S Gauge Model Trains

The S-scale, known also as the S-gauge, for theoretical account railroad trains is designed on the ratio of 1:64 [that is, 3/16 ins = 1 foot] and tantrums between the popular holmium and Type O theoretical account railroad train scales. It met the demands for a scale of measurement of measurement which was bigger than holmium [which was considered too little by many theoretical account railroaders] but littler than the popular Type O scale thus allowing path layouts to be constructed in littler spaces.

Although S-gauge theoretical account railroad railroad trains had been around since the early portion of the century, it began to din with the coming of the re-designed American Circular theoretical account trains first produced by The A.C.Gilbert Company in Connecticut, USA, during the late 1930s. The celebrated American Circular theoretical account trains, which had been produced since the early portion of the century initially as clockwork theoretical account trains, then later, as electrical trains, were radically re-designed side Gilbert when he bought the original company. These railroad railroad railroad trains were built to S-scale but ran on standard O-gauge tracks.

Some old age later Gilbert introduced another of his extremist alterations - he re-designed the paths for the S-scale trains, moving away from the traditional three path railing used in theoretical account electrical trains to that date.

The three path railing then in general usage had the two outer paths for the wheels to run on with the third, Centre track, carrying the electrical current to drive the theoretical account railroad train motor. The new two path track made the layouts look more than realistic as they now looked like 'real railroad train tracks'. The development of these paths to lawsuit the littler S-scale theoretical account railroad trains also allowed path layouts to have got curved shapes of a different radius, more than appropriate to the re-designed American Circular engines and resonant stock.

Many, if not most, of today's S-scale partisans had their first introduction to that scale of measurement with the American Circular when, as a child in the 1950s, they received a set as a Christmastide present. During that period, the Circular competed directly with the Lionel theoretical account railroad railroad railroad trains of that clip and these two companies were the marketplace leaders.

Today the S-scale theoretical account trains, including the long-lived American Circular are rising rapidly in popularity again.

This is the consequence of the Lionel Corporation, the predecessor of the present maker of Lionel trains, Lionel LLC, having purchased the rights to the American Circular from the company which had bought the rights from A Degree Centigrade Gilbert when his company became bankrupt in 1967.

Lionel Corporation was itself in fiscal troubles at that time, and went through the custody of respective proprietors before reaching its present embodiment as Lionel LLC in 1996. But for some clip that new company initially concentrated on producing and selling its ain holmium and HO27 theoretical accounts and did small to animate the fans of S-scale. Since 2002 however, Lionel LLC have been introducing new theoretical accounts of S-scale theoretical account railroad trains - and inspiriting those enthusiasts.

There is a scope of organisations and associations to provide for the involvements of S-scale theoretical account railroaders. A extremum body, the National Association of S-Gaugers, which is also associated with the National Model Railway Association, have a very active membership. Their website which supplies information on activities, events, suppliers, and archived mention material, also have golf course to S-Gauge clubs in 29 United States states as well as Canada and the UK. There are even two Yokel Groups - S-Trains and S-Scale.

S-Scale exemplary trains, and all the appropriately scaled accessories, are now produced by a figure of makers and provide for respective different sections within that scale of measurement of measurement - mainly the American Flyer, the criterion S-gauge and Proto:64 beingness the major ones.

After a long and checkered history S-scale theoretical account railroad railroad trains are certainly back in trend again.

To cite Craig O'Connell from his "S" Scale Model Rail Technology Homepage website:

"S scale is one of the fastest growth scales of measurement within theoretical account railroading today and is growing in leapings and bounds. Why? Because you necessitate only 10% More space than holmium to operate, our merchandises are proliferating in the marketplace topographic point and Second scale of measurement merchandises run reliably, path better and are easily modeled to prototypical accuracy."

Playing God - Landscaping Your Model Railroad Layout

One of the more fun aspects of model railroading is planning and executing the scenery and landscaping that your track and engines will meander through – for some it is almost like playing God in that you can decide and create on any scene you desire.

From fanciful hobbit themes, alien worlds or realistic recreations there is nothing that you cannot create and display, all it takes is a plan, some materials, a little skill and some time.

First and foremost you need a plan or at least a concept.

- Do you want to duplicate an existing landscape?


- Do you want a faithful historical recreation of a place now lost in time?


- Are you more inclined to creating a never-before seen or unlikely scenario to wow the masses?

Making a choice on one theme for your layout and staying true to that theme is perhaps the most important keys to success. If you change your methods and style in the middle of your landscape the result will be inconsistencies that will detract from the overall impression you are trying to form.

Ideally those you invite to view your work will see a delightful scene and the harder they look the more detail enforcing that scene they will find. Nothing is more enjoyable then hearing those delighted squeals as a viewer notices ever more subtle details as they come closer and closer … and the key to that is consistency.

Once you have a plan for the theme you need to decide on track placement and terrain. Many modelers create the terrain and then try to force the track to follow through that, just as occurs in real life – but one of the advantages of modeling vs. real life is that you can consider all aspects and requirements up front. If you know you will have a bend or a switch at certain points why design rough terrain that you will then try to overcome with 'grading' in your models at those points?

Next you should collect your materials – some items you can find around the house, others you may wish to purchase from dealers such as http://www.oakridgehobbies.com and http://www.jttmicroscale.com or your local hobby shop but always stay true to your plan. Just because you find an amazing little miniature you long to use doesn't mean it belongs in this model! Common materials you will need include:

1. Tables or Stands


2. Plywood (preferably ¾" outdoor grade) for base if using stands


3. Glues


4. Twigs, 'dirt' gravel, crushed or powdered stones, herbs etc. for plants and groundcover


5. Paints of various kinds for touch-up, covering the base and backgrounds etc.


6. Poster board, wax paper, aluminum foil, tissues etc. for texturing and shaping


7. Styrofoam blocks and sheets for shaping

Optional items you may wish to use include:

8. Plaster of Paris and / or fiberglass


9. Talcum powder, pepper and salt, cayenne pepper – for texturing and colorants


10. Corkboard and cork 'paper'


11. Roof repair tar (for road surfaces etc.)


12. Paintable caulks and adhesives for securing items in place