Blog number three in the series

                    A NEW PARADIGM FOR AN OLD HOBBY : THE SCALES


TAG-LINE : Where is it Written in the Sacred Books that the Only Acceptable Model Traction Scales are N, H0, 0, and G ???

WARNING: The following section of this Proposal contains material that may be considered controversial, and may upset or anger some readers, while others may find it offensive. Reader discretion is advised. An open mind is always welcome .

WATCH 'EM, DON'T RIDE 'EM

In contrast to electric traction, the operator of a model live steam locomotive has to ride aboard, generally for some of the same reasons as engineers of full-size locomotives :

It was necessary to keep an eye on the water gage, to make sure that adequate feed water was being supplied to the boiler. In running live steam locomotives, the conventional approach has been to run the engine around and around some continuous circuit, replicating the classic early toy trains circling the Christmas tree. Continuous circuits mean keeping an eye out for objects and people on the tracks, much as in real life, and requires a very large area on which to build the trackage.

As the hobby evolved, a large part of the activity consisted of giving rides to visitors --- adults and children --- on rail cars specifically designed to accommodate riders. These riding cars detract from the realism of the train, so that keeping to scale was not considered of critical importance, as the illusion was already destroyed by the scene of a giant's backside perched on the tender (or thereabouts).

In earlier times, the electronic technology required for the mechanisms that control speed, direction, engine sounds, bell and whistle blasts, and so on had not yet reached the degree of sophistication that it has today. Therefore, hands-on control by an onboard engineer was necessary. Building and running trolley, traction, tram, and streetcar models would mean straddling the roof and destroying the trolley poles or pantographs (or else riding on a following, coupled-on, riding car, complete with seat cushion).

VIEWER EXPECTATIONS

Seeing a giant human being (the engineer) astride a tiny tender, with his knees tucked underneath his chin, destroys the illusion for many of us. We are reminded of circus clowns who try to be humorous by posing as a large adult perched precariously on a tiny child's tricycle, trying to balance himself and pedal the cycle at the same time. The visual analogy is almost inescapable.

The use of models --- electrically-powered, unmanned, remote-controlled motive power --- of our prototypes eliminates most, if not all, of these objections .

Electronic control systems are now very highly developed, so much so that much of the war in the Middle East was coonducted using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ---drones --- operated by personnel hundreds, even thousands, of miles away. We envision realistic dioramas, the model equivalent of a stage setting, allowing full scope to the imagination and skills of builders, bringing many different craftsmen to the hobby, for overall realism .

NEW SCALE POSSIBILITIES and THEIR ADVANTAGES

This Paper suggests avoiding the pitfalls and expenses of full-size, restorations of trolleys by introducing realistic electrically-powered giant scale models. Build layouts in a scale of 2 inches = one foot (1:6) [DisPlayScale] or 3 inches = one foot (1:4) [GH Scale] to be displayed at about chest-level , powering our T-to-the-Fourth-Power remotely controlled models by electricity --- truly Remotely Operated Vehicles --- much as the smaller gauges are, with all the many possibilities that this scenario suggests to the imagination.

Setting the base of the benchwork at chest level raises the entire layout high enough so that the eye level of the spectator is set at the eye level of the miniature inhabitants of the landscape, producing an unmatched equality of viewscape between visitor and model, enormous enhancing reality .