OH, NO, NOT ANOTHER SCALE

As soon as you mention the formation of another scale in model railroading, people roll their eyes (the current iconic body language) and assume the glazed look of a person who is no longer listening to you.

"With all the choices, all the options, open to modelers, why another scale, with all the baggage that a move like that carries?" cries the Voice from Under the Benchwork.

"Weren't you and this BLOG just talking about GH Scale, in which four inches = one foot. Now, suddenly, you're bringing up P Scale, in which two inches = one foot. When do you plan to stop proliferating scales ? "Why are you doing this? "

The Voice of Reason and Daring replies,

"Because these Mega-Scales have a kinship based on a model size beyond the scales that are currently called "Large Scale", i.e., G gage (there is arguably NO G Scale, despite what some modellers and manufacturers tell you.)

"Because a large infrastructure of houses and figures exists in one-sixth size;

"Because it distinguishes P Scale as another model railroad scale in which the models are meant to be looked at, not ridden upon from Live Steam ride-on . We strenuously object to anyone riding upon P Scale models;

"Because 9 1/2 inch gage --- and its oversize big brother, 10 inch gage --- already exists and is readily accepted in Great Britain for miniature live steam railways;

"Because it allows modelers to venture into new territory --- always a challenge, always an adventure"

With the proliferation of scales and gages in model railroading, you'd think that the number and diversity of options and opportunities are enough to satisfy anyone. Yet, consider the scale of 2 inches = 1 foot:

1. endorsed by Mattel, through its line of Barbie dolls, arguably one of the biggest leisure-product manufacturers in the world;

2. supported by an infrastructure of military action figures, dolls, and accessories;

3. modellers can use prototypically correct, readily available one inch high rail (scales out to 6 inch high prototype);

4. big enough to stand out anywhere

5. reasonable size when modeling trolleys, interurbans, and streetcars, with their tight turning radius and their relatively modest space needs; good for light rail, subways, and rapid transit

6. distinguishes it just enough from live steam's inch-and-a-half scale, which has never really produced a line of non-rail-oriented products to be a viable off-the-shelf leisure line. You're expected to be a skilled metal worker, a fast-fading ability and uncommon among modellers under thirty.

7. contrasts history and nostalgia with modernism and high technology in hobby activities and interests. It's very pleasant to be able to take a mental break from text-messaging, cell phones, and video games by immersing yourself however briefly in the era of your parents and grandparents.

8. If artisans and small scale manufacturers pick up on this, this provides scope for them to populate an entire world, or as I would have it, a Miniature Universe .

I recommend calling this new scale / gage "P Scale" and "P Gage". This reflects subliminally the PlayScale that Mattel endorses, and avoids duplicating any other name. I also recommend a gage standard of 9 1/2", which differs from one-sixth of the prototype 4' 8.5" by 0.886%, (an error of less than 1%, not bad for modeling), a prototype distinction of about one-half inch --- we wish that full-size railworkers and tracklayers could keep their tolerances that close.

DISCLAIMER: I am not an employee of, nor a stockholder of, the Mattel Corporation. I do not receive any benefits, funds, rewards, or support of any kind from them or from any other manufacturer. If you search, you'll find that there's a huge international subculture of independent workers in one-sixth figures, model structures, dioramas, and accessories. Join us.