I am considering pretty much liquidating my stuff and starting over with a different scale / gauge. I love the size of S scale, and am also considering Sn3, but the availability of the products in standard gauge S seems to be limited. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places...I'm not sure. Any ideas or suggestions?
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
Chuck,
Yes, S-scale is very limited and has seemingly gotten more so over the past few years. It's a shame because it's a nice compromise between HO- and O-scale. Having grown up with American Flyer I have a special affinity to it. The options in HO-scale, however, make any switch to another scale a non-issue for me.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
S scale is very much alive and is probably the best scale for modeling. It has great operating potential with the larger mass and is a good compromise between O and HO scales. The availability compared to the big 3 scales just isn't there. If you choose S scale be preparred for a lack of many items we all take for granted like structures, people, locos and rolling stock. Everything is there but in limited quantities.
Look here for some ideas:
http://sceneryunlimited.net/
https://www.nasg.org/
http://btsrr.com/
I modeled for several years and it was the most enjoyable modeling I ever did. I was fortunate as I have many years of hobby shop experience so I could go out of S and use a lot of O and HO scale items on the layout. Many HO structures work out fine with the addition of S scale doors. If Sn3 is your thing some HO cars work with detail changes and new trucks/couplers.
In Sn3 check out PBL. They make the finest car and structure kits made in the scale and produce amazing brass engines. Very pricey but you get what you pay for.
http://www.p-b-l.com/
Another option I took advantage of is American Flyer S scale cars were generally well scaled out and with normal detail changes and new trucks/couplers make excellent scale cars. Some older Lionel O27 freight cars work well too like their 40' double door boxcar and some gondolas.
Check out those web sites and check their links for some good ideas and information.
Good luck.
oldline1
Model Railroad Craftsman has has an S scale full page on the inside front cover for a long time. As with any of the minor scales, what is available is limited from mass production manufacturers. Resin kits and 3D printed (Shapeways) are available.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Thanks for the replies and the links are helpful. Lots to think about!
Yes S is still around.
The current major manufacturer for S on the scale side is American Models Their line includes several diesels and one steam locomotive. American Flyer is still around and a few of their products can be converted from HiRail to Scale.
MTH bought the S Helper Line and has put some of it into production on a limited basis. They sell conversion kits for their freight cars and include the conversion parts with their diesels.
In general there is an adequate supply of rolling stock and diesels for modeling the 50's and 60's. Earlier and later time periods have some stuff available.
There are many smaller manufacturers around. River Rasin does some brass steam locomotives.
The NASG site referenced earlier has a Resource menu on their home page which shows most of the manufacturers.
On the used market, you can find American Models 4-6-2's and S Helper 2-8-0's both of which were produced in scale and HiRail. AFAIK there were no conversion kits available for these - you bought it one way or the other. S Helper rolling stock and diesels had conversion parts included for scale so check used NIB to see if they are included. Since MTH bought the line, their freight car conversion kit will work also.
Some folks have converted Bachmann On30 steam locomotives to S. Their rolling stock could also be converted if you're not too concerned about a small size discrepancy or heavily kit bashed.
Many structures are available.
I have found the size is a delight to work in.
Good luck
Paul
S Scale Resource Magazine
http://sscaleresource.com/
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
S Scale is a good source of figures to make HO scale larger-than-life statues.Also, any remaining S Scalers should be modeling the 1960s or later. Why? Because of the ample supply of very good 1/64 scale vehicles from Johnny Lightning, Autoworld, M2 Machines and so on - even some Matchbox and Hotwheels.