News: Recent News
This page shows a listing of news entries from the past month or so. Click photos to visit the web sites.
Mast-mounted Signal Heads by Scale 3D Productions
Scale 3D Productions has released their S-scale versions of the circular signal heads typically found mounted high on a mast or overhead signal bridges. These are based on the General Railway Signal (GRS) designs. The 3D-printed and unpainted kits come with the main signal head, back cover, and clear lenses. They have 2-, 6-, and 10-packs available. Suggestions for LEDs can be found in the product description of the linked-to pages. The modeler needs to provide the mast or bridge, the wiring, and perhaps the driver electronics (e.g. RR-CirKits).
Strip Mall of Famous Restaurants by Frisco Factory
This is a single model of three restaurants as found in a strip center. These are 3D-printed, molded-in-color but unpainted models, available fully built or in kit form (contact them for kit version).
Andre Ming
We received belated notification that Andre Ming, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on May 28, 2026, at the age of 74. He was a retired railroad engineer, having worked for the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad. Andre discovered S-scale in the late 2000s after exploring other scales. He built an around-the-room, track-heavy switching layout. What sold him on S-scale was the S-Helper Service SW9, which he stated ran better than Kato HO-scale engines! As the years progressed, he hit a decision point where he would have to custom-build a lot of equipment in S to build the vision he had for his layout for which he didn't think he would have enough time "left" to do it justice, and so he ultimately made the decision to go back HO-scale. However, he was quite active in the Groups.io S-scale list, and continued to be so as recent as this year. He had entertained Sn3 as one of his options (before settling on S standard-gauge), and in so doing met a lot of local area narrow-gauge modelers. Andre was a member of the NASG for 14 years, and was still an active member at his passing. We offer our condolences to Andre's wife, and his extended family.
Terminal Tractor Kit by Earnest Trains
These go by various names, Yard Goat, Yard Spotter Truck, Trailer Jockey, Donkey, Switcher, Yard Mule, Yard Dog, Yard Hostler, UTR (Utility Tractor Rig), etc. They move intermodal containers around in a loading yard, a cargo yard, or large warehouse facilities. This is a 3D-printed, unpainted kit that consists of the cab, the frame, and the wheels. This allows for separate painting before assembly. The photos are likely of the company's HO-scale model.
New 3D-printed Structures by Print Station 3D
The company has released several new 3D-printed structure kits (assembly required; use superglue). Some models are printed as one piece, but most are kits.
(ed: You may notice some similarities between some of this company's models and those by Frisco Factory. This is because these companies print designs legally made publicly available by the original designer.)
New Farming Equipment by SpecCast Collectibles
3000toys.com announces these models.
Donut Kreme by Frisco Factory
This is a 3D-printed, molded-in-color but unpainted, model available fully built or in kit form.
Michigan Church by HDCustomDesign
This kit is based on a church found in Michigan. The kit consists of 10 parts that need to be glued together (the company recommends superglue). You can paint some or all of the parts before or after assembly. The final model measures 7-3/4" wide, 9-1/2" deep, and 13" tall.
New 3D-printed Structures by Gozoda
The company has added two more structures to their S-scale line-up. These are of the original Sears kit homes from the first half of the 1900s. These are 3D-printed, unpainted kits.
Museum of Modern Art by Hot Wheels by Mattel
While Hot Wheels by Mattel produces a lot of vehicles that might be close to S-scale in size, they always have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis if you are meticulous about true-to-scale dimensions.
However, apparently since November 2025, Hot Wheels has been producing "Museum of Modern Art" models. According to Hemmings Motor News, "...Hot Wheels has announced a global, multi-year partnership with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The collaboration, initiated by Mattel Creations, will produce a series of collectible, art-inspired products that celebrate groundbreaking design." These appear to be highly accurate models, all in 1:64. So far, there have been three releases. Follow the links below for more photos and details.
3D-printed Archbar Trucks
Bill Lane is offering his 3D-printed Archbar trucks available for sale (previously he had them only for his own use). It is based on the real-world measurements of the Pennsylvania Railroad's 2D-F1 truck. They are printed in black resin. Springs and wheelsets are not included. The trucks are not sprung, so the springs are not "active" (Bill recommends NorthWest Short Line part #1402-4 or #1412-4; 4 springs per truck needed). The truck is designed to take the former S-Helper Service wheelsets. Photos show an example of his truck.
Archbar trucks were built into the 1920s, then banned from interchange service at the end of December 1939, and completely banned from all rail on June 30, 1949. MoW and captive service, such as museums, may still use them.
According to Jerry Britton's web site, for the PRR, these 2D-F1 trucks were used on these classes of cars (at least originally): FM, GLa, GLb, GLc, GP, GPa, GR, GRa, GS, GSa, GSc, GSd, GSx, H22, XL, XLa, X23, X24, X25, X25a, X28a, X29.
Contact Bill via e-mail to let him know how many of these you want. Minimum order is two pair. The price is $10 for a pair of these, plus shipping cost for the total order. Sale ends on September 30, 2026.
Start an e-mail message (bill@lanestrains.com).
2026 NASG Convention Summary Page (update)
The 2026 NASG Convention Summary web page is now complete. Additional photos are always welcome, but the core ones provided by Michael McConnell and Bill Lane have been added to the page.
Update:
1. John Henning was able to obtain permission, and the photo, of the "group photo" taken by a member of the SRI staff during the SRI tour in front of the #1225.
2. A quick-jump index has been added to the top of the Summary page.
3. Clay Buckage provided a few photos taken during the Crossroads Village tour.
CB's Designs Significant Update
CB's Designs used to be very active on Shapeways and had a lot of interesting designs available in S-scale. Since Shapeways' demise, he was mostly offline. Now, in recent times he has not only expanded his listing with a lot of different items, but he now has the specific option to select "S scale" in the product pages (see the "Item Height" drop-down selection list). All items are resin 3D-printed and arrive unpainted. He has way too many items to list individually, so browse his selection. He has a lot of unique figures, animals, rail handcar, boats, dolly, jib crane, wood chipper, Christmas-related items, the Flintstones' car, tent, covered wagons, Civil War cannon, scenery details, bulldozer, batmobile, blacksmith shop (complete), Old West buildings, Army truck, tractor, shacks, and city buildings. Not all are available in S, so be sure to check.
John Heck
The Badgerland S Gaugers announced that their club member John Heck passed away on September 3, 2026. John was a very early member of the Badgerland S Gaugers and very active in the club. He was a fountain of knowledge in A.C. Gilbert and American Flyer. John was a 40+ year member of the NASG, as well as a member of the TCA.
Tour of Trainz.com's Facilities
Trainz.com, based in Georgia, has come much more to the foreground now with their involvement in S. They are an advertiser in the NASG's The Dispatch, thus directly supporting our efforts. The company moved into a new facility in early 2025, and the "All Trains Considered" YouTube channel recently got a behind-the-scenes tour of their facilities. On the Groups.io S-scale mailing list, people have stated that they are pleased with Trainz' service. Trainz not only carries new products, but also buys collections, estates, and brass models. The video is over an hour long, but it is entertaining, light-hearted, with fun people. Trainz has quite an impressive operation.
Model Scenery World New Items
Model Scenery World has significantly expanded their S-scale inventory of 3D-printed structures, boats, cars, and figures from about 20 to over 100 items now. They used to only list on eBay, but now they seem to have completed adding them all to their web site, with updated photos and more details. There are too many to list individually, so visit their web site to see what they have available.
September/October 2025, 2026 Dispatch PDFs Available
The public version of the September/October 2025 issue of the NASG's Dispatch is now available. Also, the members-only issue of the September/October 2026 Dispatch PDF can now be downloaded via the "Members Only" portal.
Introducing Still Plays Trains
Brian and Dawn Stopar announced that they have decided to dive deep into S, and have started the web site "Still Plays Trains". They noticed that a large number of members of the S community are passing away or closing up shop, so they decided to take over the helm and buy collections and make them available online. They have been active in buying and selling collections for over a dozen years. They mostly focus on S. Their web site is still being populated, and already has a good number of items available. Click its "Shop" menu to see all that they have available.
Chet Brown
The Bristol S Gauge Railroaders club announced the loss of their member Chester (Chet) Brown, who passed away on August 23, 2026 at the age of 87. Chet was a member of the NASG for just shy of 40 years. Chet was very active in the local club, serving as its treasurer, local train show treasurer, was part of the crew that put on the club's Amherst show, and hosted club meetings at him and his wife Janet's home. We offer our condolences to Chet's family, and the Bristol club members.
Rare Kit Photos
One of the "perks" of going to an NASG Convention is that you may well come across a rare kit, a one-of-kind model, or something that has finally seen daylight after being in a modeler's closet. This is what happened to Jamie Bothwell at the 2026 NASG Convention, where he found an unbuilt, original "Rem's Railroad Models" kit from 1999. Hugh Heck, out of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and owner of the company only produced two kits of this "free-lanced" box car, a 30' Sn3 car and a 40' standard-gauge car. Jamie found the standard-gauge one. He shares a couple of photos of this rare find. He intends to build it, but not necessarily per the instructions (it's free-lanced, after all).
Fuel Distribution Center by Frisco Factory
This is a collection of buildings that make up a fuel center. These are 3D-printed, molded-in color but unpainted models, available fully built or in kit form (contact them for kit version).
Civil War Cannon by Homestead Scale
Homestead Scale has on offer a pair of S-scale Civil War-era cannons. These are 3D-printed and unpainted.
Tank Car Oil Unloading Kit by Finescale 360
Kelly Regan, operating as "Finescale 360", recently introduced himself to the Groups.io S-scale list stating that he discovered remnants of an tank car unloading site while out for a walk. He took measurements and created a CAD design for it. While he is an HO-scale modeler, he decided to produce the 3D-printed parts as a kit in S-scale as well (in addition to HO- and O-scales). The kit consists of a pump house (to be assembled), and enough piping and pipe supports to cover 6 unloading slots spaced 36 feet apart. The kit therefore makes it possible to adjust the number of unloading spot based on what you have available. The hoses and tank cars shown in the first photo are not included (the scene is photographed on his HO-scale layout). The next two photos are the ones Kelly shared of his initial S-scale prints. You can order the kit via eBay or via his web site. The pipeline kit is also available separately, for if you don't need the pump house or you need more than 6 unloading spots.
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.
Be sure to see all, or other, products announced over the past year via the main News page.