Pet grumble of the moment. Why do model manufacturers persist in making the
running boards of their models with simulated chequer plate? It was used on
some later engines, but for most North American locomotives up until the 30s
wooden boards are usually appropriate.

Of all the models I own only two get it right - a PFM Southern F-1 ten
wheeler and the MDC old time consol. All the others be they brass or
plastic have this infernal chequer plate. It seems a lot of unecessary work
at the tooling stage and it's alot of unnecessary work to remove it.

Aidrian

Trying to work out whether the improvement will really justify the work