Scale Model Railroading in S Today
Welcome!
This introduction to scale model railroading in S (1:64) has been prepared by the National Association of S Gaugers (NASG) and is specifically aimed at providing an overview of scale model railroading in S for newcomers to the model railroading hobby in general or those already involved in model railroading but who are seeking information about S scale modeling in particular.
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.
Why Consider S?
Uniqueness
Being a less-utilized scale makes all S models and layouts unlike others in the more prevalent scales.
Physical Presence
The larger physical size makes S models enjoyable even when viewed from a distance.
Level of Detail
Smaller details can be included and still be resistant to breakage during handling and operation.
Reliability & Durability
The increased mass and wheel-and-track contact area results in exceptional electrical reliability.
Easier to See & Work On
The bigger models are easier to see to work on and car numbers are easier read during operations.
Photogenic
The larger size makes it easier to create great photos of S scale trains.
S Scale Layouts
The best way to understand what is possible in S-scale is to look at a few of the excellent scale layouts that are currently in operation around the country. Click the photo to view the details about that layout and more photos.
"C&O Railroad - Alleghany Subdivision" by Jerry Holmes
"Port Dover Branch" by Jim Martin
The D&RGW by Craig Wright
"Kaw Valley Railroad" by Mike Fyten
"Sierra Northern" by Bob Hogan
"Monon Railroad Fourth Subdivision" by Roger Nulton, MMR
Additional Selected S-scale Layouts
PRR Elimira Branch by Alan Balma
Texas Southern Switching District by Joe Coen
Delaware & Hudson by Bob Frascella
Buffalo & Chautauqua by Gaylord Gill
New York, Westchester & Boston by Dick Karnes
B&O Mountain Top Railroad by Ed Sauers
Red Pine and Oxville by Bob Stelmach
Freelance Southern Pacific Branch by Paul Washburn
Great Plains Northern by Bob Werre
St. Louis, Eastern & Pacific by Bill Winans
S Scale Track and Wheels
Most S scale modelers use prototypically-accurate scale wheels with profiles made to NMRA/NASG code 110 (0.110" wide) specifications. A small percentage of S modelers use P:64 wheels that are code 88.
The track most commonly used by S scale modelers is Tomalco Trak flextrack sold by "S Scale Track" and manufactured by Micro Engineering, and available in codes 70, 83, and 100.
Code 125 rail is used by some scale modelers although this represents rarely-used 155lb rail (e.g. PRR mainline modeling).
The NASG is exploring producing a ready-to-run #6 turnout using code 100 rail.
A complete line of ready-to-run fixture-built turnouts and crossings in a variety of sizes and rail heights is available from Empire Trackworks. Track is gauged using printed-circuit-board ties and turnouts are available with scale wooden ties installed.
Another option beside ready-to-run track components is offered by S Scale Track Works. They produce a line of cast frogs, points, and guardrails. This system lies between RTR and completely scratch-built turnouts. The modeler lays his or her own ties over a paper template and supplies running and closing rails, but the hard part is already done with finely detailed switch points and frogs. S Scale Track Works offers complete turnout sets or individual castings in codes 100, 83, and 70.
For those who enjoy building track work entirely from scratch, Fast Tracks Hobbyworks makes a number of jigs in a variety of turnout sizes and rail heights for S-scale.
Power and Control
With few exceptions, S scale model railroaders use the same DC and DCC control systems as HO-scale modelers do. Standard 1-amp decoders can normally be used and the extra space in the larger S models allows for large speakers. Some S modelers have installed cell-phone-sized batteries into their locomotives to operate them without relying on track power (a.k.a. "Dead Rail"). Due to S' larger interior volume, most locomotives have space for the extra circuitry and the battery needed to accomplish that.
Product Availability
Locomotives & Rolling Stock
Over the years a great many ready-to-run products and kits have been offered in S scale in both brass and plastic. The largest S-only manufacturer today is American Models. However, for S scale modelers, the search for just the right locomotive or rolling stock is half the fun. Secondary markets, including eBay and train shows, are used extensively by S scaler modelers to find what they need. Kit-bashing and scratch-building are also commonly practiced in S. Our web site contains a comprehensive, and illustrated, listing of all S-scale locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, MOW, and cabooses.
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 scale modelers, below is a list of several of the largest and most important manufacturers and suppliers.
- American Models
Offers diesel and steam locomotives, and many freight and passenger cars in many road names. - S Scale Track
Offers code 70, 83, and 100 flextrack. - ScaleTrains
Offers rolling stock from the former S-Helper Service and MTH Electric Trains product lines. - S Scale Track Works
Offers turnout-building parts. - B.T.S.
Offers extensive lines of brass detailing parts and craftsman-style structures kits, as well as some rolling stock kits. - 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". - Tichy Train Group
Offers decals and detailing parts.
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-scale 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.