S scale (or S gauge) is a model railroad scale modeled at 1:64 scale, S scale track gauge (space between the rails) is . 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.

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 inch modeling 1 foot. Standard S gauge track has a spacing of . Three-foot gauge in S scale (Sn3 gauge) is .

Narrow gauge

  • Sn3½ or Sn42 gauge - gauge on gauge track (the same as HO scale Standard Gauge)
  • Sm – 1 m gauge on 16.5 mm; Continental European.
  • Sn3 - gauge on gauge track.
  • Sn2 gauge - gauge by the majority on , the same as HOn3 gauge track, or , 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

  • Rail transport modelling
  • Rail transport modelling scales
  • National Association of S Gaugers (NASG)

References