Changing times at CTT
We remain committed to producing the best publication
SINCE 1987,
Classic Toy Trains has been proud to present the finest O and S gauge layouts, remarkable collections of prewar and postwar trains, handy insights and instructions on projects of every kind, and in-depth reviews of significant and ground-breaking products.
While the excellence of our published articles has remained consistent in the pages of CTT since its inception, inevitable changes in the publishing industry have caused us to shift our footing once again. As of this Winter 2023 issue, CTT will begin new life as a quarterly publication.
Please note that the change in frequency does not reflect an absence of outstanding articles or a lack of enthusiasm from editors, columnists, and artists. Changes in digital media continue to shape how we as a society consume information, share ideas, and seek entertainment. It is no accident that three years ago we developed and launched Trains.com, our membership-exclusive website. Digital platforms such as Trains.com are the future of the publishing industry. And while this site does contain everything trains, including railroad history, industry news, and modeling, a significant portion of it remains dedicated to you, the toy train enthusiast. In fact, it’s the best place to go for the latest hobby news, product reviews, howto videos, and much more, as we can publish them on Trains.com as quickly as our contributors provide them.
While none of us are pleased by CTT’s frequency change, the new quarterly format is likely to produce a much more valuable magazine for you, our readers. It has forced everyone involved with the production of Classic Toy Trains to be more purposeful as we select and craft material that goes into each issue. As a result, you will see only our very best toy train layouts, read articles from our most experienced authors, and find better how-to content in the magazine than ever before.
Since change is in the air, I’d also like to take the opportunity to introduce you to CTT’s new editor, Rene Schweitzer. Rene has been with Kalmbach Media for nearly 30 years, and she is an accomplished writer, editor, and toy train and garden railroad enthusiast. In fact, she began her career at Kalmbach with Classic Toy Trains before working on Garden Railways, Model Railroader, and Classic Trains magazines as Senior Production Editor.
In addition, Rene has been a key part of the launch and day-to-day operation of Trains.com. She and her husband, Jim – himself a former CTT staffer – have their own toy train layout on which they spend many hours running trains and enjoying the hobby. Rene and Roger Carp, our venerable Senior Editor, have a lot of exciting things in store for Classic Toy Trains and its many readers in the coming years. On behalf of Rene, Roger, and the rest of the production team, I thank you for your continued support. After all, we couldn’t do any of it without you, our loyal readers and customers.