John,
I'm not surprised at all. Folks like discussing, either pro, con or neutral, different opinions on old school, long standing, classic train items. It is a nice break from the typical, "Will the new XYZ Engine have a zig/zag blue tooth Apple app." Or, the "I can't get the Control Command in my new $400 engine to turn the passenger voices on when the engine backs up."
Even though I proposed that the thread be over, people still enjoy commenting and adding their memories about this simple classic item.
Mannyrock