FWIW, I sent an inquiry to White River Productions asking whether or not there will be an annual this year. According to the reply, the 2023 On30 Annual is running a little late but should be available for pre-order sometime in April.
It's probably going to be later than that. I mailed off the flash drive with my article and photos today to Chris Lane and he had no issues with that. This would strongly support he's still working on it. From past experiences, when I submit something even at the end of the deadline, it's usually at least 2 months before I get a finished copy from when they get what I submit.
Chris is a very busy guy; he edits the HOn3 Annual as well and is the main guy in charge for the NG convention in CO this year.
I wouldn't count on having a copy earlier than May, if then.
Lee, I totally agree with you. Based on last year's experience, I'm not anticipating having my copy in-hand until some time in July, perhaps August. IIRC, last year I got my copy towards the end of June (but I could be mistaken - memory isn't what it used to be). However, hopefully we'll still be able to pre-order in April.
Fred, you're probably right, as all they need is the cover photo to make the mockup. If you've really looked at the order pages v/s the finished versions, there have been issues where the blurb for contents on the cover is different from that on the order page photo.
The one drawback for writing for the Annual is that you only get one author's copy. I can't send copies to friends and family like I have for other magazines I've written for in recent years because of the cover price.
Lee, I'm pretty sure that White River Productions was hit pretty hard during the pandemic (as were many other small businesses) and that they have had to re-arrange and re-organize their production processes and cut costs where they could. I'm just happy that there will be a 2023 On30 Annual! I was worried that they were going to eliminate it due to On30 being a niche market at best. So I don't mind waiting because the end result will be worth it - I have never been disappointed with any of the annuals. Also, I'm really looking forward to reading your article - never been disappointed in one of those either. Thanks for the hard work.
Quote from: Fred Klein on March 10, 2023, 12:33:17 AMI'm really looking forward to reading your article - never been disappointed in one of those either. Thanks for the hard work.
Thanks, Fred. Chris asked me at the NG convention in Tacoma to write an article about operation sessions on a On30 layout, something he'd never had in the Annual before.
If he uses all the shots I sent, there'll be a photo of me running trains with a good friend of mine, my wife took that one. I really hope he uses that as it'll be funny to tell people that my wife is a legit
published model train photographer!
Lee, I hope the photo makes it. The wives of model railroaders deserve all the recognition they can get for putting up with us. Been married going on 51 years and my wife still ooohs and aaahs at the models I build (of course she also nit picks them to death - claims that's part of the fine print in the marriage contract). So kudos to all model railroaders' wives. Can't wait to (hopefully) see the picture and thank you to your wife for taking it.
I still haven't heard anything about the Annual. There's not even anything about pre-ordering them online yet.
Quote from: Fred Klein on March 11, 2023, 12:18:20 AMThe wives of model railroaders deserve all the recognition they can get for putting up with us.
Indeed. I thought about a photo with my wife in it, but that'd suggest she has anything to do with operating on my layout. She made the skirts for the layout, though.
Quote from: Fred Klein on March 11, 2023, 12:18:20 AMBeen married going on 51 years and my wife still ooohs and aaahs at the models I build (of course she also nit picks them to death - claims that's part of the fine print in the marriage contract).
Congrats! If I do anything with the layout and I bother to show it to her, she just stares with what I can only describe as ambivalence. If I ever go for my MMR with the NRHS, it won't mean a thing to her.
Nothing I've
ever done has impressed her, in over 20 years of marriage. At one point I was seriously looking into putting in an application to be an astronaut, and I've often told people if I had made it, she probably wouldn't have even come to the launches.
Lee, like you, I've been checking the WRP website every few days with the hope that they would have at least the pre-order of the 2023 On30 Annual available, but no such luck. I guess all we can do is wait patiently and keep on modeling.
Regarding wives and model railroading, mine really isn't into it that much but she does attend model train shows with me and, if I'm looking for something in particular, she will go and check out the vendors and let me know if she finds anything. However, her hobby is scrollsawing, which she really gets into. So we each have our own hobbies and have even set up individual hobby rooms (we're empty nesters so we had some available space). However, as far as being impressed by anything that I do, that's never really happened either, however I wouldn't expect it.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to your article and photos when the Annual finally gets here.
One other thing. I don't know if you watch any YouTube or not, but you might like the Mosquito Creek Lumber Company's video channel. It's run by Joseph Kreiss, the same one that writes all of the articles in the Annuals going back for at least 8 or 9 years. He models logging in the bayous of Louisiana and has kitbashed (mostly scratchbuilt) a couple of critters. He and his wife have just moved to a new house and he is in the process of rebuilding his layout. The time period of his layout is the years directly after WWII (I'm guessing 1946 to 1950-ish) but what I particularly like is that he manages to utilize 1/48 military equipment (war surplus) and incorporate it into his layout. He wrote about it in the 2022 On30 Annual. The article inspired me to attempt to "genericise" a Japanese Imperial Navy Bulldozer (1/48 - Tamiya) for use as war-surplus in the Florida swamps on my layout (1947 - 1960 - if I ever get it done).
Fred
Fred,
Do you know about the "www.westernbayrailroad.org" On30 club layout in Port Saint Lucie, FL. The owner (Al Sohl) of the club has had multiple articles in the On30 Annual. It is worth seeing the layout and he also has operation sessions. Since you are so close I thought you might be interested and you don't have to wait for the Annual.
John
John, I've read Al Sohl's articles in the On30 Annual and I've seen pictures of the layout, so I am aware of the club. The layout looks very nice. However, I just like to do my own thing. I'm not a joiner and nor do I enjoy operations, just like I do not like my locos or layout to have sound. I prefer the hum of the electric motors and that is why I basically like to run a train or two around a loop and rail-fan my own layout while I build models or rolling stock. I find it very de-stressing. Thanks for the heads-up.
Wow, we're looking June dead in the eye and no word on the Annual. I think this is the latest in the year it's ever been for one.
That said, David is up to his eyeballs with the Denver NG convention planning and God-knows-what-else White River Publications has him doing. I don't envy him for the things he has pending!
Quote from: John on May 19, 2023, 08:59:50 PMDo you know about the "www.westernbayrailroad.org" On30 club layout in Port Saint Lucie, FL. The owner (Al Sohl) of the club has had multiple articles in the On30 Annual. It is worth seeing the layout and he also has operation sessions.
I've seen his articles, it's great work.
Lee, like you, I've been thinking the same thing. Just about every other day, sometimes more often, I check WRP's website to see if, by any chance, they have put up the Annual for pre-order but so far, no luck. I just hope they know what they're doing because a lot of modelers might just forget to order the Annual - sort of an "out of sight, out of mind" kind of thing. Anyway, I'm still waiting for "opening" day, money in hand.
Fred
Dear All,
I spoke with Chris, and he's a little behind due to finishing the K-28 book, which should be a beauty!
He's now wrapping up the Garden Trains Annual, and On30 will be next.
Patience, Iago!
the Bach-man
Thank you, Bach-man! You made my day!
Quote from: the Bach-man on May 25, 2023, 12:08:43 AMI spoke with Chris, and he's a little behind due to finishing the K-28 book, which should be a beauty!
I had no idea he was editing that book, but it comes as no surprised to read this. I'm convinced the man probably also fixes the roof when it leaks and takes out the trash at White River, as he seems to do
everything else.
As for the K28 book, I have the K36 one (bought at a ridiculously low price at a model train show last fall) and it's great (assuming you have interest in D&RGW 3-foot locos, that is). I assume the same from this new book.
Hooraayy and Hallelujah! The 2023 On30 Annual is finally available for pre-order! I just placed my order on their website. The pre-order cost is $30.00 (reg. $34.95) plus shipping. Now the waiting begins (impatiently tapping foot ;D ).
Fred
Thanks for the heads up, ordered my copy, one of the two magazines I get.
Ken
What a nice surprise! I just received an email from WRP telling me that they are refunding me the $6.57 that I was charged for shipping. Since there was no explanation along with the refund, I can only guess that shipping is supposed to be included in the pre-order price and the system had not been set up for that at the time I placed my order. I originally figured that with the price of everything going up that they were now having to charge for shipping, even on pre-orders. So that makes the pre-order price $30.00, same as last year. Way to go, WRP, and thanks!
Fred
I also got a notice on the shipping cost reduction, living in Canada it was a bit more, toss up whether my
75th BD or the annual arrives first, BD in Sept (BG). Always look forward to the latest issue, always find something of interest I can put to use.
Ken,
Well, I passed my 75th last March, so hopefully the Annual will get here before my 76th ;D . Like you, I thoroughly enjoy each issue and read and re-read them throughout the year. And, like you, I always either find something to inspire me in my modeling or learn something new. I've especially enjoyed the articles by Lee Bishop (p51) and am looking forward to his article in the upcoming issue. And now the waiting begins ......
Fred
BTW, our 51st anniversary is in Sep.
The new Annual has been announced! (https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/on23) Sadly, it's gone up ten dollars for the cover price from previous years.
I haven't gotten the digital proof for my article yet.
Got a note from WRP so I could track the annual, I can wait, picked up a book on the life and times of Byron Riblet, who built a number of aerial trams and a few 3 rail tram lines, with 400 pages and as may photos from the Riblet archives, I have something to read to fill in the time waiting for the annual :D .
Need to look at whether I can manage to install a aerial tram on my layout, a 3 rail tram to serve a ore terminal is under construction, need more stir sticks for siding!
Ken,
I'm not familiar with the term "aerial tram". Would this be the same thing as the elevated trains in New York or Chicago? Sounds like an interesting project. I would think that the book you bought will certainly help pass the time while waiting.
Fred
Hopefully this video will open, the last operating aerial tram in England, Present day ski lifts
evolved from the early mineral tram lines, tram lines were also installed to carry logs, lumber, flour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RiYXI1Tfu4
Ken
Very cool!
Ken,
Thank you for the video. That is really neat! No power except for gravity - that's almost unbelievable in today's environment. I think that a tramway like that would make a great model, either static or powered, on a narrow gauge railway. Thanks again.
Fred
Fred
I have a operating kit for a gondola lift, originally made by "EHEIM", I believe "FALLER" (Germany) still offers the kit in HO? either a ski lift or mineral tram, extra towers also. The size of the unit will make it suitable for O scale as normally it would be enclosed within the upper and lower building's. I think I have figured out a suitable location for the kit.
Need to make up a half dozen buckets to replace the gondolas!
Ken
Ken,
Post some pictures when you get it constructed. Also, it might make a good article for the On30 Annual.
Fred
Fred
It is on my "O2IT" list, currently building a model of a lower ore terminal the prototype was served by a
3 rail tram, 15 walls done, still have 4 walls left to finish, 400+ stir sticks so far, maybe 150 to go! The
office building will be a lot easier to do with scribed siding.
Ken
Ken,
Sounds like a fairly involved project. Looking forward to seeing some pictures of it. As far as coffee stirrers are concerned, I kept running short also, so I finally broke down and ordered some from Amazon (where else). I got a box of 1000 extra-long (about 7 inches) for around $10 US but that's been at least 3 years ago - who knows what they're going for now. These stirrers are a little wider and thicker than what I get with my coffee, so they work out really well for floors, roof eaves, etc. - basically any place where a little beefier lumber would normally be used. They make great platforms for stations (both freight and passenger) and I have also used them for exterior walls and been very pleased with the results. Best of luck with the project.
Fred
FYI, I was advised that the writers will be getting a digital proof of their articles, but that hasn't happened yet. Normally, once I get a proof, that means they're essentially ready to print. At that point they're usually about a month away from getting copies in hands.
Quote from: Fred Klein on June 25, 2023, 12:35:17 AMAs far as coffee stirrers are concerned, I kept running short also, so I finally broke down and ordered some from Amazon (where else). I got a box of 1000 extra-long (about 7 inches) for around $10 US but that's been at least 3 years ago - who knows what they're going for now. These stirrers are a little wider and thicker than what I get with my coffee, so they work out really well for floors, roof eaves, etc. - basically any place where a little beefier lumber would normally be used. They make great platforms for stations (both freight and passenger) and I have also used them for exterior walls and been very pleased with the results.
I bought the same thing you did. I think most modelers would never run out of these suckers. They're the
best hobby value out there for us O scale types!
Thanks for the update, Lee. I've been checking the WRP website every so often but have found nothing new. Oh well, they say patience is a virtue.
As far as the coffee stirrers go, this is definitely a lifetime supply. I usually just stain them with an India-ink and alcohol wash and at the end of the project I give everything a light coat of flat finish to blend things together and cover up any glue spots. So far, I've been very pleased with the results.
Thanks again for the heads-up on the On30 Annual.
Quote from: Fred Klein on August 03, 2023, 12:50:48 AMThanks for the update, Lee. I've been checking the WRP website every so often but have found nothing new. Oh well, they say patience is a virtue.
It is indeed. When you write for magazines, you get used to the waiting.
Quote from: Fred Klein on August 03, 2023, 12:50:48 AMAs far as the coffee stirrers go, this is definitely a lifetime supply. I usually just stain them with an India-ink and alcohol wash and at the end of the project I give everything a light coat of flat finish to blend things together and cover up any glue spots. So far, I've been very pleased with the results.
I essentially did the same on the front that is the biggest part of the back wall backdrop on my On30 layout:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4510/24019727118_15d46a0616_c.jpg)
Lee, I've always admired your layout. I rank it right at the top of my favorite layouts along with Joseph Kreiss' Mosquito Creek Lumber, Model Railroader's Olympia and Dave Meek's Thunder Mesa. Usually, when I need some inspiration or just for fun, I'll go to the back issues of the On30 Annual, or in the case of Olympia or Thunder Mesa, YouTube, and just look at your pictures of the layout and how you composed the scene in the space available and I always come away with learning something new. I'm sure there are other layouts that I've forgotten to mention but your's and the ones I named rank right up there. As a matter of fact, I was inspired to develop the "alternate universe" for my layout after reading what you created for the Stoney Creek. Thanks for sharing all of your hard work.
Quote from: Fred Klein on August 04, 2023, 01:05:24 AMLee, I've always admired your layout. I rank it right at the top of my favorite layouts along with Joseph Kreiss' Mosquito Creek Lumber, Model Railroader's Olympia and Dave Meek's Thunder Mesa.
Thanks very much, Fred.
The funny thing is among the visitors I got for the National NG Convention in September and the few for the Pac NW NMRA convention in May, several were very familiar with my layout via my articles and online presence. Several said they didn't realize the overall layout was much smaller than they'd envisioned (though none thought of it as bait-and-switch as I usually note how small the room is).
Quote from: Fred Klein on August 04, 2023, 01:05:24 AMAs a matter of fact, I was inspired to develop the "alternate universe" for my layout after reading what you created for the Stoney Creek. Thanks for sharing all of your hard work.
I've gotten a few people over the past few years emailing me with the same sentiments.
I have always considered
all layouts to be an alternate reality as
nobody can model something in exact scale proportion or have the details 100% accurate. So, if that is so, then it's just a matter of how far you're going to go into your alternate universe.
Most people give generalities to their layout, saying where it takes place and a general era ("transition era" being the most popular as an excuse to essentially run any kind of rolling stock or locos they want and darn the era), and that's usually the furthest they go, if then.
Among the better layouts out there, almost all have a detailed concept and the owner adhered to it. I'm a massive stickler for historical details; that's my thing.
My layout is
two things to me:
1. The best representation of ET&WNC country I could make in a small space2. The WW2 era, namely late summer of '43But again, thanks, Fred!
Lee, unfortunately the only opportunity I had to ride the ET&WNC was at Blowing Rock, NC. I enjoyed the ride immensely. Got to ride with #12 pulling the train, no less. So I can't say that I'm very familiar with the countryside of the original ET&WNC. I've driven through Tennesee and North Carolina numerous times, but it was always to get to somewhere else and you don't get much of a feel from the interstates.
Just looking at the pictures of your various articles, I never got the impression of "bait and switch". You've always been up front about the size of the room plus I've studied your layout plan many times in order to orient myself as to what I'm seeing in the pictures. Having been into amateur photography myself (back in the days of film and darkrooms) I know that in smaller areas it is necessary to shoot at wider angles than normal. This wider view may have given the wrong impression as to the size of your layout. BTW, my entire layout is approximately 33 inches deep by 120 inches long, so to me, your layout is huge :) !
As to achieving your goals, I would say that you have succeeded very well. Having lived in Florida for about 40 years now, and traveling the back roads when I can, I've gotten the feel of the "South" to a certain extent (even though by many, Florida is really not considered to be part of the South) and your layout certainly captures that feeling. In some of the small rural towns down here the ambiance is such that it could still be 1943.
Anyway, thanks for the great articles and especially the pictures. Like I said, I pore over them, sometimes with a magnifier, to pick up all the details.
Keep up the great work!
Thanks again Fred. If you're ever going to be in the Pacific NW, drop me a line and I'll have the layout open for you!
As for the On30 Annual itself, the Narrow-Gauge Convention in Denver is coming up in 3 weeks and Chris Lane is the main guy for that. I have a feeling that's going to seriously hinder his work on the Annual and I wouldn't expect to hear anything from him until it's over with.
I talked with Chris when he came over to my place in September for the Tacoma NG convention and he said he's essentially the white river guy for all the annuals. I didn't ask him if that was by his choice or white river was making him do them all.
Thank's for the invitation, Lee. I don't know whether or not I'll ever get up your way but seeing your layout would definitely be the high point of the trip. As far as the Annual is concerned, I keep telling myself "patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue ..." ::)
I don't believe anyone answered the question as to what an aerial Tram is. I would think it means cable suspended cars you see more in Europe than here, traveling hundreds of feet above Alpine valleys.
Quote from: trainman203 on August 10, 2023, 09:45:30 AMI don't believe anyone answered the question as to what an aerial Tram is. I would think it means cable suspended cars you see more in Europe than here, traveling hundreds of feet above Alpine valleys.
I posed a video of an operating aerial tram line in the UK message # 24
Pretty far back. Should've read everything. Sorry.
just visited White River site, On30 annual due out Oct 1st, hopefully by Xmas, been a long wait !.
Thanks for the update, Ken.
Quote from: Ken Clark on September 04, 2023, 11:32:51 PMjust visited White River site, On30 annual due out Oct 1st, hopefully by Xmas
I wouldn't bet an appreciable amount on that. The Narrow-Gauge convention just ended and Chris Lane was one of the movers and shakers for that, so I bet he hasn't had any time for the annual over last month.
I still haven't seen the proof of my article, which I usually get long before publication.
No slam on Chris because he's a great guy and does an excellent job with everything, but he's a one-man band and was dealing with the convention which just ended.
I heard the recent Denver Narrow Gauge convention had some manner of outbreak of COVID and I emailed Chris last night with wishes that he hadn't caught it.
He hadn't, thank goodness. But even though I didn't ask (but I'm sure he knew I was wondering anyway), he mentioned the Annual "should be out any day."
That's great news, Lee. Thank you for the update. I'm glad Chris managed to avoid catching the bug. Looking forward to getting my copy.
The On30 Conspiracy IO Group has people posting since yesterday that they're getting their copies in the mail this week.
Can't wait to get mine. I hope I don't traumatize too many people as I should be in one shot, as my article is about running ops on a On30 layout (Something Chis asked me to write, at last year's narrow-gauge convention).
I do hope that shot made the cut not because I'm in it, but my wife took that and I so badly want to be able to tell people she's a published model railroad photographer!
No sign of the annual yet here in the GWN, however the Oct issue of "NGDU" arrived so I have something to read for the time being
My annual arrived yesterday. Well done.
I finally got mine this afternoon. It was well worth the wait!
Due to be delivered Oct 4th, here in the GWN.
I got mine today- a beautiful issue!
the Bach-man
Mine arrived today. Great issue. Looking forward to reading some of it later, especially the articles on 3D printing.
My copy arrived today here in the GWN, time to put on coffee and get comfortable to read through !.
Well, once again Mr. Lane and company have done a great favor for all of us On30 fans and provided us with our own publication. My favorite piece this year is the article by the Master Tinkerer Allen Littlefield who channeled the late great Alan Carroll and created a beautiful rendition of WW&F #8. I'm fortunate that I had a similar thought several years ago and amassed the bits and pieces needed to do the same. Finding the time to actually do it is another story, but seeing this article has worked to get my butt in gear and start planning again. I do need to find the fluted domes, but that should be fairly simple. I love this hobby!