Semi Fast

I am a 'returnee'. Because I built many, many Airfix kits as a child, I feel comfortable building plastic kits now and hope it leads to other 'proper' modelling skills later. I would dearly love to see the Coopercraft and Slaters 4mm ranges available again - or a new range covering similar prototypes. I think it would be difficult to justify as a business, but it seems there would be enough interest to thoroughly explore the options around some sort of cooperative/not for profit venture. It doesn't have to be a threat to the Bill Bedford-type market - I certainly wouldn't practice my skills on that type of kit; I'd only tackle that quality once I knew what I was doing! The optimists on this thread have my support. Nothing new got started by people not trying.

There will never be an answer to where a variation like 4-sf sits - but does it really matter? To those who don't/won't use it, it isn't "00" because of the nominal gauge. Those who do use it will see it as 00 because they will be using 00 stock without modification. Compared to the number of users of RTR track work, the numbers of modellers involved are few.

I thought that the manufacture and sale of Marmite was allowed - it's the consumption of Marmite that threatens world peace. Andrew Consumer of Marmite in industrial quantities

As far as I can tell, every time there is a discussion on RMWeb about TDG (The Devil's Gauge a.k.a 00-sf or 4-sf or ...) - which may include technical arguments but is generally interesting and/or useful - then sooner or later somebody jumps in and declares it "a Bad Thing". And despite the fact that nobody seems to be recommending 00-sf, merely presenting it as an alternative, apparently those talking about it are "promoting" it. Why are some people so frightened by it?

Currently, an Chilean Merlot, which the wife chose (because it was "a bargain"). Not bad, but favourite at the moment is Yellow Tail Malbec - also Australian. Sublime. But after watching today's rugby, I may have to boycott Aussie wine. Scotland would be my least favoured of the home sides, but they were the last hope. Dodgy decision in the last minute?

Well, I'd had a rubbish day and a couple (or more) glasses of wine when I read the latest missive from the double-oh police. I've ignored the ranting as much as possible, read and understood the genuine debate - and you know what? I want to try building my own track to 00-SF/4-SF/EM -2/The Devil's Gauge. I Don't want to try and make anyone else use it, I don't want to "campaign" on it's behalf, I have no intention of making absolute statements about how good (or bad) it is. What I would like is to engage in a constructive manner with others who have already (or intend) to use it. Too much to ask?

As the OP, I think I now finally have the answer. I'm giving up. I will be using Hornby set track. On the off-chance that I change my mind, I shan't be telling a soul about it or daring to ask for advice.

The King is Dead; Long Live the King! I am so relieved that my 00-SF switches and crossings will no longer upset some folks; they can now call them 4-SF and not be afraid of them sneaking up on and eating their grandchildren.

Disingenuous is the word which springs to mind. Despite being half cut in our caravan awning in the middle of a showground in Warwickshire (because our Welsh Springer just won third in Gundog group). More to life than model trains, etc.

Excellent! Sounds like DOGA will be including 00-SF in it's selection of standards in the future (now that there is an acknowledged user base and clear enthusiasm for the convention).

I think I'm on a different RMWeb to Ravenser. I certainly don't recognise what he's describing - perception is about the point of view, I suppose. Perhaps I should start another thread - "why should I choose DOGA Intermediate?". Just for control purposes.

I have a life. I am considerably under 67 (expected retirement age as of the moment). I spend time modelling. I am not promoting 00-SF or anything else. I am sick to death of good discussions- arguments, even - being spoilt by those who can't see beyond their own preconceptions. Unfortunately, the forum software won't let me delete the thread. Perhaps that should be fortunately, as it would make me as bad

Thank-you EVERYBODY for the interesting and constructive posts - even the off topic ones! (Good humoured dig, please note

Thanks everybody for the constructive contributions . Junctionmad, I think you've better described what I was trying to say. I get it in my head, but I'm not sufficiently experienced to clearly express it on the page; partly why I started this thread. I find it quite interesting that however often 00 modellers emphasise that 00-SF is only really effective for British/4mm/00 requirements, it seems there are H0 guys looking at it as well. What's the attraction?

DavidKnigh: Good question! If I'd not had a 35 year break from the hobby, I probably would be into EM or P4. I have decided to accept the compromise and go to good looking 00 as my main interest is steam and I just can't try and learn too much too quickly.