your portal to more fun in scale model railroading
your portal to more fun in scale model railroading
In the 1989 WRITERS MARKET (a guide on where and how to sell what you write), (RMC) states, "authors must know their field intimately, and RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN articles are primarily photographic essays; and Kalmbach (MR) indicates their publications are half text and half illustrations.
Content for all the publishers is about the same. It's a good practice to query first: Are they interested in your article? This will save a lot of time. They welcome telephone inquiries or send a detailed outline (a two- or three-page sketch of the content) with a sample of photos, drawings and text.
When typing your manuscript, follow the writing guidelines for that magazine. Therefore, when you write to them, ask for a copy of their writing and illustration guidelines. Some magazines print a list of rules regarding their format. In most cases, the guidelines are similar. For example, information about contributions to Model Railroader or Railroad Model Craftsman are found around pages four through eight. The NMRA Bulletin prints its rules on the same page as the editor's column.
If you need some instruction to improve your writing skill, there are many books on this topic found in libraries in the 808 section, or check their card catalog (subject classification), and better yet, talk with the library research or information person.
One book that's to the point, thought provoking, and will help you, is GETTING PUBLISHED by Gary S. Belkin. This is a small, softcover book from the Wiley Press (1984).
Another book is HOW TO WRITE & SELL THE 8 EASIEST ARTICLE TYPES by Helene Schellenberg Barnhard from Writer's Digest Books (1985). On page 95 there is a checklist for your how-to articles.
Do you need a short course on writing? Read THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. This "little" book from Macmillan Publishing is a timeless guide on the rules and principles of composition. There is also some powerful philosophy on page 77, e.g. "writing is an act of faith, not a trick of grammar." How's this as a reminder: "The true writer always plays to an audience of one."
For improving your photography skills, various model railroad magazines have published articles on the topic. RMC ran the "Company Photographer" series in 1990, and MR did a good article in September 1984, page 93. And Kodak's Workshop Series book titled CLOSEUP PHOTOGRAPHY will help expand your understanding of photography. It also includes a ten-page section on photographing miniatures by Malcolm Furlow.
If you need some creative approaches to model railroad photography, pick up a copy of Kalmbach's softcover book, A TREASURY OF MODEL RAILROAD PHOTOS. This 1991 book, by four well - known model railroad photographers, will explain how and why the one hundred examples of the craft were taken.
Now for some good advice on writing and photography, let's hear from some experienced model railroad authors...
Writing is fearsome to a lot of folks, but it needn't be. It can offer rewards similar to the completion of a car kit, a structure, or the working out of a knotty problem on the layout. In short, writing can offer the same creative experience as model railroading itself.
Writing helps us share with each other, whether it be through a clinic, a videotape, or the traditional article designed for a division newsletter, region paper, the NMRA Magazine, or one of the commercial magazines serving the hobby.
That sharing is a part of what the NMRA is all about, and the Author category in our Achievement Program seeks to foster that sharing.
Certainly writing comes more easily for some than others. Practice helps, as it does in anything, but writing is a skill that, with patience, anyone can do.
I have two goals when I write: that it be factual and entertaining. There are many types of writing. My style was developed through newspaper experience and developing written products that are acceptable to print and electronic media. My writing background developed through keeping things simple and short. And I continue to approach my writing from that direction.
While it may be slightly less important when writing articles for specialty publications, such as model railroad periodicals, the need for simplicity and lightness are essential ingredients. If you are dull and complicated or fail to keep on the subject, you can easily lose your reader. The lead or first paragraph is highly important; it establishes what you are going to explain and it sets the tone for the rest of the article. A good lead paragraph will not only facilitate your writing, but it will cement an interest in the reader to carry through the rest of the article. As a news writer I learned to "tell it all" in less than three 30-word paragraphs. That was good training.
Author James Michener once told me he had a trunk full of manuscripts no one had seen. He added interestingly, that he felt he could take any one out and it would sell.
I don't have a trunk full, but there is a file folder with several potential articles. At the time I wrote each, I had the kernel of an idea, and simply sat down and wrote as much as I could about that thought. At that point I made no attempt to be totally literate; There were facts that would have to be filled in by later research, and plainly, each article would need some polish to get published.
A few articles appeared in the March 1991 issues of the Bulletin dealing with the Leadville portion of my layout. The end product some of you may have read was radically different from the one I wrote a few years back. The central theme and some of the points the final article would cover were committed to paper with the clear understanding that before it was shipped off to an editor, there would be lots of massaging. I was pleased with the result.
Pleasing the editor is another critical factor. Each model magazine, while seeking to inform modelers of a technique or a layout, has its own style. To find out this style, first read articles in the publication. If you need further guidance, call the editor.
I do extensive rewrites, even while I'm typing the final draft. After publication, I go over the article to learn what the editor did, so I can do better next time.
Photography is a big part of sharing through writing. I have been practicing photography for some time and believe that taking good pictures is within everyone's grasp. If you remember two words... good glass. The glass (the lens) is the key. If you're going to buy a camera, spend your money on the lens. Without a good lens, all the autofocusing, autometering, lighting and composition in the world won't help.
The best lighting is supplied by mother nature. If you can't move your project into the sunlight, then you'll need artificial lighting. I use three quartz floodlights or a trio of strobe flash guns.
I have standardized my photographic tools, film, and techniques. I have become very comfortable with these items and achieve the results I demand. Seventy percent of my photo work is done with 35mm and the rest with 2 1/4 square format. Find a combination of equipment, film, and technique that works best for you.
In both writing and photography, it's practice that will lead you to author points. The more you do, the easier it will be, and the more likely more of your work will be accepted. And you'll be doing the one thing that makes this a great Association: sharing with your fellow modelers those techniques and ideas that keep the hobby flowing.
The three Cs are: create, copy and compose. The three Rs: rough, refine and revise draft. And the three Ss mean: sequence, style and suitability. Let me explain these words.
Create a feature that has your viewpoint. Every modeler knows something of value, which can be shared with others.
Copy the way others have done articles you like. Imitate the same concept in writing your story. You'll find a personal style and flair coming through.
Compose the text to stand alone. Then add some illustrations (figures) such as a color slide of the finished project on your layout (use this overall shot as an opening picture), then a few black-and-white prints or maybe a graphic, like a single line drawing, to reinforce your point and a final closeup color slide of your subject with a gray background. Add captions to each figure so they tell a story.
The three R process includes a rough draft by writing out your "mind's eye" with general information, notes, facts, rambling ideas, and thoughts. In other words, empty your head and put it on paper. Then sort it out in a first edition outline.
Refine these scribblings in a logical structure ( refer to the table, shown below). Organize your material, research what's needed, add key points, buzz words, railroad vernacular, and unique features. It's interesting that when you write or type something, in the transfer process it makes you think of a better way to express yourself.
Revise the draft after typing it. The guideline is usually 40 characters per line, double spaced. Translate the draft into better prose, add interesting information that is relative, give helpful hints and practical advice (I hope I'm practicing what I preach).
Does your draft pass the three Ss? Be sure to sequence the flow of the story (refer to the table shown below.) in a step-by-step structure. If it's a how-to article, express your points in teaching terms, include bill of materials; manufacture, part number, part name and quantity. Here are the basic ingredients to be a Model Railroad Author: paper, pencil, camera, and your imagination. This photo by Mike Collins was taken on his Central Penn Valley Railroad.
Follow the writing style that matches the magazine's standards.
Then let others read your work of art. Make three copies, give one to anyone that has time to proofread it for spelling, punctuation, layout sequence, and comments. Give one copy to a modeler (try not to use a friend, for obvious reasons) for a modeler's viewpoint. If he can, have him actually do the project. The third copy is very important. Ask a non-modeler to give it constructive criticism. What don't they understand? Have all three people mark up the pages, play editor. With these inputs, fine tune the final draft to suit yourself.
Now ask these questions: Is the topic suitable? Does it have merit? Would some level of modeler be interested? For answers, check with the magazines, one at a time.
MMR #1, Doug Smith, one of the founding fathers of the Achievement Program, has published 29 articles over the years. His first article appeared in MR January 1957 and was third place winner in their "Be An Author" contest. The subject was how to install lights on control panels. And his card order operation article in October 1957 is a classic. However, the one he is most proud of was also published in MR, in July and August 1959, dealing with automatic turntable control.
R.B. Trombley, MMR #130, offers these reminders: If you present a clinic, make up a handout for credit (points), as well as giving notes to those attending. Also do some writing for your division or regional publication about some neat trick or model railroad problem that you solved, maybe write social or historical information in these publications.
John Paul Locher, MMR #162, says his favorite article was a construction piece about a raising bridge across a doorway that appeared in the January/February 1990 issue of The Scale Coupler (publication ceased).
Now, here's their composite checklist: 1 ) Look at other articles in the model r railroad magazines for ideas. Find those articles you like best and try to do yours in the same way.
2) Be relaxed when writing an article. Don't try to be too formal, but be clear. Write as though you're talking to a friend, describing exactly how you made the model or what you have discovered. Write short, concise, and understandable sentences.
3) Pictures and/or drawings are a must. Ask friends to help with taking pictures or making drawings. Slides, black-and-white prints, and drawings must have sharp focus, good detail and no distracting backgrounds.
4) Have someone review an early draft to see if they understand what you've written. They don't have to be a knowledgeable modeler. Remember, there will be readers who are just beginning who will want to understand your article. After your final draft, not only have another person proofread your material, but see if they can do it or understand your story. Can they interpret your writing, follow directions or information, and do the text and pictures make sense?
Writing takes time. And earning points for the Achievement Program Model Railroad Author certificate is probably the longest award to acquire. But for the serious amateur writer, it's very rewarding in many ways: e.g., professional recognition, credibility, self-esteem, historical significance, personal thrill, and maybe economic reward. Go for it!