--- In [email protected], "Thomas Stoltz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> What is what? To me, it is all a question of your rail choice,
I suppose there are a thousand opinions out there, but in my mind it
really is very simple. If the track and wheels meet the NASG's
scale specifications, then you are operating a "scale" layout. If
the track and wheels and couplers are made by American Flyer or
Lionel, then you are operating an "American Flyer" layout or
a "Flyonel" layout depending on your sense of humor. All else,
including the so-called AF-compatible products, fall into that never-
never land called "hi-rail" which is a nickname for "high" rail
because the rail is larger than true scale rail. That is the simple
explanation -- at least according to my dictionary -- which is
probably quite different from the dictionary in someone else's
library.
Taking it a bit farther, a scale layout might be defined as running
with scale wheels, scale track and couplers equal to or smaller than
the Kadee S scale coupler. All three of these criteria must be met
in order to be considered a true S scale layout.
Further, a hi-rail layout should, in theory, have at least one of
the three key items -- wheels, track and couplers -- be "more
realistic" (whatever that means) than a pure AF layout in order to
be considered a genuine hi-rail layout. After all, the only reason
that hi-rail exists is because there are many folks who desire
greater realism than that offered by American Flyer. If none of the
three key items are more realistic than AF, than it is probably an
AF layout.
> it
> has nothing to do with scenery, accessories or couplers (though
they are a
> statement, of course).
I would agree with the scenery and accessories part, but I would
disagree with the coupler aspect. See comments above. Scale rails
and scale wheels and AF couplers would not, in my opinion,
constitute an operating scale layout. Neither would it be an AF
layout. Thus, this hypothetical situation should properly be
categorized as a hi-rail layout.
> If you use scale rail and run brass engines on a
> plywood tabletop with ACG accessories, aren't you still running
scale?
Well that would depend on the wheels/flanges of the brass engine.
Some are made to be AF-compatible and some are pure scale. If the
wheels meet NASG scale specs, then it is a scale loco. If not, it
ain't a scale loco. Using my dictionary, it would also depend on
what kind of couplers are being used. To truly be a scale layout
requires that wheels, rail and couplers ALL be accurately sized and
realistic. Obviously, there are some judgement calls to be made
regarding the realism aspects, but NASG specs cover a lot of
territory with the track and wheels.
> Does the NASG have any definitions regarding this?
NASG has defined scale wheels and scale track very well. Not being
an AF or hi-rail guy, I don't know about the other areas of interest.
> If they don't, would
> anyone like to make a proposal?
This is a difficult arena since NASG has no way to enforce it's AF
standards on large corporations like Lionel or the former K-Line.
Hi-rail enthusiasts vary all over the map and, in my opinion,
achieving a group agreement on standards would be almost
impossible. Some hi-rail guys only change the couplers, others
change only the track, others change everything. Everyone has their
own ideas about what is important. I tend to think this is akin to
tilting windmills and herding cats.
> I have my ideas, but I'll wait to here yours.
> Tom Stoltz
OK, now it its your turn.
Have fun with this......Cheers...Ed L.
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