News: Company Announcements
This page lists announcements related to company-level information, such as new companies that have been formed, existing companies that are closing-up shop, ownership transfers of companies, or any other such information. Click photos to visit the web sites.
Neil Stanton & S-CAB
While this information is not necessarily S-specific, a good number of S-modelers (including narrow-gaugers) are using Neil Stanton's S-CAB system. Briefly, S-CAB is a system that is installed in locomotives that allows direct communication between the throttle and the engine. On top of that, the system is designed to be fully powered by an internal battery that is installed in the engine. This makes an engine completely independent of the track as far as its power and its control system is concerned. This takes us one step closer to mimicking the real world, i.e. on-board "fuel".
While there are several systems on the market that offer similar features as the S-CAB system, none offer the complete solution that Neil's does; most require you to source one or more items from other manufacturers or do your own research on the Web.
Some of you may be aware of Neil's other significant contribution to model railroading and that is the "Stanton Drive" (a completely self-contained motor and gearing system built into a powered truck) that is sold by NorthWest ShortLine (available for S-scale as well).
Neil just e-mailed those of us who have been his clients and customers for years that he just turned 91 years old. He stated that he is still doing well, but is no longer able to do custom installs. He still has a good-sized inventory of the items he sells, but he will no longer take orders from new customers, effective today. He will continue to offer products to his existing customers. Neil also stated that he will continue to offer consultation to those who are interested in battery power for their locomotives. He covers HO-, S-, and O-scales.
Neil has been looking, for several years now, for someone or some company to take over his business and product line. So far he has not been successful. Considering the fact that just about everyone world-wide is walking around with a cellphone that contains a similar or the same battery that battery-powered engines use, you would think that the general "fear" of lithium-ion batteries should be subsiding, but apparently it isn't.
So, the plea is, if you or someone you know has an interest in a small business, is willing to accept some risk (the fundamental "feature" of a small business), and has the ability to produce electronic parts or can contract with someone or some company that can do that, you might want to consider contacting Neil.
Start an e-mail message (neilstanton@msn.com).
Hunterline Closed
The Canadian company Hunterline, which, in S-scale, produced wooden bridge kits, tunnel liners, fences, and roof shakes, has been closed due to the sudden passing of Rick Hunter. Maureen Hunter posted on their Facebook page that he passed away on May 10, 2026. She sold the "Weathering Mix" product line of stains to HobbyTools.com, but the wooden kits part of their business has now come to an end.
Scalecoat Paints
Scalecoat has updated their web site with information about their product line. They also offer a set of how-to questions-and-answers that you might find interesting, if you paint your models yourself. Their paints aren't in stock yet, but they have started to list their thinners for both versions of their paints.
Introducing Ficus Products
Ficus Products has been around for a while, but is new to this web site. Owner Alan Smith produces some very unique items for those who enjoy A.C. Gilbert-style products. The company makes tools, replacement wheelsets, replacement trucks, and freight car loads. These are only sold through their eBay store (no conventional web site). See photos on their store for how to use some of these items. Note that the track and wheel gauge may or may not match NASG standards; it has not been verified.
Port Lines Hobby Supplies Closing
Doug Peck announced a while back his intention to close his business. In the May 2026 NASG Dispatch magazine issue, he states that he has been unable to do so because he has gotten so many orders in since that announcement, that he is working 7 days a week to fulfill those orders. However, he has now, for real, decided to close his store and all online sales on July 1, 2026. He will also no longer accept mail or phone orders after that date. After that date, he will be focusing on selling off parts of his business (interested parties have already contacted him), and liquidating all inventory. Doug will be at the 2026 NASG Convention as a vendor. After 45 years, it is time to retire, and he thanks all of his many customers over those decades. Note that he intends to keep his web site up, so that it can continue to be used as a reference source.
Scale Trains Q&A Live Stream Recorded
The video is set to start at the point where they start to discuss S-scale.
Mike McCarville Presentation
Mike McCarville, of McCarville Studios, made a brief presentation about his background, his company, and his laser-cut kits.
The Lionel Merger (updated)
Praesidian Capital's portfolio company, Round 2, acquires Lionel, LLC, and creates the new company under the name "Lionel Brands Group" with Richard Barry as its CEO.
Round 2 was started in 2005 by Tom Lowe who wanted to revive legacy diecast model brands. They now own AMT, MPC, Hawk/Lindberg, Polar Lights, Auto World, American Muscle, Johnny Lightning, Racing Champions, and Classic Metal Works.
Lionel Racing, a division of Lionel, LLC started in 2013, owns the brand name "NASCAR Authentics" which has the exclusive rights to produce NASCAR 1:24 and 1:64 diecast vehicles, as well as NHRA and ARCA models.
Lionel Brands Group is a home for iconic, fan-first brands focused on modern collectibles, including its legacy model trains, die-cast vehicles, model kits, slot cars, and other hobby products. Serving passionate communities of fans, hobbyists, and collectors across categories where authenticity and craftsmanship matter, the company owns several well-known brands, including Lionel, Lionel Racing, AMT, Polar Lights, Hawk, MPC, Lindberg, Auto World, and Big Country Toys. The company produces products through dozens of licensing agreements with iconic brands, such as NASCAR, Disney, Warner Bros., The Polar Express, Johnny Lightning, Racing Champions, General Motors, Ford, Star Trek, and Star Wars.
Introducing RR Craftsman
We were contacted by RR Craftsman's owner, Glenn Barnas, to inform us that they carry several items for S-scale modelers, the latest of which is cork roadbed material available in strips and rolls. They also carry 3D-printed parts and kits.
MyMiniFactory Acquires Thingiverse
Thingiverse is a web site known for its many free designs for you to download and print on your own 3D-printer. They announced that they have been bought out by MyMiniFactory. MyMiniFactory is similar in concept, but they also make it easy for designers to actually make some money off of their designs. So, designers have the choice of offering their designs for free or for a fee. Since both of these web sites list just about anything, you will have to do some searching on your own to find something in 1:64 or that can be scaled to S-scale.
La Belle Woodworking Closing
The owner of La Belle Woodworking has announced on his web site that he plans to close the company in June of 2026 due to wanting to retire, after running the company since 2001. The significance of this announcement to us in S-scale is that in 2018 the company bought Ye Olde Huff-N-Puff's product line. Also, the owner indicated at that time that they became the owner of the original Nixon Model Co's trucks. Additionally, they offered S-scale decals. The owner is open to offers for someone to take over the company and/or the product line(s).
Rex Models For Sale
Terry Putt announced on Facebook that he is offering the Rex product line for sale.
Introducing Ridgeway Models
Ridgeway Models is based in Cabot, Pennsylvania and they manufacture and sell 3D-printed items. These include a grain elevator kit, road maintenance vehicles, tractor/trailer loads, strobe lights for construction trucks, stand-alone V8 engine, watering through, barrels, jugs, drums, cattle-management structures, cement blocks, drag-line bucket, roadway barriers, pallets, feedsacks, and more. Too much to list all here, so take a look at their web site.
European S Nostalgia
If you are curious about what was happening in Europe with regard to S modeling at the same time that A.C. Gilbert was producing S in the U.S., Dutchman Fred van der Lubbe has updated his own book and posted a video on YouTube featuring information and trains by the East-German company Stadtilm, West-German BUB, and the French JEP (Joue de Paris, "Toys of Paris"). All companies disappeared in the 1960s, but they produced metal engines and cars that ran on 7/8"-gauge track, and can still be found on the secondary market today.
Modelu's New Web Site
Modelu has switched their web site to use Shopify. It is quite different from their original web site, so take your time to get acquainted with it. They don't explicitly mention S-scale any more on their individual product pages. After contacting them, they stated that they do plan to add S (and other missing) scales to their pages. The recommendation is to order the "O-scale" version, and then in the check-out comments/notes indicate that you want the S-scale version. They do still support S-scale figures, but they just don't have an easy way to indicate that on their web site.
Possible Future Kits (updated) by Smoky Mountain Model Works
Jim King has narrowed-down the choice of the next box car kits to those shown on his web site's linked-to page. He shows the O-scale page, but the same car would or could be made in S-scale. Contact him to let him know in which car(s) you are interested and in how many you would like.
Start an e-mail message (jimking3@charter.net).
MTH Continues On
While MTH no longer deals with S-scale, the recent Classic Toy Trains magazine interview with their current owners, does mention their S-scale tooling. Even though Mike Wolf retired in 2021, he has now come back to the company and they are solely focused on O-scale, the old Standard Gauge, and Gauge 1 products. In the interview they explain why Mike retired, and why he is now active again.
S-n-S Trains Plans to Re-open in December
Bill Sheneman, owner of the repair service company S-n-S Trains, is still in the process of moving the company back to Oregon, to be closer to family. During the move, Bill will offer some limited services. Bill is expecting to have the full shop set up by the first week of December 2025. His web site will be updated after that. His new location will have more space than he had before. He wanted to thank everyone for their patience while this move is taking place.
FlyerCreations
FlyerCreations is Austin Birkey's venture in providing much-needed A.C. Gilbert American Flyer-compatible cars, track components, and accessories. He offers both new products as well as reconditioned items.
Modelu Figures Available Again
Modelu just announced that U.S. customers ordering via their web site will now automatically see a 10% import charge on both the products and the postage, but it eliminates the previously expected $80 surcharge. They stated that if/when the tariffs are removed, their web site will immediately reflect that change as well in the future.
Modelu Distributorship
Back in July 2023, the U.K.-based company Modelu announced that Yarmouth Model Works, owned by Pierre Oliver and based in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, was their North American distributor for Modelu 3D-printed figures. This week's announcement by Pierre is that he is both closing Yarmouth Model Works (a predominantly HO-scale resin kit manufacturing business) and his Modelu distributorship due to the tariff issues between the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. This effectively means that U.S. customers can no longer buy Modelu figures, until the company can find a U.S.-based solution.
Phoenix Model Buildings Buys RSLaserKits (updated)
Scott Grubbs started Phoenix Model Buildings this year as he met two gentlemen who wanted to retire from their respective companies (both producing similar laser-cut laserboard-based kits). One of those companies is RSLaserKits. RSLaserKits' owner Richard Shepard announced on his web site that he has decided to retire at almost 80 years old. That company makes several kits and detailing parts for S-scale, including a pickle car kit. Scott was at the NMRA's National Train Show this month and showed some of the S-scale items. It is good to know that another S-scale product line is going to continue. Update: the web site now lists the S-scale items for sale.
Be sure to see all, or other, products announced over the past year via the main News page.