Submission Guidelines
Feature Length Articles
Railroad Model Craftsman is in need of a steady supply of articles and photos, and we want your input. The largest portion of pages in our magazines are devoted to articles. These can range from a short paragraph essay on a particular subject to full-length multi-page articles. They can cover prototype, modeling, or railroad experiences. We do not accept any works of fiction, poetry, or satire.
We always welcome detailed articles describing efforts to model locomotives, rolling stock, structures, scenery and model railroad-related accessories along with photo tours of finished layouts. We are also happy to publish well-written and researched prototype information. Feature stories must be accompanied by photography with complete captions. The more you include, the better selection we have!
Not sure where to begin? Your submitted article should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Some background information on your subject is always a welcome introduction. Never assume the reader is familiar with your subject, but resist the urge to over-explain. What makes your subject interesting to you? What will make it interesting to an outsider? If the subject excites you, it is likely to inspire your fellow modelers, so write you ideas as if you were telling your modeling buddies about it. Not sure if your topic is a good fit? Check out some of our recent issues to get a better idea of what RMC is all about. If in doubt about a particular subject you have in mind, send us an email and we will discuss it — we are always open for fresh ideas!
Writing about your home layout, or another model railroad? Please fill out this handy RMC Layout Spec Sheet.
Please contact editor Otto M. Vondrak before submitting your story.
Submitting Manuscripts
We cannot accept any material that is handwritten or otherwise not provided in an electronic format. We prefer that article text is transmitted to us as a Microsoft Word document. Your text should total somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 words.
Additional material, such as assembly drawings, maps, and other artwork should be sent by regular mail. Finished artwork will be created by the art department; we can work with rough sketches and diagrams.
Railroad Model Craftsman and White River Productions assume no responsibility for the return of unsolicited photographs or articles. We strongly prefer electronic submission (contact us for details), but we can also accept materials through the “slow and painful” way of regular mail. You can mail your materials to:
Railroad Model Craftsman
Attn: Otto M. Vondrak, Editor
P.O. Box 22775
Rochester, NY 14692
Submitting Photographs
Railroad Model Craftsman is produced electronically, and as a result, we prefer to work with digital images for photography. We prefer to work with RAW or JPG files. When shooting photos for your article, always shoot at the highest, uncompressed resolution, minimum 3000 pixels across at 300 dpi. Submitted material should be sharply focused, well-exposed, and feature eye-catching content to accompany the articles submitted to the magazine. You can burn your images to a CD or DVD, or upload them to our FTP server. Please contact us for FTP upload information.
Railroad Model Craftsman and White River Productions assume no responsibility for the return of unsolicited photographs or articles. We will gladly return your materials as long as they are clearly marked with your name and address and return postage is included. You can mail your materials to:
Railroad Model Craftsman
Attn: Otto M. Vondrak, Editor
P.O. Box 22775
Rochester, NY 14692
RMC Product Reviews
Our staff is always excited to learn about great new products of interest to the model railroaders, including trains, structures, kits, details, books, videos, and more. To have your products considered for review, please send samples to:
Railroad Model Craftsman
Attn: Harry K. Wong
P.O. 16673
San Francisco, CA 94116
Rights and Compensation
Railroad Model Craftsman pays for submissions featured in the print edition after publication. Payment will be processed upon publication of the printed edition. Rates of pay are determined by White River Publications. We cannot process your payment until we have your signed release form on file. Download the release form here.
NOTE: Submissions to the Railroad Model Craftsman web site are contributed gratis.
Questions?
You can contact the staff of Railroad Model Craftsman if you have any questions about the submission process.