From the Dome Car: Train 2 Track 4 (Nov.-Dec. 1991)

Morgan gives a shout out to manufacturers who are starting to bring out more Canadian models. He also reminds readers who are anxiously awaiting their next issue that publishing a magazine—almost single-handedly—is hard. There’s the first mention of the roster cards, which would become another product he produced. And he’s looking forward to attending train shows, something that was always a highlight for him. Maybe that's where some of you met him! 

As another issue of CRM is distributed by Canada Post, the next one is being put together post haste! We've received a few telephone calls asking: "Where is my latest copy of CRM?" Hold on folks, it's headed your way. We knew when we started the magazine that it wasn't going to be a 'cake walk' and the vast majority of our readers, distributors and advertisers are very understanding—for which we are very grateful. 

I read in the paper this morning that CN is going ahead with a new $150 million tunnel at Sarnia, Ontario to accommodate modern traffic—100 years after the original tunnel was completed under the St. Claire River. The artist's conception pictured double-stacks entering Canada along the new line. Now, that's very interesting news and leaves plenty of room for speculation, doesn't it? 

The call is going out with this issue to those that may be interested in sending us 'roster shots' of locomotives and interesting rolling stock from all era's. We prefer slide format photos for a project we are going to begin working on soon. Would any interested railfans please drop us a line for more information? It's a big project and will require plenty of input shots from every railway across Canada. Direct your letter to 'CRM Roster Shots'. 

A quick note on CRM sweat shirts. Yes, we have experienced problems with our shirt supplier and have taken the necessary action to fix it. We are now on a direct basis with a national shirt producer who will ship our orders same day. If you have ordered a CRM sweat shirt recently, it's likely already left Winnipeg and has arrived. We must offer our sincere apologies to those who did not have their shirts for Christmas. We can, and will, do better! 

The request for a 'help column' has been overwhelming so, beginning with the next issue, we will assign space for your letters requesting specific information on Canadian railways. We will not attempt to answer the questions ourselves but will publish readers questions and where they can be reached, if they so desire. As you know, it is not our policy to publish specific addresses of modellers. If you have a question and desire a direct response from another reader, your permission to publish your address must accompany your letter.  

And what's coming up in future issues of CRM? We've got CP C-Liners, CN NW2s, CP Trainmasters, more rolling stock projects, station projects, passenger car articles and scenery techniques, just to name a few. If you're not seeing what you want, then we need your article! Some of the lines not well represented thus far are GO Transit, Ontario Northland, Algoma Central and BC Rail. There must be modellers out there that model these lines! We are still looking for 'Canadian Classic ' articles as well as 'Hobby Shop Tunnel' material. 

Manufacturers are certainly doing their part in representing our Canadian railway interests. Lately we've seen the newest line from 'Proto 2000' in Canadian paint schemes, Athearn's re-release of their Budd cars from a while back, and there are new Canadian versions of products from Atlas, Micro Trains Lines, Custom Finishing, Central Hobby Supply, Accurail and H & D. And we won't leave out LPD and Stoddard Publishing. Rumour has it that there is much more to come. 

On a different note, depending on the 'minister of finance' department, we are going to attend a couple of shows this year, one western, one eastern. The Toronto Train Show in March is on the agenda and as yet, we've not decided which western meet to attend in the fall. If l had my way, I'd be at all of them! But we wouldn't have CRM if that were the case! 

So, as the snow piles up outside and the layout projects progress, keep us in mind with a smile. It will soon be time to drag out the old BBQ again! And I for one can't wait! See you at the Hobby Shop!