So much for TrainWorld giving up selling “Large Scale”…!!!
The Aluminium track would not be very good for “Starter Sets”, because of its well known poor wheel/rail electrical contact. Brass is far better, no-mater how many people still claim to have no problems.
Aluminium rail is great for anyone taking the sometimes large step towards modern technology, such as self-contained, battery powered, radio control, where all is required is a stable roadbed, and structurally solid track.
Aluminium rail does conduct electricity rather well, it’s the oxide that forms on it that prevents good conductivity, and requires constant cleaning.
BTW…some who are on TrainWorld’s mailing list, are still receiving notices of sales of LS equipment, and even pre-orders…sad, but most of the LGB products are of European equipment…it would seem that LGB still can’t get it into their corporate minds, that North Americans are much more attracted to North American style equipment…even in starter sets. This is not to say that their European stuff isn’t nice, and well built.
Bachmann doesn’t even seem to be making any great effort to market anything, besides a feeble gondola, which is simply a repaint of an old Big Hauler item, from their original LS line from…how many years, or decades ago…?
The jump in prices, and lack of any true marketing seems to be killing the LS market, for any new interest groups out there in “Leisure Land”…sad, sad…
I wonder what real effort will be put into marketing, this coming year, at such shows as the ECLSTS, and others, by the major manufacturers. The B’mann 2016 catalogue may be a true tale of the future…if LS is even included… Will LGB even have a corporate presence…?
Fred Mills