Hi Group, I have sat back and watched these "threads" the past several days, waiting to respond.
1st. This is the "S-Scale" list? correct?? or did that change??? I'm also on the S-Trains (& S-gauge) which covers Am Flyer & such. I also get the Proto-64 list. That being said, if some guys got their knickers in a bind because certain people voiced their want of "Scale" models & authentic details, "those" that got upset were on the wrong list. Personally I strive for authentic detail, correct Road names & numbers, etc. 2nd. Lionel - AF. I'm glad to see that they have & are in process of making these new offerings, however I am very disappointed by the lack of correct prototypical details & the high prices. For example the Cylindrical Hoppers, like that, in my opinion are worth about $20 maybe $25, which is still high, when you compare to the details and price of SHS rolling stock. As Michael O. said something like ... if I'm gonna pay $70-$80 for an r-t-r car, it better run good & be accurate, I couldn't agree more. 3rd. Guys, don't take this personal. It's *cringe* Toy trains. While the hobby is one of my bright spots in life, as well as researching for the Book on Minneapolis-Moline History, it's just a hobby. Sure some of us try to "recreate life in miniature" and make museum quality pieces. Since I suffered some major Health problems a few years ago, and have lost a few friends & family in this realm to the next realm. It's just toy trains. Have fun, make the best of it & share. Get kids involved, get friends involved, have that neighbor that likes trains over to share, as he just might not be able to afford the hobby on his own. Life is a struggle for many, hobbies can help, even if they are a friends of neighbors hobby, that share's. I got my start in Model Railroading, because a neighbor knew I like trains, and let me come over and operate his HO basement layout. Without that, I would not have the same model RR interest that I do have. 4th ... trim your messages. I know we all forget sometimes, but many of us get the "digest" and hate scrolling past the same old messages multiple times to read the part of message that is "new" in re-cap. There is NOTHING wrong with Hi-Rail and American Flyer trains, but that is a different list. Some Flyer can me detailed to "S-Scale" models, and then they do fit here. Let's get back "on track" to constructive modeling, letter writing campaigns to Lionel & other manufacturers letting them know what we S-scalers really want, etc. It's fine to discuss differenced of opinion with other modelers, but don't take it personal, don't get mad. Unfortunately, this "divide" in S-scale has been here for along time, if not the whole time, and probably won't be going away. It's confusion is why many people look at S scale (or gauge) from other scales, but decide NOT to model in S, because of the confusion between Scale, Gauge, A.C., D.C, etc..... Let's be happy, as one member said, this "is" the Golden Age of S scale. if not, it's the 2nd Golden Age, so lets make the best of it, & don't forget the "S mentality" buy it when it's available, because it won't be available long. :) as the Late Paul Harvey would say, "Good Day" ~ Martin
