Like many modelers, I’m still processing the announcement that Kalmbach has sold their rail-related titles to Firecrown. Model Railroader, Trains, and Kalmbach Books (among others) are now part of the Chattanooga-based company, joining their existing transportation-based publications.
To be clear, I work in media. I understand that sales, mergers, and spinoffs are part and parcel of this industry. In my career, I’ve been on both sides of that process. Some were good. Some were bad. All led to significant changes.
And it’s that last part that has me waiting to see.
I try to avoid getting political or philosophical on this site, instead preferring to focus on The Hills Line. But this is such a seismic shift in the hobby that I feel it’s worth offering up a post.
Yes, I’m biased. I’ve served as a contributing editor for MRVP/TDCV, had submissions published in several of their books, and pulled off the Kalmbach trifecta with articles appearing in Model Railroader, Model Railroad Planning, and Great Model Railroads.
But whatever your opinion on Kalmbach, Model Railroader, or the overall state of the hobby press may be, you cannot deny that they have been and remain the leader in model railroading publications. This hobby would not be where it is without their contributions to it.
It’s been 11 years since I sold my first manuscript to Kalmbach. In every interaction I’ve had with the Waukesha team, they’ve been nothing but courteous and professional to me. I cannot say the same about other media members in and out of the hobby press.
I hope that I, and countless other contributors, find a similar relationship with Firecrown.
The Hills Line 
Somebody call U Haul !! Just how in heck are they gonna move all that stuff ?
Also it’s a good thing I’m lying down otherwise …
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I hadn’t seen the wire or release and pretty surprised by this. Totally understand the changing landscapes of today but also concerned and cautious at how fire crown has come to this point at just that, lightning speed. History has shown what happens with companies and ultimately the people in these mergers. I hope it works out for the Kalmbach family and we the consuming modeller both benefit. Time will tell. Thanks for the share
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This is sad news! I was just a kid when I bought my first Model Railroad Magazine. It’s been a part of my life ever since. Let’s hope Firecrown keeps it going. I also feel bad for all the people that work there. Hopefully things work out for them as well.
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James and All, I’d missed that announcement as well. The press release implies that the personnel will remain in Waukesha, so perhaps initial changes will be minimal. Seeing what changes occur will be interesting, and I hope for best of course. In my view, Kalmbach had “gone corporate” some years ago, so I think that the seismic shift that James mentions above has already occurred to at least some extent. Coincidentally, I just dropped my subscription to Model Railroader after 44 years; the content that I enjoyed for years just doesn’t seem to be there on a consistent basis any longer, or perhaps my viewpoint has changed – or it’s a bit of both. I’ve retained my subscription to RMC though. I’ve also been published in both MR (many years ago) and somewhat more recently in RMC (but with previous editors), and I was happy with the treatment at both magazines, but with a more positive feeling from the RMC experience. -Jim
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Hi James, Things happen in every industry. One thing about this story is that I can find nothing about this on any Kalmbach site that I have looked at. I do find that surprising.
Al
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I provided a link to Kalmbach’s statement in my post.
https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/kalmbach-rail-magazines-trains-com-sold-to-firecrown-media/
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Sorry I missed the link when I read your story. I went after on my own to Kalmbach and found nothing. I do not subscribe to any of their magazines except Classic Train. I have been disappointed in MR as well as their on line Trains. I use to subscribe to MR Video Plus which I thought was great but they got rid of it. I have follow your posts since you started and think you are a great modeler.
Al
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