The Collins syndrome

Candy_Streeter May 13, 2012

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  1. BobD

    BobD TrainBoard Member

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    Candy, I'm kinda new here and still feeling my way around, but don't let THE RANT get to you. I thought about responding, but I have no clue as to "the unamed craftsman kit builder" or the kit involved or your other forum build. I know I would be highly insulted.
     
  2. Jeff Powell

    Jeff Powell TrainBoard Member

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    Well, since im not a purist, I would use it. I could put enough stuff around the area (bushes, tree's and such) where unless your just a nit picker you would not even notice. A little air brush and your done...Im more into the experience instead worring about if I have the right ties with the rail or the right signal for an era or the odd ball stuff that matches the layout.
     
  3. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    I have found that when details become exaggerated, they tend to stand out. Some folks like the effect while others don't. Personal taste. I find this more prevalent in N scale where people use sand paper to model gravel roofs and really lumpy paint to model stucco. I tend to just use flat paint for such things but that is "my" preference. It used to be that humongous rivets on the side of locomotives and rolling stock were the norm. Now days the trend is toward smaller rivets. You can't see them as well and have to get real close to notice some of them. The old clunky ones scaled out to the size of grape fruit halves but you could really see them. The overall effect of the damaged bricks seems to give a pleasing effect for some folks yet really bothers others. It all boils down to "It's your railroad and you do what you like." Lets just have fun and ignore the bullies.
     
  4. Candy_Streeter

    Candy_Streeter TrainBoard Member

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    I'm not a purist either but if you were to spend $262 for an HO building would you not expect quality? There are others that do excellent hydrocal brickwork at a much lower price.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 17, 2012
  5. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

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    I like it. Even in H0 scale it is not a big deal for my taste.

    I'll ask ask around about the "round bottomed brick." For a building built in 1850?
     
  6. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

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    What is the Collins Syndrome anyway?
     
  7. Mike VE2TRV

    Mike VE2TRV TrainBoard Member

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    :startled:Yikes! I would most certainly expect something better!
     
  8. Fotheringill

    Fotheringill TrainBoard Member

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    So, I get back to the office a few minutes ago and see, brick counting instead of rivet counting, Tom Collins syndrome, disparaging posts and Flash saying he has "taste". Since Flash regularly exchanges thoughts with the likes of me, I now know he is a prevaricator.

    Folks- Lighten up and take everything with a grain of lime juice or something. When emotions start running wild, people start running off at the fingertips when typing. We are here to exchange ideas, show our work and discuss opinions in a reasonably civil manner and log off the board with either shallow or deep thoughts or at least smiles on our faces.
     
  9. Candy_Streeter

    Candy_Streeter TrainBoard Member

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    My father, when he was young, was an Amateur radio operator; Hams they were called. He loved radio and scratch built his own transmitters as well as receivers. But like everyone in that hobby, they all longed to afford and to own Collins radio equipment. My dad was no different. Well anyway, he went into the Air Force in the early sixties and was worked in ground radio. To his delight, all their radio equipment was Collins ! He was so happy! He will get to repair and operate Collins for the first time in his life. He told me that the first time he opened a receiver to repair a problem, he was shocked! He said it was so cheaply made and used such poor quality parts that he was terribly upset and disappointed. He was glad he never bought one. When he went on the air to talk to other hams he told them about his Collins experience. To his surprise they all attacked him! This reaction he called Collins syndrome. How dare he say those things about Collins ! He told me about this so it would be a lesson to me. I have seen similar things in our hobby. I have kept my mouth closed up till know. All I wanted was to get guys to look and see if they felt they were getting their monies worth. This is a pricey hobby and we all must be careful.
     
  10. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks Candy. My Dad was a ham operator, too. WA4UAP. Good story.
     
  11. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I am a ham operator.

    Charlie
     
  12. Mike Sheridan

    Mike Sheridan TrainBoard Member

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    Kinda like the Emperor's new clothes.


    Radio or deli? :)
     
  13. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Either way.
     
  14. Fotheringill

    Fotheringill TrainBoard Member

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    Candy- so it is NOT referring to "Tom Collins"?
     
  15. chuckc

    chuckc TrainBoard Member

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    Haven't had one of those in many, many years. :cool: Candy, by the way, I wouldn't spend $262 for any building kit to begin with even if the bricks were perfect. Think I would spend that kinda money for a good quality locomotive with sound.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 18, 2012
  16. Candy_Streeter

    Candy_Streeter TrainBoard Member

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    Yeah, Me too
     
  17. NYW&B

    NYW&B Guest

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    In Candy's defense (although I think that she's doing a good job of it already) I would have to say that anyone willing to accept a kit, no matter what "big name" produced it, for a price of $250+ with walls looking like this would have to be a modeler with very low standards, or little regard for his own money.

    I've been scratch and kit building structures for decades and was I ever to receive a kit with such a low quality of manufacture as is exhibited in the wall section Candy illustrated; it would be back in the mails to the manufacturer for a refund the same day. I realize that many hobbyists' construction standards have declined in recent years with the rise of the RTR movement, but expensive kits with low quality production errors should be downright unacceptable to anyone honestly considering themselves a model railroader of any merit.

    NYW&B
     
  18. Candy_Streeter

    Candy_Streeter TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you....spot on
     
  19. chuckc

    chuckc TrainBoard Member

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    Like I wrote before, Someone hired a mold maker and said " I want distressed Brick look" so here comes the mold, well, WELL, did anyone object then with the company?, Now he's stuck with it and produces kits. Opps too bad, $265 later Hello. I'd rather make a printed card model for under $5 and go on with the new Locomotive.
    If someone wants to count rivets on a Vanderbilt Tender then I won't bring it out again. If someone wants to criticize bricks on a building, then go watch me switch this industry, fogetaboutit, Life is too short, but $265, that is totally out of my mind. Candy, your an inspiration to many with what you produce, small details really blow my mind. Save your money :happy:
     
  20. SteamDonkey74

    SteamDonkey74 TrainBoard Supporter

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    I can't believe this whole thing led to a couple good contributors going head-to-head over a difference of opinion in such a way and one of them getting drop-kicked. Come on, folks. Play nice, please.
     
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