I have come to the same opinion that prrjim shared, as well as (I think) Rich Melvin: It's either scale or it isn't.
Obviously, even sincere efforts to produce a "scale" model can err in some minor detail the mfg'er got wrong, but typically, with a scale model, there is typically nothing obviously "incorrect". (Typically very minor discrepancies with nothing major that shouts at you.)
However, to me, IF the model has a swiveling pilot where the prototype did not, or has truck mounted couplers, when the prototype didn't, and other such concessions, that model is "semi-scale" regardless how the mfg'er wants to market it.
This doesn't mean I want to wrangle about it or argue, just that's the way I see it now. I'm fine with those that choose to see it differently. Besides, should I ever see a need to do so, I would use diesel engines with swiveling pilots and be happy, and wouldn't think a thing about truck mounted couplers.
BUT the question was asked, so I offered yet another opinion.
Andre
