Most Popular Era in S-Scale?

I would say it's the 40's to the 60's, because that's what most of the current or recently available equipment is geared to.  It's also what most of us old f*rts are interested in, so that's where the market has been. 

 

From my own perspective, I can tell you more about an F7 than I can about an SD70ACe.

 

It will be interesting to see if Lionel and MTH drag the scale kicking and screaming into the contemporary modeling scene. 

 

If contemporary equipment attracts more (and younger) modelers  into S, I'm all for it.

 

Rusty

I know that my boys will be more interested in the SD70ACe's.  The U33C looks like the C30-7 (98% identical) and they grew up watching those on the UP.  But having said that, both my boys are into working at the WP museum in Portola CA and their interest is now leaning towards the first generation diesels.   But from the times I've helped with an S scale display layout the most asked question is "where are the trains we see today?" I think the younger generation will gravitate for the more modern engines and freight cars. 

 

Greg

Greg, MTH is betting good money on your thought.
When I got into S just 15 months ago, one of the things I grew to live with was limited availability.    So for me, any new or more contemporary is a plus!
1990 was my year but with SD70s I'm gonna move forward a bit.
My hope for the sake of S scale is that more folks are attracted henceforward.

IMHO, if S scale (or any scale) is to survive, it will HAVE to move forward with the contemporary RR scene.

 

When I started model railroading, I modeled what I SAW: F's, GP7/9's, SW9's, etc, etc.

 

I moved forward with my modeling era until the prototypes got rid of all their F's, GP7/9's, etc.  Wasn't all that enthused with the way the evolution of the motive power/railroading was evolving.  That's when I became a "period" diesel modeler.

 

Lesson: The younger set wants the contemporary stuff... us Old Farts want the older stuff. Us Old Farts are aging/croaking... the "modern" scene will eventually be where it's at for the mfg'ers.

 

The above is most certainly FWIW... which ain't much.

 

Andre

You're observations are right on Andre. 

 

Waaay back when, as GN big sky blue, BN, IC split rail, Chessie System even PC happened, I rushed out to buy cars or decals to have some of the "new stuff" on my pathetic little HO railroad. 

 

It was all so new, exciting and I wasn't the fount of wisdom and knowledge I am now.

 

Didn't even realize (or care about) the ramifications of the "old guard" slipping away at the time. 

 

Heck, I even had contemporary paint schemes (for the times) worked out for my freelance railroads. 

 

I really can't pinpoint when I started backing away from the contemporary scene.  Early 1980's, (my 30's) I guess.

 

I still enjoy the big, honkin' diesels of today's railroads, but find the trains boring.  Hard to get worked up about faceless containers or Coal-Porters.

 

Still, it's what today's kids see and O, HO and N have kept up with the change.  S needs to do likewise and hopefully some competition between the "Big 2" will make it happen.  Pictures I've seen online of Lionel's SD70 look pretty good.

 

But, there will come a time when today's railroading is tomorrow's yesterday's railroading.  At least we can take comfort in the endless supply of upcoming Old Farts!

 

Rusty

I think it's a wonder that S-gauge has survived and persisted and that there are an increasing number of commercially made new items available ! But it's still a small part of the entire model railroad market. It needs some time to develop further.

My time frame is the same as my "O" layout...trains up to 1948, model cars up to 1959. It's a nostalgia thing (I'm 70).

Two reasons:

 

1) S Gauge/Scale has survived due in large part to dedicated folks who have been in the scale far longer than I.  A group of "cottage industries" as they used to call it, that made various products for a very small market without the aid of a major maufacturer.  (Lionel was pretty much just an AC Gilbert recycler until the early 2000's.)

 

2)American Models.  American Models introduced the Athearn concept to S,  Decent looking, mass produced models at an affordable price.  Models that could stand on their own out of the box, or be a canvass for redetailing projects.

 

Without American Models there very likely wouldn't have been an S Helper Service, at least not as we knew it, and hence, no attraction for MTH.

 

Rusty

 

 

Rusty, great point!  I own a couple of AM products which have added detail, they pull well and run smoothly.

Rusty, great point!  I own a couple of AM products which have added detail, they pull well and run smoothly.

Ron Bashista of AM does not get the recognition due him for reviving S Gauge

In my opinion, S Gauge  will not attract young people until there is a good supply of contemporary models available, and I'm a septuagenarian.

Herb

Good point, Herb.  Not many of the young'uns probably share our interests in trains of our youth.  That interest could change as they mature with the hobby, but we need to hook them with the contemprary scene.

 

This is where the UP and NS Heritage units will help as long as they're followed up with suitable rolling stock.  And I'm not talking just matching "fantasy" heritage cars, but actual contemporary cars prototypically decorated.  Both Lionel and MTH have the research in their files, so it shouldn't be a problem.  It's just a matter of when.  It will be interesting to see what the MTH/SHS catalog and the next Flyer catalog have to offer.

 

I don't know if S will experience the TMCC/DCS strife that goes on in O, but we're already a step ahead with DCC compatiblilty coming from both manufacturers.  Having a common command system should help encourage new folks to enter.

 

Rusty