In my opinion, the 4 best OGR issues in my recent memory are the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 December issues.
The only reason I did not list 2012, was that I somehow either misplaced that issue, or somehow it's purchase slipped thru the cracks (my mother passed away that year, and I was brain fried).
I will depend on others for a review of that issue.
What makes those 4 issues special is that they contain not only great reviews and layouts, but some of the articles are PRICELESS.
For example, they contain probably the best editorial written for OGR, if not the best editorial written for any model railroad magazine, that being Allan Millers article on how he got into O Gauge model railroading, which includes a photo of his first gauge layout as well as info on the book that he read during Christmas that started it all.
You even get to see a photo of Allan looking very "Hawaii Five-Ohish" from the 1970's(?)...Book em Dano!
Also, there is a really really great "from the publisher" article by Richard Melvin" where he goes into detail regarding his operations of a steam locomotive during a TrainFest, where he was accompanied by 2 other legendary Steam Engines...AWESOME STUFF!
In addition, there is a INCREDIBLE article by Jim Policastro, regarding how he and his dad had a holiday ritual of riding the EL trains from the Bronx into the city to visit the Lionel showroom, hobby shops, as well as American Flyers showroom, every holiday season.
Also, Jim's "Christmas Story" type experience with the Lionel 2353.
In my opinion, this article brings out what is best about our hobby, i.e. Family, Fun, Memories, and is a MUST read for any model railroader.
Jim's article pushed every single one of my memory and fun buttons, and touched upon every single thing I love about Model trains, New York (born on Long Island), Family, and the 1950s and Christmas.
You can actually visualize in great detail Jim's ride on the EL and it passing by Yankee Stadium...just a few examples of how great NYC is as a train place!
If this was all not enough, you also get another excellent Editorial written by Allan Miller about being re-united with an Army buddy over trains.
You even get to see a photo of Allan in full Army Uniform!
So in a nutshell, I highly recommend all of these 4 back issues for purchase, not only for the 4 articles I cited here, but the many other articles in these 4 issues that are equally as great.
Of all my train magazines, these four issues are the ones I come back to year after year, and re-read during the Christmas Holidays.
So thank you to everyone at OGR who created those December issues, as the warmth, memories and fun those issues bring, are priceless.
