Trains

TRAINS, the monthly magazine from Kalmbach Publishing in Waukesha (suburban Milwaukee), Wisconsin, is the pre-eminent periodical aimed at "railfans" in general.

People who read TRAINS are as varied as regular commuter-train and light-rail system riders, current and former railroad employees, people interested in the latest high-tech components of railroading (Intermodal, for example), and people interested in North American railroading as a business.

A typical issue might have an in-depth cover article about an individual railroad company or a history of rail transportation in a particular town or city; a column called "City Rail" about commuter and light-rail transit; an editorial; several shorter features; a "Map of the Month" comparing, say, railroad freight shipments through Kansas City in 1945 versus 2005; a book review; and a stunning end gallery of photographs, most of them submitted by amateurs. The periodical also maintains a very active web site.

TRAINS is probably number two in circulation among the periodicals Kalmbach edits, the clear number one being MODEL RAILROADER, whose name describes its reach. So that not too much time in TRAINS is taken up by nostalgia or passenger trains pre-Amtrak (1971), several years ago the company spawned a new quarterly, CLASSIC TRAINS.

But TRAINS itself remains the go-to place for information about pretty much all kinds of North American railroading. The only critique I have to offer is that the magazine is not committed in any particular way to railroading in other parts of the world, such as India or Western Europe. Still, TRAINS is a wonderful, multi-faceted read and I always enjoy getting my copy in the mail.

I'm not saying there are not better magazines for specialized railroading interests, but if you are looking for the "New York Times" of North American railroad magazines, "Trains" is probably your best choice. It features the top relative news stories that are easy for most casual railfans to understand, accompanied by fantastic photography.

I have noticed the addition of "Trains For Kids" on newsstands. If you know a child who likes trains, you should definitely consider this. It is very colorful and informative.

My only suggestion is that the publisher offer all of their magazines in the iPad format. Like many readers, I have been collecting them most of my life and cyberspace is about the only space I have left for periodicals. It is the only thing preventing me from becoming a regular subscriber.

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Trains Magazine used to be the greatest thing for rail fans. It used to have interesting articles about preservations and tour lines as well as articles about how trains worked. Today it has become more of an industry magazine. Meaning it caters to those who own or work on a railroad and not necessarily those who just like to watch or learn about trains. There are now articles about new diesel engines, not the locomotives but the big engines inside and how you could use them to re-power the locomotion on your railroad. I don't own a railroad and this is a waste for me. The ads are for actual locomotive manufacturer or repair services, not historical books or other information. Measures of fuel economy and how to pump fuel in are only of slight interest to railfans. Like wow, I didn't know it took 30 minutes to fuel a train engine, but I don't need a full page article discussing the pros of a new system and how to outfit my locomotives to use it so that I can save labor costs on a railroad I don't own.

If you live in the Eastern US then Railpace Magazine is a much better magazine. It has more content per page and its content is more interesting to the railfan, plus its photos are a lot better. For the past year if there was a something of local interest covered in Trains it was at least a month behind it appeared in Railpace and had less information. Perhaps there are magazines like Railpace for other areas and if there is one for your area then I highly recommend it over Trains.

When Railpace arrives each month my wife rips into that as quickly as she can. She might read Model Railroader, if there's an article listed on the cover that interests her, but she never reads Trains magazine. She's not a train-nut like I am, but I think this speaks to the relevant interest level of these magazines that if a non-train-nut skips this one every month there's something boring about it.

I'm going to give Classic Trains a try to see if that is of any more interest to our household, but I'm pretty sure that this will be my last year with Trains Magazine as a regular subscription. If they happen to do a cover story on a local railroad I might buy that single issue, but that's going to be about one issue every two years or so.

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I had been up in the air for awhile about subscribing to Trains because it has a steep subscription price. But a railfan I am and eventually I was unable to resist what is hailed as the premier train magazine.

I have received three issues now and have no regrets what-so-ever. The issues are of decent size and the stories and photographs contained within do not disappoint. I read these cover to cover and have learned more from these three issues than much more time with various other sources. The features are fantastic and you will also receive much bonus material such as track maps (then and now), listings for museums, tourist and exhibition trains, etc.

If you are a railfan that does not yet have a subscription to Trains, do yourself a favor and subscribe today!

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My husband really looks forward to the arrival of his next magazine. He loves it and spends hours pouring thru the pictures and articles.

Architectural Record

I asked a friend of mine who is an architecture student to recommend a good magazine for me--a casual reader. He suggested Architectural Record (AR) immediately. I followed his lead and started buying AR from bookstores. After reading about one year, I got some opinions on the pros and cons of this magazine and would like to share them with prospective readers/subscribers. Please note that my evaluation is from a layperson's point of view. It might not work for professionals.

I think the goal of AR is to keep people updated about what's happening in the architectural communities around the world, to present the latest works, and to reveal some patterns or trends in today's design. Based on this mission, I think AR does a great job.

But if architecture is only your hobby, AR might be too much for you. At least we are not making a living with it and do not have to know everything about it. Chances are that only a small part of the content in each issue might interest you. Nevertheless, as what I mentioned, AR is a good and serious architecture journal. So the key question is not whether to read it or not, but how to read it wisely or read which issue(s).

Fortunately, several clues can provide us with good suggestions. Each issue of AR has a special section called "Building Type Study" which focuses on one type of building (such as library, museum, bridge, office building, etc.). You can choose the right issues by skimming through the this section. Moreover, each year AR has a special issue called "Record Houses" featuring about 10 residental projects carefully selected around the world. If you are into residential architecture, you don't want to miss them.

Unless you are a hardcore architecture fan and would like to know all about it, amateurs like me can choose the right issues to read and get the information I need. I think this is the right or smart strategy to take advantage of this quality magazine.

That being said, I am not quite comfortable about the large volume of advertisements in the magazine (though I know it might be necessary).

I love the magazine... but unfortunately had to cancel my subscription because Synapse Inc. (the company that is shipping arch-record through amazon) is incompetent. The magazine arrived badly damaged (they don't wrap it in plastic when they ship it); to be honest, the injuries to the magazine looked so bad that I suspect it was shipped that way. I was incredibly disappointed and tried to contact Synapse to ask for a new magazine... the only problem is that you can not talk to a live person at Synapse. They have an automated customer service hot line with cleverly-worded questions that make it impossible to get satisfaction. Their website offers no other emails or phone number to contact for help. There is not even an option to cancel your subscription! Thankfully Amazon is very helpful and canceled for me. All in all I would say that Architectural Record is a great magazine and a must-have, just DO NOT order it through Synapse Inc.!!

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Order the magazine directly from publisher if you want to get it... I'm in my second attempt via Amazon's magazine dept to find out where the magazine is. Ordered in December and should have received it at latest on Feb 6. Today is Mar 22.

Just got off the phone with synapse mag svc, they're going to have someone call me in 3-5 business days to complete a "customer service action form". Them I'm sure there'll be another several days wait for them to find out they screwed up, fix the problem and tell me I'll get my magazine in 6-8 weeks.

If I ever get the magazine, maybe I'll review it here next time.

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This magazine is great for industry professionals. If you are looking for more decorating type magazines, I recommend Architectural Digest, Veranda, etc. Architectural Record is more technical based and offers industry related information such as elevations and floor plans. In that respect, if you are a student of Architecture or Interior Design, get this magazine because you will be introduced to things you just cannot get in school or in other non-industry magazines. It is wise to add this magazine to your list of subscriptions.

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Unlike some of the previous buyers I have a very positive experience. The first issue arrived within 30 days after the purchase, faster than most other venues for magazines.

I have always been a big fan of McGraw Hill as a publisher. AR is simply another gem.

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Oxford American

You can get a subscription for less directly from OA. The last issue (#53) was $4.95 in stores. The previous issue, an annual affair, was $10.00 in stores. Since they only have 4 issues per year, the sale price above is not a sale.

I never read the magazine all the way through, but I do skim most of the articles and read some of them. The reading material, both fiction and nonfiction, is unusual. "Quirky" fits the bill. In one fairly recent issue, I ran across a wonderful short story written as if it were a very badly composed term paper. It was quite funny, even if it was painful to read at times. I passed it around to several colleagues at the university where I teach & they got a kick out of it. Two nonfiction favorites were articles on (a) AIDS in rural Alabama and (b) an architecture professor at Auburn University whose students build unusual housing for the poor using readily available materials. The piece included photos of the housing.

I also really enjoy the annual music issue, which includes a CD. Every cut on the CD is accompanied by a short essay (roughly 2 pages) about the singer. Usually, the music issue will have a mix of a few well known singers singing less well known selections and several singers of whom I've never heard. I won't say that I like all the singers. That's not the point. Exposure to different styles is the point. I also usually discover a few singers that I like & would never have heard of otherwise.

This is a great magazine that deserves a bigger readership. It's only published quarterly but I bet the quality could remain the same if it were a monthly. The current issue, #55, has writing by Barry Hannah, Roy Blount Jr., and Sven Birkerts. Oxford American could become the "New Yorker" for people who hate the Northeast but love good writing. Or you could read both and get the best in American fiction and essays.

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For those that love the South but cannot live there, this magazine keeps you well connected. The transaction was very good. Thank you!!

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I am not happy that there is such a LONG wait for my subscription to get started. Is this a problem with Amazon.com? I've already paid in full Why must I wait two months to get my first copy?

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This is not only one of the best southern magazines available, it is one of the best magazines available.

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Hawaii Magazine

We go to Hawaii annually and this magazine helps us stay in touch with island happenings, situations, cultural events on the mainland, recipes and all things Hawaiian. It helps ease the homesickness of being away from our 2nd "home". They even have an annual photo contest to enter for the photography buff. (Would I be shamefully plugging that I won the Cultural category in the issue featured to lure you to this review? [Bringing the Islands Home]) ;-)

For Hawaii fanatics, this mags for you...hands down!

"Hawaii" is a magazine devoted to covering all aspects of Hawaii, and as such is oriented less toward tourists and more toward residents than many other publications. The magazine covers current events in Hawaii, environmental issues on the islands, and features many cultural and heritage-oriented articles that many tourists will find of only passing interest.

Every issue has a useful events calendar for all the islands individually ("Kauai Happenings," etc.) The editors are very good to cover all the islands equitably, with as much emphasis on Kauai as Oahu, for instance. Despite the seeming focus on residents, there are many articles of interest to visitors, and numerous advertisements of great use to tourists as well.

I enjoy visiting Hawaii and find the magazine to be worthwhile, and actually enjoy the fact that it isn't focused exclusively on the tourist; the things I learn from "Hawaii" magazine help me to more fully appreciate the beauty and nuance of all the islands. I recommend "Hawaii" to anyone interested in knowing more about America's most tropical state.

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Of the two existing reviews here currently, you couldn't get much different responses. Ironically, I'm right in the middle. I'm not Kama'aina (native) to Hawaii, but Hawaii is my passion; I live, breath, and sleep it. Hawaii is a place to be respected and loved. So how does Hawaii magazine handle that task?

Well, I guess it depends on what you're looking for. If you want the more tourist sided flavor to Hawaii, then the magazine probably will be what you enjoy. If you're looking for more native and eco-tourism based stuff, don't expect as much. Occasionally they'll put in pieces that aren't half bad on this topic, but it could be better. There recent anniversary editions were pretty good, but overall it still seems more like one big advertisement for tourists. Of course, that's where the money is, but you'd think a magazine called

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Hawaii Magazine is a very good publication for those who have an interest in America's fiftieth state. This magazine brings the world of the Hawaiian Islands to your home every month, with facts, figures, and photos taken from this island chain paradise.

One thing about Hawaii Magazine that is different from what you might expect is that it covers more than just travel. When I read this publication for the first time, I was surprised at the contents within. I always assumed this was a magazine solely about travel and tourism. While travel, resorts, and related topics are an important part of this magazine, they are not the only part. The rest of Hawaii Magazine deals with cultural and native topics. It lets you discover the people who inhabit these islands. You get to learn about Hawaiian customs, holidays, art, dress, and culture.

With the emphasis on culture, Hawaii Magazine is a learning experience. The people responsible for the publication of this magazine want readers to come away with a better understanding of what it means to be Hawaiian and to live in this island chain. They want you to think of Hawaii as more than just a nice, warm, sunny place to visit. They want you to learn about the people that inhabit Hawaii: How they dress, how they celebrate events, how they interact with others, etc.

If I had to name a few cons to this magazine, they would have to be the publications short length (less than 100 pages per issue) and its infrequent publication (every two months). Other than these negative aspects, most everything else about this magazine makes it worthwhile to read. It's an educational lesson on the people and the lifestyle of those we call Hawaiian.

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Wonderful magazine. Especially good when you are missing Hawaii! The photography is awesome, it's nice to see places you recognize.

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J-14

This magazine is pretty good for younger girls, like preteen ages, who want to read about celebrities, new movies, and new music. It's also good for older girls who are bored and want to read about their favorite pop artists. It's mainly gossip, but it's got some great pictures in it. So, check it out.

That's what J-14 stands for. It's for teens pretty much yes. If you like gossip, posters, and info on your favorite celebs, music,and movies. I just started collecting them last September and I think their good. I don't care abou the gossip that much but I like the rest of it. I'm sick of seeing those kids off of High School Musical though. I wish they would take them out of the magazine. Especially Zac Efron...blech. Their good magazines though.

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it was okay if u love pop music.but definately dont come here if u in here for the posters unless u want britney spears.They do though have good gossip and embaressing momments lots of stuff to read but its not my fav magazine

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I got a subscription to this magazine, but they only sent me a copy every other month! I ended up getting only 6 issues when I paid for 12! I am sure of this because I saved every issue I got just to make sure. Also, in the September issue, on page 14, you can clearly see that MaryKate's lower back isn't real. It was edited. This magazine doesn't focus on anything interesting and it isn't good for older teens. I would never recommend this magazine to anyone!

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I ordered this magazine for my granddaughter last summer. No issues ever arrived. I learned this many months later when I asked my granddaughter how she liked it. When I called the magazine, I was told they would sent one or two replacements. They never arrived either. I would not order from them again.

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Coins Magazine (1-year)

Time-sensitive data such as mint release dates and pricing is not current in a monthly magazine such as this, but the articles are very interesting and I enjoy it very much.

i get so excited when my magazine comes, i love the large pictures of the coins being reviewed and use my magazines for reference for prices,i share them with a man who buys storage lockers and ALWAYS finds old coins,the magizine gives you a current up to date view over the OFFICIAL RED BOOK.. giving you a more realistic view of what to expect from the coin marget and i also love reading the stories of how and where people find there coins!

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This magazine fits right into my collection. It is easy to use and to identify the coins I am looking for.

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If you are a coin collector, you need to subscribe to this magazine. Found it to be very helpful. Buy it.

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It is probably most in depth monthly magazine on the market with good market price guides. Wish they had more categories of grades and more of current year pricing.

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Digital Photo Pro

Digital Photo Pro: This is a high-quality magazine, filled with comprehensive and informative articles, with great attention to aesthetics, as the photographs and products displayed are done with such class & detail. I have been collecting these magazines, on a monthly basis, which I keep in yearly binders, for reference. At one time, I had at least 6-8 different photo magazines coming to my home but then eliminated all but two and the Digital Photo Pro is one of them. For informative & inciteful articles and crisp, descriptive photos, I believe this is the best magazine available .

A fairly thin magazine (approx 105 pages per issue) that is packed with information. Too many ads for my taste but even the ads are informative (so not a complete waste of space). Bi-monthly. Recommended for advances photographers.

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It is a good magazine that give examples of different works of photographers and new technology and equipment. I recommended to all, and the best is that is cheap.

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I have subscribed to this magazine in the past and found it to be excellent. I am deducting two stars because of the poor delivery system that is currently in place. When I initially ordered the magazine I was told it would take 4 months to get the first issue. However, Amazon did not notify the publisher correctly, resulting in an additional 3 month delay in getting the first issue.

Why would anyone subscribe through Amazon only to have to wait 7 months to get the first issue.

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It is good it will keep me up to date, looking forward to further issues specially if they have anything on Nikon as I'm a Nikon owner and in this issue there was nothing on Nikon?

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