If you've already read the April/May issue and were hoping for something new here:The next issue is planned for early June. In the meantime, you might think about plants, most specifically, the kinds of plants you can get inexpensively in your neighborhood this time of year, as featured in the article "Inexpensive and Low Maintenance Plants for Garden Railroading." In fact, I recommend printing it out and taking it with you on your next trip to Lowes.

Also, the New Boston and Donnels Creek Web page has two new pages of photographs, from June 2002, and from January, 2003.

Features for the April/May issue:

Reliability- This month's issue includes some important information for people who are planning to build or expand their railroad this spring. We present a list of do's and don't's for reliable operation, based on mistakes we've made, and things we've done right, as well as things we've observed. The article's a little long, but you'll want to become familiar with the basic principles it promotes. Print it out, staple the pages together, and leave it in your meditation chamber for repeated readings.

Promotion - A friend from down East has given his musings on how to draw positive attention to the hobby.

Mulling it over - Our tip shows an easy way to solve the problem that plagues some would-be scratchbuilders--how to add the mullions (those crossbars) to windows without making them out of toothpicks or something.

Feedback - This issue, we've started publishing letters to the editor, too. If you write in with a question, let us know if it's okay to publish your question and the answer.

Note: The next issue is planned for June. The table of contents isn't set in stone, so let us know what you'd like to see an article about, and we will see if we can come up with something. Be sure to check back soon.

Please let us know if an article is helpful to you, or if you would like to submit a "tip" or article yourself.

Please remember that all articles are for your personal use only; they are copyrighted by the author and may not be copied without permission.

This Month's Features

• Planning Your Railroad for Reliability
• How to Promote Model Railroading - by Visiting Columnist Carl "Vic" Vogel
• Tip of the Month
• Letters to the Editor
• January, 2003 Issue
• February, 2003 Issue

Watch this space: I hope to include some new articles soon.

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