More Prototypical N-scale Models: Good or Bad?

I couldn't agree more Boxcab. But that means that there needs to be choice & options. Fine detail for those that desire it, and the lesser detailed products for those that don't. There are still manufacturers of both today.

Still, manufacturers shouldn't be forced to make two versions of the same item. So as in the automobile industry, you have your higher end cars and your more common, less expensive variety. I see both classes of products in N-Scale today.

So I can't afford a new Tessla. I'm still quite satisfied with the new Hyundai I just bought. So I can't afford the brand spanking new gondolas by So-and-So. That doesn't mean there are plenty of affordable gondolas out there to be had.

Certain brands cater to those who appreciate detail, while others like Atlas, Bachmann, Model Power, etc cater to the less discriminating modeler.

Thankfully, we have choices we all can afford.

 

I voted good and bad, but leaning toward BAD.

Many have already touched on the issues of cost, fragility, and
possibly discouraging newcomers, so I won't repeat that here.

Instead, I want to talk about why this trend is discouraging to me, personally, since this is just my vote on the subject.

Through the 90s, the increasing quality of N Scale was a big plus. In fact, if that had not begun in the 80s and continued on into the 90s, I would not be in N Scale today.
That is the "good" part.

But the pendulum has overshot its mark now, at least for me.
That is the "mostly bad" part.

The push to more expensive, specific, ready-to-run products is lousy for people who kitbash and scratchbuild. I am very happy to buy something close and then make it into exactly what I want.

I haven't bought a "new" loco in 10 years. I don't want a decoder, I don't want sound. If I decide I want those things in an engine later, I will put them in, thank you very much. The engines still don't run reliably enough to justify a $300 price tag. If I want a really good-looking prototype-specific 4-6-2 or 2-8-2, I'm still going to have to buy an engine and tear it to pieces, so why would I want to pay $200 or $300 for it? I want an old Kato Mikado or Model Power or Kato 4-6-2 "fixer upper" that I can buy for $50 or $100.

In short, a big part of what makes model railroading wonderful is craftsmanship and scratchbuilding. I don't want a train room full of stuff I bought. I want it full of stuff I *made*, warts and all.

I like hobbies based on learning and building, not on collecting and spending, and I fear that's where model railroading is headed.

You may think me a dinosaur, especially amongst so many modern-era N Scalers. So be it.
I love rereading old 1950s Model Railroader issues that were printed before I was born, just to see the ingenuity and craftsmanship that the modelers had when they couldn't shake things out of a box.

 

I agree. It's all about pleasing yourself. Unless you're taking photos and writing articles for publication, or entering a model in an NMRA contest at a show, or unless you're custom building a model, layout or module for a customer, or taking a module or layout to a show, or putting on a clinic on how to build, fix or photograph stuff.

Why even have model railroad shows since it's ALL about only pleasing yourself? Shows (where people walk around and enjoy looking at what's on display there)...should be totally irrelevant. Ah, but there's a reason shows aren't irrelevant....

What if part of a modeler's personal satisfaction is pleasing other modelers and onlookers? Like those who attend shows with their modules and layouts?
Is it "all" about pleasing himself then? Yup...even though he may please others too, and that's part of the reason he goes public with his stuff...and it's a big part of why we interact with each other online at the forums.

It's not as simple as just pleasing yourself, since most of us interact to some degree with the outside world and other humans who may, it they're so inclined, admire your work, or your opinion...or just the opposite.

The same with the trend towards more details. Even though those who are not concerned about details and who consistently view their work from 3' away (how do you put cars and engines on the rails from 3' away??) constantly voice their opinions that "fanatics", who happen to view their models from less than 3' away regularly, are somehow making the hobby "not fun"...and who are driving up the cost of EVERYTHING, because those details are expensive...you 3 footers benefit from the manufacturers who heed the wishes of the "fanatics"...you just don't see it because you're not getting close enough to your layouts. Hahaha!

Does anybody deliberately look for railroad equipment models with LESS detailing? Do any of you actually go into your LHS and ask the person behind the counter to point you towards the models with less detailing? No, I'm serious. Does that actually happen?

Or, do you just look at the less expensive stuff on sale in the bargain bin or the used equipment shelf, and assume that if it costs less, it's less detailed?

As for opinions...this thread is all about opinions, with a fact or two thrown in for fun, so I don't think the "retorts" are gonna happen.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

 

I have yet to see all the extra detailing on the cars and locomotives while the trains are moving.........

 

I'm firmly in the "good" camp. I, for one, love being able to open up a jewel case and see a fantastic looking locomotive that's ready to hit the rails and run smoothly without further ado. There are plenty of other things on a layout that require the modeler's crafstmanship.

 

I wish I would have thought of saying that!!! well put.

More detail will excite the rivet counters, but the average punter or kid wanting to get involved with anything more than a starter kit will be put off and lost to the hobby. In reality some of the prices of bits and pieces are not cheap if your starting again...

 

I agree. I'm also disappointed. I didn't realize this thread was started to go on a trolling trip. Fortunately, I don't think the "predominant attitude" on this newsgroup is to be derogatory or marginalize the opinions of others. Somehow I will enjoy my excuse of a layout regardless.

 

I'd settle for the "run smoothly without further ado."
How much detail would we have to forego for that to happen consistently?

 

Wait a minute! Where anywhere in this thread is anyone being "derogatory" or critical of the views of others. The poll was More Prototypical N-scale Models Good or Bad? In response everyone has been sharing their personal point of view on the subject. That's the point of the poll.

But I'm not seeing personal attacks anywhere in this thread for anyone to take offense at.