The S-scale, also known as the S-gauge, is one of the most preferred class of model trains. It is designed on the ratio of 1:64 ( 3/16 in . = 1 foot) and fits between the well-liked HO and O model train scales. It fulfilled the requirements for a scale which was larger than HO (which was considered too little by many model railroaders) but more compact than the popular O scale thereby permitting track layouts to be constructed in more compact places.
Although S scale model trains had been around since the early part of the last century, it began to thrive with the introduction of the re-designed American Flyer model trains, first made by The A.C.Gilbert Company in Connecticut, USA, during the latter part of the 1930s. The well-known American Flyer model trains, that had been produced since the earlier part of the century initially as clockwork model trains, then afterwards, as electric trains were drastically re-designed by Gilbert when he purchased the original company. These trains had been built to S-scale but operated on regular O-gauge tracks.
Some years later Gilbert introduced one more of his revolutionary alterations – he re-designed the tracks for the S-scale trains, shifting away from the conventional 3 track rail used in model electric railroads to that date.
The three track rail at that time in common use had the 2 outer tracks for the wheels to operate on using the third, center track, conducting the electric current to drive the model train motor. The new 2 track rails made the designs seem more real life like as they now resembled authentic train tracks’. The creation of these tracks to suit the smaller S-scale model trains also permitted track layouts to have curves of a different radius, more appropriate to the re-designed American Flyer locomotives and rolling stock.
Quite a few, if not most, of present day S-scale enthusiasts had their first introduction to that scale using the American Flyer when, as a youngster in the 50s, they acquired a set as a holiday present. During that era, the Flyer competed directly with the Lionel model trains of that period and these two companies had been the market leaders.
These days the S-scale model trains, which includes the long-lived American Flyer are increasing rapidly in popularity once again.
This is the end result of the Lionel Corporation, the predecessor of the existing maker of Lionel trains, Lionel LLC, having purchased the rights to the American Flyer from the business which had purchased the rights from A C Gilbert when his business went broke in 1967.
Lionel Corporation was itself in financial troubles at that point, and went through the hands of a number of owners before reaching its present incarnation as Lionel LLC in 1996. But for quite some time that new organization initially focused on producing and marketing its own HO and HO27 models and did very little to inspire the devotees of S-scale. Since 2002 on the other hand, Lionel LLC has been bringing out new versions of S-scale model trains – much to the glee of those enthusiasts.
There is a range of organizations and associations to cater to the interests of S-scale model railroaders. A good example, the National Association of S-Gaugers, that is also associated with the National Model Railroad Association, has an incredibly active membership. Their web site which offers info on activities, events, suppliers, and dated reference materials, also has links to S-Gauge clubs in 29 states in addition to Canada and the UK. And you will find two Yahoo Groups – S-Trains and S-Scale.
S-Scale model trains, and all the properly scaled components, are now created by numerous suppliers and appeal to a number of different sections within that scale – primarily the American Flyer, the standard S-gauge and Proto:64 being the key ones.
After a long and checkered history S-scale model railroads are definitely back in vogue once again.
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