(jeb@oscalemag.com). - O Scale Trains Magazine Online

Useful Info for the TransitionI used Ted Byrne’s simple DC rectifierset-up (November-December Issue) totemporarily power the layout sections asI convert to 2-Rail since all of the tworaillocos I have acquired are traditionalDC control. I use it in conjunction with aTroller Tac II power supply intended for3-Rail. I was concerned about getting apower supply to keep the transition moving,but this works fine. Thanks.The long letter containing recommendationson techniques for flextrackinstallation was valuable. Also it wouldbe interesting to have a detailed descriptionof the construction technique usedon the industrial flats in the three-raillayout you featured, although the MaxtedHarpsichord factory was interestingin that it did address some methods forthe building flats.Von Richards (via email)…and About That 3-Rail Content (#1)In Issue #30, several readers and thepublisher commented on the inclusionof an article by a Hi-Rail modeler. I firstheard of this magazine on a three-railforum and subscribed to it when I couldnot find it in our local hobby shop orbookstores. I feel that I can learn fromany publication about trains, model orreal. I read OST, MR, RMC, CTT, OGRand any others that I can find.The tone of several letters was belittling,seemingly, of anything that did notfit a given mold. The publisher made histhoughts, at least to me, very clear. Itdoes not bother me if CTT or OGR runssomething 2-Rail. I don’t think our hobbyis so large that we can ignore or belittlean aspect of our hobby in which we donot directly participate. I will continue toenjoy OST and play with my trains.Roger Roush (via email)3-Rail (#2)“Celebrating the Art of 1:48 Modeling”,where have I seen this in printbefore? Ah yes its stated proudly on thefront cover of every issue of O ScaleTrains. As I see it, It’s a mission statementof sorts for your fine magazine. Ithink this feeling is concurred by manyof your readers as we respect any modelercelebrating their art of 1:48 modeling,be it in 2-Rail standard-guage orProto48, outside third rail, On3, On30,monorail and yes even 3-Rail. I thinkanybody that creates their railroad withscale equipment in a scale environmentwith detail and realism such as NormCharbonneau’s layout is worthy to gracethe pages of this magazine. So Joe, Iwouldn’t worry about anybody being sonarrow minded as to ask for your headover Charbonneau’s masterpiece of 1:48modeling. I could definitely see hint ofinfluence reminiscent in the modelingstyle of George Selios’ Franklin & SouthManchester Railroad. Norm, we celebratewith you on outstanding modelingskills reflected in your GreenbrookeCentral Railroad. I do hope you alsoshare with us in future issues how youused Dan Machesky’s scratchbuildingideas to turn out some very convincingimages. Great photos! By the way whogets credit for the photography? Lightingwas great!Walter Horlacher, Coral Springs, FL3-Rail (#3)I wasn’t going to renew my subscriptionuntil I just received your latest issue(#29). The material content becamemuch more relevant to what I want toread about. I’m a 3-Railer and most anyrailroad publication, regardless of scale,usually is interesting to me. I even subscribeto an N Scale magazine becauseof their photographic efforts that helpillustrate scenery or some other subject.Anyway, I’ll try your magazine foranother year and see how the contentdevelops during that period.Michael Schafer, HI3-Rail (#4)I think your selective use of truly highlevel three-rail layouts is great.In fact, other than the middle rail, Idoubt your readers can tell one from theother. We know you can’t please everyonebut to exclude fine examples such asNorm Charbonneau or the Cheryl Valleywould do a disservice to many of yourreaders. I learn from both camps. In myopinion, this “scale thing” can be carriedto the extreme as evidenced by the referenceto the various rail codes used bysome modelers. There must be room inthis hobby for those of us who appreciatehighly skilled modeling, regardless ifit is 2- or 3-Rail.D. Gauss (via email)3-Rail (#5)In the last ten years, the so-called“toy trains” and the modelers who usethem to create model railroads, haveadvanced the art of modeling by usingscale (except for wheels) models andhave used the available fine buildings,scenic treatments and excellent trackplans to create fine model railroads. Onthe other hand, 2-Railers have been buyingand promoting ready-to-run equipment,ready-to-lay track and other fineitems offered by ever increasing manufacturersto create fine model railroads.As shown in the articles you have chosento print, the line between “toy” and“scale” has virtually disappeared. WhileI am most interested in seeing articlesabout my chosen corner of the modelingworld, it is always a treat to see finemodeling by anyone using whatever theychoose to use. Your treatment of the 3-Rail articles showed examples that anymodeler can use to improve his own creations.It is true that 3-Rail articles havegood coverage in other magazines, butthat does not preclude publishing qualitymodeling in this magazine.Second subject: your opinion pieceabout the NMRA. I don’t remember itever being stated better. That organizationneeds to present themselves in sucha way as to attract modelers not reformers.“Show me the money.”Gerald Brothers (via email)3-Rail (#6)I re-entered the model train hobby in1997 after an absence of about 40 yearssince completing a Lionel layout at agetwelve. I began by collecting MTH Premier3-Rail “scale” locomotives. As myknowledge and interest redeveloped, Ibuilt a 12’ by 8’ Hi-Rail layout that was,for me, a learning experience in mostaspects of “near scale” model railroading.Space limitations constrain me towork in 3-Rail although I would prefer 2-Rail. I suspect that most readers of OST,like me, appreciate O-gauge “scale”model railroading irrespective of whetherit is done on two or three rails. Therefore,I see no reason why your excellentmagazine should not include both.Mel Garelick, Trumbull, CT3-Rail (#7)Just got the latest issue and I thoughtI would write one of the hundreds ofnotes you will get encouraging you tocontinue to feature impressive layoutslike Norm’s, whether 2-Rail or 3-Railscale, in future issues for the followingreasons:(continued on page 38)Mar/Apr ’07- O Scale Trains • 35