Brothers and sisters, I have a dream. I have a dream that some day we will judge one another by the quality of our work, and not by the size of our trains.
The debate rages on about whether scale is a lifestyle choice or if we are born into it. Some of us became unhappy in our scale and switched over, finally finding fulfillment in a new scale. Others say that's unnatural, and an affront to decency.
People of the majority scale often treat the minority scales as a novelty. From that viewpoint come hurtful stereotypes. "N scale is for coffee tables." "O scale is for Christmas trees." "Z scale is for briefcases."
The minority scales must fight this repression! Fight it not with sticks and stones, but with operating schemes, good scenery, and prototype fidelity! Show them that while our trains may not be the same size, our hearts are! We must show the majority scale that we are a force that will not be silenced! We will not be kept off the pages of MR or excluded from the MR sweepstakes prizes! WE SHALL OVERCOME!
Oh well, lunch break over... Now back to something serious. Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: This thread is in no way meant to make light of any real social inequities, of any well-known speeches, or of any real person, living or dead. Its intent is simply to make light of the issue of scale in model railroading from the context of a hypothetical struggle. There. Now my lawyer's happy!
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
I was glad to see "Great Model Railroads" including a three-rail O scale layout, as a former "hi-railer" (running 1:48 scale equipment on three-rail track) I've never understood why there's such a huge divide between the two. I could have all scale figures, autos, freight cars, loco's, buildings etc., and running a fully-scenicked layout, but as soon as someone found out I used three-rail track they assumed I was a toy train collector with a layout with eight trains whizzing around in circles with crossbucks ten times scale size and a little man dumping milk cans onto a platform.
That being said, I have to admit when I was in O (I'm in HO now) it was fun at train shows to go over and tease the N-gaugers. "Oh, those little trains are just SO cute!!"
I am always offended that modeling the 1870's using OO scale on HO track doesn't get more coverage in MR. We are an active group in the hobby that should get more press.
ROFLOL. People need to get a life, most "minority scales" have their own magazines.
Harold
hminky wrote: ROFLOL. People need to get a life, most "minority scales" have their own magazines. Harold
OKay, I'm guessing that my smiley faces didn't fully convey the completely tongue-in-cheek manner in which this was offered...
I KNOW you were kidding, Dave, and so was I. I was just setting the tone for the 4th page of the thread.
Goody! I'll go get my popcorn!!!
When I started my N scale layout, I was torn. Would my friends accept me for who I am or look at my layout and make me an outcast? It took some time before I came to terms with my scale and proudly proclaimed, "I'M IN N SCALE, I'M HERE, GET OVER IT".
Dave, I got it and thanks for the laugh.
mls1621 wrote: When I started my N scale layout, I was torn. Would my friends accept me for who I am or look at my layout and make me an outcast? It look time before I came to terms with my scale and proudly proclaimed, "I'M IN N SCALE, I'M HERE, GET OVER IT".Dave, I got it and thanks for the laugh.
When I started my N scale layout, I was torn. Would my friends accept me for who I am or look at my layout and make me an outcast? It look time before I came to terms with my scale and proudly proclaimed, "I'M IN N SCALE, I'M HERE, GET OVER IT".
Thank you for coming out to us. We N scalers are a proud bunch. We are not ashamed!
You know Dave you have a unique writing style!
Either taken as "tongue-in-cheek" or satire, your post is going to stir up some emotions, as do many of your thought provoking topics.
Typically though, when people say they are joking about something, I usually wonder how much of what they say is really to be taken lightly or seriously.
Anyway, I don't believe in scale-ism!
Ryan BoudreauxThe Piedmont Division Modeling The Southern Railway, Norfolk & Western & Norfolk Southern in HO during the merger eraCajun Chef Ryan
you guys are so funny! I'm into HO but I just suggested to my wife that I keep all my HO stuff at the club and model in N gauge at home to save space and get more RR per foot.
My home layout is in a 13x11 foot room, but I also have my home based graphic design studio in there. -2 desks, computer, printer, ect.
The look on my wife's face... NOW THAT WAS FUNNY!!!
I really am trying to get that done!
This past Saturday my neighbor (a fellow N scaler) and I attended a party with a group of HO scale firends and were inducted into there Thursday night group. It was a very formal affair, including the presentation of shirts with group logos.
We've been working on one of the groups new layout. When asked how we like working with HO, I proudly commented, "I think this large scale stuff in great. I've always thought garden railroads were cool".
They all got the sarcasm and we all had a good laugh. Any scale is great.
By the way, I really do like garden layouts, the folliage looks so real.
YES! When will MR call 30" gauge narrow O scale modeling On30 and NOT On2-1/2?
It's NOT TUNA HALF!!
Bob Boudreau
CANADA
Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/
Dave Vollmer wrote:...People of the majority scale often treat the minority scales as a novelty. From that viewpoint come hurtful stereotypes. "N scale is for coffee tables." "O scale is for Christmas trees." "Z scale is for briefcases."...
And once again S scale gets left out. Not even good enough to be a minority scale.
The loneliness of the true minority scale.
We would rise up, but I can't find the other guy in S scale.
Enjoy
Paul
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
Are trying to outdo the "Toast" thread Dave?
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Dave Vollmer wrote:Brothers and sisters, I have a dream. I have a dream that some day we will judge one another by the quality of our work, and not by the size of our trains.The debate rages on about whether scale is a lifestyle choice or if we are born into it. Some of us became unhappy in our scale and switched over, finally finding fulfillment in a new scale. Others say that's unnatural, and an affront to decency.People of the majority scale often treat the minority scales as a novelty. From that viewpoint come hurtful stereotypes. "N scale is for coffee tables." "O scale is for Christmas trees." "Z scale is for briefcases."The minority scales must fight this repression! Fight it not with sticks and stones, but with operating schemes, good scenery, and prototype fidelity! Show them that while our trains may not be the same size, our hearts are! We must show the majority scale that we are a force that will not be silenced! We will not be kept off the pages of MR or excluded from the MR sweepstakes prizes! WE SHALL OVERCOME!Oh well, lunch break over... Now back to something serious. Enjoy!DISCLAIMER: This thread is in no way meant to make light of any real social inequities, of any well-known speeches, or of any real person, living or dead. Its intent is simply to make light of the issue of scale in model railroading from the context of a hypothetical struggle. There. Now my lawyer's happy!
I can't read my screen for tall the Root Beer on it. Dave there should have been a warning about nose-spewing.
I'm not scalist, I hate all scales equally. I only model HO because it's what I have always known. When my brother got N scale I only shunned him a little bit, and when my uncle got into N scale I actually broke down and bought him an engine to remind him of his childhood home (two edged sword...sure it was for the Long Island RR but, would you want to be reminded of the Bronx?). But I come before you all a poor miserable sinner asking...nay begging to be absolved, for I have seen the light. The guiding light and it is the oncoming train and the end of the tunnel.
MisterBeasley wrote:We hold these tracks to be self-evident, that all gauges are created equal, that they are endowed by their Modeller with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Steam, Diesel and the pursuit of Traction. - That to secure these rights, Train Clubs are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from AC, DC or DCC.
among Men
Mr. B watch out or we'll have women of all ages running pink versions of UP bigboys!
Dave;
AMANNNNNNNNN!! I have a real good collection of "HO" But I'am haveing more fun in "N"scale!
HUMMMM wonder if those HO trees will look ok in "N"
JIM
Why is it always about the size?
Kenfolk wrote: Why is it always about the size?
Interesting question. My newer HO stuff runs smoother than almost any blue box I've repowered with a mashima or sagami. The GP 38 and 40 run almost silently until about 70% power or so.
anyway, how does N compare to HO in performance? I can now run my HO stuff slower than the protype can go if I want to.
Dave Vollmer wrote: Brothers and sisters, I have a dream. I have a dream that some day we will judge one another by the quality of our work, and not by the size of our trains.The debate rages on about whether scale is a lifestyle choice or if we are born into it. Some of us became unhappy in our scale and switched over, finally finding fulfillment in a new scale. Others say that's unnatural, and an affront to decency.People of the majority scale often treat the minority scales as a novelty. From that viewpoint come hurtful stereotypes. "N scale is for coffee tables." "O scale is for Christmas trees." "Z scale is for briefcases."The minority scales must fight this repression! Fight it not with sticks and stones, but with operating schemes, good scenery, and prototype fidelity! Show them that while our trains may not be the same size, our hearts are! We must show the majority scale that we are a force that will not be silenced! We will not be kept off the pages of MR or excluded from the MR sweepstakes prizes! WE SHALL OVERCOME!Oh well, lunch break over... Now back to something serious. Enjoy!DISCLAIMER: This thread is in no way meant to make light of any real social inequities, of any well-known speeches, or of any real person, living or dead. Its intent is simply to make light of the issue of scale in model railroading from the context of a hypothetical struggle. There. Now my lawyer's happy!
Funny you should mention it. The first thing that came to my mind was Randy Newman's "Short People" song from the 70's. Randy also wrote the theme for "Monk".
Below's a link to "Short People" lyrics. Just substitute the words "N Scalers" whenever the words "short people" appear.
http://tinyurl.com/ljndn
Andre
easyaces wrote:No offense taken Dave , and actually quite humorous! To each his own to whatever floats your boat, knocks your socks off, blows your skirt up, etc.!
Beware the wrath of HO-scale Scotsmen!
We are the ‘Norg'. Your strength is irrelevant, resistance is futile. We wish to improve N-scale. We will add your modeling and scratch-building distinctiveness to our own. Your scale will adapt to service ours. Prepare to be assimilated...
MAbruce wrote: We are the ‘Norg'. Your strength is irrelevant, resistance is futile. We wish to improve N-scale. We will add your modeling and scratch-building distinctiveness to our own. Your scale will adapt to service ours. Prepare to be assimilated...
Resistance is futileResistance is futileResistance is futileResistance is futile