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The gang from the old ScottyMason show are back again. No not Scotty, but the rest of the show is there. Yes that's right Dave Frary, Jimmy Deignan and that foss guy have reunited with a new show without Scott.
The Observation Car Podcast (yes 'tis a mouthful), but they're back.
For those of us who have enjoyed this type of entertainment over the years, the renewal of Frary's tips and hints are definitely welcome and refreshing. However it doesn't come without a few annoying old boys club announcements. The very fact that these opinionated individuals have drawn a line in the sand against Mr Mason tells me their announcements (as usual) are going to be more biased then ever.
Don't get me wrong, I like the show, but they are still basically three businessmen flogging their own products (as well as a few choice friends and anyone who sends in free products). Now many readers will say isn't that the point ? I am of the opinion that being forcefed info on just a few of the thousands of products available over and over again, not only gets old, but misses the point of quality entertainment. No need for lessons or true subject matter.
As an amateur builder, I find it very entertaining to hear a first hand account from Mr Frary on the history of model railroading. And even though I have a long standing grudge against Fooscale for charging me through the nose for shipping some glue and small details parts (of which I sent back), his creative zeal is something many producers lack in full. Jimmy, the financier is again the tech behind the show. Each put more effort then a market newsboy into promoting their products, and again it is my hope they don't run out of topics of interest. As listening to constant ads and self promotion could be considered more then just spam, but a waste of a great form of entertainment for me and hundreds of other modelers.
I say Good Luck to the guys. Hopefully they'll recognize what listeners want and balance that with their goals of the show. Cause promoting yourself isn't so bad as long as listeners walk away with some info they can use. Are you listening Doug and Jim ?
