Don't bail out Bill!
O scale has had some quarrels, but in the end what benefits one group
benefits them all. I think the usage of the term "scale" to mean something
other than a modelling ratio comes from O. We have come to denote the three
disciplines as O scale 2 rail, Hi-rail, and tin plate. Most tin plate guys are
toy collectors. Hi-rail guys are true modellers who for one reason or another
decided not to re-motor, re-wheel, and re-track their holdings. They generally
use everything scale including couplers. "Scale" guys are usually either new
to O scale, or are old-timers who have always been 2 rail, some of whom still
use code 172 rail, but without the third rail, which removes them from the
hi-rail community. Got all that? O scale shows are either "scale" 2 rail, or
tin plate/high rail. Separate conventions, separate shows. Having said that,
there is a great deal of respect among most 2 railers for the hi-rail folks.
They are wonder full craftsmen, with great looking
layouts. There are a few 2 railers who make a fuss, but honestly unless
someone posts indiscreet pictures (showing the unmentionable 3rd rail), who
could tell the difference?
If it weren't for the Hi-railers, O scale would be where it was in the 70s
and 80s...on a respirator gasping for breath. I'm sure that S scale hi-railers
have had an equally beneficial impact on S scale's health. 9 out of every O
scale locomotives that are imported goes to a Hi-railer. The other one is
fitted for 2 rail. We'd be fools not to appreciate their contribution. Just
to set the record straight, I'm still a moderator on the O Scale Kings group.
I love O scale, but that doesn't prevent me from loving S scale as well, and it
doesn't prevent me from appreciating good model ling from Hi-railers.
Don't leave, Bill. I'm a Baptist pastor as well as a mechanical engineer.
If you think this group bickers, you should get a good load of the bickering
that goes on in these areas! One group has a Biblical mandate, the other has
scientific analysis to argue over. What do we train buffs have for a basis to
argue except our own personal preference? We all need folks who love what
they're doing to bring a "Moderating" influence to the table. That's what a
"moderator" does, not eliminate dissent.
I hope I haven't jumped in too soon. Now you know another one of my secrets.
I have trouble keeping my mouth shut. My mother had a plaque on the kitchen
wall inspired by me. "Even a fish wouldn't get into trouble IF IT KEPT ITS
MOUTH SHUT"!
Ed Kozlowsky
Sanford, Maine
Bill Lane <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hang the Moderators! No wait...I AM A moderator. Scratch that last idea.
This whole thing is getting really silly and I am truly getting tired of it.
This street used to be a nice place to live and play S trains. But no...
There is this nagging pain about harping over .020 + - in rail height that
keeps getting regurgitated like a 6 month old herring. We have suffered a
casualty already. John Bell scooted at 7:00. He is tired of the bickering.
So am I...
Speaking of moderators, there are going openings soon since I don?t seem to
have what it takes to keep this hovel happy. That?s right.. if it sounds
like you want to be a moderator in the vein of "I can make it better", I
can put in the good word to Ted for you. There are no benefits to the job.
It also takes a lot away from your precious modeling time. You are always
wrong to someone and can never make everyone happy. It?s a real hoot! Let me
know and I will send you the application. What's that? Do I hear crickets
chirping?...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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