The models from neither of these companies are perfect representations of their supposed prototypes. They are, however, as is the case with with most mass-produced models from most mass-production manufacturers in most scales, "as close as you're gonna get" to fidelity in S scale. If you want near perfection, you have to look to the small-time, short-run manufacturers such as Smoky Mountain Model Works (for plastic/urethane/similar) models or the brass manufacturers who focus on specific prototypes for specific roads with a little-to-no-compromise approach to accuracy.
This is NOT to say that SHS and AM do not offer some very nice models. But unless you're a freelance or 'generic' modeler who does not model a sprcific prototype, be prepared to do some upgrading and modification to just about anything you buy... in ANY scale. I have even had to modify some HO scale models from Proto 2000 in the past (the SD-45 loco to be specific) to get them to correctly represent the prototype, so having to do so with anything available in S should be no surprise. John Degnan [email protected] [email protected] www.trainweb.org/seaboard/s-scale.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: Scott To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 01:42 AM Subject: {S-Scale List} Confused, really really confused... Rather than hijack someones thread I am starting a new one concerning AM and SHS models that people are always modifying. I was under the impression that these two companies produced accurate scale models. However all I see are postings modifying, changing and or bashing the offering from these two companies that seem to be the current backbone of S scale. What is going on? I am new to the scale and it just keeps getting more and more confusing. Are their offerings scale and just missing a great deal of detail? Are they inaccurate and have to be changed? Are they just semi-representational and have to be reworked to provide an accurate model? Can someone please offer some illumination to this this endless confusion and frustration??? Scott Huston Las Vegas Nevada
