You're right John, I'd have no issue at all if they made it more realistic, as long as they don't make it R rated like the real talk probably is at times. 
Real radio communications on the railroads is NOT "R rated". The FCC, FRA and RR managers CONSTANTLY monitor AND record radio communications. Thus "improper use/language" is dealt with. Big Brother is always listening!
You're right John, I'd have no issue at all if they made it more realistic, as long as they don't make it R rated like the real talk probably is at times.
You're right John, I'd have no issue at all if they made it more realistic, as long as they don't make it R rated like the real talk probably is at times.
Hi, John.
On Conrail, we had specific rules and regulations governing the content and method of communication over the radio. Everything was very business-like and to the point. The last you thing you needed was for the Trainmaster to hear something he shouldn't. There were the occasional exchanges of pleasantries between towers and passing crews but even that was kept to a minimum. Otherwise it was all engine numbers, train symbols, loads, empties, etc.
Bob
Excellent point. I've been wondering for a long time why 3rd Rail, and a lot of 2-rail builders, use plated wheels instead of blackened. This includes not only drivers, but the wheels on tenders and rolling stock.
Actually the plated wheels would be preferable if you think about it. The plated finish gives the actual wheel tread surface the shiny appearance they should have since they're always being "polished" as the wheels roll on the tracks. You don't get that same prototypical look with regular metal wheels.
Also in my own experience, the plated wheels seem to accumulate less "gunk" from the track than regular metal wheels.
A little paint (weathered or steel colored) on the wheel faces will take care of the rest of the exposed plating.
Excellent point. I've been wondering for a long time why 3rd Rail, and a lot of 2-rail builders, use plated wheels instead of blackened. This includes not only drivers, but the wheels on tenders and rolling stock.
Actually the plated wheels would be preferable if you think about it. The plated finish gives the actual wheel tread surface the shiny appearance they should have since they're always being "polished" as the wheels roll on the tracks. You don't get that same prototypical look with regular metal wheels.
Also in my own experience, the plated wheels seem to accumulate less "gunk" from the track than regular metal wheels.
A little paint (weathered or steel colored) on the wheel faces will take care of the rest of the exposed plating.
Then there's the shiny axle ends on the drivers... They need a little dab o' paint, too.
Rusty
I've never in my years in the hobby experienced, or come across any regular steel wheels that eventually "wear" to the point where they are shiny like you'd see in the prototype world. I've seen some postwar trucks with wheelset treads that do look less "dull" compared to the rest of the wheel, but never bright and shiny like the real ones get.
Then there's the shiny axle ends on the drivers... They need a little dab o' paint, too.
Rusty
Yep, that's what I do too. 
It's not the whistle steam/smoke that bugs me ... it's that big hole in the boiler right in front of the whistle!
For that matter, why doesn't someone make a steaming generator? Those suckers are running all the time...very prominent in videos of real steamers.
The plated wheels bug me, but what bugs me more is the plated flanges on those wheels. Our flanges are way too big already--do you have to draw attention to them by making them so shiny?
Unprototypical enhanced features? How about backlit gauges on a steam locomotive? Ridiculous!
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