I have suggested before that we change our termonology somewhat and rid
ourselves of the AF catagory. In fact right now, if I were starting out
with one of the new Lionel/AF engines with scale wheels, I would have to
answer that I was an AF only member, when in fact I was really in
'scale'! This doesn't make sense!
Just imagine this...you attend the next show in the Dallas region. I'm
going to pick on those guys because they have two layouts one hirail and
the other somewhat scale from what I hear.
I walk up and ask someone--who made that neat diesel?
"Oh, that's a new offering from Lionel and it's running with an Am
Models SD-60".
Well I just have a bunch of old AF in the attic--will they fit my track?
Somebody answers back..."Well it'll fit your old AF track if you get the
right wheels for either of them. Now our layout uses..."
Now the question is--which layout did I visit????? The answer is either
or both--it just doesn't make much difference anymore.
I wished I still had my copy of a paperback book that Gilbert put out
making the case for S in comparison with 3 rail of the time. They
concluded, if my memory is correct, that Gilbert AF S gauge products
were indeed hi-rail. Why do we have to divide ourselves into so many
divisions. If Gilbert could make that statement in the mid 50's why
can't we accept that 65 years later?
Bob Werre
On 2/20/13 8:54 AM, Peter Vanvliet wrote:
Chris,
Here are the facts from the NASG Online Membership:
17% is A.F. only (no other interests).
13% is scale only (no other interests).
3% is hi-rail only (no other interests).
0.3% is narrow gauge only (no other interests).
There are zero collectors-only with no other interests.
70% has expressed interest in A.F. in addition other interests
(hi-rail, scale, narrow gauge, etc.)
