Disagree with the Editor in two articles

[Anonymous]

In the September 2003 Editor's article, Neil lists the best cities for model railroading and the only city near the West coast was Seattle! Could this be because the magazine is based in the midwest/East? I think so, because how could an oversight like this have happened? I suppose lots of "factors were figured into our picks of these cities" and blah, blah, blah......

What about San Diego?? I suppose that the largest OPERATING model railroad exhibit in all of North America, Five model railroad layouts and an interactive toy train gallery, over 24,000 square feet of model train layouts and a computerized display panel isn't enough to qualify? Not to mention the best place in the U.S. to watch REAL trains. You can't beat watching "The coaster" go past the Star of India and all those cruise ships! Not to mention the trolley system is a delight!

And in an old March 2003 Editor's article (I just found this issue!) Neil states that a layout shoud not be built strong as a house. I disagree again. I am 300 pounds and can't put a hatch everywhere one is needed. My layout had to be built with crawling on top in mind. And no offense to Neil, but judging by HIS photograph, HE better build his layouts strong as a house as well!

As Dennis Miller says, "It's just my opinion and I'm sticking to it."

[yellowducky]

I also think benchwork needs to very strong, and heavy! More because children, and adults, (like to) bump or lean. When I do a program at a library or for the parks dept., I plan on having to catch stuff before it hits the floor. That's part of "taking the show on the road". But when I'm at home or our mid-week club, who wants to always be ready to "play catch"? Also, when kids are involved, there's always a climber![:)] Be prepared and play safe.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by yellowducky

I also think benchwork needs to very strong, and heavy! More because children, and adults, (like to) bump or lean. When I do a program at a library or for the parks dept., I plan on having to catch stuff before it hits the floor. That's part of "taking the show on the road". But when I'm at home or our mid-week club, who wants to always be ready to "play catch"? Also, when kids are involved, there's always a climber![:)] Be prepared and play safe.

And Ducky, with my family, my 3 year old is our "monkey." He's always up there getting things that our "grabber" won't reach, etc. It seems I always disagree with Neil's columns lately. I don't mean to. I set out reading each issue with an open mind and I just fall flat each time I read one of his columns lately. Sorry Neil.

[Bob Keller]

One great thing about this hobby is that there is no model railroad police to determine what's right or wrong! People can build a layout to suit themselves.

While I normally build my benchwork strong enough to ride out an air raid beneath it, other guys prefer light/portable. About 10 years ago I built a layout using modules to go around a spare bedroom. I built it with light wood and fairly light legs that could be unscrewed for movement (I knew I had several home moves ahead of me). Now, it's going to take high explosives to get me out of my home, so everything is 2x4 and quarter inch bolts!

Bob Keller
Classic Toy Trains

[wallyworld]

I too used to think sturdier was better until I had to disassemble a large G Gauge layout and then rent a drop off to scrap all the wood I had to laboriously cut up and carry board by board up the stairs, when it came time to move to NC . Now I live in a land without basements and I have to share space and be willing and able to move it easily out of the way. Even if I could utilize a basement the very thought of having to go through that again is enough to pursue alternatives. I learned the hard way, nothing is forever.