In late 2001, I took the BIG plunge. I started selling off almost all of my HO empire (except for a few keepies), and began to build up the model railroad empire in S Scale.
I still have a FEW pieces of HO rolling stock, locomotives, and
other
paraphenalia available. Contact me for the list.
'S' is 1/64th scale modelling with a ratio of 3/16th of an inch to the prototype foot. S equipment is approximately 36% larger than HO. Surface and volume factors are also greater. To S-Scalers, HO is 3/4 S.
S is two rail operation and started with American Flyer Hi-rail (rail code 248 with corresponding large flanged wheelsets) and AC (alternating current) in the mid 40's. With the development of the scale, modelling is now a possibility in DC, DCC, and scale height rail (code 125 or less - code 125 works out to about 145-155 pound rail; 148 and 172 rail is also manufactured). The code 100 used by HO'ers is closer to scale for S.
American Flyer operators still hold 80% of the S market, but a growing number of modellers 'mix' the features. For example, at a recent visit to an operating layout, hi-rail, DCC and KD couplers (yes, Kadee has a coupler for S - those are #802's but some also use #5's) were used. With ballasting and scenicing, the high rail is not very noticeable.
Also big in S Scale is Sn3 - Narrow Gauge 3 foot. Surf the Net and you'll find a lot on Narrow Gauge modellers (not just S Scalers).
And with a little work, On30 - O Scale narrow gauge 2.5 foot -
can
be modified to S size.
"The Southern Michigan Express" was a great success!
The Convention car is a Pere Marquette 50'
gondola
with steel coil load and is still available.
See and order it here
http://www.smsgtrains.org
Photo Gallery NOT AVAILABLE at this time
Project Page and New Layout Status
For additional information on S please check out the following sites:
National Association of S Gaugers (US)
Canadian S Gauge Quarterly/S-Canada
Thanks to Tom H. for proofreading and providing some corrections.
This page was updated on january 28, 2007