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.
Austin Birkey Visits American Models
Austin Birkey got a chance to visit American Models and documented it with a video. It is interesting to see how one of S-scale's premier manufacturers runs their operation. All assembled in America.
Shapeways Planning Return (Updated)
It appears that the Dutch company, Shapeways, is coming back. They have formed a new management team, a couple of whom were the original founders of the company but who had left the company around ten years ago. They have bought the name, rights, and equipment from the bankruptcy asset holders, and are planning a renewed effort with a company that is on better footing financially.
The latest update from the new CEO is that the whole "Marketplace" system, the way that we as their customers were able to buy individual items that were designed by other designers, has been lost and is unrecoverable due to the bankruptcy. At this point in time they are not planning on bringing the Marketplace aspect back, unless they can figure it out later on. For now, they are going to only be a business-to-business company, meaning that they will produce 3D-printed items for other companies to sell to their customers. The operation in the Netherlands is already doing that now.
Some people had expressed concern about us modelers dropping our support for the handful of companies here in the U.S. that were able to take up the slack caused by Shapeways' bankruptcy, and thus being negatively affected by Shapeways' return. This announcement by the CEO means that they are not really going to be directly competing with those U.S. companies, as they are not going to be selling their 3D-printed items to us consumers directly, at least not in the forseeable future.
Clover House
The Clover House web site states they are closed for the time-being. It explicitly states that the company is not for sale.
NASG President Converses with ScaleTrains
This following is contributed by NASG president Jim Whipple about his conversation with ScaleTrains president Shane Wilson.
Just this afternoon I had an extensive Internet conference with Shane Wilson, President of ScaleTrains, who was more than generous with his time.
Here is the good news. The company has added additional production managers to their factory in China, and is now prepared for increased production capacity, which of course affects all three scales that they produce (HO, N, and S). Obviously the comparatively smaller market size of S models does not make our beloved scale their biggest money-maker, but it is very much a part of their future plans.
Three more freight cars are scheduled to be announced; you can look for the first of those announcements (complete with road names) in the first quarter of 2025. Re-introduction of more of the S-Helper Service line will follow those three projects.
For those of you not familiar with the S-Helper Service manufacturing/marketing system, rolling stock is sold with hi-rail wheels and AF-compatible couplers already installed, and with NMRA/NASG-standard ("scale") wheels and couplers provided in the box for easy conversion.
Given yesterday's political event, a 60% tariff on Chinese products would have to be passed on to the consumer; however, the last time this was threatened, the toy industry was able to escape the tariff provision. You should contact your representatives to oppose such a tariff being imposed upon toys, which hardly affect national security.
ScaleTrains is also willing to work with co-sponsors for those desiring new projects.
So instead of hand-wringing about the future of S, save up your hobby dollars and support the new efforts of this and other manufacturers.
Jim Whipple
President, National Association of S Gaugers
Dave's Twacks & Twains For Sale
Clay Buckage announced that he is retiring and closing the company. The company was founded in the late 1980s by Clay and his father. Since his father's passing, Clay has been running it himself, which included a move to California. The company sells A.C. Gilbert parts and took over the entire inventory of S-Helper Service parts when SHS had to close. Clay has been providing a very valuable and important service to the S community, and hopefully someone will be willing to take this over. Contact Clay via e-mail or by calling (925) 679-4887.
Start an e-mail message (clay@davestnt.com).
Flextrack by Tomalco Track
Shane Lambert, owner of Tomalco Track, reports that he has been dealing with some health issues, and since Tomalco Track is a one-man operation, he has been unable to fill orders. S-scale flextrack has also been on back-order with the manufacturer, but he reports that he will start filling orders now.
Clifford Mestel
Clifford Mestel, owner of Trout Creek Engineering, passed away on September 15, 2024. Doug Junda and The San Juan Model Company have bought Trout Creek Engineering's complete product line, among them are their own products, Classic Miniatures, BK Turnouts, and Trout Creek was the only company which still carried the Tru-scale Models track system.
Smoky Mountain Model Works Update
Jim King was able to get a message out about Smoky Mountain Model Works and his situation. They survived hurricane Helene and their home and facilities are OK. They don't have power, WiFi, or running water. They have to go to family and friends for either of those. All projects are on hold until those essential services have been reinstalled, which he expects to be at least another two weeks.
Precision Vintage Classics Update
Paul Vaughn, owner of Precision Vintage Classics, announced that the brass caster he has been using for his parts and kits for the past ten years, has retired.
CB's Designs Moves to 3DP Train
CB's Designs (Carl Brannin) continues to add more of his designs to the 3DP Train store. He used to list his items with Shapeways, and is moving them to 3DP Train. Many of his S-scale items are already available again. Those not yet listed, presumably, when asked, he can make them available again. In addition to the link to the 3DP Train store, also linked are our pages to the S-scale items he previously produced.
Tebee Models Moves to 3DP Train
Tebee Models (Tom Bell) has been added to the 3DP Train store. He used to list his items with Shapeways, and is moving them to 3DP Train. Currently, he only has some On30 items listed. Presumably, when asked, he can make his S-scale models available again. In addition to the link to the 3DP Train store, also linked are our pages to the S-scale items he previously produced.
CatzPaw Innovations, LLC on Vacation (updated)
CatzPaw Innovations, LLC announced that they will be on vacation from October 11, 2024 through November 22, 2024. You can place orders online, but they will not be processed until after they return.
Tom Stoltz Turnouts
Tom Stoltz ran a part-time business, called "Tom's Turnouts & Trackwork" from 2005 to 2019 when he retired. Tom solved the problem with turnouts that allowed both "hi-rail" and "scale" wheelsets to successfully navigate the frog of a turnout. In recent discussions it became apparent that his solution is valuable to the larger S community and his engineering work should not be lost due to the passage of time. Tom is interested in selling his design work to a company committed to bringing his design back to the market. He has contacted several companies over the years, but so far no takers. He was quite busy when he had his company, so the demand seems to be there. Tom offers only his designs, and has no CNC tooling available for sale. The designs were drawn in AutoCAD, and using those and an appropriate CNC machine, a company can produce those. Tom will be available to help such a company get started on producing these. Please note that this design and this offer is not available to individuals who intend to only use it for their own use; it is intended to be a commercial product that can be produced for anyone in the S community. Tom produced turnouts (regular and wyes) as well as crossings. Many modelers are using his turnouts and crossings on their layout. Interested parties should contact Tom directly via e-mail (his web site was closed down earlier this year).
Start an e-mail message (tstoltz@roadrunner.com).
Introducing Gotham Rail & Marine
The company has been in business since 2016 and has recently dipped their toes into S-scale. They produce detailing parts for diesel locomotives. All items are unpainted, 3D-printed, using an in-house printer.
Port Lines Hobby Supplies Closing
Doug Peck announced that he will close up his shop on December 31, 2025, a year and a half from now. Between now and then he will be working on liquidating his inventory. His AF Parts business will not be liquidated, but rather he is looking to sell that portion of the business to someone else. Contact Doug if you are interested in that. In the meantime, visit his web site and place your order for anything that you need or want.
The Shapeways Saga (cont'd)
We were contacted by the owner of 3DP Train, David Kmecik, to let us know that several companies or individuals have recently made the switch away from Shapeways to his company. That information is being integrated into our "Resources" section, but that brings up a good point, which is, what are the options available to former Shapeways storeowners?
3DP Train states on their web site that they have been inundated with questions since Shapeways' failure. They have an excellent Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQ) page on their site. They also clearly state their policies with regard to you listing your 3D designs on their site. Unlike Shapeways, they are more model railroading focused, and thus have a dedicated S-scale section clearly listed on their site. And, also, unlike Shapeways, they are located in the U.S.
3D Central is another company that offers 3D-printing services. They are located in Muncy, Pennsylvania and are also heavily focused on 3D-printing model railroading items. They, too, have a clear page showing just S-scale items.
Then, there are web sites from which people can download STL files for free or for a fee, for those who already own a 3D-printer.
Cults is a general clearinghouse for 3D-printed CAD files covering all kinds of subjects, and there are already a number of S-scale items available on their site. They offer actual 3D-printing services through a third-party. Scroll to the bottom of their web site to find their FAQ page link.
Sketchfab is also a general clearinghouse for 3D-printed CAD files covering all kinds of subjects. There are a few 1:64 items on their site already.
MyMiniFactory also has files for items covering all subjects, which includes over 700 1:64-specific models (mostly related to modeling automobiles), including boats, airplanes, etc. Scroll to the bottom of their page and read the "How It Works" page for details about how to list your designs.
PinShape is another general files listing site. If you search for "1:64" you'll find a few S-scale-compatible items, none specifically model trains-related, though.
Thangs.com is yet another general files listing site. They also have a good-sized collection of 1:64 automobile-related items already listed.
Thingiverse already has several pages of 1:64 items listed. They also list just about any subject, but they are more focused on free items, and believe that any files you list with them are open to anyone else copying your design to put their spin on it.
Of course, nothing is preventing you for creating your own web site and listing your own printed products for sale. The owner of Miniprints, Bernard Hellen, did just that back in 2020 when he was laid off due to the government lock-downs. Now he has a thriving business selling lots of creative things.
3D-printing plays a big role in the future of S, where, as a minority scale, we may not enjoy the large cash investments corporations make to produce new models on a yearly basis. 3D-printing allows us to enjoy models on a much more limited-run, and have more unique and specific designs. Over time, more and more people will have a high-quality 3D-printer at their homes, so people who have the talents and experience creating CAD designs will have a large market opening up for them. Even today, larger communities may already have a "maker lab" available nearby where one can rent or use a 3D-printer to print a design. Ask other modelers who have custom prints made for them, about individuals or small companies that will print your designs for a fee-plus-costs. The listing below is not exhaustive, but it is offered as a start.
Multiscale Digital Closed
Multiscale Digital, which produced many industrial loads and parts using 3D-printing technologies, was started in 2018. In late 2022 they moved the printing of their products from their own printers and outsourced it to Shapeways. Multiscale Digital closed down earlier in 2024, and now with Shapeways being gone, their entire product line is off the market. We're keeping their product listings in the Product Gallery of this web site for historical purposes.
Shapeways Ceases Operations; Files for Bankruptcy
Effective yesterday, July 2, 2024, Shapeways, the Dutch 3D-printing services company, has closed its doors. Their web site is still active, and links from this NASG web site to products offered via Shapeways are still active, but it is strongly recommended that you do not order anything from the company.
Bill Meredith Describes Leadville Designs
The video covers his company, his product line, what types of materials he uses, and upcoming projects.
Kinsman Products
Bill Morris, owner of NEPrototypes, which is known for its collection of decals, recently stated that he is the official owner of the Kinsman product line. He bought the rights, tooling, inventory, and parts from Don Heimburger in around 2009, and he has parts and items in stock. If you need any parts for your older Kinsman kits, be sure to contact Bill. Bill does not have a web site, but you can contact him at billmorris52@hotmail.com, or (508) 886-4848 (only 8am-8pm EST), or by mail at NEPrototypes, 6 Nancy Drive, Rutland, MA 01543-1717. Bill also stocks Kaslo kits.
Introducing Lost Roadbed Railway Models
Lost Roadbed Railway Models attended the 2023 Sn3 Symposium last year and created two Sn3 flat car kits to sell at that event. The company also attended this year's Sn3 Symposium.
Sn3 Symposium Notes
Several people reported what they saw at this year's Sn3 Symposium held in Phoenix, Arizona last weekend. P-B-L reported that their RGS/D&RGW Short Caboose kit still needs another month or so to finalize. They also showed pre-production samples of their styrene kit for a MOW-converted box car. Similarly, they are also working on their San Juan passenger coach kit. Leadville Designs had a 4000-series box car, and two 4000-series MOW car kits available.
B.T.S. Releases New Catalog
If you enjoy browsing a PDF catalog or just want to see what B.T.S. has available, click the link to download their just-released new catalog file.
Kalmbach Sells Magazines to Firecrown Media
Kalmbach Media announced yesterday that they have sold the web site "trains.com", their magazines (Classic Trains, Model Railroader, Classic Toy Trains, FineScale Modeler, and others), and Kalmbach's online store to Firecrown Media. The magazines will continue to be produced from Wisconsin, while Firecrown Media is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Introducing Custom Signal Systems
While Custom Signal Systems has been around since 2006, your webmaster only just discovered them, and the fact that they have S-scale items for sale. Owner Richard Piccuilla custom-builds signals in various scales, so if you have a specific need, contact him. For S-scale he offers searchlight signals, dwarf signals, D-type signals, and grade-crossing flashers.
Introducing Model Smiths
The company was started in 2015. Even though they specialize in HO-scale, they have made some of their products available in S-scale. "The Construction Collection" and "The Highway Collection" sets are 3D-printed detailing parts for small construction scenes. They also have two variations of street lights available in S, each in two colors. Documentation is available on their web site via PDF files.
Introducing ShellScale Decals
ShellScale Decals does not produce S-scale decals themselves directly, and they don't accept custom orders. However, they have now partnered with Circus City Decals & Graphics, such that they can offer their own decals in S-scale, without requiring their normal 250-minimum run. They currently list an engine numberboard decal set (part #S103) intended for use on GE and EMD locomotives, a decals set for N&W streamlined passenger cars (part #S123) printed in gold with a variety of car names, and Norfolk Southern EMD engines decals set (part #152). Browse their web site and if you see a decal set that they have already produced in one of the scales that they support directly, contact them to see if they can have the S-scale version produced for you.
Introducing RamBros Workshop Dragon Railway
The company was started in 2022, but they are now coming out with a number of new engines and cars. The company produces 3D-print design files for engines, cars, and track components in S-scale. The engines are battery-powered, which means the track can be 3D-printed. Their designs can be bought 3D-printed, or you can download and print the items yourself, if you have the proper equipment. They have made their designs publicly-available. This, then, allows other individuals or companies to also produce cars and engines based on the same system. A company called "nullroute" has design files for additional road-specific engines. The models may appear to be a bit on the crude side (but that depends on the quality of the print), but with some effort and time, one can produce a model that can look good, especially with applying details, paint, and decals. This may also be an affordable way of introducing young children in the hobby and into S. Note that these will require additional parts to make a fully-functional model.
InvisaTrax Transport System by CatzPaw Innovations, LLC
CatzPaw Innovations, LLC introduces their brand-new, American-made, InvisaTrax Transport System. Using the components included in the set, the modeler can bring to life all manner of animation. The modeler can hide the system under a scenery base, and using magnets, can make it appear that vehicles, bicycle riders, people, animals, boats, airplanes (anything you can image!) is animated on your layout, module, or diorama. Their "Basic Set" includes everything to get you started on building a up-to-4-1/2-foot animation loop. Their "Expanded Set" offers twice the length, or 9 feet of animation loop. The system is powered by a 6-volt motor that runs on 4 AA batteries (the modeler could, optionally, wire it to an appropriate power supply). The battery feature allows for stand-alone operation, should that be desired. In addition to the two starter sets, the company also has the individual components for sale, so that you can expand your animation loop at any time, including having it do more than just a simple rectilinear loop. The company has a dedicated YouTube channel for their system, which shows example implementations as well as behind-the-scenes and early-concept videos.
Kappler Mill & Lumber
Pete Cross announces that he has bought Kappler Mill & Lumber. This company produces high-quality strip and sheet wood that modelers of all scales use. After founder Frank Kappler passed away many years ago, the company changed hands a number of times and in the process caused product to not be available. In 1997, the now-previous owner, rebuilt the company's inventory and reset the product quality back to the standards that Frank originally set. Pete Cross has now bought the company, and moved it from Arlington, Washington to Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado. Pete is a mechanical engineer. He also owns Cross Custom Woodworking, so he has experience in working with wood and the know-how to make accurate products. The web site is still at the same address, but they are in the process of redesigning it. Contact information has changed, of course, so see their web site for the latest.
K&P Brick & Building, Co. Web Site Updated
The company, who owns the Lehigh Valley Models product line, has revised their web site to now clearly show the individual S products that they have available, including many photos of the actual items (something they didn't have before - some suspiciously similar/identical to what we already had on our web site! :-)... ).
Berkshire Valley Models Buys American Model Builders Product Line
Rich Rands, owner of Berkshire Valley Models, announced that he bought the rights to the American Model Builders (AMB) product line from John Hitzeman's estate. John passed away in July 2022. For S-scale, AMB produced wheelstops, hydrants, chimneys, roofing materials, and a number of really nice laser-cut structure kits. Rich indicated that he will integrate their product line into his own, and plans to release all of the kits. If you have been wanting a particular kit, contact him so that he can prioritize his production.
Inter-Action Hobbies Presentation
Darryl Jacobs does a brief presentation of his company's products. They have a number of S-scale kits, and they are open to doing more based on demand.
(editorial: I have requested that they'd produce the early-1900s cars that they have available in HO, in S).
Introducing 3D Central
This company is a 3D-printing service company, much like Shapeways. They have a number of S-scale products listed. These are printed on behalf of the original designer.
ScaleCoat Paints Are Coming Back
Apparently someone ("Scalecoat Model Paint"), identity unknown, has bought up the rights to re-introduce the Scalecoat paint product line again. Their web site is not operational.
Start an e-mail message (scalecoatmodelpaint@gmail.com).
Ammo RailCenter Paints
The Spanish company Ammo has a paints brand called RailCenter. These are acrylic paints that are accurately based on real railroad paints (according to the company's web site). You can search the Web to find a dealer in the U.S or Canada who stock these paints. In addition to paints, the company also has plastic cement, paint thinners (for using their paints in airbrushes), glossy and satin finishes, and weathering powders and pigments. They also make convenient sets that are purpose-made to accomplish a certain task, such as painting for a specific railroad, or painting bridges, or scenery.
Various Modeling Paints Available by Narrow Gauge Modeling Co.
Kevin Macomber, of Narrow Gauge Modeling Co., reports that he has over 9,300 bottles of paint in stock. These include Floquil, Scalecoat, and Model Master. Some of the popular colors may not be available (don't ask for black!), but contact him if you are looking for something specific. He has a simple flat pricing structure: $4.80 for 1/2oz. bottles, and $7.80 for 1oz. bottles.
If you have a collection of unused paint bottles that you are not planning on using, consider selling to him, so that he can pass them on to modelers who are looking for those.
CatzPaw Innovations, LLC Announces More Colors
The company announces that they are now able to print their items in up-to-four different colors. They will be revising their product line to integrate this ability.
M.B. Klein Closed
M.B. Klein, via their web site modeltrainstuff.com, has announced that after 111 years in business in Cockeysville, Maryland, they have closed the company. They carried S-scale Lionel and Bar Mills products.
Chooch Enterprises
Chooch Enterprises is part of the Walthers family of product lines. Walthers bought Chooch Enterprises in October 2020, after Mike O'Connell, founder of Chooch Enterprises, announced his retirement. While Chooch Enterprises doesn't carry anything specific to S-scale, they have a number of scale-independent freight car loads that can easily be used in S. Walthers now has the Chooch Enterprises catalogs available on their web site for your downloading and perusal.
American Models Does Repairs
Joe Calamia, of American Models, says that the company is receiving comments/complaints that they no longer repair their own products. He wants to make it clear that American Models stands by their products, and always has and always will do repairs on their products.
Port Lines Hobby Supplies Status Update
Doug Peck reports that he is now in "retirement" mode. He is continuing to ship orders on a daily basis. He will continue to accept orders, but he is no longer stocking new products. He is effectively selling down his inventory. The only exception is the "AF parts" side of his business, which he will re-stock as necessary. He is planning on selling the AF parts portion of his business in a few years, and everything else he might still have in inventory at that time will likely be auctioned off.
Introducing ibm360rock
This company is based in Beverly Hills, California, and sells only through their eBay store. They make various RV-style trailers and some scenery items, all 3D-printed and sold unpainted.
Introducing Ironworks Models
The company manufactures roofing materials in S-scale, printed on thick artist paper. The company is based in Englewood, Colorado.
Introducing PTF Designs
The company manufactures photo-realistic backdrop buildings. These are printed on water-resistant vinyl, and attached to 1/2"-thick foamboard. Many come with LED lights installed. They have over 60 items available in S-scale. A few are highlighted here, but click on any of the images to view their entire collection on their web site. The company is based in Verona, Pennsylvania. All entries have been documented and added to our Product Gallery, if you prefer to view them that way.
Introducing The Train Shop
The company sells only through eBay and produces unique 3D-printed parts and kits. They are based in Midlothian, Virginia.
Introducing Osborn Model Kits
This company manufactures and sells wooden kits that create prototype-based model airplanes to 1:66 scale, i.e. close to S. The kits consist of thin layers of laser-cut Finnish or birch plywood that the modeler glues together to form the main parts. They build a basic model, which you can then detail and paint as desired. Almost all models have their instruction sheets online, so you can take a look at what you'll get before ordering them. They currently have 42 airplane models and two helicopters. All entries have been documented and added to our Product Gallery, if you prefer to view them that way. Below, the first and third photo show a finished model, while the second photo shows what the kit itself builds into, before any kind of finishing work.
Union Station Products is Back
The company's web site has been gone for quite some time, but they appear to be up and running again. The company's primary product line is passenger car sides for streamlined cars that the modeler can attach to an existing body frame to build specific prototype-based models. For S-scale, they also carry a kit that builds up the core of a car, to which one of the sides can be attached. This is a good solution for those who want to scratchbuild a model, rather than start by purchasing an American Models car first.
Introducing Western Rails Company
The company sells 3D-printed kits, both rolling stock (narrow-gauge), small structures, and scenery detail items. They sell either through their web site or through 3DP Train (a Shapeways-like company that prints models on behalf of other companies).
Be sure to see all, or other, products announced over the past year via the main News page.