An exhibition that includes mannequin trains, railroad memorabilia, and associated pastime gadgets takes place in Wichita, Kansas. These occasions sometimes showcase layouts of various scales, distributors promoting trains and equipment, and demonstrations of mannequin railroading methods.
These regional occasions provide fanatics an opportunity to attach with others who share their ardour, purchase, promote, and commerce gadgets, and be taught new abilities. Traditionally, mannequin railroading has been a preferred pastime, and these gatherings present a tangible connection to that historical past whereas supporting native economies by way of tourism and commerce.
The following sections will elaborate on the totally different facets discovered at such exhibitions, the forms of attendees, and the advantages these occasions carry to the group.
1. Mannequin Railroad Displays
The essence of any gathering showcasing miniature trains resides within the reveals. These shows, meticulously crafted and painstakingly detailed, kind the guts of the expertise. Inside the context of a Wichita, Kansas occasion devoted to the pastime, the reveals are the place artistry, historical past, and technical ability converge.
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Scenic Realism
Displays typically attempt for photorealistic depictions of particular eras or geographic places. A show would possibly recreate a stretch of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway because it crossed the Kansas plains within the Fifties. The eye to element the weathered grain elevators, the forms of locomotives, the particular foliage transports viewers to a different time and place. At a Wichita present, such shows resonate deeply as a result of areas robust railroad heritage.
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Operational Complexity
Past visible attraction, the performance of a mannequin railroad is paramount. Intricate wiring, refined management techniques, and lifelike sound results carry the layouts to life. A mannequin prepare present might showcase a fancy system the place a number of trains navigate a community of tracks, obeying alerts and timetables. This operational complexity is a significant draw for fanatics who respect the engineering facet of the pastime.
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Scale Variation
The world of mannequin railroading encompasses a wide range of scales, from the tiny Z scale to the bigger G scale. Every scale presents a singular set of challenges and alternatives. A present in Wichita will seemingly function layouts in a number of scales, permitting guests to understand the range of the pastime and the totally different ranges of element achievable. The dimensions influences the dimensions of the structure and the extent of miniaturization concerned.
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Narrative Storytelling
Some reveals transcend mere replication and incorporate parts of storytelling. A structure would possibly depict a fictional city with a particular business or a historic occasion associated to rail transport. These narratives add one other layer of engagement for viewers, remodeling the mannequin railroad from a static show right into a dynamic illustration of life and historical past. The narratives replicate the ingenuity and creativeness of the structure builders.
These reveals remodel a easy gathering right into a deeply immersive expertise, one which resonates with each seasoned fanatics and curious newcomers. By presenting a microcosm of the railroad world, these shows maintain the spirit of railroading alive and foster a deeper appreciation for its significance.
2. Vendor Market
Inside the echoing halls of a Wichita, Kansas exhibition devoted to miniature trains, the seller market acts because the commerce engine driving the occasion. Its absence would diminish the event, leaving solely static shows. Right here, trigger and impact are intertwined: the demand for mannequin trains and associated paraphernalia necessitates a provide, and the occasion offers a centered venue for distributors to fulfill that demand. The seller market is just not a mere adjunct; it’s an integral part, respiration monetary life into the event and affording attendees the chance to accumulate the instruments and supplies required to additional pursue their craft.
Take into account the seasoned fanatic looking for a particular, long-discontinued locomotive or the novice searching for their preliminary starter set. {The marketplace} addresses each wants. Native pastime outlets, unbiased sellers, and even particular person collectors converge, presenting a various array of things. There are stalls laden with locomotives, freight vehicles, observe sections, surroundings supplies, electronics for prepare management, and reference books. Observing the alternate between vendor and purchaser reveals a deeper connection: shared information, recommendation allotted, and the passing on of experience. The supply of those sources permits the pastime to flourish and for the abilities to be acquired to go to future generations.
Subsequently, recognizing the seller marketplaces centrality proves pivotal. It sustains the group, facilitates the alternate of products and data, and permits the acquisition of these important parts that carry these mannequin railroading hobbies to life. Whereas appreciating the intricate reveals is prime, {the marketplace} varieties a dynamic, partaking part that immediately stimulates the pastime’s continuation and enhances the occasion’s general worth, finally leaving lasting impression on all concerned.
3. Hobbyist Group
Within the heartland of America, the place the echoes of steam engines as soon as resonated throughout the prairie, a unique type of railroad group thrives. It isn’t one among iron and metal, however of plastic and paint, of shared ardour and painstaking element. The occasion in Wichita, Kansas, devoted to miniature trains, serves as a nexus for this group, a spot the place solitary pursuits merge right into a collective celebration of the pastime.
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Shared Information and Mentorship
The conference flooring hums with conversations, not simply in regards to the newest locomotives, however about methods, suggestions, and tips handed down by way of generations of mannequin railroaders. A seasoned veteran would possibly share a way for weathering rolling inventory to attain a practical patina, whereas a youthful fanatic explains the intricacies of digital command management. This alternate of data creates a supportive ecosystem the place newcomers can be taught from skilled modelers, making certain the longevity of the pastime.
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Competitors and Collaboration
Past camaraderie, a wholesome spirit of competitors fuels creativity. Modelers show their layouts and rolling inventory, vying for recognition and awards. However even amidst the competitors, collaboration thrives. Teams of modelers typically work collectively on large-scale layouts, pooling their sources and experience to create spectacular dioramas. This collaborative spirit extends past particular person layouts, with golf equipment and organizations working collectively to advertise the pastime and set up occasions.
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Social Connection and Belonging
For some, the mannequin railroad group offers an important sense of belonging. The shared ardour transcends age, background, and career, creating a standard floor for people who would possibly in any other case really feel remoted. The occasion in Wichita presents a chance to reconnect with outdated mates, forge new relationships, and share experiences with like-minded people. This social connection is especially vital for many who reside in rural areas or have restricted alternatives to work together with different mannequin railroaders.
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Preservation of Railroad Historical past
The hobbyist group actively contributes to preserving the legacy of railroading. Many modelers give attention to recreating particular historic eras or railroads, meticulously researching the prototypes and striving for historic accuracy. By means of their fashions, they convey historical past to life, educating others in regards to the significance of rail transport in shaping the American panorama. The Wichita present, with its give attention to native railroads, offers a platform for showcasing this historic preservation and educating the general public in regards to the area’s railroad heritage.
These aspects reveal the deeper significance of the gatherings in Wichita. It isn’t merely a present; it’s a gathering that reinforces bonds, stimulates innovation, and safeguards historic consciousness. This hobbyist group ensures that the romance of the rails continues to captivate imaginations for generations to return. The quiet clickety-clack of miniature wheels echoes the grander narrative of a nation constructed on rails, preserved by way of dedication and shared ardour.
4. Historic Preservation
The iron horse, as soon as the undisputed king of transport throughout the Kansas plains, now exists in reminiscence and miniature. At an exhibition in Wichita, Kansas, devoted to miniature trains, the echo of that period finds a tangible kind by way of the lens of historic preservation. The shows should not mere collections of toy trains; many are meticulously crafted recreations of actual locomotives, rail strains, and even total townscapes from a bygone age. These efforts symbolize a devoted endeavor to maintain the tales of the railroads alive. Take into account the modeler who spends numerous hours researching the precise paint scheme of a Santa Fe locomotive from the Nineteen Thirties, or the group recreating a particular stretch of the Wichita Valley Railroad. Their work transforms the pastime from a easy pastime right into a dwelling museum.
The importance of this preservation extends past mere nostalgia. The railroads have been instrumental in shaping Wichita’s id, connecting town to nationwide markets and driving its financial development. Many attendees on the present have private connections to this historical past, both by way of relations who labored on the railroads or by way of reminiscences of witnessing trains rumble by way of their cities. The mannequin railroads on the present present a method for these people to reconnect with their previous and share their tales with youthful generations. Moreover, the historic accuracy of those shows serves an academic objective, instructing guests in regards to the expertise, economics, and social impression of the railroads. By recreating these scenes in miniature, the hobbyists provide a robust and accessible solution to perceive the historical past of Wichita and the encompassing area.
Nonetheless, this dedication to historic preservation faces challenges. Genuine documentation may be scarce, and the sources wanted to recreate correct fashions may be costly. Regardless of these hurdles, the dedication of the mannequin railroad group in Wichita persists. Their ardour ensures that the legacy of the railroads, an important chapter within the metropolis’s historical past, continues to resonate by way of the meticulously crafted shows on the annual present, reminding all who attend of the transformative energy of the iron horse.
5. Scale Mannequin Selection
The Wichita, Kansas, exposition is a microcosm of the broader mannequin railroading universe, and inside this miniature world, the number of scales reigns supreme. The uninitiated would possibly understand mannequin trains as a monolithic entity, but a more in-depth examination reveals a various ecosystem outlined by scale. This range is just not merely aesthetic; it impacts the element, the operational complexity, and the very area required to carry a mannequin railroad to life. The presence of a number of scales on the exposition turns into a key factor, shaping the expertise for each seasoned fanatics and curious onlookers. Take into account a younger customer, captivated by the sheer dimension and element of a G-scale locomotive, dwarfing all the pieces round it. Distinction this with the seasoned collector meticulously analyzing a Z-scale engine, admiring the engineering feat of cramming such element right into a miniature area. This distinction is a direct results of the size selection.
The presence of various scales additionally dictates the scope of modeling potentialities. N-scale layouts, as an illustration, permit for the creation of sprawling landscapes, depicting total railway networks inside an inexpensive area. HO scale, maybe the preferred, presents a stability between element and practicality, catering to a broad vary of modeling pursuits. O scale, with its bigger dimension, permits for a stage of element and operational realism unattainable in smaller scales. These examples illustrate the symbiotic relationship between scale selection and modeling ambition. The “prepare present” serves as a stage the place this vary is on full show and its affect on the artwork itself is revealed. The sensible consequence of scale selection is a higher variety of potentialities; it ensures that mannequin railroading may be tailored to match many pursuits and funds ranges.
The range in dimension is just not with out problem. The various observe gauges, energy necessities, and element ranges related to every scale introduce complexity for newcomers. Moreover, distributors should cater to a fragmented market, stocking provides for a number of scales. Regardless of these challenges, the advantages of a various scale panorama far outweigh the drawbacks. The publicity to totally different choices broadens horizons, fosters innovation, and strengthens the mannequin railroading group. The Wichita prepare exhibition demonstrates and underlines a key part of the pastime and stands as a testomony to human ingenuity. The echoes of trains rumble on in diverse sizes.
6. Working Layouts
The Wichita, Kansas occasion can be a mere static show of miniature artifacts have been it not for the presence of working layouts. These dynamic reveals are the beating coronary heart, the locomotive driving the whole expertise. Trigger and impact are readily obvious: with out operational layouts, the occasion lacks the colourful vitality that pulls each seasoned fanatics and informal observers. The clickety-clack of wheels on rails, the lifelike chugging sounds of miniature engines, and the intricate choreography of trains shifting throughout rigorously crafted landscapesthese are the weather that remodel a group of static fashions right into a dwelling, respiration illustration of the railroad world.
The significance of those layouts stems from their skill to showcase the multifaceted nature of the pastime. An working structure is just not merely about working trains in circles. It’s a demonstration of engineering ability, inventive imaginative and prescient, and meticulous consideration to element. The modelers, in essence, grow to be conductors, orchestrating the motion of trains in response to timetables, managing advanced signaling techniques, and making certain the sleek operation of the whole community. Take into account, for instance, a structure recreating a portion of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. The structure would possibly simulate freight trains hauling grain from the Kansas wheat fields, passenger trains connecting Wichita to different cities, and even a switching yard the place vehicles are sorted and assembled. The diploma of realism, the eye to historic accuracy, and the operational complexity are what captivate audiences. A structure turns into an interactive factor and attracts present guests extra.
The operational layouts serve to encourage the subsequent technology of mannequin railroaders. A toddler, witnessing the seamless operation of a fancy railway system, could also be impressed to embark on his or her personal modeling journey. Moreover, the layouts present a beneficial studying expertise, demonstrating the ideas of rail transport, the historical past of railroads in Kansas, and the significance of teamwork and collaboration. With out working layouts, the Wichita occasion would lose a lot of its academic and inspirational worth, turning into a pale imitation of its true potential. The working railroad is certainly the core and with out it the magic is gone.
7. Academic Workshops
The Wichita, Kansas exhibition, a haven for miniature prepare fanatics, transcends mere show and commerce. Integral to its mission is the dissemination of data, achieved by way of devoted academic workshops. These periods provide attendees a chance to deepen their understanding of the craft, purchase new abilities, and join with seasoned consultants. The workshops symbolize an important bridge between passive remark and energetic participation, making certain the continuity and development of the mannequin railroading group.
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Mannequin Railroad Wiring Fundamentals
One of the daunting facets of mannequin railroading for learners is the intricate wiring required to energy locomotives, management alerts, and automate layouts. The workshops tackle this problem head-on, offering attendees with hands-on expertise in primary wiring methods. Members learn to solder connections, set up circuit breakers, and troubleshoot widespread wiring issues. A typical session would possibly contain wiring a easy oval observe with a single locomotive, permitting attendees to follow the basics earlier than tackling extra advanced tasks. This demystification of wiring empowers newcomers to construct their very own layouts with confidence.
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Surroundings Development Methods
A sensible panorama is important to making a plausible mannequin railroad. The workshops provide instruction in a wide range of surroundings development methods, from primary land forming to superior weathering results. Attendees learn to use foam, plaster, and different supplies to create lifelike hills, valleys, and rock formations. Additionally they learn to apply paint, floor cowl, and foliage to attain a pure look. An illustration would possibly function the creation of a miniature riverbed, full with flowing water and lifelike vegetation. This skillset enhances the visible attraction of the mannequin.
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Digital Command Management (DCC) Programming
Trendy mannequin railroading more and more depends on Digital Command Management (DCC) techniques, which permit for unbiased management of a number of locomotives on the identical observe. The workshops present an introduction to DCC programming, instructing attendees assign addresses to locomotives, program pace steps, and configure different DCC options. A session would possibly contain programming a DCC decoder to simulate the sound of a steam whistle or to manage the headlights of a locomotive. The adoption of digital enhances operational management.
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Historic Modeling Accuracy
For these interested by recreating particular historic eras or railroads, the workshops provide steering on attaining historic accuracy. Attendees learn to analysis prototype locomotives, rolling inventory, and constructions, and apply this analysis to their modeling efforts. A workshop would possibly give attention to the historical past of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in Kansas, offering attendees with detailed details about the locomotives, rolling inventory, and working practices of that railroad. The information helps historic integrity of shows.
The tutorial workshops, are a conduit to information, improve ability, and guarantee preservation. The Wichita prepare exhibition sustains mannequin railroading with workshops as a vital part for these seeking to enhance within the pastime. By bridging the hole between spectatorship and participation, the tutorial workshops be certain that the spirit of mannequin railroading will proceed to thrive in Wichita and past.
8. Native Economic system Impression
The annual gathering in Wichita, Kansas, devoted to miniature trains, extends its affect far past the confines of the exhibition corridor. It acts as a small however important engine for the native financial system. Take into account the chain response set in movement by this occasion. Out-of-town attendees require lodging, filling lodge rooms and producing income for native institutions. They dine in eating places, discover native sights, and patronize close by companies, additional injecting capital into the group. Distributors, each native and from afar, lease sales space area, contributing on to the occasion’s income and, not directly, to town’s tax base. The impact is palpable, remodeling a weekend centered on a distinct segment pastime right into a tangible financial increase.
The impression resonates notably with small companies. Native pastime outlets, typically struggling to compete with on-line retailers, see a surge in gross sales throughout the occasion. These companies not solely promote mannequin trains and equipment but additionally present beneficial experience and customized service, fostering buyer loyalty. Eating places close to the exhibition middle expertise elevated foot visitors, whereas native artists and craftspeople who create surroundings and equipment for mannequin railroads achieve publicity to a wider viewers. The story is echoed: A small engine pushing a bigger prepare.
In essence, the Wichita occasion exemplifies the potential of area of interest tourism to contribute to native financial vitality. Whereas the occasion’s direct financial impression could also be modest, its oblique advantages are substantial. It strengthens the native enterprise group, attracts guests, and enhances town’s repute as a welcoming vacation spot. These elements underscore the significance of supporting such occasions, recognizing their function as catalysts for financial development and group improvement. The clickety-clack extends past the tracks, ringing money registers throughout town.
9. Household Leisure
The sprawling exhibition corridor buzzes with an uncommon vitality, a mix of the centered depth of hobbyists and the unrestrained pleasure of youngsters. Inside this convergence lies the essence of the Wichita prepare present’s attraction as household leisure. Trigger and impact are evident: the intricate layouts and miniature locomotives draw the attention, sparking curiosity in younger minds, whereas the shared ardour amongst fanatics fosters a way of group that extends to total households. The significance of household involvement can’t be overstated; it transforms a probably solitary pastime right into a shared expertise, creating lasting reminiscences and strengthening familial bonds.
Take into account a younger boy, no older than seven, his eyes vast with surprise as he watches a meticulously crafted steam engine chug alongside a miniature panorama. His father, a seasoned mannequin railroader, factors out the small print, explaining the intricacies of the locomotive’s mechanics and the historical past of the railroad it represents. Or image a grandmother, sharing tales of her personal childhood, when she would watch the actual trains rumble by way of her hometown, inspiring her grandchildren to understand the historic significance of rail transport. These scenes should not remoted incidents; they’re repeated all through the corridor, illustrating the facility of the occasion to bridge generations and foster a shared appreciation for a singular pastime. The sensible significance of this understanding lies in recognizing the occasion’s potential to offer enriching household experiences that reach past the confines of the exhibition corridor.
The Wichita prepare present, subsequently, is greater than only a gathering of hobbyists; it’s a vacation spot for households searching for partaking and academic leisure. The problem lies in frequently innovating and adapting the occasion to attraction to a broader viewers, making certain that it stays a vibrant and related supply of household enjoyment for years to return. The whirring of the locomotives grow to be a soundtrack for familial connection.
Steadily Requested Questions
Confusion typically surrounds specialised pursuits. This part addresses widespread queries about gatherings associated to miniature trains in Wichita, Kansas, illuminating facets generally misunderstood.
Query 1: What precisely unfolds at an occasion specializing in miniature trains in Wichita, Kansas?
These occasions arent mere shows. Think about a conference middle reworked right into a miniature world. Exhibitors showcase intricate mannequin railroad layouts, some recreating historic scenes, others fantastical landscapes. Distributors provide all the pieces from locomotives to landscaping supplies. The air is thick with the scent of ozone from electrical motors and the murmur of conversations between fanatics. One witnesses a gathering of people deeply passionate in regards to the artwork and science of mannequin railroading.
Query 2: Who sometimes attends such gatherings?
The demographic is surprisingly various. Seasoned mannequin railroaders, some with many years of expertise, mingle with newcomers desirous to be taught the ropes. Households typically attend, drawn by the spectacle of the layouts. Historians and railroad fanatics can also be current, searching for to attach with the previous by way of miniature recreations. One finds a microcosm of the broader group, united by a shared curiosity in trains, each actual and imagined.
Query 3: Are these occasions solely for knowledgeable mannequin railroaders, or are learners welcome?
The pastime embraces all ranges of experience. Freshmen are actively inspired to attend, with many occasions providing introductory workshops and demonstrations. Skilled modelers are sometimes keen to share their information and provide steering. One shouldn’t really feel intimidated by a perceived lack of expertise. The group is usually welcoming and supportive.
Query 4: What are the prices related to attending a present in Wichita, Kansas?
Prices differ relying on the particular occasion, however typically embrace admission charges. Further bills might embrace journey, lodging, and the acquisition of mannequin railroad tools or equipment. Budgeting is suggested. One can simply spend a small fortune on the pastime, however attendance on the present doesn’t essentially necessitate such expenditure.
Query 5: Past shows and distributors, what else do these occasions provide?
Many gatherings function clinics and workshops on numerous facets of mannequin railroading, from wiring methods to surroundings development. Some occasions additionally host working periods, the place attendees can take part in working trains on a big, shared structure. One can look forward to finding a wide range of actions designed to have interaction and educate attendees of all ability ranges.
Query 6: How does this exhibition profit Wichita and its surrounding space?
Such an exhibition has a multifaceted impression. It infuses income into Wichita, bolstering native enterprises comparable to eateries and lodges. It fosters group, fostering relationships amongst kindred spirits. It helps protect the information and love for trains. One might anticipate this exhibition to contribute extra to Wichita and its surrounds than simply leisure.
Understanding these factors offers readability. The intention is to light up facets of the pastime so readers would possibly go to and respect miniature railroading shows.
The next chapter investigates the way forward for these exhibitions, together with the rising affect of expertise.
Navigating the Rails
The prepare present in Wichita unfolds yearly. It’s a tapestry woven from gears, tracks, and human ardour. To traverse its halls successfully, one requires greater than only a ticket. One requires a technique, a eager eye, and a sure reverence for the miniature worlds on show.
Tip 1: Research the Map A blueprint to the exhibition awaits. It isn’t merely a flooring plan. It’s a information to treasures untold. Find the distributors of curiosity, the size mannequin shows that spark curiosity, and the workshops that beckon with information.
Tip 2: Interact the Masters Seasoned mannequin railroaders are fonts of knowledge. Method them with respect, ask knowledgeable questions, and hear intently to their tales of triumphs and tribulations. Every wrinkle on their arms tells a narrative of dedication.
Tip 3: Embrace the Sudden Essentially the most charming discoveries typically lie within the corners. Enterprise past the principle thoroughfares, discover the smaller shows, and have interaction with the unbiased distributors. A forgotten treasure awaits.
Tip 4: Doc the Journey A digital camera turns into a device of preservation. Seize the essence of the exhibition, the intricate particulars of the layouts, the fervour within the eyes of the modelers. At some point, these pictures will function a portal again to the Wichita exhibition.
Tip 5: Respect the Craft Every structure represents numerous hours of dedication. Observe with reverence, chorus from touching with out permission, and respect the artistry and engineering on show. One should bear in mind to deal with these miniature worlds with the respect they deserve.
Tip 6: Search the Studying Alternatives Workshops provide an opportunity to accumulate recent insights into the nuances of mannequin railroading. One should enroll, interact, and assimilate all that’s supplied. It’s the essence of studying.
Tip 7: Put together for the Acquisition A prepare exposition presents uncommon entry to unusual gadgets. Ensure funds are in place. With luck one would possibly purchase the gem they have been searching for for ages.
Tip 8: Relish the Group The present serves as a juncture level to attach. Make acquaintance and take pleasure in sharing with others what’s cherished. One is reminded of humankind’s shared journey.
By adhering to those pointers, the Wichita prepare exposition is reworked from a mere occasion into an odyssey, a journey into the guts of a charming pastime. Its tracks are a metaphor for the roads of exploration.
With methods in place, contemplate the function expertise would possibly play within the continued evolution of mannequin railroads. It’s a matter that warrants shut consideration.
Practice Present Wichita KS
The exploration of the “prepare present wichita ks” reveals greater than only a gathering of hobbyists. It highlights a group intertwined with native historical past, financial impression, and the enduring energy of shared ardour. The narrative threads of mannequin reveals, vendor marketplaces, and academic workshops coalesce to kind a vibrant tapestry, reflecting the spirit of Wichita and the transformative energy of railroading, each actual and miniature.
As the ultimate whistle blows, one considers the way forward for these gatherings. The clickety-clack of miniature wheels continues, carrying not solely trains but additionally the legacy of a bygone period and the hope for a future the place group, historical past, and creativeness converge. Might this gathering endure, a testomony to Wichita’s spirit and the enduring attract of the iron horse, in all its scales and gauges.
