About the Cowcatcher Magazine
The Cowcatcher Magazine, published by Ballpark Impressions, is the only publication covering local model railroad, rail enthusiast and railroad-related news in the Midwest and Southwest.
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.
The 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, the Cowcatcher Magazine focuses on the people of the hobby and rail enthusiast community. Coverage includes news from model railroad clubs, historical societies and museums, including local National Model Railroad Association and Toy Collector’s Association activities.
Each issue is packed full of regional happenings, including a calendar of events for upcoming shows, meets and activities. Also featured is news about real railroads — national and regional. Readers can find informative capsules on the latest news from the region’s transit, tourist and freight railroads.
The Cowcatcher Magazine also includes national coverage of model railroading, complete with lively quotes from top industry officials.
The Cowcatcher Magazine is mailed to subscribers, plus distributed at select hobby shops, shows, museums and railroading points of interests in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska.
ABOUT THE GOLD RAIL AWARDS
Each year since 2009, the Cowcatcher’s Gold Rail Awards has 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 are selected by our readers. Categories include: 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 are selected by Cowcatcher staff and others, and winners are announced in the January/February issue.
