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S Scale (or S gauge) is a model railroad scale modeled at 1:64 scale, S scale track gauge (space between the rails) is 22.42mm. S gauge trains are manufactured in both DC and AC powered varieties. 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 1930s-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). 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 three-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 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. And while the S scale market has seen a number of brass model manufacturers, today the major brass model supplier in S scale/S gauge is River Raisin Models. Today's S gauge/S scale modelers have a greater selection and higher quality products, from a wide range of manufacturers, that 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

Strictly speaking, scale is the relation of the size of a model to that of its prototype, and gauge is simply the distance between the railheads.

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 & lithographed 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 associated with the term "S gauge", perhaps because many of the early firms marketed their wares using this specific phrase.

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.

Narrow Gauge

• Sn3½ gauge - 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) gauge on 16.5 mm (0.65 in) gauge track (the same as HO gauge)
• Sn3 - 3 ft (914 mm) gauge on 14.3 mm (0.563 in) gauge track.
• Sn2 gauge - 2 ft (610 mm) gauge on 10.5 mm (0.413 in) (the same as HOn3 gauge) or 9 mm (0.354 in) 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.

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

References

1. National Association of S Gaugers: Track Standards
2. ^ S Scale MRS Standards: History
3. S Scale Model Railroading:"S" Scale History
4. Cincinnati in Motion

See also

• Rail transport modelling
• Rail transport modelling scales
• Model railway scales

• Model railroad scales
• Scale model scales