Why Multi-Scale???
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Well the first thing I’d like to say is: “Why not?” After all
the purpose of a hobby is to have fun! And whether you’re into serious scale
modeling or Toy Trains or both, make sure you’re enjoying it! I understand that “Scale Model Railroaders” stick to
one scale and that’s it. I see the
value in that because all things mesh and fit together. To some model railroaders toy train
layouts are nonsense. They laugh at
three rail track… I don’t know how many toy train videos I’ve seen where guys
scale model for years and return to Toy Trains because they can have MY IDEA IS THAT THE
HOBBY SHOULD BE Only recently, I’ve learned the benefits of three
rail track and why Joshua Lionel Cowen invented it…(See my section on three
rail track.) I stopped
in at a garage sale a few years ago and this man showed me his HO scale
railroad…HO is approximately 1/8 inch to a foot. When I mentioned multi-scale he said: “You have to stick to one
scale.” I thought about it but is just isn’t true. If this were a job someone was paying me for then yes, I’d do
it to their specs. As for me, There are
even what we call “rivet counters.” I
actually read an article where a modeler cut off the rivets from a plastic
water tower and replaced them with a closer-to-scale size! To have to do that would make a boring,
dull job out of what can be the most fun hobby on earth! Toy train people don’t particularly care if the
railroad crossing signs are the right size or whatever. They buy what they
want and set it up and enjoy it… with no strings attached!!! I can see the beauty in that world as
well. Then there are what we call “high
rail” modelers, who model with the toy trains and make there scenery just as
detailed as any scale modeler. I plan
to do some of it all. After all, if
you have to stick to strict specifications etc., it becomes a job and not a
hobby to me. My very supportive wife said “Your railroad should
be a PR. Like PC’s (personal
computers) a railroad layout should be a “personal railroad.” My sister
said “If you just model what someone else has already done, you aren’t
creating anything new.” Now on to multi-scale…
My wife, my daughter, my sister and my mother has bought or helped me to
purchase many trains, buildings and accessories over the years. So thanks to them and the blessings and
goodness of God I have a marvelous collection… including N scale, HO scale, O
scale, On30 and G scale trains! What
a blessing to have a supportive family in this hobby! With the exception of the N and HO because the
people and animals are too small for my eyes now, I don’t intend to leave any
of them just sitting in boxes! Forced perspective is a great tool for us model train people, I don’t
know who came up with that term or idea, but we can all benefit from it! It simply means that you build the large
scale on the bottom level and get smaller as you get higher up and/or farther
away. I’ve been to Colorado many
times and when you are at the bottom of a valley or canyon and look up at the
roadway you’ll soon be traveling, cars look matchbox size! This makes your layout look much bigger
than it actually is! So after many years of modeling and trying to stick
to HO scale, I now enjoy any size train I have and can run them all! My layout is multi-scale and multi-level
and includes G, O and On30. Don’t limit
yourself to so strict of guidelines that it takes the enjoyment out it for
you. Whatever your dreams are try to
stick to them as close as possible when building your layout and don’t say “I
can’t use that wonderful figure or building because it’s a half inch off
scale! You can always set it farther
back or higher up. Our hobby is the greatest, most multi-faceted hobby
in the world. Enjoy it! |
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