@Erik C Lindgren posted:This still surprises the heck out of me why o "scale" doesn't have a Scale Trains, Athearn Genesis, Rapido Trains level of scale modern power like this. The MTH is nice don't misunderstand me on that but it's not anything like what's available in N or HO.
Unfortunately, this too is another reason some of the younger modelers are going to the smaller scales. Besides the fact there simply are more choices in general. As I have said before you can take an HO or N scale engine right out of the box and run it with very few to no modifications as it relates to a prototypical engine, freight car, caboose, etc. The manufacturers of our O Scale products are doing a good job with the models they are putting out but my opinion is that O scale will always be behind as it relates to detail. Even without the fine details that are being offered in the smaller scales our prices are still higher. I can't imagine the price point if Lionel came out with a scale ES44AC with the same detail as a Scale Trains HO scale model.
With all that being said, I'm not complaining because I, like many O Scalers, fully understand that if I'm going to have a more detailed anything, I will have to do it myself. As long as you understand and accept that O scale will work for you. It doesn't hurt to wish/hope but anything more will bring unnecessary heartache and pain.
The bright side is because we can't have it our way right out the box, IMO O scalers are some of the best modelers and scratch builders. This is regularly demonstrated on this site.
Dave
