All about the community of model railroading and rail enthusiasm
Cowcatcher Magazine, published by Ballpark Impressions, is the only publication covering model railroad, rail enthusiast and railroad-related news.
Started in 2004, the bi-monthly magazine brings to life the people, places and events of this community like no other publication.
Cowcatcher Magazine not only has news of interest about one of America’s favorite hobbies, it features compelling articles about people, places, events and history, all professionally written and edited by accomplished journalists and contributors.
Unlike other rail-related publications, Cowcatcher Magazine focuses on the people of the hobby and rail enthusiast community. Coverage includes news about the model railroad and railroad industries, as well as historical societies, museums, clubs, modelers and organizations at community and national levels.
Also featured are news and features about transit, tourist and freight railroads, complete with lively insights from top industry officials, as it relates to modelers and rail fans.
Each issue is packed full of happenings within our national distribution area. Issues include a calendar of events for upcoming shows, meets and activities.
Since 2019, Cowcatcher Magazine has taken the pulse of the model railroad industry with its State of Model Railroading survey presented in the January/February issue. The survey, which usually is released in November, allows our subscribers to give their thoughts and opinions on where the hobby has been and where it’s going. More on the State of Model Railroading here.
Cowcatcher Magazine is mailed Third Class USPS to subscribers, plus distributed at select hobby shops, shows, museums, train shows and railroading points of interests from coast to coast.
The Cowcatcher is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Since 2019, Cowcatcher Magazine has taken the pulse of the model railroad industry with its State of Model Railroading survey presented in the January/February issue. The survey, which usually is released in November, allows our subscribers to give their thoughts and opinions on where the hobby has been and where it’s going. More about the State of Model Railroading here.
From 2009-16, the Cowcatcher’s Gold Rail Awards recognized the best of the best in model railroading and rail enthusiasm in the areas we cover. Winners in 13 categories ranging from model railroads to prototype railroads were selected by our readers. Categories included: Best Train Show; Best Club Layout, Permanent; Best Club Layout, Modular; Best Excursion Railroad; Best Excursion Railroad, Theme Train; Best Railroad Museum; Best Rail Special Event; Best Regional Freight Railroad; Best Railfanning Spot; Best New Model Railroad Product; Best Passenger Rail (Passenger Regional and Commuter/Light Rail); and Best Model Train Store. Nominees were selected by Cowcatcher staff and others, and winners announced in the January/February issue.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Tim Blackwell founded the Cowcatcher as Cowcatcher Round Up in 2004 as a newsletter to highlight local NMRA and model railroading activities in Texas and Louisiana. A longtime model railroader and former award-winning newspaper professional, Blackwell conceived the idea of a local rail enthusiast publication during long car rides with fellow modelers to operating sessions. He discovered that model railroaders didn’t pass the time talking only about the latest models and their layouts but took a more holistic approach to the hobby. Anything trains was game for discussion.
Blackwell has more than 40 years experience in writing, editing, publishing and printing and as many or more years modeling N and HO scale. He began his career as a sports writer with the Arlington Citizen-Journal in Arlington, TX, and spent nearly 25 years with The Dallas Morning News in editorial and printing sales and leadership.
A long-time N-scale modeler, Blackwell has built four layouts, including two iterations of the Whitehurst & Pine Ridge Railroad. The second W&PRR has been chronicled in the Cowcatcher and on the web since its inception in 2018. He also has built the HO Northwest Tarrant & Pacific, a modern-day DCC shelf layout that serves as the backdrop for many product photos and reviews in the magazine.
Since 2018, Blackwell has served on the Hobby Manufacturers Association/Model Railroad Industry Division council. He is currently president and also serves on the HMA Board or Directors.
MORE ABOUT US
Tim speaks at length about Cowcatcher Magazine, beginning 22 minutes into the show. Our thanks to Ken and Model Railroad Hobbyist for helping us to tell our story!
Ballpark Impressions, LLC, is proud to be a member of the Hobby Manufacturers Association
