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{{Infobox model rail scale
'''"S Scale"''' is a ] term referring to a proportional size of 1:64 (or <sup>3</sup>/<sub>16</sub>" = 1'-0").
|name = S scale
|image_filename =
|image_caption =
|widthpx =
|scale = {{frac|3|16}} inch to 1 foot
|standard =
|ratio = 1:64
|gauge = 22.48 (22.5) mm, 0.885 in
|prototype_gauge = {{RailGauge|sg|allk=on}}
}}
'''S scale''' (or '''S gauge''') is a ] scale modeled at ], S scale track gauge (space between the rails) is {{convert|22.48|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is S scale? |url=http://www.nasg.org/NewToS.php |publisher=National Association of S Gaugers |date=2017-09-23 |accessdate=2018-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=S-1.2 General Standard Scales |url=https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/S-1.2%202009.07.pdf |publisher=NMRA |date=July 2009 |accessdate=2018-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=S-3.2 Trackwork Standard Scales |url=https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/s-3.2_2010.05.08.pdf |publisher=NMRA |date=February 2010 |accessdate=2018-03-14}}</ref> S gauge trains are manufactured in both DC and AC powered varieties. S gauge is not to be confused with '']'', a large-scale standard for toy trains in the early part of the 20th century.


==History==
This term is often used interchangeably with "]".
S scale is one of the oldest model railroading scales. The earliest known 1:64 scale train was constructed from ] in 1896.<ref name="ukhistory"></ref> The first working models appeared in England in the early 20th century.<ref name="ukhistory"/> Modeling in S scale increased in the 1930s and 1940s when CD Models marketed {{frac|3|16}}-inch model trains.


] was a manufacturer of standard gauge and O gauge "tinplate" trains, based in Chicago, Illinois. It never produced S scale trains as an independent company. Chicago Flyer was purchased by A.C. Gilbert Co. in the late 1930s. Gilbert began manufacturing S scale trains around 1939 that ran on three rail "O" gauge track. This was known as {{frac|3|16}}-inch O gauge. Gilbert stopped producing trains during WWII. When the war ended, Gilbert began producing true S scale S gauge trains in 1946 under the American Flyer mark.
Strictly speaking, '''scale''' is the relation of the size of a model to that of its ], and '''gauge''' is simply the distance between the railheads.


The term "S scale" was adopted by the National Model Railroading Association (]) in 1943 to represent that scale that was half of ] which was built to 1:32 scale. A.C. Gilbert's improvements in 1:64 modeling and promotions of S gauge largely shaped the world of 1:64 modeling today.
However, within the modeling community the terms "Scale" and "Gauge" seem to have taken on very specific connotations. In many cases, the original "toy" trains were built of plated & ]ed tin and/or thick printed cardstock, making use of oversized wheels & couplings and running on track sections that were designed more for ease of use and robust service rather than pure fidelity of reproduction. Small or delicate details were often represented as simple graphics on the models or even omitted altogether. This style of modeling enjoys a large and enthusiastic following to this day, with a brisk trade in both vintage and contemporary models. Many annual public events are held to promote and proudly display fine examples of the genre. These "tinplate" works and displays are most often (rightly or wrongly) associated with the term "'''S Gauge'''", perhaps because many of the early firms marketed their wares using this specific phrase.


As early as 1948, an industrially produced narrow-gauge railway on tracks with a model gauge of 16.5 mm was available from the French company ''Allard''. The vehicles in the scale of 1:60 to be assigned to today's ''Sm gauge'' ran with direct current on commercially available H0 gauge centre conductor tracks from the same manufacturer or from competitors, which also has a model gauge of 16.5 mm and centre conductor. The traction units, a steam locomotive and a rail bus (autorail), were also available with a clockwork drive.<ref>François Robein: 50 ans de trains miniatures H0 en France 1950 - 2000. LR Presse, chapter 4: Les productions françaises Antal, VB, PMP, Allard, TAB et les autres, page 80 ff.</ref>
As production methods and consumer tastes changed over the years, more accurately detailed models were made available by manufacturers and constructed by enthusiasts. In an effort to distinguish these efforts from the "tinplate" products, the term "'''S Scale'''" has been adopted by the adherents of this "higher fidelity" approach. Examples of scale works are seen at many shows every year but, it must be honestly noted, there are fewer modelers in the 1:64 proportion than almost any other. This means fewer models on display than in the remaining, arguably more popular, scales followed within the hobby.


S gauge entered what many consider its heyday in the 1950s (although there is more available in S scale today than was available during this period). However, during that period, ] outsold American Flyer nearly two-to-one. American Flyer's parent company went out of business and the brand was sold to a holding company that also owned Lionel in 1967.
Neither approach to this facet of model railroading is incorrect or less worthy of pursuit. In spite of this, the S modeling community often appears fractured and divisive to newcomers. Factions focusing on modern diesel, early steam, narrow gauge, standard gauge, "scale", and "tinplate" all exist within 1:64. There are simply fewer 1:64 modelers to populate each of these interest groups. Given the low population base, commercial manufacturers typically treat this as a niche market and offer an understandably limited range of low volume (higher price) products to choose from. The economics of the situation can force modelers into building their own objects of desire from basic raw materials, which has given rise to the belief that S is purely a scratchbuilder's scale. It must be said that there are several manufacturers that offer ready-to-run items of high quality and reasonable price in 1:64; seemingly more now than ever in the past.

Lionel re-introduced S gauge trains and accessories under the American Flyer name in 1979. Another S manufacturer, American Models, entered the marketplace in 1981 and is now also one of the major S suppliers. S-Helper Service, another major S gauge manufacturer of locomotives, rolling stock, track and other products, began operations in 1989 and delivered their first S products in 1990. In 2013, S-Helper Service was sold to MTH Electric Trains. And while the S scale market has seen a number of brass model manufacturers, today the major brass model supplier in S scale and S gauge is River Raisin Models. Today's S gauge and S scale modelers have a greater selection and higher quality products, from a wide range of manufacturers, than at any time in the past. In addition to the basics of locomotives, rolling stock, and track, various manufacturers now offer S scale structures, detail parts, figures, other scenic items, bridges, and more.

==Terminology==
The terms "scale" and "gauge" are often confused. Strictly speaking, ''scale'' is the ratio of the size of a model to that of its prototype and ''gauge'' is the distance between the track railheads. In the case of S scale, the proportion is 1:64 or {{frac|3|16}} inch modeling 1 foot. Standard S gauge track has a spacing of {{convert|7/8|in}}. Three-foot gauge in S scale (Sn3 gauge) is {{RailGauge|14.28mm}}.

==Narrow gauge==
*] or Sn42 gauge - {{RailGauge|3ft6in}} gauge on {{RailGauge|16.5mm}} gauge track (the same as ])
*] – 1&nbsp;m gauge on 16.5&nbsp;mm; Continental European.<ref name="NEM010">{{cite web
|url=http://www.miba.de/morop/nem010_d.pdf
|publisher=]
|title=Normen Europäischer Modellbahnen Maßstäbe, Nenngrößen, Spurweiten
| language=German
|year=2011
|accessdate=2014-05-15
}}</ref>
*] - {{RailGauge|3ft}} gauge on {{RailGauge|14.3mm}} gauge track.
*] - {{RailGauge|2ft}} gauge by the majority on {{RailGauge|10.5mm}},<ref>, S-scale Two-foot gauge modeling railroading. Retrieved 22. November 2021</ref> the same as HOn3 gauge track, or {{RailGauge|9mm}}, the same as N gauge track)

==Associations==
The S scale SIG is an NMRA-affiliated special interest group dedicated to promoting and providing information on scale model railroading at 1:64. The National Association of S Gaugers serves as an organization to promote all forms of S gauge model railroading. The S Scale Model Railway Society also works to promote the scale in the UK.

==Notable layouts==
The largest S scale layout in the United States is the Cincinnati in Motion exhibit at the ]. A large Sn3.5 or Sn42 scale layout of Swan View belongs to the Australian Model Railway Association in Bayswater, Western Australia


==See also== ==See also==
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category|S scale|S scale}}
* the only 100% S-Scale magazine in publication.
⚫ * (NASG)
* for more comprehensive historical information, club listings, and vendor links.

⚫ *
==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Scale models}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:S scale}}
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 20:55, 19 June 2024

S scale
Scale3⁄16 inch to 1 foot
Scale ratio1:64
Model gauge22.48 (22.5) mm, 0.885 in
Prototype gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

S scale (or S gauge) is a model railroad scale modeled at 1:64 scale, S scale track gauge (space between the rails) is 22.48 mm (0.885 in). S gauge trains are manufactured in both DC and AC powered varieties. S gauge is not to be confused with toy train standard gauge, a large-scale standard for toy trains in the early part of the 20th century.

History

S scale is one of the oldest model railroading scales. The earliest known 1:64 scale train was constructed from card stock in 1896. The first working models appeared in England in the early 20th century. Modeling in S scale increased in the 1930s and 1940s when CD Models marketed 3⁄16-inch model trains.

American Flyer was a manufacturer of standard gauge and O gauge "tinplate" trains, based in Chicago, Illinois. It never produced S scale trains as an independent company. Chicago Flyer was purchased by A.C. Gilbert Co. in the late 1930s. Gilbert began manufacturing S scale trains around 1939 that ran on three rail "O" gauge track. This was known as 3⁄16-inch O gauge. Gilbert stopped producing trains during WWII. When the war ended, Gilbert began producing true S scale S gauge trains in 1946 under the American Flyer mark.

The term "S scale" was adopted by the National Model Railroading Association (NMRA) in 1943 to represent that scale that was half of 1 gauge which was built to 1:32 scale. A.C. Gilbert's improvements in 1:64 modeling and promotions of S gauge largely shaped the world of 1:64 modeling today.

As early as 1948, an industrially produced narrow-gauge railway on tracks with a model gauge of 16.5 mm was available from the French company Allard. The vehicles in the scale of 1:60 to be assigned to today's Sm gauge ran with direct current on commercially available H0 gauge centre conductor tracks from the same manufacturer or from competitors, which also has a model gauge of 16.5 mm and centre conductor. The traction units, a steam locomotive and a rail bus (autorail), were also available with a clockwork drive.

S gauge entered what many consider its heyday in the 1950s (although there is more available in S scale today than was available during this period). However, during that period, Lionel outsold American Flyer nearly two-to-one. American Flyer's parent company went out of business and the brand was sold to a holding company that also owned Lionel in 1967.

Lionel re-introduced S gauge trains and accessories under the American Flyer name in 1979. Another S manufacturer, American Models, entered the marketplace in 1981 and is now also one of the major S suppliers. S-Helper Service, another major S gauge manufacturer of locomotives, rolling stock, track and other products, began operations in 1989 and delivered their first S products in 1990. In 2013, S-Helper Service was sold to MTH Electric Trains. And while the S scale market has seen a number of brass model manufacturers, today the major brass model supplier in S scale and S gauge is River Raisin Models. Today's S gauge and S scale modelers have a greater selection and higher quality products, from a wide range of manufacturers, than at any time in the past. In addition to the basics of locomotives, rolling stock, and track, various manufacturers now offer S scale structures, detail parts, figures, other scenic items, bridges, and more.

Terminology

The terms "scale" and "gauge" are often confused. Strictly speaking, scale is the ratio of the size of a model to that of its prototype and gauge is the distance between the track railheads. In the case of S scale, the proportion is 1:64 or 3⁄16 inch modeling 1 foot. Standard S gauge track has a spacing of 7⁄8 inch (22 mm). Three-foot gauge in S scale (Sn3 gauge) is 14.28 mm (0.562 in).

Narrow gauge

  • Sn3½ or Sn42 gauge - 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) gauge on 16.5 mm (0.65 in) gauge track (the same as HO gauge)
  • Sm – 1 m gauge on 16.5 mm; Continental European.
  • Sn3 - 3 ft (914 mm) gauge on 14.3 mm (0.563 in) gauge track.
  • Sn2 gauge - 2 ft (610 mm) gauge by the majority on 10.5 mm (0.413 in), the same as HOn3 gauge track, or 9 mm (0.354 in), the same as N gauge track)

Associations

The S scale SIG is an NMRA-affiliated special interest group dedicated to promoting and providing information on scale model railroading at 1:64. The National Association of S Gaugers serves as an organization to promote all forms of S gauge model railroading. The S Scale Model Railway Society also works to promote the scale in the UK.

Notable layouts

The largest S scale layout in the United States is the Cincinnati in Motion exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. A large Sn3.5 or Sn42 scale layout of Swan View belongs to the Australian Model Railway Association in Bayswater, Western Australia

See also

External links

References

  1. "What is S scale?". National Association of S Gaugers. 2017-09-23. Retrieved 2018-03-14.
  2. "S-1.2 General Standard Scales" (PDF). NMRA. July 2009. Retrieved 2018-03-14.
  3. "S-3.2 Trackwork Standard Scales" (PDF). NMRA. February 2010. Retrieved 2018-03-14.
  4. ^ S Scale MRS Standards: History
  5. François Robein: 50 ans de trains miniatures H0 en France 1950 - 2000. LR Presse, chapter 4: Les productions françaises Antal, VB, PMP, Allard, TAB et les autres, page 80 ff.
  6. "Normen Europäischer Modellbahnen Maßstäbe, Nenngrößen, Spurweiten" (PDF) (in German). NEM. 2011. Retrieved 2014-05-15.
  7. Sn2 Trains, Standards, S-scale Two-foot gauge modeling railroading. Retrieved 22. November 2021
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