MTL confirms "scale width hood" on MTL SD40-2's

[ztrack]

Lee, I am glad to hear we could entertain you. The fact is that I do hope you gain a bit more appreciation for our chosen scale. We really take this seriously, not just those of us who do this professionally.

Let me share a story with you about my past. I am use to the O scale and HO bias that has been present against any other scale (N, TT, Z, etc). About 20+ years ago, I was starting my model train career. I had already started my path on Z scale and loved it. But I wanted to learn from the 'big boys' and started visiting an HO club. They seemed like great guys and even had a few Z items in a case on the wall. I loved their layout and wanted to learn their techniques. One member took me underwing and encouraged me to join the club. I dutifully filled out the application and waited. I never heard back. I asked the member who was my contact, what had happened. He explained that the club rejected my membership since I was into Z scale. They felt I had nothing to offer.

Today I run one of the largest Z scale companies in the world. I reach 40 countries and have industry contacts across the world. I am a proud member of the HMA (Hobby Manufacturers Association). I often think back to this slight and laugh. Yes, I had nothing to offer... and look where I am today. So my point is that we take this seriously. We believe in this scale. We are also very open to invite you or any model railroader into our scale. We are open and I for one will not close the door as it was closed to me. So before you knock Z, give it a try. You may be surprised. It is quite addicting.

On a side note, I am now a member of COSE. These are the Central Ohio S Scale Enthusiast. They are an absolutely wonderful group of guys who have welcomed my Z brethren with open arms.  Our club, the COZE (Central Ohio Z Enthusiasts) have been sharing space and running layouts side by side for years. I know this bias towards Z is not universal. There are quite a lot of open minded model train enthusiasts who just like to watch wheels on track, regardless the scale.

Rob

[John]

I just like poking the stick in the cage once in awhile! ;D

I think you poked the stick into a hornets nest ..

[nscalesteve]

...I only can pull my hat when I see stuff like this be done in Z scale !

http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=110355

[wm3798]

Thanks for that insight, Rob.  I had a similar experience with a club, while they accepted my application, the layouts were O and HO, and outside of an HOn3 run on the one side, they never spoke of N in tones other than derogatory or condescending.  Not all of them, but still.  I've also had close friendships with folks dabbling in S, or traction, or any of what might be considered 'minority interests' in the hobby.

Tom's probably right, It's doubtful I'll ever wade into the Z scale racket, but this thread has been a good education on what is possible.

So in addition to the good entertainment of the joust, I do appreciate the education as well.  Heretofore I'll reserve my forked tongue for topics about which I know less!

Lee

[Catt]

  I'm of a mind that my fellow Zed heads are taking themselves a wee bit to serious. ;D

  As for the MTL units being to wide,if ya don't like em don't buy em.That just means there will be more MTL's for sale at discounted prices for the rest of us.

[JoeD]

We don't seem to have any problem selling a whole bunch of them every month.  Keeping stock is the hard part.  If you find a good discounter...let me know, I need more Rock Island  ;D

Joe

[cv_acr]

You know, if you want really accurate models, may I introduce you to my old friend O Scale?

Can you say "3-rail O"? "Tinplate"? "MTH"? 

Fer cripe sakes, these things will be whipping around in cute little coffee table layouts, not being used for an historical retrospective on the development of the diesel locomotive. 

We're talking about N now right? 

Seriously, every scale has it's toy factor. I've seen lots of examples in magazines of N-scale coffee table layouts, and Z-scale suitcase layouts. And lets not forget that HO has its "sacred 4x8" and Model Power  , and of course there's 3-rail O.

[Mark5]

Seriously, every scale has it's toy factor.

Waddya mean? ;D

[Sokramiketes]

No way... I had this growing up: 

[tom mann]

hmmm...both of those are subtitled "electric train and battle set".

[Ed Kapuscinski]

No way... I had this growing up: 

Me too. That transforming caboose was the shiz-night!

[Bob Bufkin]

Look like they were a lot more fun than my old AF stuff.

[Dave V]

No way... I had this growing up: 

Me too. That transforming caboose was the shiz-night!

But did it ride too high?  How about the "side hung cupola?"  Was it an SP prototype? ;D

[Sokramiketes]

hmmm...both of those are subtitled "electric train and battle set".

Trains and battles are like peas and carrots.   

[Mr. G]

Trains and battles are like peas and carrots.   

As proven daily on Railwire.