@Matt_GNo27 posted:
OMG!!
That's plum un-American!!
To some of us, Lionel's little cast frame FA's are cute little models that reflect the "feel" of the Alco FA1/FA2/FP2 series.
Inaccurate? Absolutely.
Capture the feel? Well, to me, yes.
We must keep in mind that they were, after all, marketed as toys.
BUT, I still think they look GREAT on a layout with sincere scenery. To illustrate, I offer this photo shared here at OGR some years ago by "WBG Pete":
I think keeping rolling stock behind them that is proportionally appropriate, and set within such a setting as above, they look (to my eyes) VERY GOOD. Panache out the wazoo... with the bonus of historic significance (in the Lionel scheme of things) to boot.
I will readily admit, though, that Lionel's little cast frame (and for sure the stamped frame) FA's are an "acquired taste" for some (my case). However, some among us have loved them since childhood, others among us the Lionel FA's leave them cold, and still others can't stand them. IMHO, none of responses is the only "correct" perception. It's all about preferences. Some like 'em, some don't care for them.
Speaking of the little stamped frame FA's: Again, in my eyes sincere scenery enhances their appearance significantly. To that I offer this older pic by an OGR forumite by the name of "Christopher".
It was the above two pics (along with others) that made me look at Lionel's FA's (cast frame or stamped) through a bit different eyes.
Proportionally, my personal favorites are the cast frames... but some of the stamped frame schemes are really neat.
It's all good!
Oh, and Matt: Nice pics by the way!
Andre
