About the Cowcatcher

Cowcatcher Magazine, published by Ballpark Impressions, is the only publication covering local model railroad, rail enthusiast and railroad-related news.

Started in 2004 in Keller, Texas, the magazine brings to life the people, places and events of this community like no other publication in the marketplace.

Cowcatcher Magazine not only has news of interest about one of America’s favorite hobbies, it features compelling articles about regional people, places, events and history, all professionally written and edited by accomplished journalists and contributors.

Unlike other 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.

Each issue is packed full of regional happenings within our national distribution area. Issues include a calendar of events for upcoming shows, meets and activities.

Also featured are informative capsules and features about the region’s and nation’s transit, tourist and freight railroads, complete with lively insights from top industry officials.

Cowcatcher Magazine is mailed Third Class USPS to subscribers, plus distributed at select hobby shops, shows, museums and railroading points of interests from coast to coast, with primary focus in the country’s midsection.

Cowcatcher is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

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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 about the latest models and running 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 Citizen-Journal in Arlington, Texas, and spent nearly 25 years with The Dallas Morning News in editorial and printing sales and leadership. He is vice president of the Hobby Manufacturers Association Model Railroad Industry Division council, and also serves on the HMA board or directors.