Guys When I look at pics o f LL 0-8-0s on etailer sites, they say "HO models shown"..... Do the n scale look as good? Thanks
I hate when they do that, Walther's seems to be the biggest offender altough Atlas does it too. Kevin
In a word, no. Most all the time the HO models have more details on them. Sometimes I think they do this to try to get more people to buy them, just a marketing ploy. As Kevin said, I hate it when they do it also. -Mike
nevermind, unless it's really convenient, I found pics of skipgears 0-8-0. NOt southern, but good pics to judge details
I don't have a picture. I just want to sound off here to say, count me in on opposing showing a HO model for in an N scale advertisement. This is deplorable at best.
This one started off when HO manufacturers used the photos of their HO models to promote the N scale release before they had pictures of them. I guess its true, old habits die hard. I'm definitely in tune at wanting to see photos of the actual N scale model. But its a relief to know in this day and age, the detail in N scale is now very close to HO, if not equal. When I look at photos, its to the point that the only give away is the couplers.
Fair enough if the N scale version hasn't been released yet and they say so in the ad but if its kept up after the n scale model is out there is no excuse. These days any cheap digital camera can be used to add a photo to a website with ease.
I hate it, for instance well any add the product looks real neat with pin lifters and free standing grabs say a actual AEI tag on it... well the N model is like comparing bachman to modern atlas or kato.
I agree 100% I love Atlas, but it's shady at best. Not too long ago I saw an ad for a new atlas loco and I can't remember which it was, but I think it was a RS-11. I saw all the handrails on the ends and some other details and thought "that's awesome"! Then I read where it said "HO model shown". LOL I can see where a newbie such as myself could fall for that.
Place me in the camp that's agin it.. I know they want to show what the model will looks like and I can appreciate that but,why not wait till the preproduction sample shows up? Guys,About those details..They are one of the reasons I return to N Scale..Sure the mintue detail looks super nice but,they are also very fragile and even with extreme care those iddy bitty parts you don't see breaks off.Makes life rough for routine handling.
I am usually just happy that a given company is making a given model in N scale. What drives me nuts are ads in non-scale specific magazines that make no mention of the scale that a particular new or announced product is/will be.
I understand and agree with Donkey's statement, BUT, and a big BUT, the difference in detail on an engine or boxcar is bad enough but the difference in a building is plain old deceptive, especially when you need to paint pre cast window frames, etc. that are already in place on the model.
What about when the prototype or "artists rendering" is shown such as what Atlas or Kato do? Disclosure: I work for "Pacific Western" who frequently shows the prototype cars instead of the models. Edit: I also would prefer to see the N Scale model. My guess it the labor involved is greater than the manufacturers feel it is worth. It is not "fair" to the novice to show more than they will receive. At least with the rendering or the prototype pics the buyer knows it is not what they will be getting. Note: Use of "prototype" here refers to the actual 1:1 object.
IMHO a "artists rendering" is far better then a prototype picture. Why is that? Good question! While the older(read more experience) modelers know a plastic freight car(or locomotive) can never duplicate a prototype car/locomotive 100% there are those less experience or younger modelers that will automatically assume the car/locomotive will look exactly like the picture. But,as far as "artists rendering" that better be close in having the correct colors because I seen modelers on a well known forum rip a "artists rendering" because the colors was wrong! It seems to me that a manufacturer can't please every camp. Perhaps the lessor of the evils is to display a preproduction example. Why? A preproduction example can also be a good way for manufacturers to change any body or detail errors noted by advanced modelers and correct these errors before the locomotive/car goes into production.A win/win for all concerned.
I guess, this is all a good reason we should use our LHS more often, but when an etailer is selling LL 0-8-0s for <$100, I can't justify $160 or so at the LHS, so I don't want to just go in and use him as a showroom. I do most of my car and track buying at the LHS, but for loco's, I guess I gotta decide, save enough to be able to bid on older stuff thats not available, and buy more new, or spend top dollar to support good businesses, and buy fewer things.... Was their a thread discussing addiction....... I should probably reread it. While typing this my daughter opened a letter from the USCG academy (just info, not applying yet). I asked her if she saw any ratings on their engineering school. She said yes, they are at the top, comparable to Ivy league. Oh yeah, "I also want to apply to MIT" she says..... SO this may become moot for me.
