Contemplating S Scale

Hi Ed.  Welcom to the S Side.  (Kinda like the Dark Side, but more fun...)

I've only got time right now to give a quick answer, hopefully some the others here will chime in also and expand on this answer.

Straight AC pretty much limits you to original American Flyer, or something with some electronics inside.

All contemproary locomotives have a DC motor in them, so you'd need either an electronic reverse unit or a bridge rectifier to convert AC to DC.  Plus with a bridge rectifier, you would need a switch on the locomotive to reverse it.

With straight DC, no electronics needed, the reverse switch is on the power pack.

Of course, there's the alphabet soup of command control options, (DCC, DCS, TMCC) but that's beyond the scope of your original question.

Rusty

Good and big question. It depends on where you want to start I think. If you want to start with vintage American Flyer then you are probably best to go with AC for control but if it is "S" scale you are after then DC is the way to go. If you have or cannot make up your mind then I would suggest DC. Most of the older Flyer will run on DC. And the way the market for new things is going most, with the exception of Lionel TMCC, will be DC compatable. With the pressure that exist I believe even Lionel will see the light.

Remember, if you pay attention to how you do your wiring and your layout isn't too big switching back and forth between AC and DC can be as simple as a DPDT switch.

Al

Hi Ed,

I am a modern gizmo guy myself so I would say that going with DCC would give you the most flexibilty in S scale. Command control and sound that is supported (or can be installed) by most vendors. If you don't want DCC, then straight DC will likely serve the best.

If you really want to be cutting edge there are systems that allow you to power your trains by battery and broadcast the DCC signal via radio that are being developed right now. But that's outside the scope of your question.

Don't take this the wrong way, but as a newcommer to S make sure you understand the differences between S scale and S Gauge. We could write a book on the topic, but when someone says "S scale" it is generally accepted that they mean scale size rail, flanges, and couplers. If you are interested in traditional American Flyer, then AC power would probably make the most sense as that is what most AC Gilbert Fyler trains ran on.

I hope that helps a little.

Thanks for your imput guys, sounds like dc scale will be my choice.

Now the hard part, making the move from O to S.

          Ed

With MTH making a move into S Scale/Gauge, I'd certainly wait & see what they're lead is before making a commitment.  In a few years, MTH will probably have a plethora of S scale/gauge offerings available.

I think it's going to be a safe bet that MTH will install their PS 3.0 into the S Scale line, which as I understand is DC compatible.

Then, there's also American Models:

http://www.americanmodels.com/

Rusty

There are several of us in "S" now (on this forum) that made the move from "O".  In fact I still have a few pieces I display in "O" in my office.  But, for layout operation I don't think you can beat "S" for being the right size.  I hear from many "O" guys with layouts who say they wish they'd have built them in "S". 

I also think DC is the way to go (versus AC) as it leaves you open for DCC and DCS.  I think this is a great time to get into "S". 

Butch 

I'm an S scale convert, too.  (Albeit a very sporadic/inactive one... no fault of S, though!)

You're going to love its size.  You're also going to like gaining about 30% more layout in a given space than you get with O gauge or for sure, O scale.

IF you want to switch, I'd recommend switching now.  Your O gauge/scale stuff will never be worth more than they are right now.  Besides, if MTH and Lionel really invest heavily into S scale with some great looking product, there MAY be more O scalers making the switch to S, thus even more O gauge/scale product glutting the already saturated O gauge/scale resale market.

Lastly: You're not getting any younger.  If you're already nearing retirement age, waiting for a few more years just shortens the time you'll get to enjoy S scale and there's no point in it.  Get started with what's available and add the stuff you like as MTH/Lionel/whoever creates and releases it.

Jump on in, the water's fine!

Andre

I think S scale is poised to grow--because of the MTH deal, but also because of several other factors affecting the hobby right now.

Andre is right--this is a good time to jump in!

Jeff C

Ed,

I made the switch from three-rail O to S (American Flyer) and I was able to bring some basic stuff over with me - transformers, wiring, scenery materials, etc. 

For buildings take a look at the new cardstock kits from http://clevermodels.squarespace.com/models-gallery/    They look good, are inexpensive and you can build as many as you need.

Brady