From the Dome Car: Train 4 Track 1 (January-February 1994)

 

In this issue, Morgan waxes philosophical as CRM reaches its fourth year and Model Railroader magazine hits its 60^th anniversary. He saw himself in a position similar to Al Kalmbach 56 years earlier when he thought about that magazine reaching its fourth year of publication—and wondering what the future holds for CRM. As it turned out, CRM only lasted 18 years before the Internet, with all its free information, put an end to it. But what a run it had! 

As we head into our fourth year here at CRM, it makes me very proud that we are able to look back at some of our achievements and thank those who have made it all possible. 

Those that have followed this column over the last three years have sometimes been given a behind-the-scenes look at some of the trials and tribulations associated with our successes. At the same time, we've been able to report directly on what those accomplishments have been. 

And they have been many! When I look at the previous 18 issues tacked up on the office wall, I can't help but think of all the effort from so many that went into each and every one of them and how they've all been brought to a successful conclusion in one way or another. 

But our achievements sometimes pale with those of a magazine that really got this hobby of model railroading off the ground some 60 years ago. I received my 60th Anniversary Issue of Model Railroader a few weeks back and took the time to read carefully the stories in it that were related to those first years at MR. 

These are the guys that began promoting the hobby back in 1932, long before there was any thought of flex track. And they kept at it despite any hardships, despite any setbacks. There isn't a model railroader in North America, or in the world for that matter, who hasn't read a copy of MR at some point during their pursuit of this wonderful hobby. Without a doubt, MR has successfully influenced model railroading to the point that there are large corporations devoted entirely to the promotion of the hobby. 

I bet that when AI Kalmbach sat back in 1936 and looked at his first four years worth of issues tacked up on his office wall, he too had the same feelings of accomplishment and thanks that we at CRM have now. Little did he know then, that in 1994, his magazine devoted to the hobby of model railroading would still be the influence today as it was then. On behalf of us all that are associated with Canadian Railway Modeller, we offer our sincere congratulations to Model Railroader magazine. 

Again, in this issue, we'll mention our Subscription Sweepstakes Offer running until March 31, 1994. Together with a seven-issue subscription for the price of six, we have three great prizes along with a $150.00 Grand Prize for someone at any hobby shop listed in our Hobby Shop Directory in Train 3 Track 6 or Train 4 Track 1. Use the Official Subscription Sweepstakes Entry Form from this issue to subscribe or renew for one year (6 issues) on or before March 31, 1994 and receive a seventh issue as a bonus. 

And, in cooperation with H&D Hobby Distributing of Calgary, Alberta we will award three great prizes that will help you become a better modeller. There is no purchase necessary to be eligible for prizes and only one entry per person please. Prize draws will be made, from all entries received, by Mr. Randy Nelson, Business Manager at our printer's firm, Kildonan Printing Ltd on March 31, 1994 at 2pm. Our sincere thanks to H&D Hobby Distributing for their participation in this event. 

And finally, to some of our contributors waiting to have their article material returned, we are in the process of organizing the material back together and will have it back to you very shortly. It takes about as long to put the pieces back together as it does to get it ready for the publication. 

So, until the next issue, keep your stick on the ice if you're outside and the glue off your fingers if you're in. And, if you're reading this from the Toronto area, we'll see you at the train show!