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Re: Altamont Press Winterail Letter - and a thank you
Author: P.Kepler
Date: 03-15-2010 - 20:27
David,
I have been a rail fan as long as I can remember. My father was my teacher in things rail. Because of his influence I have enjoyed 47 years and counting of this much varied hobby. The most significant memory was riding the North Shore on that last bitter cold day in January 1963. East Broad Top, The Northeast corridor at the beginning of Penn Central, Chasing trains all around Southern California with my new drivers license. All of this was done "in the blind" so to speak.
The introduction of the Rail fan timetable and the treasure trove of information it contained totally transformed the hobby into something that was more satisfying than I thought possible. That publication and a good scanner turned on the light so to speak and a fun hobby got better.
Our hobby, as much as we enjoy it, is more misunderstood than underwater basket weaving to the general public. Even railroaders see us as a weird subculture and suspect our motives. As such,the market for a product aimed at rail fans is small. Profit margins and production costs are realities in any business. If it costs too much to produce and still turn a profit, it makes no sense to continue. I applaud all your efforts and understand the decision you have made. I hope that we as a rail fan community will continue to hear from you from time to time.
I still miss Locomotive and Railway Preservation, Another victim of our small niche market.
Paul Kepler
KA6MHT
North Highlands , Ca.
I have been a rail fan as long as I can remember. My father was my teacher in things rail. Because of his influence I have enjoyed 47 years and counting of this much varied hobby. The most significant memory was riding the North Shore on that last bitter cold day in January 1963. East Broad Top, The Northeast corridor at the beginning of Penn Central, Chasing trains all around Southern California with my new drivers license. All of this was done "in the blind" so to speak.
The introduction of the Rail fan timetable and the treasure trove of information it contained totally transformed the hobby into something that was more satisfying than I thought possible. That publication and a good scanner turned on the light so to speak and a fun hobby got better.
Our hobby, as much as we enjoy it, is more misunderstood than underwater basket weaving to the general public. Even railroaders see us as a weird subculture and suspect our motives. As such,the market for a product aimed at rail fans is small. Profit margins and production costs are realities in any business. If it costs too much to produce and still turn a profit, it makes no sense to continue. I applaud all your efforts and understand the decision you have made. I hope that we as a rail fan community will continue to hear from you from time to time.
I still miss Locomotive and Railway Preservation, Another victim of our small niche market.
Paul Kepler
KA6MHT
North Highlands , Ca.
