Primary area of interest

[grandpopswalt]

I just returned from the eastern states expo train show in Springfield, MA. I was very surprised at the very weak representation of Large Scale, maybe 10% and that’s optimistic. And contrary to the results of this poll I saw very little narrow gauge steam on display in the meager few Large Scale displays. As a matter of fact I don’t recall seeing any NG steam engines running. The primary offerings in LS were modern standard gauge diesels followed by standard gauge transition era diesel and some steam.

This ties in with another recent thread concerning the cost of LS engines. I didn’t fully appreciate just how much more expensive LS is compared to the other scales. For the price of a decent LS diesel engine ($400-$500), you can fully outfit a small HO railroad, tracks, switches, locos, and cars. If LS can’t be made more affordable, it will never become a mainstream segment of the hobby. Even worse it will become the “rich mans” hobby.

Walt

[Anonymous]

I just like to watch them go round

Ian

[Tom The Brat]

Mainline steam. Being just a year older (or 39 years younger) than Mark, I just like steam locos best.

[markperr]

Mainline diesels. Being only 45, I have no recollection of the days of steam and the "romance" associated with them. History for most people only goes back to the day of their birth. Anyway, when I was younger, and was approaching a crossing, if the lights started to flash and I knew I could make it, I'd ru***he gate. Now, I actually find myself slowing down when approaching crossings in hopes that the gates will come down and I can watch a hundred car triple headed dash-9 or SD70 coal or car train pass.

Mark

[Rastun]

Have to say I prefer Steam, but it doesn't matter if it's narrow gauge or standard gauge, I figure as long as the two can't be seen next to each other it won't be a problem [:)]

Take Care,

Jack

[powlee]

I run both. As long as something is running, I am happy. [:)]
All the best
Ian P

[Anonymous]

Rene,
You missed out the 'All' button!
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

[bman36]

Hey Rene,
Transition era outdoors and Narrow Gauge Steam indoors. How's that for covering all the bases??? Now only if it would stop snowing. Later eh...Brian.

[TurboOne]

I love both worlds. Steam always looks and feels awesome. But deisels are fun. Especially making consists.

Tim

[Anonymous]

Steam, Narrow gauge here. Although if this is about being bias one way or the other in terms of future conent then change me to all of the above.

[Anonymous]

I'm just happy to be running trains! If I want to run live narrow gauge live steam Shay with standard guage or even European *gasp* [:O] rolling stock then I will because it's my railway and I can do what I want. If the rivit counters start to cringe, even better!!! [;)] If you don't like it then play with your own trains...
ttyl,
Mark [:D][:D][:D]

[cacole]

Steam narrow gauge, primarily Bachmann 1:20.3 engines and suitable rolling stock as I can find it, such as that made by AMS. I'm saving all of the 1:20.3 scratchbuilder's plans in GR for future use.

[vsmith]

Steam, narrow guage, the smaller the better. Porter tram engine like my LGB's or my Bachmann saddle tankers. I also like critters, alot, and I do have more critters but thats just because there are more small gas engines to chose from in LS.

[grandpopswalt]

Narrow gauge (3 foot) steam set in the post depression era (1936 - 1942). There's something about beat up little trains running on ill-maintained track in a rural setting that says RAILROAD to me. Maybe a little nostalgia for simpler times? Not necessarily better times, just simpler.

Walt

[SandyR]

I've always been a fan of two-foot gauge railroads (Edaville RR comes to mind) and tiny industrial locos and cars. And Porter saddletankers. Since I have a fairly small garden railroad, the LGB Porters and industrial steamers are naturals, along with the LGB shorty cars, and now, a growing fleet of homemade four-wheel stock.
SandyR

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Born 1940 in an area that had little or no public transportation, 2 & 1/2 hour drive from Wildwood, NJ to Phila to do back to school or Christmas shopping. Not a lot of selection in stores in Atlantic City and still 1 & 1/4 hr drive one way. A lot of people rode the Penna - Reading Seashore Lines to Camden - Phila in the late 40's - 50's - and even the early 60's to do special shopping or see specialist doctors!

My memories are of the period of transition, so that's what trains mean to me.

[Anonymous]

Rene
steam and diesel , most of mine are diesel, BEN

[Rene Schweitzer]

Surprise! [:D]
I've posted a poll on a Monday, just to keep you guys alert.

If you checked other, please tell us what is is.

Happy Monday!