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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by grandpopswalt Hey Cappy, Here we are again. I just read an interesting article in the April 5 issue of Time about a discussion group movement called Socrates Caf'e that's apparently sweeping the country. They meet in Coffee houses, libraries, etc. Sounds as though it might be right up your alley. Regarding the standardization of G gauge scale, it would be the right thing to do but it will probably be many years, if ever, before it happens. There are too many mfg's who have already taken their own road. They've each got a major investment in tooling that would be too expensive to redo or replace. Besides, there are now brand loyal hobbyists who have also invested heavily in a particular brand and feel that their scale is the "right one". I think reaching concensus would be very difficult. I've felt for a long time that we should start a new 'American' standard and that it should be 1/24 scale for narrow gauge (1/2" = 1') using true 3' gauge track. Our current G gauge track is 45 MM between-the-rails, obviously a european standard whose genesis was probably in Germany or England (I'm not a big fan of metrification). Perhaps some gutsy manufacturer would take a chance and bring us a whole new line of true 3' gauge (in 1/24) equipment including track (1 1/2" between-the-rails), locos, cars, etc. As I've stated before, there is already a huge supply of auto and truck models offered in 1/24 scale in both diecast and plastic. They would be properly scaled to go along with this new line of trains. Most of the existing rolling stock could probably be used on the new gauge track simply by changing the trucks. LGB and Bachmann cars are 1/22.5 and would look so much better running on the narrower gauge track (code 250 or 215). Now imagine, if we did indeed standarize on 1/24 and that same manufacturer came out with a new line of standard gauge trains which run on 2 3/8" gauge track (4' - 8 1/2"). We'd now be able to run mainline trains and narrow gauge together. The possiblilities are very exciting. However, I realize that many modellers who have large and well established layouts would not embrace this idea. But it might be appealing to folks who are just getting started or the guys who only have a small loop of track on the ground. What the heck, there's nothing standard about this hobby now, why not throw yet another variable into the mess. Walt [/quote] Walt, Thanks for the kind words; I’ll look into that Socrates Café movement. There are a few coffee clubs and roundtables that meet in Corpus Christi, Texas, but I live in Premont (a 70 mile drive). Plus I teach the 8th Grade, I do look forward to a time when I can indulge in free and open debate in the Aristotelian and Socratic Method. But for now I will have to settle for “Aristo-Craft” tracks and the relative anonymity of the Internet Debate forum. I’ve given some thought about how companies could move slowly to a standard scale gauge. It would have benefits for all those involved. Stage 1: All the major manufacturers could agree to develop a set of standards and begin a special line (small at first) for these standards and continue their other lines. This would allow retooling of factories in a gradual manner. Stage 2: Current “multi-scale” lines would slowly be discontinued and automatically attain some sort of “antique” status. This would raise the price of these rapidly disappearing scale items and allow new people to begin in the hobby. In the Civil Air Patrol we were faced with a change in our radio frequencies to a narrow band, we were given seven years to update and modify equipment. This gradual change was resisted at first, however people yielded to the change since time was allotted for said change. This is what would happen in this case, and as I have stated, people who model out of the standard will have instant collectors items with the respect of all. Stage 3: “Old timer”s to the hobby would not be left in the cold. I am sure that companies will develop or current companies would continue to produce materials for this group. It seems as if this would not be such an inconvenience, since currently there is no standardization and many people fabricate a lot of their structures. I am confident that, after a transition period for “settling in,” this would attract new people to the hobby and make a vast improvement to the current debacle when it comes to sales. Just a few suggestions…have at it my fine associates! I await the first salvo! Again, thank you.
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