Sample Issue

General Content and Format

Submissions

• Typed Text
• Manuscripts should be submitted typed, double-spaced on only one side of 8-1/2 x 11, white paper.
• Set margins so each line is about 40 characters wide. Don't be concerned with typing exactly 40 characters per line - a few over or under won't matter. Typing this width allows text to be quickly sized to determine its length.
• There is no word limit, however, we prefer articles that run from one to three pages including photographs and illustrations. A full page of text, without photos or illustrations is about 1,000 words. That may seem like a lot, but a 1,000 word article with six photographs will take between three and five pages.
• Computer Text
• The Bulletin is prepared electronically on a computer system using publishing and graphics software. We request articles submitted on disk whenever possible. A hard copy of the material should be included in case the disk cannot be read by our equipment. Disks will be returned after publication.
• Articles may be submitted on either IBM or Macintosh formatted disks. Although 3.5" size is preferred, both 3.5" and 5.25" high- or low-density disks can be accepted.
• Most popular word processing packages for IBM and Macintosh systems are acceptable. If possible, store the article in both its original word processing format (for example WordPerfect or Microsoft Word) and in the ASCII (text) format.
• If you are using Microsoft Word DO NOT use the "quick save" format.
• Photos
• Articles with photographs and/or illustrations are preferred over straight text.
• Photos may be supplies in any format. However, the best format for photos is 35 mm or larger slides or transparencies. A color slide can be reproduced in black and white if needed. When sending black and white prints, be sure they are printed on glossy paper and include a white border. Color prints must be accompanied by negatives.
• Number each photo or slide and attach a tag or label that includes your name, address and phone number.
• Captions should be provided for each photo or illustration. Captions should be typed at the end of the manuscript, indicating with each caption its corresponding photo number.
• Drawings and Artwork
• Drawings and other line art should be inked whenever possible using black ink. If you can provide publication-ready illustrations with your manuscript, terrific. If not, please include sketches of any needed illustrations so we can have our artist prepare final artwork.
• Computer illustrations are acceptable on disk with hard copy proof. Most illustration, draw and paint formats are acceptable. CAD programs are sometimes compatible. Please call for details if you wish to provide computer illustrations on disk.
• Mailing
• Be sure your name, address and phone number are on each item you submit.
• Use an envelope that is large and sturdy enough to hold all materials without bending or folding. Use a mailing tube for oversize materials.
• Use a stiff piece of cardboard to protect photos from damage in the mail. Corrugated cardboard is best. Mark the package "Photos enclosed - Do Not Bend".
• If you are concerned about your items getting lost in the mail, use Express Mail, UPS, Federal Express or another service that provides tracking information for your package.
• Miscellaneous
• We attempt to acknowledge all materials within eight weeks of receipt. You will be told if your materials have been accepted for publication within eight weeks. However, we cannot give a firm publication date in advance. Generally, time-sensitive material will be printed as soon as possible, while other material may be retained in our files for publication when appropriate. By maintaining a stock of material in the files The Bulletin is able to offer issues with balanced content. We will be happy to return unused materials if you enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
• The Bulletin accepts material on the basis of it being your contribution toward making the NMRA and the hobby better for all of us. The Bulletin buys all rights to materials. Payment is made upon publication at the rate in effect at the time of publication. After publication, all materials are retained by the NMRA unless other arrangements have been made.
• In preparing material ask yourself if it is a subject that will have wide appeal. Write as though you are personally telling another person about your feature. When writing on technical subjects, do no assume the reader knows as much as you. Instead, explain less obvious points, even when they seem elementary.
• It is often a good idea to send a letter of inquiry with a brief outline of your article before completing your manuscript. This way we can help improve your chances of being published quickly.

• State, City
• Sponsoring organization
• Event
• Date
• Specific Location
• Times
• Fees
• Name, address and phone number, of person to contact for more information.

Simple classified ads in column format are available in the "Swap Shop" section. Anyone desiring to buy or sell model railroad items may advertise in the Swap Shop. The Bulletin reserves the right to refuse any ad for any reason whatsoever. Advertisers, please furnish us a street address for our records when using a post office box number in your ad.
"Swap Shop" Classified Rates: 35 cents per word; minimum charge $5. Ad must be typed and payment must accompany the order. No frequency discounts or illustrations. Count all initials, single numbers, name street address, street number, city, state, province, phone numbers as one word each. ZIP code is free. Closing dates for classified ads only: 75 days prior to month of issue. Example: January 15 for April issue.

• NMRA Staff list
• Comments from the President
• Blowing off Steam
• Modelers Aid
• Retailer list
• Bulletin Board; with sub columns pertaining to:
  • Membership Thermometer
  • In Memoriam
  • Honor Roll
  • Building Fund Donors
  • Pass Exchange
  • Achievement Program
  • Welcome Aboard
• Advertiser Index

Subscriptions and Back issues

    National Model Railroad Assn., Inc.
    Headquarters office
    4121 Cromwell Road
    Chattanooga, TN  37421, USA
    Phone: +1 423 892 2846
    Fax: +1 423 899 4869