The Gauge is, at it's most basic, a place for all levels of modelers to meet and share their questions, knowledge,experience,passion for this hobby, and if nothing else, a pat on the back and an encouraging word for someone trying their best. Without exception, that I know about, Any sincere question is politely answered (no matter how many times it has been asked before). I look back at my first posts and I cringe...I knew NOTHING! But what doesn't make me cringe are the responses members of The Gauge gave to a guy asking "The same ol' questions". Intelligent, thoughtful, helpful and on many occasions, funny advice and constructive criticism. I nor anyone else to my knowledge has ever been "talked down to" or made to feel that their opinion or work didn't matter. But I've seen much more important things happening here than talking about a hobby. There are people here with life issues (health, finances, family, births and even sometimes, sadly, death) who are willing to bring all of us into their world even if all we can do is laugh or cry with them or offer encouragement and tell them we care. The only reason a person would share those intimate details of their lives is because they know they will find caring and responsive people they can have trust in. In a word, FRIENDS. That's what The Gauge is, a group of friends getting together. Oh yeah, what The Gauge is not?...just another model railroad forum................A special thanks to all the administrator/moderators...you make it all possible....thanks for all your hard work!