. Dean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ROSSPOP Posted July 9, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 9, 2015 Sadly Stan. Finescale Review has ended with issue 3. Bob Barlow has died suddenly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith George Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 In my humble opinion Hornby Magazine is not worth spending good money on. The only magazine I now buy regularly is Steam World, and on occasions I buy Model Rail. Keith. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mike Bellamy Posted July 9, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 9, 2015 After all at the beginning it's target market seemed very limited - OO/4mm, steam/transition era and mainly RTR/basic stuff - but from what is being said it appears to have broadened it's appeal and approach. I remember the initial marketing where these were the stated aims using the Hornby name to attract the average OO modeller but quite early on (issue 4 or 5?) they had already featured a 7mm Narrow Gauge layout so the magazine had moved up a scale although the track gauge was still the same! As others have mentioned the whole range of scales and gauges have been covered since those early days but I must admit from reading the original posting I don't think I'm missing anything by not being a regular reader. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allegheny1600 Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 IMHO almost all the model railway mags in the UK are not much more than the voices of the various manufacturers and therefore should be free!!! They're pretty much all the same, chasing a diminishing market of actual 'editorial' content - that where layout owners/builders discuss the why's and wherefore's of their layout rather than the usual "ingredient list" of products used. I think that is why so much of the contents of each magazine are the same, after all - how many different ways are there of 'reviewing' identical products? John E. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
9F-Lover Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 I only buy the railway modelling magazines off the shelf too, rather than taking out subscriptions. I buy on content alone, and have found Hornby Magazine to be consistantly the best and most purchased both from a modelling perspective and most importantly their locomotive profiles and reality checks. I've been modelling since 1998, so am not new, and like the very topical issues published in Hornby! Magazines here in New Zealand are about twice their price in pounds sterling that the local UK market pay, so I am very picky! With Model Rail (my second choice) I have lost interest with the demise of their locomotive MasterClass recently (what happened to it). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rue_d_etropal Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 I do occasionally buy the magazine. In fact it has only been since last year that I have got back into buying UK model railway magazines, as my main interests are in French narrow gauge. I do feel that Hornby Magazine tends to have a much more limited range of articles. Mainly concentrates on standard gauge, but as I have been developing my range of 3D printed track, I have made a point of looking at what the UK model railway market is doing, and am dabbling in a bit of OO modelling to test out my track system. My usual response to anyone grumbling about content in magazines, is to get out there and write an article. I have been lucky to have had articles published in Continental Modeller, and it is hard work and fun. I enjoy building small layouts, often with several on the go at the same time, and writing an article focuses me on the job. To anyone trying to get a layout on the exhibition circuit I think having an article published does help, especially if you can tie up publication dates with the dates of the exhibition. Today 3 magazines appeared on newsagents shelves. , namely BRM, Railway Modeller and Hornby Magazine. All had reviews of the same new locos, and some similar news features. That similarity, and possibly too much about a small number of new products possibly does not do any good for the hobby. Having articles/reviews about something different is a lot better. I am much more likely to buy 3 different magazines, than 3 very similar ones. Having said that , there must be enough people buying the magazines, otherwise they would stop publishing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve-e Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 Personally I subscribe to BRM then my next choice is Hornby magazine more for when they do a piece on formations using pictures of models(I did suggest this to BRM shortly before Hornby did it but it wasn't taken up) after these two I don't bother with the others but do like Rail Express when they have a modelling feature.I guess it's what catches your eye as they tend to be much the same regarding news content. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium skipepsi Posted July 9, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 9, 2015 Sadly Stan. Finescale Review has ended with issue 3. Bob Barlow has died suddenly. I am not sure that this is correct I have not had an email to tell me it has stopped or my subscription refunded. I know Bob has sadly died suddenly but I believe others will take over when the shock has diminished. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
coachmann Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 If Hornby Magazine has lost it's way, I am wondering which route it was on. To me it is the Macdonalds of culinary cuisine....The ITV of model mags. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Legend Posted July 9, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 9, 2015 Yes , it lost it's way years ago. Bought if from first issue but now only occasionally after browsing content. I find there is just too much DCC articles in it. Mike Wild seems to be besotted with it . Also I think there is a high Southern bias , I'm not a Southern basher and do have some rolling stock, but there is a limit. Model Rail is just too patronising. I don't like the paper, the ink tends to come off on my fingers and I think there is less editorial content than others. I'm not sad enough to actually count the words but I know it takes me a lot less time to read a Model Rail than any other mag. For me the regular monthly is good old Railway Modeller. Despite it's old fashioned appearance and not exactly in depth reviews it does have a good selection of layouts every month. The photography is superb and I think it's leafing the way with modellers comments and views. It was pretty critical of Hornbys free review models stance recently , so it's not so much aligned with manufacturers. It does contain DCC articles but keeps it in context. And it is still the best seller. Long may it continue Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clearwater Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 To be fair to the magazines, they have a v narrow window to review items. If they didn't review promptly and staggered, I'm sure some would be complaining that the reviewcwas appearing after the shops had sold out! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Mike Bellamy Posted July 9, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 9, 2015 I am not sure that this is correct I have not had an email to tell me it has stopped or my subscription refunded. I know Bob has sadly died suddenly but I believe others will take over when the shock has diminished. Details are here - subscriptions cannot be refunded until the estate has been settled which could be a long process . . . . http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/100509-greystar-publications-finescale-railway-modelling-review-and-ngimr/&do=findComment&comment=1934240 . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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