Separate forums by scale????

[rrinker]

I will add my vote now to NOT seperate by scale. Simply because most anything you could talk about is applicable to ANY scale. Those that are not - such as talkign about a SPECIFIC model, well, the intelligent thing to do when creating a topic about Kadee HO scale boxcars or an Atlas N scale RS-3 is to use proper descriptive terms as the topic title.

But the majority of topics, such as scenery techniques, benchwork, wiring, DCC, etc, apply to ALL scales. Having a multitude of forums would just make things more complex and probably result in fewer people posting

These same things come up periodically in reader mail in MR as well. I always love the ones that complain that the entire issue was devoted to N scale or something - so, Mr. Letter Writer, since when is the method of painting a backdrop restricted to N scale only? You can do the exact same thing to paint a backdrop for a G scale layout. (just an example here)

--Randy

[n2mopac]

I also frequent other forums which are broken down by scale. I enjoy these forums, but they often tend to be a little dry and impersonal though quite informative. One of the unique and fun part of this forum is the interaction of different people with different backgrounds and interests. Sometimes that leads to overly emotional discussions, but mostly this makes for some interesting and educational fellowship. Use the other forums for scale-specific info, but keep the cross-scale interaction going here.
Ron

[n2mopac]

I also frequent other forums which are broken down by scale. I enjoy these forums, but they often tend to be a little dry and impersonal though quite informative. One of the unique and fun part of this forum is the interaction of different people with different backgrounds and interests. Sometimes that leads to overly emotional discussions, but mostly this makes for some interesting and educational fellowship. Use the other forums for scale-specific info, but keep the cross-scale interaction going here.
Ron

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dknelson

I think people are too separated by scale and I do not think this is healthy for the long term growth of the hobby.
Dave Nelson

[:D]Exactly my 1st thought![:D]
No matter what size, we are all Model Railroaders.
As far as people being "confused" by scale, thats simple. If you are going to post about a product, just put the scale in your subject line! Simple nuff??

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dknelson

I think people are too separated by scale and I do not think this is healthy for the long term growth of the hobby.
Dave Nelson

[:D]Exactly my 1st thought![:D]
No matter what size, we are all Model Railroaders.
As far as people being "confused" by scale, thats simple. If you are going to post about a product, just put the scale in your subject line! Simple nuff??

[twhite]

Uh-uh. Keep it the way it is. I've gotten a lot of information from other people on this website who model in a different scale than I do. And it's information I can adapt for use in my own scale (HO). Besides, there's a bunch of really NEAT people in different scales, and I'd miss their wit and camaradarie.

[twhite]

Uh-uh. Keep it the way it is. I've gotten a lot of information from other people on this website who model in a different scale than I do. And it's information I can adapt for use in my own scale (HO). Besides, there's a bunch of really NEAT people in different scales, and I'd miss their wit and camaradarie.

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bangert1

I agree with AntoniaoFP45 about keeping it all one forum, but we could list the subject, and if it is a scale dependant topic, just insert HO or N or O or whatever at the end of the Subject line.

Good sugestion

Even in very scale specific posts ther can be information of interest to other scales. Lets not balkanize the forum. People who are exclusively centered on one scale miss a lot.

I know a few modelers (fortunately very few) whose attitude toward people who are not in their scale is so bad that I don't want to associate with them.

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bangert1

I agree with AntoniaoFP45 about keeping it all one forum, but we could list the subject, and if it is a scale dependant topic, just insert HO or N or O or whatever at the end of the Subject line.

Good sugestion

Even in very scale specific posts ther can be information of interest to other scales. Lets not balkanize the forum. People who are exclusively centered on one scale miss a lot.

I know a few modelers (fortunately very few) whose attitude toward people who are not in their scale is so bad that I don't want to associate with them.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Please keep it together!

Break it up and many miss out on valueable info! Additionally, as weird as this sounds, there seems to be a sense of comraderie on this forum even though most of us have never met fact to face. Remember, some of the regular posters here model in more than one scale. The MTH threads brought groups from at least two scales together and set a record for views and responses!

Consider also that If this forum is "Broken Up" it could effectively be "Watered down". Don't forget that this forum in particular is viewed around the globe and has indeed gained some "Respect". Reps from manufacturers, such as BLI and Athearn, actually read some of our threads since we represent a "cross section" of typical modelers of various cultural and economic backgrounds.

There is strength in numbers!

Peace!

I agree with AntoniaoFP45 about keeping it all one forum, but we could list the subject, and if it is a scale dependant topic, just insert HO or N or O or whatever at the end of the Subject line.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Please keep it together!

Break it up and many miss out on valueable info! Additionally, as weird as this sounds, there seems to be a sense of comraderie on this forum even though most of us have never met fact to face. Remember, some of the regular posters here model in more than one scale. The MTH threads brought groups from at least two scales together and set a record for views and responses!

Consider also that If this forum is "Broken Up" it could effectively be "Watered down". Don't forget that this forum in particular is viewed around the globe and has indeed gained some "Respect". Reps from manufacturers, such as BLI and Athearn, actually read some of our threads since we represent a "cross section" of typical modelers of various cultural and economic backgrounds.

There is strength in numbers!

Peace!

I agree with AntoniaoFP45 about keeping it all one forum, but we could list the subject, and if it is a scale dependant topic, just insert HO or N or O or whatever at the end of the Subject line.

[3railguy]

It doesn't make a lot of difference to me but I'm partial to a scale split just so I know what scale I'm reading about.

[3railguy]

It doesn't make a lot of difference to me but I'm partial to a scale split just so I know what scale I'm reading about.

[AntonioFP45]

Please keep it together!

Break it up and many miss out on valueable info! Additionally, as weird as this sounds, there seems to be a sense of comraderie on this forum even though most of us have never met fact to face. Remember, some of the regular posters here model in more than one scale. The MTH threads brought groups from at least two scales together and set a record for views and responses!

Consider also that If this forum is "Broken Up" it could effectively be "Watered down". Don't forget that this forum in particular is viewed around the globe and has indeed gained some "Respect". Reps from manufacturers such as BLI and Athearn actually read some of our threads since we represent a "cross section" of typical modelers of various cultural and economic backgrounds.

There is strength in numbers!

Peace!

[AntonioFP45]

Please keep it together!

Break it up and many miss out on valueable info! Additionally, as weird as this sounds, there seems to be a sense of comraderie on this forum even though most of us have never met fact to face. Remember, some of the regular posters here model in more than one scale. The MTH threads brought groups from at least two scales together and set a record for views and responses!

Consider also that If this forum is "Broken Up" it could effectively be "Watered down". Don't forget that this forum in particular is viewed around the globe and has indeed gained some "Respect". Reps from manufacturers such as BLI and Athearn actually read some of our threads since we represent a "cross section" of typical modelers of various cultural and economic backgrounds.

There is strength in numbers!

Peace!

[on30francisco]

I like reading about all scales and gauges. Although I model in On30 and HO, there are many products that are useful in all scales. A lot of scale-specific posts contain a lot of useful information that can be useful in any scale. There are also a lot of scale-specific products that can be utilized in other scales. Us modelers who model in narrow gauge and minority scales are always on the lookout for useful items and we regularly use many products from all scales for our scratchbuilding projects. For example, many HO and even N scale products are extremely useful in O scale narrow gauge. Have you ever heard of On18? O scale industrial and mining equipment that uses N scale chassis and track.

[on30francisco]

I like reading about all scales and gauges. Although I model in On30 and HO, there are many products that are useful in all scales. A lot of scale-specific posts contain a lot of useful information that can be useful in any scale. There are also a lot of scale-specific products that can be utilized in other scales. Us modelers who model in narrow gauge and minority scales are always on the lookout for useful items and we regularly use many products from all scales for our scratchbuilding projects. For example, many HO and even N scale products are extremely useful in O scale narrow gauge. Have you ever heard of On18? O scale industrial and mining equipment that uses N scale chassis and track.

[bfsfabs]

My two-bits worth is, keep 'em all together. The basic ideas are all the same except for physical size. A good technique in N can be scaled up to fit O or G and vice-versa. Usually . . . After all, aren't we scaling "12 inch to the foot" down to the local environment ?

The more we see and hear, the more we learn. It is just that simple.

At least as I see it.

[bfsfabs]

My two-bits worth is, keep 'em all together. The basic ideas are all the same except for physical size. A good technique in N can be scaled up to fit O or G and vice-versa. Usually . . . After all, aren't we scaling "12 inch to the foot" down to the local environment ?

The more we see and hear, the more we learn. It is just that simple.

At least as I see it.

[dknelson]

I already posted on this topic but just to make my point more clear:
I frequently have more in common with a fellow C&NW modeler in N or O than I do with an Erie modeler in my own scale of HO.
I have more in common with someone struggling with wiring issues who models in Z than I do with someone who has no interest in the topic who is in my own scale of HO.
That was my point which I think Erik B supports.
Dave Nelson

[dknelson]

I already posted on this topic but just to make my point more clear:
I frequently have more in common with a fellow C&NW modeler in N or O than I do with an Erie modeler in my own scale of HO.
I have more in common with someone struggling with wiring issues who models in Z than I do with someone who has no interest in the topic who is in my own scale of HO.
That was my point which I think Erik B supports.
Dave Nelson

[BentnoseWillie]

I too prefer an all-scales forum. It streamlines my viewing (don't have to sort through multiple forums in turn), and it helps foster "cross-pollination" between modelers. Trainorders has only one Model Railroading forum, and it's a resounding success in my book.

[BentnoseWillie]

I too prefer an all-scales forum. It streamlines my viewing (don't have to sort through multiple forums in turn), and it helps foster "cross-pollination" between modelers. Trainorders has only one Model Railroading forum, and it's a resounding success in my book.

[wp8thsub]

I vote to keep all scales together. After all we're modelers first and HO or N scalers second. Erik B's observation that separate-but-equal forums can keep good ideas from spreading is all too true based on what I've seen elsewhere.

I model the Western Pacific in HO. I would likely have more in common with a WP modeler in O scale than a fellow HO scaler modeling the Pennsy. Given all the other ways our individual approaches to the hobby differ, segregation by scale seems pretty arbitrary to me.

Rob Spangler
WP 8th Sub
Layton, UT

[wp8thsub]

I vote to keep all scales together. After all we're modelers first and HO or N scalers second. Erik B's observation that separate-but-equal forums can keep good ideas from spreading is all too true based on what I've seen elsewhere.

I model the Western Pacific in HO. I would likely have more in common with a WP modeler in O scale than a fellow HO scaler modeling the Pennsy. Given all the other ways our individual approaches to the hobby differ, segregation by scale seems pretty arbitrary to me.

Rob Spangler
WP 8th Sub
Layton, UT

[Bergie]

We wanted to launch the forums with just a few categories and then wait to see how everyone liked it. Our feeling was that breaking the forums into scales might keep a great idea/concept/techique from being seen by modelers in the other scales. Yes, there are going to be discussions about the new Micro-Trains this, of the new Accurail that, but overall, I think you can all learn from one another. Let's face it, a technique in one scale can usually be adapted to another scale.

So, for the time being, let's all learn from one another!

Happy modeling,
Erik

[Bergie]

We wanted to launch the forums with just a few categories and then wait to see how everyone liked it. Our feeling was that breaking the forums into scales might keep a great idea/concept/techique from being seen by modelers in the other scales. Yes, there are going to be discussions about the new Micro-Trains this, of the new Accurail that, but overall, I think you can all learn from one another. Let's face it, a technique in one scale can usually be adapted to another scale.

So, for the time being, let's all learn from one another!

Happy modeling,
Erik

[BRAKIE]

I also think it would be wise to have separate forums....

[BRAKIE]

I also think it would be wise to have separate forums....

[dknelson]

I think people are too separated by scale and I do not think this is healthy for the long term growth of the hobby.

True there are some topics, such as discussions about specific products, which could be.

Dave Nelson