--- In [email protected], "gsc3" <gsc3@...> wrote:
>
> For those who are truly concerned about S scale growing I thought I would
> share some thoughts. I bought the Model Railroader back issue DVD from
> Kalmbach. I've been reading a lot of the late 40's and early fifties issues.
> In those issues are plenty of S supplier support. There are quite a few
> articles on building in S. There are kids buying American Flyer. There are
> prototype passenger trains to ride and stations to go down to. During this
> period S grew according to MR to 8%.
One thing that has not been mentioned is the change that ocurred after WWII in
housing and materials availability. That time saw the beginning of the smaller
tract homes which meant smaller room sizes. The standard 4'x8' sheet of
plywood became readily available. Using the track sections Gilbert had
available it is almost impossible to fit a layout in that size that will allow
two train operation. It would be even worse trying to fit a layout onto a 4'x6'
size that will slide under a double bed for storage.
Have we lost sight of where and how a new S modeler would begin a layout? I
would think the majority will start by wanting to have a continuous loop to see
the train run. The younger beginners will naturally set up on the floor.
Building a "train table" comes later. Finding space in many homes away from
the north presents it's own set of problems. We are not all blessed with
basements or attic space.
After watching them run for a while the newer modeler will then want to add
turnouts for additional routing options. Developing an interest in switching,
car routing, and other operations comes later. Then the interest in longer
runs and subsequent layout redesign and rebuilding. How many of us can
honestly say that our layout plans have never changed and we are still working
on our original layout 30-40 years later?
I certainly cannot fault what Lionel, MTH, American Models, and S Helper did or
plan to do. They have all recognized that the majority of S is American Flyer
based and are trying to ensure compatibility. At the same time they either
have or are beginning to recognize the need for better detailing and scale
compatibility. I do see a need for smaller locomotives (SW,NW,F,GP types) to
be readily available. I would also like to see the manufacturers continue the
type of service we had with S Helper. The ability to customize a trainset was
a major positive that could only help sell to a new modeler.
Would a better approach be to build a small, portable layout that could be
demonstrated at train shows or other locations? In my home area the two most
popular show layouts are the 3 rail O gauge and the HO layout that is highly
detailed and has "Spot the XXXX" questions posted on the fascia. They have
scale tigers, alligators, and many other whimsical features that are semi
hidden. These help the youngsters maintain a longer attention span which is
necessary to build a kit or that first layout.
Enough thoughts from this diseased mind 8'). Now back to my 1-1/2" scale.....
Lynn Ray
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[email protected]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
