01-24-2011, 05:39 PM
If I understand Wayne's explanation above, despite any advancement by a GERN competitor GERN would always be 3% better! Should GERN strive to be 4%, 10%, or even 25% better? I don't know. In the well thought-out and good naturedly humorous fictional world of GERN the running joke about the 3% margin has always been part of the charm for me. That's one of the reasons I have a GERN facility on my layout. The other reason, and the more important one, is that sharing in a whimsical industry like GERN is FUN!!!!!! It is a pleasure to be part of a concept that prompts so many members to build a GERN facility specific to their layout's needs and even letter rolling stock for the company name. Its one of those things that makes Big Blue an enjoyable place to be and it builds cohesiveness. I don't see why there couldn't be spin off versions of GERN that are "new and improved" or yield a higher percentage advantage over other manufacturers of flux...everyone should enjoy the hobby the way they like...but I like being part of the original GERN concept so the Upper Hudson Valley Cement Flux Division will happily reflect the company heritage. 
Ralph
Ralph