Let's consider less expensive, more attainable branches of the T⁴ hobby , namely, the gauges that lurk a couple of steps down in scale :
1. The scale of 1:6 (2 inches = one foot) illustrated by the industrial scale Parry's People Mover --- large, but clearly not impossible . One can utilize all the PlayScale (Barbie doll and GI Joe action figures) as passengers and street figures ;
2. A perennial favorite , 1 inch to the foot (1:12) , supported by the whole infrastructure of doll house and miniature interests --- very nice, indeed ; AND ...
3. the scale that we have skated by several times in passing , (1:16) or ¾ inch = one foot , represented ...
a. in the United States by Jimmy Sparkman, of the East Penn Traction Club in Philadelphia. Of interest, and perhaps the key to the aura of authenticity : Sparkman is, if we are not mistaken , an employee of the 12-inch-to-the-foot South Eastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) , AND ...
b. in Great Britain by the majority of tram modelers .
Very impressive craftsmanship and striking models in that entire genre . There is an interesting subculture involved in producing and collecting beautiful ready-to-run die-cast automobile models in that scale, together with a few supporting cast of scale model auto mechanics and other automotive miscellanea, that would make an excellent back-story for the trolleys and streetcars .
What we particularly like about Jimmy Sparkman's infrastructure is his supporting framework of aluminum (I believe they are) girders forming a very attractive trestle and roadbed structure --- realistic without the burden of cinder ballast, using the girder bridge approach that Sparkman uses .
It might even open up hands-across-the-sea cooperation with the British branch of the hobby , not a bad idea at all .
Comments are encouraged and welcome .
1:16 Scale model of the Stockport 20 by Marsden
Photo courtesy of John Prentice of the Tramway and Light Railway Society
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