News: Recent News
This page shows a listing of news entries from the past month or so. Click photos to visit the web sites.
2025 NASG Convention Car Set Sale!
Chris Crnich, the NASG Company Store Manager, has announced the special sale for the few remaining 2025 NASG Convention Cars, the Eastern States refrigerator cars. Normally $65 each, if you order the set (two different road numbers), you'll get the pair for $120, which includes shipping (within the continental U.S.). NASG membership is not required. Important: we only have one pair of the scale version remaining in stock. We have a handful of the hi-rail version still in stock. Order online, or contact Chris if you prefer to send him a check (so he can set a pair aside for you). Supplies limited. First come, first serve. If in doubt, e-mail Chris to see what he still has available.
Start an e-mail message (companystore@nasg.org).
NASG Dues Increase
This notice was provided by NASG President, Jim Whipple.
At the NASG's General Membership meeting at the NASG Convention in August, it was moved and approved to increase the annual dues of the NASG, due to significant cost increases over the past several years, despite some effective efforts at reducing costs.
Effective November 1, the dues structure will become:
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP: 1-year $40, 2-years $80, 3-years $120, 4-years $160
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP: 1-year $50, 2-years $100, 3-years $150, 4-years $200
CONTRIBUTING MEMBERSHIP: 1-year $60, 2-years $120, 3-years $180, 4-years $240
BUSINESS / CLUB: 1-year $60, 2-years $120, 3-years $180, 4-years $240
TRIAL MEMBERSHIP (first-time applicants only): 6 months for $24
Make checks payable to "NASG, Inc.". Renewals postmarked by October 31, even for multiple years, will be honored at the current rates.
(ed: This NASG web site will be updated with the new rates late in the day of October 31st, 2026; if you wish to renew at the current rate, do so now!)
Naperville RPM Meet Photos
Eric Hansmann has made photos available that he took at the Naperville RPM Meet on October 16 and 17 in Naperville, Illinois. You can see photos of two S-scale modelers. Jim Kindraka was able to attend the show and found 7 other S-scale modelers there, including Matt Gaudynski (Scale America). Our own Earl Tuson presented a clinic on 1903 to 1930 milk cars,
Port Lines Hobby Supplies
Doug Peck has announced that he has sold the AF repair and restoration parts of his business. The new owner, to be announced in early November with a new location, will continue to use the same company name, i.e. Port Lines Hobby Supplies. The non-parts portion of Doug's business will continue to be owned by Doug and will operate under a new name. Doug will be set up at the Greenberg Train Show in Wilmington, MA, November 21 & 22, offering lots of liquidation items.
Scott Eastburn of Characters Count Miniatures
Scott Eastburn of Characters Count Miniatures did a presentation on the Narrow Gauge Off the Beaten Track YouTube channel. The company (i.e. Scott) produces 3D-printed figure sets in most scales, including S. He fully explains how he got started and how he creates the various sets.
Rock Island 40' Stock Car by All-Nation Line
The company has available a resin kit of the S-scale Rock Island 40-foot stock car. It's unclear if this is a one-off set, or more kits can be produced.
Two-bay Hopper Coal Load
John Griffin has available a coal load for two-bay hoppers, specifically the American Models and the S-Helper Service ones. These plastic loads are available at $10 each plus $5 shipping to the lower 48.
Start an e-mail message (rxman46321@aol.com).
A K Machine Shop by Mine Mount Models
Mine Mount Models has released their latest laser-cut wood kit in S-scale. The kit includes the main building, the shed, and the hoist and raised fuel tank (both 3D-printed resin kits). When built, the footprint of the main building measures 4-1/4" x 6" and the shed is 2" x 3-1/4". The photo shows the HO-scale version. While on their site, be sure to take a look at their large collection of scenery details they have available in S.
New Trucks by Die Cast Promotions
3000toys.com announces these models. Note that these are highly-detailed models. They feature an opening hood with authentic engine detail, accurately-detailed cab interior, poseable front wheels, pivoting fifth-wheel for trailer attachment, rolling wheels, working suspension, working landing gear, and a detailed chassis and undercarriage.
Stephen Hatch
It is with a heavy heart that we report that Steve Hatch, of Dewey, Arizona, passed away on October 10, 2026 at the age of 85. There was no service and so no obituary was posted. He was well-known for his company Railway Engineering. He custom-built track in all gauges, and had a beautiful S/Sn3 layout at home. Steve had his own YouTube channel on which he posted videos of his last layout under construction until about 4 years ago. There is also a video on Vimeo which covers his layout as it was in 2019 (starts at about the 19:25 minute mark). Steve was an NASG member for a good number of his last years. Our condolences to his family for their loss.
NASG Dispatch and Web Site Updates
The NASG Dispatch arrived early in the mailbox. There are a number of things "promised" in that issue that we hadn't planned on making available or activate on the NASG web site until November 1. Due to the workload of the requested changes, they will not be available until November 1, so please be patient. Enjoy the great articles in the issue in the meantime!
Fire Station #4 Austin, Texas by HDCustomDesign
This 3D-printed kit is based on a real fire station found in Austin, Texas. The model is available in the actual long version, or in the short version (to better fit a layout). The kit consists of several parts that need to be glued together (the company recommends superglue). You can paint some or all of the parts before or after assembly.
Fire Station #4 is the oldest, still-operating fire station in Austin. When built, fires were still being fought with horse-drawn carriages. It is rumored to be haunted.
NASG Elections
From Jamie Bothwell, the NASG's Election Chairman:
2027 is again an election year for the NASG. We are seeking candidates for the offices of Executive Vice President, Secretary, and the three Regional Vice Presidents. This is your chance to step up and serve the NASG by helping to run the organization. You can nominate yourself. Anyone interested in running can start the nomination process by sending Jamie an e-mail with your intentions. Please do so by November 15th (to allow time to post the ballots in the NASG Dispatch)
Start an e-mail message (election@nasg.org).
Robert Hartzell
We have recently learned that Robert (Bob) Hartzell Jr., of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, passed away on April 15, 2026. He was a long-time member of the NASG. We offer our belated condolences to Bob's family and friends.
Several New Scenery Items by Ridgeway Models
While the company is relatively new to S, they are rapidly expanding their S-scale product line. These are all 3D-printed items. Some are printed with colored filament, but they arrive unpainted.
Vehicles and Support Items by Ridgeway Models
These are 3D-printed, unpainted farm and construction related equipment. Note that some are kits, making it easier to paint the various parts before assembly.
Photos of Wayne Tomsic's Layout
John Henning visited Wayne Tomsic's layout and was able to take some photos. This 11' x 30' layout features all American Models track and a large amount of AM equipment.
Ron Inscho
We have been notified that NASG member Ron L. Inscho, of Bucyrus, Ohio, passed away on September 18, 2026. He retired as a conductor for CSX. Our sincere condolences to his family.
More Scenery Details by Whistle Stop Models
Whistle Stop Models has not only added more S-scale items to their product line, but they now have a dedicated S-scale page on their web site. These are 3D-printed, unpainted items. Most will require some careful removal from the sprue (to protect the item during shipping).
New Vehicles by Johnny Lightning
3000toys.com announces these models. The six packs each has one of each of these:
1996 Dodge Viper GTS
2005 Ford GT
2004 Subaru WRX STI
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
1958 Chevrolet Impala
1961 Chevrolet Impala
New Vehicles with Lifts by M2 Machines
3000toys.com announces these models.
Visit and Tour of Newly-merged Lionel Brands Group
The owner of the "All Trains Considered" YouTube channel recently visited with Lionel, post their merger. Not about S, specifically, but it does give an insight into Lionel's new marketing direction.
Box Car and Stock Car Kits by Lines West Products
Lines West Products announces Milwaukee Road insulated box cars, Nickel Plate double-sheathed box cars, Western Pacific outside-braced box cars, and Western Pacific stock cars. All cars are 40-foot ones. These are 3D-printed kits that come with the full brake details and the appropriate decals (for some, with additional rebuilt road names). The kit does not include add-on weights, brass wire, couplers, nor trucks. The holes for the grab irons are in the model itself, so all you may have to do is drill out the hole a bit deeper. As the company states, no more crooked grab irons! PDF files of their kits' instructions are available on their web site. The instructions are based on HO-scale pre-production kits, but it does give you a good idea of what the kit will be like. Their web site does not indicate when they are available, and all are marked as "in stock (can be backordered)". Considering they have been producing these kits in other scales for almost a year now, they are probably printing them on demand (speculation).
DSDX = Dairy Shippers Despatch Co. They were a leasing company that operated insulated box cars, and, despite their name, they primarily transported beer. All of these cars offered here were operated by the Milwaukee Road. The cars were built starting in 1951 with small 4-foot doors. These were later replaced with plug doors. In 1966 the cars were remarked as "URTX", and again in 1975 to "MILW". These cars were found moving beer from Wisconsin to Massachusetts.
Note that the NKP cars, in the real world, were 14'7" tall, primarily designed for post-WWI automobile transport, so these are taller than your typical 1920s box cars. These cars rode on Bettendorf trucks.
The 1916 version of the WP outside-braced box cars used archbar trucks and KC brakes. Note that the model photos for the WP cars are likely not S-scale examples.
Request for Photos
If you have recently taken a photo of your layout, your module, or of a completed model, please consider sending it to yours-truly (Peter Vanvliet), the NASG webmaster. We have exhausted our "inventory" of new photos for the web site's home page.
To keep it interesting, we'd like to post a new photo at the top of the home page's photo rotation each week. Our "restrictions" aren't anywhere near as strict as those of model railroading magazines, so feel free to send in your photo(s).
While I'm at it, let me thank all of you who have contributed photos for this web site. Your efforts are what is encouraging other S modelers, and also helping non-S modelers discover our scale.
Start an e-mail message (webmaster@nasg.org).
NASG BOT Meeting Notes
Andy Malette, the NASG Secretary, has made available the July and August 2026 NASG BOT meeting notes. The PDF files can be viewed by active NASG members via the "Members Only" portal.
New Loads for Gondolas by Cohn's Custom
The company announces the availability of two new loads for A.C. Gilbert, Lionel, and other 40-foot gondolas. Note that the cars shown in the photo are not included.
New Billboard Replacements by Cohn's Custom
The company has released 12 new billboard designs. These are designed to fit the A.C. Gilbert and Lionel trackside billboards. Each of these are available in three formats: sticker (5-1/2" x 2-3/4"), paper (5-1/2" x 2-3/4"), and large paper (6-1/2" x 3-1/8").
Trackside Warehouse by Gozoda
The company has released a new 3D-printed, unpainted kit for a team-track-style of warehouse.
Large Number of New Figures by Characters Count Miniatures
Characters Count Miniatures, owned and operated by Scott Eastburn, has released a large collection of, well, collections of figures. These are 3D-printed figures that arrive fully assembled and unpainted. Be sure to select S-scale when ordering. They are printed on-demand, so allow some time before delivery.
American Flyer America 250 by Lionel
Today, Lionel released their digital-only 2026 Volume 2 catalog, and, surprise, it contains new S-scale products. This is, however, an important message. Lionel needs to see an unspecified number of pre-orders, otherwise the items will not be produced, and it may also make them think twice about releasing anything new again in S. So, if at all possible, consider ordering one of these items. All of the regular Lionel dealers are able to take your pre-order, many of whom will offer a pre-order discount. Dealers will likely require a small deposit (which is refundable if the ordered item is canceled by Lionel), with the remainder of the payment due when the item arrives at the dealer's and is ready to be shipped. The deadline for the pre-orders is November 17, 2026, so don't wait too long. Delivery is expected to be in the second quarter of 2027.
Why so late in announcing these products? (speculation) BNSF announced their final paint scheme on May 14, 2026, so, presumably, Lionel couldn't get the wheels in motion until all the railroads had announced their final paint scheme and road numbers.
Most of the models are decorated to celebrate the U.S.A.'s 250th Anniversary. The powered models feature two motors, the Legacy Control System, are DCC-enabled, and come with sound and ElectroCouplers.
General Electric ES44(AC or DC) was introduced in 2005. Do a search for the Lionel product number, below, to see which dealers are offering pre-orders.
#2721010 CN ES44 #1776 - powered.
#2721019 CN ES44 #1776 - non-powered.
#2721020 CN ES44 #2026 - powered.
#2721029 CN ES44 #2026 - non-powered.
#2721031 BNSF ES44 #1776 - powered.
#2721032 BNSF ES44 #2026 - powered.
#2721039 BNSF ES44 #250 - non-powered.
#2721040 NS ES44 #8096 - powered.
#2721049 NS ES44 #8096 - non-powered.
#2721050 NS ES44 #8118 - powered.
#2721059 NS ES44 #8118 - non-powered.
#2721060 NS ES44 #8143 - powered.
#2721069 NS ES44 #8143 - non-powered.
#2721071 NS ES44 #8183 "Chicago" - powered.
#2721072 NS ES44 #8184 "Altoona" - powered.
#2721080 UP / Donald Trump ES44 #4547 - powered.
#2721089 UP / Donald Trump ES44 #4547 - non-powered.
EMD SD70ACe was introduced in 2004. Do a search for the Lionel product number, below, to see which dealers are offering pre-orders.
#2721090 NS SD70ACe #1776 (as used in the Big Boy tour) - powered.
#2721091 NS SD70ACe #1776 (has NS logo on fan housing) - powered.
#2721099 NS SD70ACe #1776 - non-powered.
#2721100 NS SD70ACe #2026 - powered.
#2721109 NS SD70ACe #2026 - non-powered.
#2721110 NS SD70ACe #250 - powered.
#2721119 NS SD70ACe #250 - non-powered.
#2721121 NS SD70ACe #1230 "Birmingham" - powered.
#2721122 NS SD70ACe #1231 "Atlanta" - powered.
#2721130 NS / D&H SD70ACe #1080 - powered.
#2721139 NS / D&H SD70ACe #1080 - non-powered.
American Flyer America 250 by Lionel
Along with the America 250 locomotives, Lionel announces this America 250 Celebration Caboose. The Lionel product number is 2719030. Contact your preferred Lionel dealer to place a pre-order for this car.
1944 GMC CCKW Truck by Greenlight
3000toys.com announces this model, based on brand-new tooling.
New Vehicles by Majorette
3000toys.com announces these models. These are flagged as "true 1:64".
Trucks and Sideframes Product Gallery Updated
The entire listing of S' separately-available trucks for locomotives, freight, passenger, m.o.w. cars, and cabooses has been thoroughly reviewed and updated to the new format. This covers hi-rail, scale, and all of the various narrow-gauges. Well over a hundred missing entries have been added. Photos have been enlarged, where available. A good number of entries are still missing photos, so if you know you have a particular truck, even if it is on a car or engine, and have the ability to photograph it, please contact the webmaster. By all means, if you find errors, have supplemental information, or anything to add to the listing of trucks, feel free to contact the webmaster via e-mail at any time. We have two photographed trucks that we have not yet been able to positively identify.
Guard Shack by Gozoda
The company has released a new 3D-printed, unpainted kit for a small guard shack.
Union Station Products Web Site Revised
Union Station, one of the passenger car sides companies, has recently changed their web site. They have over 1,000 S-scale products, so our links to their pages were broken. Those have been corrected, now.
New Structure Kits by Twin Whistle Sign & Kit Co.
The company has updated their web site recently and has added new and/or fully-revised kits. Kits are either laser-cut wood based, acrylic based, or reinforced resin. Many details are included, as well as detailed instructions.
ACF 70-ton Hopper Hatches by Mike Fyten
Mike Fyten has created the 3D CAD design for a set of 8 hatches (one spare one!) for either ACF 70-ton hoppers or PS-2 covered hoppers. These are 3D-printed in resin and arrive unpainted. Each set is $12, and Mike covers the shipping if shipped within the continental U.S. Contact Mike to place an order and to make payment arrangements.
Start an e-mail message (mike@kvrr-usa.com).
Austin Birkey Reviews Convention Cars, Engines
Austin Birkey had a friend come by to help with the unveiling of the 2026 NASG Convention Cars and Locomotives he had bought. Not only does he do an unboxing, but he also runs them. He also shows some of the other items he was able to buy at the Convention.
Be sure to see all, or other, products announced over the past year via the main News page.