I really don't see any conflict or any storm clouds. Yes there are
differences between different types of modelers and there should be. If
I like NG so be it, if I model the PRR so be it--as a modeler I will
find common ground and respect for those divisions.
However the divisions in rail-size I see as a major thing--now most rail
for all of us will be between # 70 and the #130 size we're discussing
(I'm sure where to put AM's #148 size but it now seems to be the odd
size). It used to be from #70 to #225 (I think that is what the AF, KL
and GG rail was). That's a big step that has happened over the last
couple of years--a short time span!
Much of what is just now happening somewhat parallels the automotive
hobby. There comes a time when and where neat old cars end up in Jay
Leno's collection. He might bring them out and run them but they are
mostly shelf-bound! Not too many of us would drive a hand-crank
starter, a Stanley Steamer or expect to find a selection of 6 volt
batteries in the local Walmart. So if you're a collector great, but if
you're into actually running trains in a semi-realistic manner you're
going to want things a bit easier and better looking from the start.
The next meeting place should be the coupler as Pieter has indicated. I
don't worry so much about the current as there is no difference in
appearance between currents. The rest is mostly personal opinion,
preferences. Take Roy Hoffman who has blended EBT with heavy mainline
stuff. Brook's Stover's newer layout is much more scale-like than than
his prior layout that used some of the AF engines and accessories. So
if you combine these fine layouts you'll see mostly differences that
come from preferences. This is what makes going on a convention type
tour so great--you get to see all this neat stuff coming from different
places and different minds.
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
On 7/13/12 11:29 AM, [email protected] wrote:
Oh boy, Bob... I can't wait to see the flame-storm that arises from
your comments (below)... if they get taken the way most of my similar
comments have been taken in the past.
But seriously... fear not, for it is not only track that divides S
scalers... there are other things like AC vs. DC vs. DCC... and things
like standard gauge vs. narrow gauge... and things like eastern road
models vs. western road modelers vs northern road modelers vs southern
road modelers... and American road modelers vs. foreign road
modelers... and let us not dare forget my favorite hobby-horse - AF
couplers vs. Kadee couplers vs. Sergent couplers.
So there will always be some kind of division in S scale... even
if people like me had never ventured into S scale.
John Degnan
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From: *"Bob Werre" <[email protected]>
*To: *[email protected]
*Sent: *Friday, July 13, 2012 10:31:25 AM
*Subject: *Re: {S-Scale List} track
This is actually a very good thing when things from the hi-rail world
come very close to the scale world. Just maybe the old nearly
forgotten slogan of being United might actually start to apply.
Maybe now we can gradually get rid of all that really over sized rail
like 172, Gargraves, original AF, K Line, etc.
It would be interesting to see how many of the typical AF operators
have switched to SHS track in the past or with the Lionel offerings
will change in the near future. However, I know that Peter and Bill
are cringing already, but I just find it interesting from a junior
high kid's perspective who went through that a long time ago.
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
