Getting passionate N-Scalers involved in the NMRA is exactly what I want to get done. BUT there is opposition from many N_SCalers primarily because many HO-Scalers don't seem to realize that many N-Scaler s actually run trains and operate in much the same way they do. So I don't want to start a Scale war here, but I would appreciat civility on both sides.

Irv

I model in ho, but I see nothing wrong with n-scale.  There are n-scale people involved with the NMRA.  I just think that n-scalkers need to get more involved and make their voice heard within the organization.  As long as there is the attitude that the NMRA is run by ho scalers for ho scalers so tha ere is no reason for an n-scaler to join, there won't be the emphasis on n-scale.  The NMRA exists primarily for the benefit of members of the NMRA.  If they get a bunch of N-scale members bugging them to do more with N-scale, they will respond.  A bunch of non members complaining about the lack of N-scale focus probably won't make any difference.

in my 25+ years around the hobby, I've never heard an HO scaler in any way look down on me or give any negativity towards me or my choice of scale, and in fact have had many say they strongly considered N scale for many of the same reasons I did, but ended up in HO for various reasons.  I honestly believe the so-called bias for HO is simply an erroneous perception of a few vocal, overly sensitive N scalers that propagate it to the masses through forums and "coffee room" conversations when the reality is 99% of N scalers have never had a thought of bias until listening to these few individuals.  N scale has what, 20% of the market?  So why would you not assume that they would only have 20% of the press?  And I'd suggest that N scale actually receives more than 20% of the press, but these few individuals will never be satisfied until things are mostly N-centric - the very thing they despise about HO.  Not speaking about any particular person here, just my observation of the general populace.

N-Scalers need to have layouts on both the layout tours and at the NMRA conventions. And they need to be publicized as well. BUt this doesn't happen and it isn't helping anybody.

Of course magazines like MRH and others need to get these things for those who ar einto it as it can both help those who have space limitations and a desire to have something to run trans on. HO isn't the only scale but to many it seems it is. N-Trak needs be involved here and that can only haoppen if the local N-Trak clubs get involved sinec ethis organization is heavily into modular model railroading as the N-Trak and the related T-Trak layouts are built to be both portable and ideal for shows. Both N-Trak and T-Trak clubs are everywhere and should be sought out for shows of this nature.

Irv

As a modeler in S scale, I'm always looking up at the likes of O, HO and N.  But, Inter-scale jealousy is not very constructive when you have a hobby that is in a slow age-related decline. If having a strong HO contingent means getting more young people into the hobby then so be it. I'm a life-long S scaler and I'm content with what I have and if HO is far more popular, so what.

I'm also an NMRA member. My division is mostly made up of HO modelers (a profound observation). However, there is another S scaler and a smattering of N and O members. We all get along just fine and are in it to share the joys of model railroading. That to me is what the NMRA is all about. The perceived HO bias is just the fact that there are far more HO members and not some conspiracy.

I'm with Joe in that the basis for more N in the NMRA is more N involvement. I wish S had the numbers to motivate that N has, but everything is relative.

It's not a conspiracy. Its just an omission and it really doesn't help anybody. Many of the standard s set by the NMRA help all of ht scales but soime don't. For example the stndards set for DCC help all scales and the fact that they do is to be applauded. But ther are some standard sfor N-Scale that are needed. zOne of them is to define whether N-Scale is 1/16o or 1/150. while the size difference msay be small you ac tellthe differemce when a 1/150 locomotive stands next to a similiar one in 1/160.

Irv

According to NMRA Standard S-1.2

http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/pdf/S-1.2%202009.07.pdf

N Scale Proportion 1:160.... So exactly what are you speaking of when you say the NMRA does not define N-Scale is 1/160 or 1/150.

Ken L.

Ther is some N-Scale stuff that is 1/150 and other stuff that is 1/160. It seems most of the 1/150 stuff comes from Japan. That includes stuff made by TomyTech and other Japanese companies such as Kato. It sold as N-SCale but it isn't 1/160 yrt it is compatible with US N-Scale which is 1/160. It does get confusing and certyain thaings just don't look right.

Irv

There is alotof stuff that is really 1/150 that is sold as N-Scale. Most of this seems to come from Japan which apparentl has its own version of N-Scale. The trak is identicle interms of gauge, but what runs o it really isn't the same and thus doesn't NMRA standards. No one seems to say anything about it. THe US aand European companies that produce 1/160 product aren't saying nything nor is anyone else. Apparantly they just take the same old approach of giving and trying not compete with the Kato's and TomyTechs of this world.

Irv

If it doesn't then you can't blame the NMRA for the issue.  Unlike UL, the NMRA can not enforce it's standards and practices.  However, items that do NOT have the conformance warrant then how can the NMRA be blamed?

Ken L