O Scale West
The annual O Scale West show is focused on two-rail O-scale and S-scale modelers who are interested in more true-to-scale modeling (no AF or three-rail models shown). However, anyone is welcome to attend. The shows are held for several days in California. They include vendors, how-to clinics, contests, operating display layouts, individual seller tables, and local layout tours (self-drive).
Even though the NASG is not directly involved with O Scale West shows, we still wanted to have a page dedicated to this annual meeting.
From an S-scale perspective, this show started in 1995 because west coast modelers wanted to have something similar to the Fall S Fest and Spring Spree. The "S-West" multi-day convention was created. Some were held in conjunction with the O Scale West event, and some were stand-alone. Starting in 2006, the O Scale West and the Bay Area S Scalers (who were the dominant force behind the S-West events), decided to combine their efforts, and it became the annual O Scale West / S West show. Starting in 2019 their name changed to "O Scale - S Scale - Narrow Gauge West". Then, again, starting in early 2025, the original founder of "O Scale West" took over the organization and renamed it back to the original "O Scale West". However, he states that both narrow-gauge and S-scale will continue to be a fundamental part of the show. Please note that the external links can show photos that include O-scale models photos; not everything is S-scale.
2025
2024
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
2024
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
2023
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
2022
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Notes:
The Bay Area S Scalers had their new switching layout at the show, with people operating it. Operations/re-staging are all done without having to handle the equipment. The track is code 100, and the turnouts are servo-controlled using Tam Valley Depot electronics.
Attendance to the show was far less than in pre-lockdown years, but there was a lot of S-scale product for sale.
Photos taken at the event can be found in the June 2022 issue of the S Scale Resource magazine, starting on page 67.
Additional photos are available here.
2021
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Notes:
Canceled due to corona virus lockdown.
2020
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Notes:
Canceled due to corona virus lockdown.
2019
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Notes:
Special O- and S-scale SP Interlocking Tower structure kits available during and after the event (manufactured by S-scale modeler Michael Eldridge's Sandy Point Models company).
Photos taken at the event can be found in the June 2019 issue of the S Scale Resource magazine, starting on page 74.
Event Model: SP Interlocking Tower
2018
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
2017
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
2016
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Notes:
"S West 11".
2015
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Notes:
"S West 10".
2014
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Link:
Link:
Notes:
"S West 9".
2013
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Link:
Notes:
"S West 8".
2012
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Link:
Notes:
"S West 7".
Event Car: Pacific Rail Shops WP Box Car
2011
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Link:
Notes:
"S West 6". This was a joint convention with the NRMA's national convention.
2010
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Link:
Notes:
Held in conjunction with the O-scale National Convention.
2009
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Link:
Notes:
The two flat cars were produced by Wiseman Model Services and sold through Howard'S Trains. One was 53 feet long and the other 40'.
Event Car: Wiseman Model Services SP 53' flat car
2008
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Link:
Notes:
Arden Goehring's layout was open for the tour.
2007
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Registrations:
200+
Link:
Notes:
Starting this year, the Bay Area S Scalers and the O Scale West groups combined their efforts to create this annual show. A report about the show with several photos can be found on page 10 of the April 2007 issue of the NASG's Dispatch.
2006
Location:
San Mateo, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Link:
Notes:
This was called "O Scale West Plus S".
2004
Location:
Portland, OR
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Notes:
Lee Johnson and Joe Visintine took the Bay Area S Scalers' modular layout up to the national NMRA convention in Seattle. After that, they set up a "S West" show the following weekend.
2002
Location:
Stockton, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers, Sacramento Valley American Flyer
Notes:
This was called "S-West IV". Private home layouts included that of Arden Goehring, and the layout of Vic Cherven Sr. and Vic Cherven Jr.'s (this layout was started by the father-son team in 1987). A personal report about the show can be found on page 24 of the December 2002 issue of the NASG's Dispatch.
1998
Location:
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Organized By:
Inland Empire S Gauge Assn, Rocky Mountain Hi-Railers, Northwest S Scalers
Notes:
This was called "S-West III". Spearheaded by Gil Hulin, to focus on visiting Jess Bennett's layout. Also, Ernie Horr and Ron Tilton were open for layout visits.
Event Car: Lionel GN Gondolas with load
(photo © Rich Gajnak)
1997
Location:
San Mateo, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Registrations:
35
Notes:
This was called "S-West II". Held in conjunction with the O Scale West show. Among the layouts open was Ed Loizeaux'.
1995
Location:
Palo Alto, CA
Organized By:
Bay Area S Scalers
Notes:
It was called the S West then, and it was held in conjunction with the NMRA's Pacific Coast Region annual convention. There were 3 operating layouts at the show, and 4 S-scale layouts on tour. Read more about this in the August 1995 issue of S/Sn3 Modeling Guide.