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Tricky toy train terms
Excellent to have terms on the computer for reference. My only issue with toy train terminology is using “scale” and “gauge” interchangeably. I’m no purist in the hobby, but do value consistency and specificity with terms. This may be from my teaching background of 36 years.
In England UK, we dont use the term Hi-Rail. But after reading American model railway magazines for the last 55 years i got the impression it refered to model rail having a toy train profile, not scale. Slightly at odds with that described here.
I’ve been a railway modeler most of my life, well for 65 years, and the industry and modlers have always mixed the terms scale and gauge, guess well have to live with it now, and hope the newcommer isnt too confused.
I really like seeing hi rail layouts. I think the term covers too broad a spectrum. I mean no offense whatsoever to anyone who uses the term of their layout but I think there is a difference between realistic scenery and scenery that literally looks shrunk by Wonka Vision, referring of course to Willy Wonka’s machine which shrinks candy…or people. Layouts such as Rich Battista’s and Norm Charbenaeu (forgive me if spellings are wrong) to name 2 have got to be shrunken or “Wonka Vision Model Railroading”. Scenery, detailing, and weathering that is so realistic my first thought is Wonka Vision. Thanks for reading my ramblings, just wanted to introduce a term I use in my head. Doubt it will stick though. Happy modeling!