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| '''S gauge''' is a scale in ]. Modeled at ], S gauge runs on two-rail track with the rails .884 inches apart<ref></ref>. S gauge is sometimes confused with '']'', a large-scale standard for toy trains in the early part of the 20th century. | '''S gauge''' is a scale in ]. Modeled at ], S gauge runs on two-rail track with the rails .884 inches apart<ref></ref>. S gauge is sometimes confused with '']'', a large-scale standard for toy trains in the early part of the 20th century. | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| The earliest known 1:64 scale train was constructed from card in 1896<ref name="ukhistory"></ref>. THe first working models appeared in ] in the early 20th century<ref name="ukhistory"/>. |
S Scale is one of the oldest model railroading scales. The earliest known 1:64 scale train was constructed from card in 1896<ref name="ukhistory"></ref>. THe first working models appeared in ] in the early 20th century<ref name="ukhistory"/>. Modeling in S gauge increased in the 1930's-1940's when CD Models marketed 3/16" model train sets under the name American Flyer Trains. Later American Flyer was purchased by A.C. Gilbert Co., and the term S Gauge was adopted by the National Model Railroading Association (NMRA) in 1943 to represent that gauge that was half of #1 gauge (1/32). And as they say, the rest is history. A.C. Gilbert's improvements in 1/64 modeling and promotions of S gauge largely shaped the world of 1/64 modeling today. | ||
| The first trains marketed as S gauge appeared in the ] when ] marketed a 1:64 scale train that ran on 3-rail track similar to that of ]. In 1946 following the end of ], A.C. Gilbert's American Flyer introduced an S-gauge train running on two-rail track<ref></ref> for greater realism, and S gauge entered what many consider its heyday (although there is more available in S scale today than was available during this period) . However, during that period, Lionel outsold American Flyer nearly 2 to 1. American Flyer's parent company went out of business and the brand was sold to to a holding company that also owned Lionel in ]. | |||
| ⚫ | Lionel |
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| ⚫ | Lionel re-introduced S gauge trains and accessories under the American Flyer name in ]. Another manufacturer, , entered the marketplace in ]. , another major S gauge locomotive and rolling stock manufacturer, began operations in 1990. Today's S gauge/S scale modelers have a greater selection and higher quality products that at any time in the past. | ||
| ==Narrow Gauge== | ==Narrow Gauge== | ||
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S gauge is a scale in model railroading. Modeled at 1:64 scale, S gauge runs on two-rail track with the rails .884 inches apart. S gauge is sometimes confused with 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 in 1896. THe first working models appeared in England in the early 20th century. Modeling in S gauge increased in the 1930's-1940's when CD Models marketed 3/16" model train sets under the name American Flyer Trains. Later American Flyer was purchased by A.C. Gilbert Co., and the term S Gauge was adopted by the National Model Railroading Association (NMRA) in 1943 to represent that gauge that was half of #1 gauge (1/32). And as they say, the rest is history. A.C. Gilbert's improvements in 1/64 modeling and promotions of S gauge largely shaped the world of 1/64 modeling today.
The first trains marketed as S gauge appeared in the 1930s when American Flyer marketed a 1:64 scale train that ran on 3-rail track similar to that of Lionel. In 1946 following the end of World War II, A.C. Gilbert's American Flyer introduced an S-gauge train running on two-rail track for greater realism, and S gauge entered what many consider its heyday (although there is more available in S scale today than was available during this period) . However, during that period, Lionel outsold American Flyer nearly 2 to 1. American Flyer's parent company went out of business and the brand was sold to 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 manufacturer, American Models, entered the marketplace in 1981. S-Helper Service, another major S gauge locomotive and rolling stock manufacturer, began operations in 1990. Today's S gauge/S scale modelers have a greater selection and higher quality products that at any time in the past.
Narrow Gauge
- Sn3½ - 3 foot 6 inch gauge on 16.5mm gauge track (the same as HO gauge)
- Sn3 - 3 foot gauge
- Sn2 - 2 foot gauge on 10.5mm (the same as HOn3 gauge) or 9mm gauge track
Associations
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. More S scale organizations can be found here.