Posts Tagged ‘scale’
S Scale Model Railroad
You want to know what’s really at the cutting edge of toy locomotive hobby? What’s coming down the pike that has each and every model trainer tossing and turning with anticipation? What throw back style of locomotives are about to make a come back the way bell bottoms and tye-dye did a the end of the Reagan Administration?I could go on and on like this, but let me just let the train out the bag: it’s s gauge model trains. Yeah, that’s right, s gauge? If you’re not that acquainted with scales and gauges then you probably don’t realize that this isn’t a standard gauge nowadays. You couldn’t confirm for me if that is as large as garden locomotive or as tiny as an n scale, huh? Alright, well let me give you the low down on these before you start hearing about them in the news:
Here’s a blast from the past, these s gauge locomotives are “American Flyers”:
This style of locomotives has entered the hall of fame of model trains. But a large reason why this gauge is so popular is because after having been shut down during World War II, American Flyer retooled and released a forward looking line of state of the art locomotives in s gauge. American Flyer took on the role of Spartacus to Lionel’s Roman Empire and although their revolt was unsuccessful it is not surprising that model trainers now stand up and yell “I am American Flyer” in revolt. S gauge is an “inbetween” gauge, way larger than HO but smaller than Lionel’s O. S gauge is one 64th the size of a real train whereas Lionel’s O scale is one 48th the size. These are still pretty substantial trains but not so much so that you would have to have them only outside. These trains are a lot of fun to color and detail.
S gauge is not common:
Because American Flyer in effect created s scale and then went out of business shortly after, you don’t come across it much. A.C. Gilbert, who ran American Flyer at the time, manufactured this gauge as an attempt to create a brand of locomotives that would keep up with Lionel by making high quality trains that weren’t interchangeable with Lionel locomotives. That means there are not that many vintage s scale American Flyer trains. Because of the law of supply and demand, American Flyers short life span has inflated the demand for their parts and sets. This has made American Flyer the Holy Grail of model locomotives for many collectors.
Lionel LLC has broadcast their intention to bring out new “vintage” s gauge locomotives:
American Flyer’s nemesis Lionel bought them out in the 60’s and is now looking to resurrect both brands by re-introducing the vintage 1950’s toys that are so cherished by trainers. The great success of these releases has driven Lionel to promise to bring back the s gauge trains that avid fans are so in love with. So any day now you may be coming across new toys in this gauge and hobbyists will have yet another scale to choose from.
So if you want to get in front of this wave, now’s the time. This is when the early adopters wade in and check things out. Get one of these flap jacks while they’re still hot. Remember when I told you about this little coffee house called Starbuck’s. And you said no one would ever pay more just for some coffee.
Here is more information on Model Train Scale. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.
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Acela HO Scale Portable Train Layout
Its only 15 X 15 ft, but I like to say the Acela HO scale train layout gives “More Bang For The Buck by modelling the gritty urban scenery of the Northeast US that hosts the fastest train in North America, the 150 MPH Amtrak Acela Express. A model of the Amtrak electrified Northeast Corridor must have overhead catenary and the scratch built Pennsy style overhead is also the most expensive layout feature, save the travelling cases that allow the layout to be shipped in a baggage car. The layout has beome a regular at some of the largest train shows, including Trainfest, Amherst, ihobby-Expo and the NMRA National.
Life Like Life Like Pacific Rails 4 – Unit Ho Scale Diesel Electric Train Set
- 38″ track circle
- Fast and easy Power-Loc track stays secure
- Authentic hand-decorated locomotive and cars
- U.L. listed power pack with forward and reverse
- Rerailer lines up wheels on track in seconds
Product Description
4-Unit HO Scale Diesel Electric Train Set. 38″ Track Circle Features Life-Likes Exclusive Power-Loc Track System with Molded Roadbed for Fast N Easy Set-Up Even Beginners can Assemble in Minutes. Clicks together, keeps track connected for superior running anywhereeven on carpet. Eliminates rail joiners and produces perfect electrical contactguaranteed. Includes F40PH Diesel locomotive with working headlight, 2-bay hopper, refrigerator car, and matching 8-wheel caboo… More >>
Life Like Life Like Pacific Rails 4 – Unit Ho Scale Diesel Electric Train Set
Life Like Pacific Rails 4-Unit HO Scale Diesel Electric Train Set
- 38″ track circle
- Fast and easy Power-Loc track stays secure
- Authentic hand-decorated locomotive and cars
- U.L. listed power pack with forward and reverse
- Rerailer lines up wheels on track in seconds
Product Description
4-Unit HO Scale Diesel Electric Train Set. 38″ Track Circle Features Life-Likes Exclusive Power-Loc Track System with Molded Roadbed for Fast N Easy Set-Up Even Beginners can Assemble in Minutes. Clicks together, keeps track connected for superior running anywhereeven on carpet. Eliminates rail joiners and produces perfect electrical contactguaranteed. Includes F40PH Diesel locomotive with working headlight, 2-bay hopper, refrigerator car, and matching 8-wheel caboo… More >>
Life Like Pacific Rails 4-Unit HO Scale Diesel Electric Train Set
N Scale railroad trestle near Norris Mining Co.
Freelanced n-scale railroad layout, based on a Rocky Mountain locale.
