There was a layout exhibited over the weekend; let’s call it Duckling Ghyle. Well known, but for some reason I’d never seen it in the flesh, despite it having been around for decades. Disappointed? Most definitely.
The modelling was superb; impossible to fault. The display and operation were frankly appalling; off the scale. Achingly slow and partial front operation meant that 3-link couplers were fiddled with in the view-line of the audience. I’m really not a fan of this. Either work at the front/end and go auto, or work from the back and lean over. I can accept the hand of God no problem, but I don’t want someone’s arse in my face with every single shunt move.
The problem as I see it, isn’t this directly, it’s the selling on; and this from a modeller who sells everything on. The original builder has a concept in mind and if he/she is thinking about this properly, it will include an early idea of how the thing will be operated and from what position, even if it is a home layout. Selling on removes this mentally carried part of the concept. I have no doubt that the current owners were competent in many ways, but the slight alteration in display removed this initial operating/layout whole concept approach. Result: total failure, despite the very high modelling quality.
I suppose that what I am taking away from this is that if you buy something, you have to be careful that you think carefully about the operating concept as a whole, and don’t just purchase the visual modelling. Any reflected glory that you are hoping to obtain will soon be wiped out in seconds if the original operating style is not adopted.
What do you think?
