SIRT posted:MTH RailKing items are compressed.
What about all the former Premier models that were rebranded as RailKing? They may not be as detailed as the current batch of O scale models from MTH and Lionel, but they are still 1/4" scale. The RailKing Santa Fe and Reading-style cabooses are also rebranded Premier items.
Granted, most of the RailKing line is selectively compressed or stretched, but to apply this to all RailKing models is invalid. I will also grant that RK models are adjusted for O31 (or O27) curves and play value, but that doesn't eliminate 1/4" to the foot proportions of some RK models.
As indicated earlier, the RK model isn't based on the same prototype as Lionel's and therefor is an "apples to oranges" comparison in itself. If the RK model were similar to the postwar Lionel 2460 crane, then you'd have a valid argument.
If we really want to get down and dirty into the weeds, anything with deep flanges and third rail operation can't be considered as "scale."
Rusty
