We need to fill the void

[Deleted_User_2918]

Curmudgeon mcneely said:

…SNIP

I could start a thread on a BBT drive install in a Bach2-8-0…or a BBT 2-8-0 chassis in an Anniversary.

Or running repairs changing out three split axle gears on a Shay during an ops session.

But why bother?
It would be instantly branded as “bashing”.

SNIP…

Go for it…I’d love to see it. Positive posts all. And if you could avoid terms like “Botchmann”, “Kool-Aid drinker” or “Red Box Brigade” while doing so then I too would jump on anyone who dared call you a “basher”.

[David_Marconi_FOGCH (David Marconi CHHNNG)]

Curmudgeon mcneely said:

We could. But, of all the threads on this and other forums…none of the people being bashed started any of them.
Since the folks who start these threads think they have a hot tip, they’d never post in such a forum.

I could start a thread on a BBT drive install in a Bach2-8-0…or a BBT 2-8-0 chassis in an Anniversary.

Or running repairs changing out three split axle gears on a Shay during an ops session.

But why bother?
It would be instantly branded as “bashing”.
BTDT.

On another forum, guy bought a NOS Heisler, wouldn’t work.
All sorts of hairball advice. One went so far as to tell him to remove the trucks. Absolutely no reason for that.

Most likely the polarity switch or the associated wiring, but, hey, what do I know, right?

Why does anyone bother when the wisdom of the masses is that there are no issues and anyone who discusses them is a barbarian?

Let’s see.

Maybe if we discussed floating your 332 brass track in chicken grit at ground level with a big power pack might be acceptable…depending on what motive power you used.

That’s the ticket!

Maybe we could re-create that Clambake video of two trains running…track power, of course…and in the middle of the filming the owner runs over and holds the second locomotive back so it doesn’t take out the caboose of the first train.
Yeah, that’s the ticket.

Nothing that might help folks think. Or fix it themselves.

Can’t have that, now, can we?

It’s really fun dealing with folks on forums who can’t think by themselves. No matter what you point out to them…someone else always does their thinking for them.

I could give you examples…but nobody would understand.

So, we live with the status quo.

TOC

TOC,
Let me start with saying I was around when the SHTF between you, a manufacturer, and a magazine. You got a raw deal period. I followed your reviews and appreciated your knowledge. I didn’t always agree with your rip it all out and start over attitude, but I saw where it would make it easier to fix. When you found a problem you also told of a solution, and this is missed by many. And no the super socket is not all it’s cracked up to be.
This has nothing to do with Rumors, Speculation and Predictions, this is wisdom that new folk need.

And though you’ve BTDT on other places, I don’t believe that has happened here when you tell what the problem is and tell how to fix it, without the extra tidbits of some asshole designed this crap and doesn’t know crap from shineola

And to make sure that you don’t feel that this posting is directed at you:

There are others on this site who also possess a good bit of knowledge and can be helpful to the ones who lack that knowledge. But, when someone says “Hey I just got started and I bought this train that stopped running, can someone help”, the normal answer is “why did you buy that dog!” … Not a whole lot of help when six people jump in with that answer but none give a fix and explain what needs to be done.
So far in my limited experience (20 years), I have not purchased one item of large scale that I have not taken apart and made some modification to. Every piece has a problem, and none of the manufacturers are exempt. Couplers don’t mate, gears slip, wheels need to be adjusted, and the list goes on. New folk don’t always read first, but they do need help to stay in the hobby.
If I post a question on what do I need to do to make it right, I don’t want to wade through 6 pages of what I should have done and that piece is a piece of sh*t. Yes I’ve had that happen, and it will drive most away from the hobby.
I build my own and eliminate the problems that the companies wont fix, in a lot of cases. But, most don’t do that, and they can’t afford to throw out what they just bought and buy something else.
I would guess that when they ask a question about how to lay track, they would like to get different ways that work for different people in different areas, not do it this way not that way cause that’s the way I do it and that’s the ONLY way that works. The ladder system will work, just as well as the deck system, and you can even just put the track on the ground and the trains will run fine. Remember some don’t have an extra $1,000.00 laying around to build the roadbed, but they can build it over time. You may have more maintenance with one way but it will still work.
Or you can’t run trains on those 4’ curves, mind you that is what came with the set they just bought, you have to have 20’ curves to look right. Some don’t have 20’ of space to use.

So feel free to impart your knowledge and make it as articles that don’t go away. And if someone else has a true fix that is different than yours, as long as it works, what’s the problem ? Post all the information you have, if you care to spend the time. Post 100 pages of how to, I’m sure even Bob will appreciate the info you can impart. But don’t get into pissing matches with each other, it ruins the help you’re trying to give.

But page after page of ‘what if’s’ is tiresome. If someone ‘thinks they have a hot tip’ big deal, because the speculation is no better than the hot tip. … "NOTHING TO SEE…MOVE ALONG… "

I post what I do, maybe you’re interested, maybe not. Yes it would be great to get more feed back on my builds, but somebody at least seems interested since the views count keeps rising.

And as far as I’ve seen, Bob doesn’t have a problem with you pointing out that on a certain piece of equipment you need to do this to make it work right.

[Hans-Joerg_Mueller]

Korm Kormsen said:

@ Hans - yes, fill the void. but seems, that we are sometimes short of stones. and then is’t dirt only.
but now you are laying it on too thick. you wanna make us believe, that there exist people, who actually finish projects??

Yep, one project after the other. Slow and easy, nice and steady.

BTW I didn’t say that I’ll run out of projects. There are plenty more in the pipe.

About the dirt: TOC and I had a good chuckle about that yesterday. Apparently some people believe it is a good idea to put track on dirt with a suitably thin layer of crusher fines/chips or whatever. They fully expect that the stuff won’t really settle and/or heave regardless of climate.

When I started our layout I told people that I’ll build one turnout, then let it sit outside for two years and watch what happens - many people thought/think I’m nuts.

Did the same with moving dirt, let it settle for at least a year. And so on with many different projects. Think long and hard about it, don’t rush.

[Tim_Brien]

I cannot see why speculative discussion on the future of the hobby or the direction the hobby seems to be heading is not a legitimate discussion. Many here have a generation or more experience in train related hobbies so do have some insight in how things are done.There is a thread on naming your railroad with fifty-five replies or another thread on track diameter help where the originator had already made his mind as to which diameter he intended using prior posting. For me these thread have no interest, so I simply avoid them. Similarly, if not interested in speculative discussion then the answer is simple, do not read it. Why read it and then complain if you are not interested in the topic?

Discussion threads get hijacked by insiders who want any adverse discussion halted. Look back on the locked threads and see the direction the insiders take to cause conflict and get the thread locked. If you cannot add to a discussion or are not interested in what is being discussed then why try to shut down a thread. Then there are others whose only response is why not simply go and run some trains. Exactly how this sort of comment contributes to a discussion is beyond my reasoning as it seems its only intent is to basically stop the discussion. If your only thought is run some trains then why bother with a forum in the first instance.

[Deleted_User_2918]

Hans-Joerg Mueller said:

About the dirt: TOC and I had a good chuckle about that yesterday. Apparently some people believe it is a good idea to put track on dirt with a suitably thin layer of crusher fines/chips or whatever. They fully expect that the stuff won’t really settle and/or heave regardless of climate.

I guess it’s easier to “have a good chuckle” then post a build thread on what you did in your layout to prevent it eh? No need to point out what someone did wrong…Post what you did right.

I see a lot of ‘experts’ tell me they know all, but see nothing in their posts that would suggest they do. Don’t know what you did in the past, or even today…Just my perspective from what I have seem on LSC over the last few years.

Edit: Actually maybe I should re-visit the construction of my current layout. I have found a 4-6 inch layer of compacted granite (Compacted being the key) functions quite well…No need to wait a year if you use the right equipment. Different thread perhaps…

[Hans-Joerg_Mueller]

Mark V said:

Hans-Joerg Mueller said:

About the dirt: TOC and I had a good chuckle about that yesterday. Apparently some people believe it is a good idea to put track on dirt with a suitably thin layer of crusher fines/chips or whatever. They fully expect that the stuff won’t really settle and/or heave regardless of climate.

I guess it’s easier to “have a good chuckle” then post a build thread on what you did in your layout to prevent it eh? No need to point out what someone did wrong…Post what you did right.

I see a lot of ‘experts’ tell me they know all, but see nothing in their posts that would suggest they do. Don’t know what you did in the past, or even today…Just my perspective from what I have seem on LSC over the last few years.

Edit: Actually maybe I should re-visit the construction of my current layout. I have found a 4-6 inch layer of compacted granite (Compacted being the key) functions quite well…No need to wait a year if you use the right equipment. Different thread perhaps…

In German they have a very apt expression which translates as “Those who can read have the advantage”.

When I started our layout I told people that I’ll build one turnout, then let it sit outside for two years and watch what happens - many people thought/think I’m nuts.

Did the same with moving dirt, let it settle for at least a year. And so on with many different projects. Think long and hard about it, don’t rush.

As TOC pointed out on several occasions in his own unique style : “Thinking isn’t optional”.

My motto in model railroading: “there has to be a better way”. Which is at the root of Eastern Mountain Models LTD.

[VicSmith]

Dave ‘Hollywood’ Marconi said:

“…I would guess that when they ask a question about how to lay track, they would like to get different ways that work for different people in different areas, not do it this way not that way cause that’s the way I do it and that’s the ONLY way that works. The ladder system will work, just as well as the deck system, and you can even just put the track on the ground and the trains will run fine. Remember some don’t have an extra $1,000.00 laying around to build the roadbed, but they can build it over time. You may have more maintenance with one way but it will still work…”

“…Or you can’t run trains on those 4’ curves, mind you that is what came with the set they just bought, you have to have 20’ curves to look right. Some don’t have 20’ of space to use…”

Hollywood you’ve been reading my mind, I would dare say 75% of us could get away with simply floating their track on a gravel bed, but I guess thats not sexy enough to be cool.

I have clear memories of a newbie posting that they had a 10’ x 20’ area to build a layout and the advice they got was that they needed to have 20’ dia to “look right” Fer Pete’s Sakes that was bigger than the guys area. I sometimes think people only read the title before they answer so I would hope to remind folks, please READ THE WHOLE POST before answering, most here do just that but I’ve read some real hairball responses at times LOL.

That “wider is better” mantra has been a burr under my saddle for a while now, it should be amended as “wider is better but use whats most practical” yes wider curves are better but not if it results in a boring layout. It seams that a few folks here, and on MLS have forgotten that limiting yourself to the widest possible curvature can, depending on the available space, limit you to a severely boring layout. I like switches and spurs and moving cars around, thats why my indoor layout is a switching layout.

We seem to have forgotten that not so many years ago 8’ dia was considered wide and 6.5’dia was the average, granted things have changed and some locomotives and rolling stock really do need them 8 or 10’ dia curves to work, but the MAJORITY of stuff works just fine on 8’ or 6.5’ or 5’ dia track and that alot of that stuff will work fine on the venerable R1s. Sure some folks just want to run trains but varying the curvature mix means getting a much more interesting layout in their given space.

I often recommend to people in the shows to look at old Lionel table top track plans, beleive it or not they can translate over to large scale almost verbatum and in a garden setting they could be quite a hoot for the running crowd. these work well with smaller radius curves;

(http://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/15508668903405577/filePointer/15508668903405592/fodoid/15508668903405587/imageType/LARGE/inlineImage/true/Back-of-57-Catalog-Layout.jpg)

WE NEED new blood to keep the hobby going, and its really frustrating to hear folks at shows say they keep reading online that they need an acre of land and 20’ dia curves or your doing it wrong, then they see my Pizza, with R-nothing curves and realize its actually also that very same large scale they were reading needed half of Rhode Island to do and the suddenly lights go on. Yes, I could do this in a smaller space.

Thats been my deal for the last 6 years, hoping to convince newbies that for the most part, they CAN build something intricate and detailed, even on often very small patches of land.

(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/vsmith/Busby_Study_Model_track_plan.jpg)

Well, anyway …

[Hans-Joerg_Mueller]

Vic,

One can’t tell anyone what radii they need, the best one can do is tell them to use the largest that will fit, “fit” being flexible!

One of my customers (a Norwegian) in my previous life had this poster on the wall in the shop
“You can always tell a Norwegian, but you can’t tell him much”.

It can easily be adapted for different circumstances.

BTW if someone asks “What radii should I use?”, but already figured out that it is R1, why ask? Whatever recommendations won’t increase the space!

[VicSmith]

Hans-Joerg Mueller said:

Vic,

One can’t tell anyone what radii they need

I’ve seen it done HJ I’ve seen it done

[Greg_Greg_Elmassian]

Of course the easy answer is “as wide as possible”…

But the better answers revolve around questions like:

“how much space do you have”

“what kind of locos do you want to run”

etc.

Greg

[Hans-Joerg_Mueller]

Vic Smith said:

Hans-Joerg Mueller said:

Vic,

One can’t tell anyone what radii they need

I’ve seen it done HJ I’ve seen it done

I’ve actually done it, because if someone says “I’m running Bachmann Spectrum” without saying WHICH engines, it will automatically be 4ft and 5ft rad.

And then we have a long discussion about how you can shoehorn the xyz even through a whatever radius.

I chuckle every time when some “Weisenheimer” finally sees the light and scales back a bit. Too many problematic R1 turnouts and less than optimal conditions will eventually make the penny drop.

It applies right across the hobby spectrum, better not tell anyone beforehand, let them learn the hard way.

Oh sorry, that has already been discussed in another thread (but not accepted!).

[Curmudgeon (Curmudgeon mcneely)]

Boy. Interesting thread. All I can say is if you use fill, even if you add layers of compacted granite…the dirt settles.
Mine settled for 10 years, but the track never moved. Shop Vac’s the ballast, sifted, more dirt, pounded in, wet it down, re-apply ballast.
So, did I read that nobody shows what they’ve done?
"I see a lot of ‘experts’ tell me they know all, but see nothing in their posts that would suggest they do. Don’t know what you did in the past, or even today…Just my perspective from what I have seem on LSC over the last few years. "
Yet, when folks do give background often they are railed against. As in, nobody cares what you did.
As far as railroads…well, 20+ years is sufficient for me. Got it featured in GR once, even. So what? That and five bucks will get you a beer most places.
You fight to keep from having five different “standards” for LS and you’re an s…o…b…for not wanting standards.
Why bother?
So many know everything. Facts are completely immaterial to any discussion, right?

I screw my track to boards, battens, stakes. Square drive, makes it a bit more difficult to steal. Aluminium, cheaper, no cash value like brass for thieves. Mine is all elevated, one foot to five feet, runs along the edge in a lot of places. Floating means if it settles down, the whole train rolls off into the canyon. Not good.
Of course, if you’re on the ground, so what?
John Morrison looked at reality…had a GR feature on his Dunckley Northern while it was on the ground…then tore it all up, raised it, had another feature article on the raised railroad.
I built this railroad before I had ever seen a Garden Railroad in person.
I remember Herb Chaudiere of CRANIS fame standing in my yard at first open house, talking to his buddy, and asking whyinthehell didn’t we think to raise our railroad up to this height?
“Common Wisdom”…often not the best way to do it.

Heck, I even had a…one D ten T… call me a “dinosaur” because I refused to get on his bandwagon…hence the avatar.

What I do works everywhere. Even on indoor/outdoor carpeting with no track at a convention.

The local club…steam guys had a rule, only steam locos. I asked why…seems some locos were not insulated, and if they turned the track power on it would blow a fuse.
So, I showed up with a battery powered loco…and they changed the rule…steam and battery r/c.

Does what I do bother folks who have bought into the common wisdom?
Often.
Do I care?
Not one bit. I can only hope some of it sinks in.

I’d post a lot more photos, but it’s a PITA to use Flicker and link.
Ain’t got time.

But, keep it up…keep trying the same thing over and over hoping for different results, eh?

TOC

[RRRR4 (Lou Luczu)]

I had no idea that Hollywood could put so many words together - and make sense of it all! I can’t agree with you more, Buddy. Good job!

[Curmudgeon (Curmudgeon mcneely)]

Curves…when I built the CCRy, nobody was using broad curves. But, I had enough experience with R1 that I knew that wasn’t gonna fly.
I used 6’8" radius as my ruling curvature.
Today, that is considered “tight”.

Floating…several stories. Bill decided to follow “common wisdom” and start his 3500’ railroad by building the yard and throat, and a short section of main.
Bill, says I, in this climate that won’t work.
No, says Bill, you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Okay, says I, but come spring you won’t be happy.

He’d spent some considerable time with varying sizes in appropriate layers…bedding the track down, nice and smooth…

Come spring, all the track was up out of the ballast, twisted here and there…he gave up, never did get his line in before he finally died.

Dave…owner of the “Great Never Get Around Once” railroad. Went to a club meet. Put my engine and cars on…first curve, loco rolled onto it’s side. I looked…the outer rail was down considerably.
Go get Dave…he says, no problem, just kick ballast under the outside of the track. Did the entire railroad…next time around, okay, third time, started sinking again, and when the locomotive rolled over again, put everything in the car and never, ever went back.

Flukes?
Not likely.

Others tried it, all gave up.

If track power of any kind, clamping the rails with the accompanying expansion and contraction, sort of precludes screwing track down, and using the floating method.
In climates with big swings in temperature…well, never worked up here.

But, if you suggest and recommend globally…stuff that works everywhere…like radio/battery, screwing track down, you knopw…you get everybody and his brother arguing.

Again, why bother?

TOC

[Hans-Joerg_Mueller]

Mark V said:

Hans-Joerg Mueller said:

About the dirt: TOC and I had a good chuckle about that yesterday. Apparently some people believe it is a good idea to put track on dirt with a suitably thin layer of crusher fines/chips or whatever. They fully expect that the stuff won’t really settle and/or heave regardless of climate.

I see a lot of ‘experts’ tell me they know all, but see nothing in their posts that would suggest they do. Don’t know what you did in the past, or even today…Just my perspective from what I have seem on LSC over the last few years.

Hmmmmm … a bit more background, eh? OK made an apprenticeship in a tool room in Switzerland. Notorious for checking everything twice in order not to be snookered. Third year: Checking a drawing for a fixture I point out to the toolroom manager that the drawing was incorrect, it won’t work. “Are you smarter than the designers? Get with it!” Built as drawn and of course it didn’t work. Oooops.

Three years on I’m QC in a big tool room (US subsidary in Switzerland producing high tech stuff) with some nagging problems. Suggested a solution to a specific problem. The head of design tells me I’m much too young to know. In desperation they still try it - it’s amazing what a consistently high scrap percentage will do - solved the problem.

Emigrated to Canada, worked for a US subsidiary doing machine maintenance, consistent problems with some equipment - it was a FIAHJ situation. Talked to the plant manager. Oh! “Next time you’re on nights work on that re-tooling!” Install, test, problem solved. Naturally the guys in the toolroom were mighty ticked off.

Next: get hired by a machine tool importer, consistent problems (electrical and mechanical) with certain production equipment. Come up with a scheme, design, test modify; submit the mods to the Swiss mfg. Mods in all subsequent machines.

And on it goes at two more companies in that industry.

1979 I started my own business; no-one ever hired me for my good looks or charming personality, they just wanted their equipment fixed.

Did I have clients who didn’t listen? You better believe it! They just spent the REALLY big bucks a bit later.

When TOC and I chuckle about matters it’s mostly because of the déja vu effect. That first design mistake happened 50 years ago. And when one points out similar stuff today, one gets similar replies. Different people, different products, same basic problem.

That should cover it, eh!?!

[Deleted_User_2918]

I was referring to the “expert” activities as they specifically relate to this forum and the postings there on. Please direct me to the posts that show what you do with trains, or the trouble shooting of the same…On these pages. Are the number of posts more positive or negative?

I shall need to keep to the same score-card…Time to build something.

[Hans-Joerg_Mueller]

Mark V said:

I was referring to the “expert” activities as they specifically relate to this forum and the postings there on. Please direct me to the posts that show what you do with trains, or the trouble shooting of the same…On these pages. Are the number of posts more positive or negative?

I shall need to keep to the same score-card…Time to build something.

Mark,

I just had to give you a bit of background since you asked for it.

I don’t need to keep a score card, anyone who is interested in what I’m building can check on my hobby website listed in my signature. And if they are interested in the Rhaetian Railway they can apply for membership in the RhB / Swiss Trains Forum.

As far as positive or negative is concerned; if you expect any Rah-Rah posts from me you’ll have a very long wait. I don’t do attaboy posts either, but I readily recognize stuff that is really good and then I say so - however that doesn’t preclude tips on what would look even better. Like the one time when some hot-shot presented his really nicely weathered steamer, but … he forgot to weather the running gear. Ooops.

[Curmudgeon (Curmudgeon mcneely)]

And, any score card is useless.
It’s ego and one-up man-ship.
I could give you background, but would it cause you to place more belief in what I say?
Probably not. Everybody wants to play “king of the hill”, and I refuse to do it.
Someone comes up and convinces someone he can do a better job…go for it.
Proof is in the fruits.
Some have rotten fruit…you don’t have to see it, you can smell it.

You can tell where someone is by their talk…or words.

Comments in various threads on various forums prove that, and cause replies regarding thinking for ones self.

In another thread, they are talking about promoting the hobby.
In the past we’ve discussed folks from smaller scales moving up to LS.

The common thread among most in the early days who had moved up…they did it to escape the nmra. Seriously.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Manufacturers by and large have gotten away from the starter sets.
Box stores just don’t order them anymore…no real market.
I recall one year…was it Sam’s club…contracted for LS sets at a price point only. Version 5 chassis, but earlier boilers and details…passenger cars with no lights, pickups, battery boxes.
I recall talking to a repair person at Bachmann just after Christmas…they had spent days pulling brand new passenger cars off the shelf and “upgrading” the Sam’s Club Specials. Nobody told them these were built that way.
Cost them all those cars for parts, plus labor…it’s no wonder manufacturers don’t do much anymore in starter sets.
LGB is out of the US market game. I suppose you could get euro stuff shipped in…but if some distributor has an exclusive, I wonder how that would work with US Customs.

Personally, I got dead tired of the tyre kickers.
Several years ago I pulled the plug on public viewing.
No more convention tours, no more nmra busses showing up…I don’t need it. I never needed an ego boost. Showing is a lot of work, and I got dead tired of theft of equipment.

You read the magazine stuff, newbies might think there are no standards, thanks to some clueless individuals.
We have been G1MRA for a long, long time…soundly ignored by the local standards generators.
Couplers?
Yeah, H&L…but the “standard” always was:
Bachmann, Lionel, Delton, USA…followed by Aristo Classic, and Lionel couplers screwed to LGB trucks.
All coupled together, all the same height.

I get the newbies here for an ops session, fill them in on the facts of life…let them observe…and they realize it works, without the interference of any magazine or standards body trying to change things.

For current meddling levels, and pricing levels of equipment and track, I would recommend post war Lionel three rail.

TOC

[Tim_Brien]

Mark V said:

Hans-Joerg Mueller said:

About the dirt: TOC and I had a good chuckle about that yesterday. Apparently some people believe it is a good idea to put track on dirt with a suitably thin layer of crusher fines/chips or whatever. They fully expect that the stuff won’t really settle and/or heave regardless of climate.

I guess it’s easier to “have a good chuckle” then post a build thread on what you did in your layout to prevent it eh? No need to point out what someone did wrong…Post what you did right.

I see a lot of ‘experts’ tell me they know all, but see nothing in their posts that would suggest they do. Don’t know what you did in the past, or even today…Just my perspective from what I have seem on LSC over the last few years.

Edit: Actually maybe I should re-visit the construction of my current layout. I have found a 4-6 inch layer of compacted granite (Compacted being the key) functions quite well…No need to wait a year if you use the right equipment. Different thread perhaps…

Mark,
the question might also relate to you. What have YOU accomplished??? While I am not in the legendary status of Kevin or Dave or HJ or even our Rooster (when he decides to string more than two words together), I make something or progress something nearly every day. It seems that I can breathe and chew gum too.

I have over 2500 postings with a lot of the postings relating to build projects that I have accomplished and assistance given to others. I also like to DISCUSS the hobby as well as RUN TRAINS. I seem to recall your forte is maybe changing plastic wheels for metal wheels on LGB cars. Perhaps your accomplishments exceed these dizzy limits of technical endurance and I have under rated your abilities.

Just in the last four weeks I have built four articulated locomotives and stretched several LGB starter set coaches to more acceptable lengths for my liking. If this forum was more user friendly for posting photographs then maybe I would post my exploits/ but then given the current situation, most likely I would not.

Twenty years ago there was a couple of modellers who proposed a new scale, exact three foot gauge. The majority thought that they were mad. Why change the status quo? They had to build everything themselves. Fast forward twenty years and we have exquisite 1/20.3 scale modellers and guess what, fat dumb and happy modellers who cannot even change a coupler. The hobby has made many ‘ready to run’ guys and for some obscure reason they are proud of that.

If you want to denigrate those whose words you do not like to read then maybe check the modelling threads of those individuals or you could, heaven forbid, simply not read their post responses. Now that might be a good idea. That way you would have more time to change out your plastic wheels or maybe fit new couplers to your stock, or maybe even run a train.

[Deleted_User_2918]

Tim Brien said:

Mark V said:

Hans-Joerg Mueller said:

About the dirt: TOC and I had a good chuckle about that yesterday. Apparently some people believe it is a good idea to put track on dirt with a suitably thin layer of crusher fines/chips or whatever. They fully expect that the stuff won’t really settle and/or heave regardless of climate.

I guess it’s easier to “have a good chuckle” then post a build thread on what you did in your layout to prevent it eh? No need to point out what someone did wrong…Post what you did right.

I see a lot of ‘experts’ tell me they know all, but see nothing in their posts that would suggest they do. Don’t know what you did in the past, or even today…Just my perspective from what I have seem on LSC over the last few years.

Edit: Actually maybe I should re-visit the construction of my current layout. I have found a 4-6 inch layer of compacted granite (Compacted being the key) functions quite well…No need to wait a year if you use the right equipment. Different thread perhaps…

Mark,
the question might also relate to you. What have YOU accomplished??? While I am not in the legendary status of Kevin or Dave or HJ or even our Rooster (when he decides to string more than two words together), I make something or progress something nearly every day. It seems that I can breathe and smoke gum too.

I have over 2500 postings with a lot of the postings relating to build projects that I have accomplished and assistance given to others. I also like to DISCUSS the hobby as well as RUN TRAINS. I seem to recall your forte is maybe changing plastic wheels for metal wheels on LGB cars. Perhaps your accomplishments exceed these dizzy limits of technical endurance and I have under rated your abilities.

Just in the last four weeks I have built four articulated locomotives and stretched several LGB starter set coaches to more acceptable lengths for my liking. If this forum was more user friendly for posting photographs then maybe I would post my exploits/ but then given the current situation, most likely I would not.

Twenty years ago there was a couple of modellers who proposed a new scale, exact three foot gauge. The majority thought that they were mad. Why change the status quo? They had to build everything themselves. Fast forward twenty years and we have exquisite 1/20.3 scale modellers and guess what, fat dumb and happy modellers who cannot even change a coupler. The hobby has made many ‘ready to run’ guys and for some obscure reason they are proud of that.

If you want to denigrate those whose words you do not like to read then maybe check the modelling threads of those individuals or you could, heaven forbid, simply not read their post responses. Now that might be a good idea. That way you would have more time to change out your plastic wheels or maybe fit new couplers to your stock, or maybe even run a train.

First…don’t seem to recall saying you have never done anything Tim. I really don’t understand your “changing out wheels” comment or can even fathom where you got that idea. I have plenty of threads on scratch 1:20.3 rolling stock and LGB “bashes” if you’d care to look. I’ll even point you in the direction if you ask kindly enough.

What I tire of is the “old guard” telling us of secret emails that they would love to post but can’t. Of “bashing” real people (not brands) with disparaging terms. I’ve seen one forum go down and hate to see it happen here. They belly-ache about the ‘rah-rah’ types but fail to see how they disparage everything around them to equal measure.

Good day to you.