> Dear Ed,
> I think you are right. You should only
> respond to this list using
> your American computer...
> Don Thompson
> Don has an extremely valid point in this post.
> One that needs reflecting on. It has nothing to
> do with S Scale of course, well kind of ,
> but no, really, it is a much bigger picture.
> Rusty Rustermier
Friends Don & Rusty...
It appears to me this discussion has veered way off topic since I have never
mentioned anything about computers or any other imported products. I have
responded to those folks who have stated they wanted to buy American-made S
scale products.
The point of my messages is there is no need to merely wish for American-made S
scale products because there are some that are already available. Folks like
Jim King (Smokey Mountain Model Works) has several USA-produced S scale
products. If Jim's kits are beyond your abilities, you can hire an American to
assemble, paint and letter the kit for you. I'd bet that BTS also has some
made-in-the-USA products as well. So why not support your American wish with a
check?
Looking a bit farther into the future, a new-to-S manufacturer is currently
hard at work on Made-in-America convention cars for the 2011 "S"acto
convention. Actually, two different cars and a load as well. In both kit form
and ready-to-run (RTR). So if you want an American-made RTR car, it is just
around the corner and orders are now being accepted. With success, the
make-it-in-America movement can expand. Without orders, it will not grow
nearly as fast if at all. It is a consumer choice.
My messages on this topic have nothing to do with the bigger economic picture
of imports vs exports vs domestic production vs unemployment, etc. If folks
openly wished for an imported S scale product, I would happily point them
toward one of the importers specializing in that type of mechandise -- like
SHS, DPH, Lionel, RRM, SouthWind Models, AM, etc. Note that I have not
advocated one being better than the others. I am helping potential S customers
find what they have stated they are looking for. Which is "best" is for them
to decide, not me.
The message pertaining to the country of origin of my computer is a red
herring. If someone can point me toward an American-made computer the next
time I need one, I would seriously consider it. No problem there. For years I
honestly looked for an American-made automobile at the same quality level as my
Swedish Volvo and Japanese Toyota and simply could not find one at any
reasonable or unreasonable price. Over the years I have owned cars made by
Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, Ford, VW, Mercury, Triumph and a few others. Most of
them broke down prematurely whereas my Volvo is still going strong well past
the 120,000 mark without any major repairs and darn few minor ones not counting
wear & tear items.
But what does any of this have to do with helping someone find an S scale
product for which they are looking? Nothing! Be careful of red herrings
because they will lead you astray every time. My computer is irrelevant to
this topic -- just like my shirt and pants. Not to mention my Heineken.
End of semi-political rant....Ed L.
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