What does "semi-scale" mean?

[Anonymous]

MTH has a definite distinction between it's Premier line (which is scale) and the Railking line (which isn't always scale), but Lionel calls some of their items scale, some items semi scale and some items O-27. They haven't ever given (that I know of) a definitive definition of what "semi-scale" means. I like to work with scale trains and the "semi-scale" engines and cars measure out to be Scale, what is Lionel trying to say? Anybody have any the answer or any ideas?

[thirdrail1]

Actually, any train that operates on center third rail track with deep flanges is really only "semi-scale", but there are items that Lionel calls "semi-scale" that may be correct dimensionally but have modifications to operate on Lionel "standard O" track, whereas "scale" items require "O72". O27 trains are representations, not models.

[raysaron]

For any model railroad, the scale is set by the
gauge of the track. Beyond that, we accept many semi-scale features on all our models. Most wheel flanges (in all scales) are not to scale. Most turnout angles and track radii are not to scale. Most couplers are oversize.

To me, semi-scale means that an obvious visual compromise has been made with the scale of a feature on a model. To my eye, some 40' freight cars by Lionel might be scale length, but their height doesn't look proportional (semi-scale). And I will admit that I am comfortable with the not-to-scale flanges on my N-scale wheels and my minds image says "N-scale".

Its all in the eye of the beholder.

Ray