My goal in railway modeling is to achieve a visually realistic representation of the prototype, within reasonable - and somewhat flexible - constraints of time and cost. As a newcomer to Irish prototype modeling, the 20% or so gauge compromise baked into OO scale/1600mm gauge has come as a disconcerting surprise, to say the least.
Modelers ARE a handy and resourceful lot, but it seems good business for model railroad manufacturers to work to increase the appeal of the hobby. I understand the need for making the business case - but that case was been made years ago with the decision to serve the limited market of Irish prototype modelers.
I will enthusiastically support 21mm RTR products. A workable trackwork selection could be as basic as #4, #6 and wye points, 1-metre flex-track sticks and perhaps 60- and 90-degree 'X' crossovers.
Rolling stock is relatively simple. We would need RTR or user-convertible 21mm trucks (bogies?), axle and wheelsets.
21mm motive power would be more of a problem. Steam locomotive cylinders, crossheads and guides, linkages and valve gear would require redesign and retooling. Diesels need regauged power trucks. Chassis clearances and fitting need to be checked. Still, I should think the limited number of Irish prototypes works in favor of feasibility.
I encourage manufacturers to support OO scale modeling that is accurately gauged to represent the characterful Irish broad gauge. I will back those efforts by purchasing their models in the future.
Would you model in 21mm if RTR track and models were readily available?
in Irish Models
Posted
My goal in railway modeling is to achieve a visually realistic representation of the prototype, within reasonable - and somewhat flexible - constraints of time and cost. As a newcomer to Irish prototype modeling, the 20% or so gauge compromise baked into OO scale/1600mm gauge has come as a disconcerting surprise, to say the least.
Modelers ARE a handy and resourceful lot, but it seems good business for model railroad manufacturers to work to increase the appeal of the hobby. I understand the need for making the business case - but that case was been made years ago with the decision to serve the limited market of Irish prototype modelers.
I will enthusiastically support 21mm RTR products. A workable trackwork selection could be as basic as #4, #6 and wye points, 1-metre flex-track sticks and perhaps 60- and 90-degree 'X' crossovers.
Rolling stock is relatively simple. We would need RTR or user-convertible 21mm trucks (bogies?), axle and wheelsets.
21mm motive power would be more of a problem. Steam locomotive cylinders, crossheads and guides, linkages and valve gear would require redesign and retooling. Diesels need regauged power trucks. Chassis clearances and fitting need to be checked. Still, I should think the limited number of Irish prototypes works in favor of feasibility.
I encourage manufacturers to support OO scale modeling that is accurately gauged to represent the characterful Irish broad gauge. I will back those efforts by purchasing their models in the future.