I saw an S-gauge layout for the first time this weekend at an all-gauge train show at the Milwaukee horticultural conservatory. It was a layout put up by Badgerland S-Gaugers. I'm an O27 guy, so at first the S looked funny because it only has 2 rails. But I really enjoyed the size and the amount of stuff you can fit. Now I'm tempted to give it a try.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
C'mon in CK. We won't bite!
Nibble a little, maybe, but bite? No...
Rusty
If 2 rail track looks funny to you, imagine how 3 rail track looks to us!
Try it. You'll like it.
I already have some approximately 3/16 scale items but they run on 3-rail "broad gauge". I like the easy operation on wyes and reverse loops. I have 2-rail in HO and N and HOn30.
But I will agree that there are some really good-looking trains in S scale. S scale is a really good size without the massive bulk of O scale. I just don't need to get personally involved in another gauge/scale! Especially when the curves occupy more space than O27 and O31.
At the WGH on tour show at Cal Expo 2/23-2/24/13 there was an S scale layout running a SP Cab Forward. Plus a diesel on another track. Looked real cool, nice size too. I was impressed just a simple 2 oval design. Had wide curves.
I I just don't need to get personally involved in another gauge/scale!
Oh, yes you do!
Rusty
I went back to S after 25 years in O gauge. For me the S culture is more enjoyable.
On the practical side, alot of what you may have in O-27 can be used in S - transformers, accessories, Plasticville, autos and figures.
S scale IS the perfect size: Big enough to SEE... but small enough to give the ability to have a reasonable layout in smaller layout situations. I gained 30% in terms of operation by going from traditional sized and Hi-Rail 3 rail (042" minimums) to S SCALE. (Not S Hi-Rail.) You can save even more space by going with S Hi-Rail.
You will have less selection than is available in O/O27, but that's not altogether a bad thing: It will help you to not spend so many $$ on impulse purchases.
S scale has lots of potential and may be poised for a pleasant and unexpected surge in popularity.
My biggest hope is that I can get off my butt and get back to modeling... in S scale!!
Andre
Good Day CK,
When time permits, can you share any pictures of the S Scale layout from the train show?
Regards,
Frank
If I was starting over again in the hobby today, I definitely would consider either S scale or 2-rail O. S would be easier on the budget (fewer things to choose from), and 2-rail O scale would also force me to pick-and-choose more carefully.
S is just about the ideal size for those of us with more typical space considerations--spare bedrooms, part of a basement or rec. room, etc.
The one caveat with S, as I see it, is its manufacturing future. I'm just not sure how committed any of the manufacturers are to that scale, or for how long.
Several of us went to the WGH show in Atlanta a year or so ago and I was surprised to see (I think it was) THREE 'S gauge' layouts. One was very well-senicked too.
There is a S club somewhere in SC that shows at the annual Asheville Show that has quite a nice modular layout. This year they were running almost all SCALE trains in prototypical livery where-as before there was a lot of Gilbert Flyer. Seeing the 'big' steamers and the scale diesels was a real treat!
If I was starting over again in the hobby today, I definitely would consider either S scale or 2-rail O. S would be easier on the budget (fewer things to choose from), and 2-rail O scale would also force me to pick-and-choose more carefully.
S is just about the ideal size for those of us with more typical space considerations--spare bedrooms, part of a basement or rec. room, etc.
The one caveat with S, as I see it, is its manufacturing future. I'm just not sure how committed any of the manufacturers are to that scale, or for how long.
Me too......If I didn't still have all my HO stuff....and LOTS of 3 rail O.....S would be great! MUCH easier to find vehicles and they are fantastic and cheap! I build my own structures so that's not an issue. And some of the S scale locos and cars look fantastic! But I too wonder how long the scale will be supported. Didn't MTH buy S Helper or some other S manufacture??? Did they do anything with it??
Didn't MTH buy S Helper or some other S manufacture??? Did they do anything with it??
In the beginning...
http://www.mthtrains.com/sites...13_sgauge/index.html
Rusty
Gents,
Yes, MTH is in S to stay. Lionel has introduced new items, and American Models in South Lyon, Michigan is in S to stay. As far as items available by American Models, the owner has had all the molds and dies returned from overseas and is now making trains in the USA. Check out their website http://www.americanmodels.com/ . They've been in business for over 25 years, and will be for a long time. They're very committed to the scale.
I've been in S all my (train) life, love trains in any scale, but wouldn't change for anything.
Jerry
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
