Can¹t quite agree with you Ed, on the ³fictional, mythical and fantasy² comment about On30. All of the Bachmann On30 stuff is based on prototype narrow gauge, and while it is true that their detailing and quality control leaves a bit to be desired, the basic engines and rolling stock are pretty darn good. And the hard core rivet counters will observe that HO track is not absolutely correct gauge for On30 (off by about 1/64th inch), for most ³mature² eyes it is close enough.
Roy Inman From: Ed Loizeaux <[email protected]> Reply-To: S-Scale <[email protected]> Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2013 21:27:31 +0000 To: S-Scale <[email protected]> Subject: {S-Scale List} Growth of other scales...... > > I just saw the large Bachman On30 ad <snip> > > they are all passing us in popularity! > > Bill (Fraley) > Any guesses as to why? On30 looks pretty good and doesn't currently have a bunch of self-righteous malcontents chipping away at its supposed "shortcomings", etc.. > boB Nicholson Gents.... Regarding the "passing", N scale passed us first. Then G scale. Now it is On3. Nothing here that is new. It has been going on for decades. Regarding On30, it is 99% fictional, mythical and fantasy. Thus, nobody can criticize it for not being faithful to the prototype. The On30 guys are just having fun with economical trains that are roughly twice the size of HO. Nothing to be malcontented about. As to "why", we can only surmise the answer to that question. Perhaps the lack of an RTR track system that looks very realistic to a scale modeler? (Sorry, but AF and MTH sectional track do not qualify as being realistic enough even though they are both an improvement over sectional track by A.C.Gilbert.) Perhaps the unbreakable connection with AF in the minds of many? Perhaps the relative lack of equipment? Perhaps all of the above? Who knows? Enjoying what I have and not worrying about the future. Cheers....Ed L.
