CSX - As someone who has had a number of photos published in MR and RMC over the years, let me offer some tips regarding your photos.
First off, the publishers like shots that include (and have identified) a number of hobby products (vehicles, structures, unusual locomotives). Always list the maker of the items shown, including the source(s) of scenery items.
Second - virtually all portions of the image MUST be in sharp focus, unless you are going for some particular effect. If you have editing software, crop out any soft-looking portions of the image. ALWAYS shoot all your shots at maximum resolution and the absolute maximum f-stop possible with your camera (I typically shoot at between f/27 and f/35). Avoid any Macro settings.
Third - depict something specific and interesting going on, or shoot a rather spectacular/unusual scene - i.e. looking up at a train crossing a trestle, river, highline, etc. Mundane shots don't make the cut.
Fourth - try to get in closer to the action while keeping everything in focus. Perspectives as if seen through the eyes of an 1/87 bystander are attention getters, as sometimes are shots as if looking down from an overpass or building (roundhouse, tower, etc.) at the top of an approaching/passing train. Avoid "helicopter" shots.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, have the image tell some kind of story, especially one that includes some excellent human figures going about their work. Then too, carefully read over Kalmbach's guidelines for submitting photos for publication - repeatedly! And it is also a good practice to carefully look over the photos that have been published over the last year, so as to gain a feel for the "style" of photo MR is looking for. In 15 years of submitting photos to them, I've only ever had one image rejected.
CNJ999