American Flyer and Hi-rail Model Railroading in S Today
Welcome!
This introduction to collecting and operating Gilbert American Flyer (AF) and newer AF-compatible S (1:64) trains has been prepared by the National Association of S Gaugers (NASG). It is specifically aimed at providing newcomers an overview of these two segments of the S hobby.
What are American Flyer and Hi-Rail?
These two, closely-related, segments of S encompass those who collect and operate original A.C. Gilbert American Flyer (AF) trains and/or more recently manufactured trains that are compatible with original American Flyer. Lionel now produces the "American Flyer" brand. American Models and ScaleTrains manufacture lines of trains that will operate with original Gilbert American Flyer as they come equipped with compatible hi-rail wheels and AF-style couplers.
How Big is S?
At 1:64 scale, S models are 25% smaller than O-scale models and 36% larger in linear dimensions than HO-scale models. When applied to the length, width, and height dimensions, S models have 250% of the volume of an equivalent HO-scale model. For many, this "in between" size makes S the ideal size for collecting and operating.
S American Flyer and Hi-Rail Layouts
The best way to understand what is possible in American Flyer and Hi-Rail is to look at a few of the excellent AF and HR layouts that are currently in operation around the country. Click the photo to view the details about that layout and more photos.
Austin Birkey - American Flyer
Greg Hurd - American Flyer
John Quilter - American Flyer
Dave Campbell - Hi-Rail
Terry O'Kelly - Hi-Rail
Brooks Stover - Hi-Rail
Additional Selected AF and Hi-Rail Layouts
John Clifford - American Flyer
Tom Cline - American Flyer
Bob Davis - Hi-Rail
Bill Drake - American Flyer
Marvin Harger - American Flyer
John Pouletsos - Hi-Rail
Tom Robinson - Hi-Rail
Ron Schon - Hi-Rail
American Flyer and Hi-Rail Track and Wheels
A.C. Gilbert code 172
GarGraves code 172
American Flyer layouts use original A.C. Gilbert track (or reproductions of it) or track available from Gargraves or Classic Trains, all with track systems using code 172 rail.
Lionel FasTrack™ code 133
American Models code 148
Hi-Rail modelers use more realistic track with more closely spaced ties and rails in sizes from codes 125 to 148. American Models makes a full line of track and turnouts with code 148 rail. Lionel produces track and turnouts using code 133 rail. Fox Valley Models track and turnouts use code 138 rails.
A.C. Gilbert AF trains were fitted with wide wheels (code 220, i.e. measuring 0.220" wide) with large flanges. AF-compatible S trains produced in more recent years are fitted with narrower wheels (code 172; 0.172" wide) with smaller flanges and which are referred to as hi-rail wheels.
Importantly, both AF and hi-rail wheels will operate on either AF or hi-rail track systems with rail sizes from codes 125 through 172, including turnouts with hi-rail flangeway clearances.
AF and hi-rail modelers often enjoy A.C. Gilbert-style motorized "action" accessories, such as animated coal, log, and cattle loaders. AF layouts typically use brightly colored structures and employ oversized details such as figures, lamp poles, and motor vehicles. Locomotives and rolling stock are usually maintained in new, non-weathered condition.
Hi-railers often strive for a more realistic appearance and utilize true-to-scale structures, figures, and motor vehicles on their layouts, and build more realistic scenery. Some apply weathering techniques to their rolling stock.
Power and Control
A.C. Gilbert American Flyer trains utilized AC power, with a few exceptions being DC powered. AF operators use original Gilbert transformers or more recently-produced equivalents. More recently-built hi-rail equipment utilizes a variety of control systems including AC, DC, or even DCC control systems.
Product Availability
Locomotives & Rolling Stock
A.C. Gilbert manufactured 3/16" = 1' proportioned trains, sets, and accessories from 1946 through 1967. They are widely traded on the secondary market. Today Lionel produces a limited American Flyer line. American Models produces a full line of AF-compatible ready-to-run trains including cars, locomotives, and track. A number of smaller manufacturers produce AF-compatible rolling stock. Our web site contains a comprehensive, and illustrated, listing of S AF and hi-rail products (see the Product Gallery). There is a complete list of manufacturers and dealers available in the Resources section.
Detail Parts
A number of manufacturers produce brass, plastic, and 3D printed steam, diesel, freight and passenger car detailing parts. A complete list of sources for detail parts, is available via the Resources button.
Structures, Figures, Motor Vehicles
There are a wide variety of structure kits in production and available on the secondary market. S has many hundreds of figures available, and literally multiple thousands of vehicles. Follow these links to the Resources section of our web site for the complete and always up-to-date listing.
Major Manufacturers and Suppliers
While there are many manufacturers of products of all types for use by S modelers, below is a list of several of the largest and most important ones.
- American Models
Offers diesel and steam locomotives, many freight and passenger cars in many road names, and a complete code 148 track system. All equipment available with hi-rail wheels and AF-compatible couplers. - Lionel
Offers steam and diesel locomotives, freight and passenger cars, and a complete code 133 track system. All equipment available with hi-rail wheels and AF-compatible couplers. - Fox Valley Models
Offers code 138 track, flextrack, and hi-rail turnouts. - ScaleTrains
Offers rolling stock from the former S-Helper Service and MTH Electric Trains product lines. - Des Plaines Hobbies
Retail store that offers S products from other manufacturers, as well as has their product line of S cars and engines, under the brand name "S Scale America". - Port Lines Hobby Supplies
Offers products from all S suppliers and manufacturers plus AF parts and repair.
We invite you to spend some time looking through the Resources section of our web site to view the hundreds of manufacturers and vendors that carry S products TODAY! Take a look around our web site and see what "S" is all about.
Come Join Us!
If you enjoy the comradery of enthusiastic modelers who are eager to share what they have learned and how they have accomplished something, we invite you to join the NASG. For just $30 per year, you will receive our bi-monthly magazine The Dispatch, gain access to our web site's Members Only portal and our NASG Library, as well as be able to attend our annual NASG Convention.
If you have any questions related to modeling in S, please feel free to contact Brian Jackson, our Central VP.