>> Ed, I think you might go back over the posts to find out just who is calling who what…
That is an interesting suggestion. Here is what just one person has stated over the recent past. In my opinion, every one of these remarks exhibits an anti-scale bias without just cause.
July 20 -- the few don't have the right to represent the many.
July 20 -- As I said, an individual or a small number of people don't have the right to represent the many on their own needs or specific requirements,
July 20 -- My perception is that as soon as Flyer, tinplate or hi-rail is mentioned you get on the defensive and look for any means to dispel what is said in favour of your own agenda
Dec 26 -- a very small group of scale people are wishing manufactures to make items only to scale proportions, isn't this being a bit selfish and not considering others needs
Dec 26 -- S is not the preserve of the S scalers only, there are others out there that need to have an input as to what they want.
Dec 26 -- you could easily read into it that S is for scale people only and that the rest should either convert or find another gauge.
Dec 27 -- the SIG group is a standard lot rather than a modelling group.
Dec 30 -- the SIG people are focused more on the standards than the bigger picture.
Dec 30 -- OK Ed, it seems you like to post controversial topics
Dec 30 -- and get people sparring
Dec 30 -- The S Scale SIG defines scale modeling, <snip> I don't see the bigger picture mentioned, do you?
Dec 30 -- the bigger picture is a taboo subject for S scalers on the SIG group and that only wheel and track standards count
>> Lobster claw couplers and pizza cutter flanges are not Hi-rail terms any more than they are Flyer terms, however I do see these terms used by the scale crowd over and over again to describe S hobbyists that model to a different level and use different equipment. As I said earlier I do not like the slur.
Those nicknames have been in common use for decades by most everyone in S -- including the Flyer guys and high-railers. I think of it as a convenient way to describe things. That is what nicknames are for -- convenience. To the best of my knowledge, nobody has ever claimed it was a slur -- until now. If you feel that way, why not politely request that different terminology be used and provide the preferred words. To not follow your polite request would be rude.
>> And now you, from somewhere, have picked up the idea that the ‘others’ are insulting your domain? And now you are trying to portray yourself as victim… the scaler is the victim???
If you read the comments made above by just one fellow, it is not hard to see that he is insulting and has an anti-scale attitude. Just read his junk and think about it. Would you like me to provide a laundry list of similar anti-scale comments from another fellow? Just ask.
>> I also don’t think we – the not-so-scalers -- are trying to redefine your scale criteria.
First of all, it is not "my" scale criteria. It is the same common understanding used by the NMRA, NASG, S SIG and gosh knows who else. It has been in use for 50 years or more without much controversy by the scale modelers of this hobby. It is clear (to me) that some folks want to replace the accepted standard definition with something else. But that something else remains undefined. The scale guys are happy with it. Why not let them have their happiness?
>> We have become aware that it not as ‘scale’ as you lead us to believe, or perhaps as you have lead yourselves to believe.
I have not led you to think that "scale" is anything more than following the NMRA standards as they exist. What you believe is up to you and beyond my control or influence. Nor have I led myself to believe that "scale" is anything more than following the NMRA standards. I think some folks are becoming delusional about things they erroneously perceive. You might have confused someone else with me. I will challenge you to produce an email or two from me to support your (untrue) contention that "scale" is anything other than conforming to the NMRA standards.
>> I feel that all we are asking is for your aspect of the hobby to accept the rest of us and to realize that we are not some albatross
If you feel like an albatross, I would suggest you discuss that directly with the person who made you feel that way. I cannot speak for other scale guys. I can only speak for myself. If I have been derogatory toward the Flyer guys or the high-rail guys, please show me some emails from me and let's discuss it. If it was someone else, you should contact them about your feelings.
>> around the neck of S scale (or is it S gauge?).
Using the words as commonly understood, "S scale" refers to those modelers who conform to the NMRA standards. "S gauge" refers to those who do not. I guess the selection of words depends upon whose neck you are hanging.
>> This is ludicrous.
>> Tom Stoltz
We agree on that.
Ed L.