Yes, It's True...

13 JANUARY 2013

I've left Z Scale modeling. I wasn't going to broadcast the fact; I thought most folks could figure it out. But I've been receiving enough emails to warrant an explanation.

First and foremost, I'm gradually losing my modeling capabilities. Health is taking its toll on my ability to manipulate—or even just to hold—tiny parts or do fine work. At one time I embraced this challenge, even in the face of diminishing eyesight; little did I know at the time that my vision would be the least of my concerns. I'm now facing the one-two punch of arthritis in my hands and sarcoidosis that's spreading from my lungs to my muscles, resulting in chronic pain and fatigue. And those are just the conditions that directly affect my work; I'm also dealing with celiac's, RLS, hypertension, four collapsing discs, and nerve damage from a botched arthroscopy, among other issues.

A secondary but still significant factor is a general souring toward the scale. This is courtesy of now being a manufacturer; I've been granted an "insider's look" at the industry, and without going into detail, it's not a pretty picture, not one bit. There have been some deeply troubling events along the way, some directly affecting me, others impacting friends. It's left me in a state I'd not anticipated when I started my business, and frankly it's not how I'd prefer to be, but alas it's entirely unavoidable: I'm contemptuous. In a serious way. And while I'm not announcing that I'll be ending all Z Scale manufacturing myself, there will be cutbacks; more on this another time.

Another serious blow to my Z Scale adventure was the destruction of the James River Branch at the hands of UPS. It had just been shown at the National Z Scale Convention in Denver, where it took Best of Show. While it appeared 100% cosmetically complete, there were still many things I'd planned to change or add. But that opportunity was denied to me. Consequently I lost interest in my Geordie & Daphne, and needing room for a new layout, I decommissioned it. My seemingly casual attitude about this rankled a few fans of the layout, but it was, after all, mine to dispose.

So I've returned to N Scale. I'm still challenging myself as a modeler, but in ways I can better manage under the circumstances. N Scale offers far more in the way of raw materials with which to work; not to mention that it's all bigger. After my years in Z, I will confess that it's actually "too small" from the standpoint that there are many things which are simply impractical, if not impossible, to make. For example: while I wouldn't claim that an accurate, fully-articulated Z Scale Shay is entirely out of the question, it's undoubtedly a challenge suited exclusively for a tiny handful of the world's most skilled craftsmen. Furthermore, I'll positively assert that it would be entirely impractical to mass-produce a Z Scale Shay. An N Scale Shay has been difficult enough—just ask Atlas why their second run was cancelled.

It's not as if I'm leaving the planet; I still take the time to answer Z Scalers' questions, help with track planning, and so forth. But people will need to look to others for fresh new projects and ideas. A part of me is sad to go, but a larger part is very much looking forward to a return to the more familiar—and comfortable—surroundings afforded by N Scale. Farewell!

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