Resources - Electronics
Current NASG Dispatch Advertisers
We kindly ask you to consider supporting these companies, as their ads in the NASG's Dispatch magazine help in funding our magazine.
The page lists companies that make and sell electronics used for powering your track, maintaining your locomotives, passenger cars, and caboose, and for layout construction. Note that not all electronics companies are listed here; only the ones that specifically carry S-scale products, or have indicated that they support S-scale modelers. There are a total of 40 entries listed on this page.
All Scale Miniatures
(last reviewed on 05/31/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Address:
117 N Main St
City:
Humboldt
State:
South Dakota
Zip Code:
57035
Web Site:
Secondary Site:
e-mail:
Facebook:
Phone:
Products
Electronics: The company produces a core kit that will work with their line of ACF, Budd, and P-S car sides.
Scenery: satellite dish, toilet, milk can, pumpkin, dog, farm goat, chickens, sheep
American Models
(last reviewed on 07/14/2025)
NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Address:
11770 Green Oak Industrial Dr
City:
Whitmore Lake
State:
Michigan
Zip Code:
48189
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Owner(s):
Karen Bashista Hanger
Founder(s):
Ron Bashista
YouTube Channel:
Products
Catalog: view
Electronics: transformers, sound boards, parts, wire
Locomotives: steam, diesel, electric (shells separately available), parts, smoke fluid
Rolling Stock: freight, passenger cars, cabooses, parts, trucks, wheelsets, couplers, loads, drumheads
Scenery: figures, fences
Structures: sells Plasticville kits
Track Components: code 148 flextrack, sectional track, turnouts, crossings, rail joiners, bumper, uncoupler, roadbed
Train Sets: passenger, freight
Vehicles: semi trailers; military tanks
Notes
This company manufactures just about anything you need to build a complete S-scale layout. If you are just starting out, or if you are looking to expand your layout, be sure to visit this company's web site, and you might also want to order their catalog.
History
Ron started the company in 1981, with their first advertisements appearing in 1982 showing their first product, the FP7 diesel locomotive. S-Helper Service, created to support the manufacture of new S-scale products, started collaborating with American Models in 1989. This ended in 1995. The future looked bright when American Models announced in 2017 that they had acquired a new and larger manufacturing facility. Unfortunately, Ron passed away on December 4, 2021. Ron's wife, Karen, announced that the company will continue to operate with the same personnel.
Azatrax
(last reviewed on 12/03/2025)
Contact
Products
Electronics: track detection circuits, automated-layout controls, relays, Arduino, power supplies, infrared detectors
Track Components: Circuitron Tortoise
Trackside: NJ International crossing gates, crossbucks, block signals
Bill Parr's Hobby Supplies
(last reviewed on 09/03/2025)
Advertises in the NASG's Dispatch
Contact
Business Type:
Mailorder Retailer
Address:
205 Golf Club Drive
City:
Langhorne
State:
Pennsylvania
Zip Code:
19047
e-mail:
Phone:
Founder(s):
Bill Parr
Products
American Flyer accessories
Decals: replacement decals, stickers, dry transfers
Electronics: replacement bulbs, wire
Locomotives: A.C. Gilbert, American Models, Lionel, S-Helper Service; replacement parts, smoke
Miscellaneous: paints, boxes, catalogs, repair manuals, instruction sheets
Rolling Stock: A.C. Gilbert, American Models, Lionel, S-Helper Service, MTH; passenger cars; replacement parts, silhouettes
Track Components: A.C. Gilbert, American Models, Lionel, GarGraves, MTH, S-Helper Service; roadbed material
CatzPaw Innovations, LLC
(last reviewed on 03/20/2025)
Contact
Products
3D-printed products
Boats: row boat, kayaks
Electronics: InvisaTrax Transport System
Rolling Stock: Snowplow
Scenery: hundreds of figures, animals, 11 web pages of detailing parts!
Structures: tents, booths
Trackside: Cantenary Towers
Vehicles: Santa Claus sleigh, 1940s Tucker, truck bed, 1970s utility truck, carriage, buggy
Notes
The company introduced their InvisaTrax system in April 2024. The American-made system allows for animations of all types to be fully hidden under scenery, to animate items such as automobiles, bicycle riders, swimmers, boats, airplanes, etc. An interview about how the system was developed.
History
The two ladies who own the company started by making only S-scale products, as that is their primary interest. However, as other modelers discovered their product line, they started requesting that they'd make them available in their scales, too. A brief article about the two ladies can be found here.
CB Train Junction
(last reviewed on 11/18/2025)
Contact
Products
American Flyer accessories
Electronics: transformers
Locomotives: Lionel, American Models, S-Helper Service
Miscellaneous: restoration and repair services for A.C. Gilbert and Lionel products, Labelle lubrication products
Rolling Stock: Lionel, American Models, S-Helper Service, S Scale America/Des Plaines
Notes
The owner is an NASG member.
History
The company was started in 2022.
Crazy Model Trains
(last reviewed on 01/19/2026)
Contact
Business Type:
Brick-n-Mortar Retailer
Address:
950 Brocksmith ST SE
City:
Palm Bay
State:
Florida
Zip Code:
32909
Web Site:
e-mail:
Facebook:
Phone:
Products
S Products Page: view
Electronics: DC, DCC, wire, transformers, speakers, electronic parts
Locomotives: Lionel, Kadee couplers, smoke fluid
Miscellaneous: paints, tools
Rolling Stock: Lionel, Kadee couplers
Scratchbuilding: K&S Metals, Evergreen Styrene, Plastruct, JTT Scenery sheets
Track Components: Lionel
Dallee Electronics, Inc
(last reviewed on 12/09/2024)
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Address:
246 West Main Street
City:
Leola
State:
Pennsylvania
Zip Code:
17540
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Founder(s):
Dallas Gutacker
Products
Electronics: sound boards, speakers, reversing units, timers, FREDs, LED lighting, circuit breakers, relays, back-n-forth, electronic components
Locomotives: sound systems, reversing units, smoke fluids
Rolling Stock: windows silhouettes for A.C. Gilbert passenger cars
Track Components: turntable indexer (part #1700)
Notes
They are open for in-person visits. See their web site for limitations.
History
The company was started in 1976.
Digitrax
(last reviewed on 12/14/2024)
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Address:
2443 Transmitter Rd
City:
Panama City
State:
Florida
Zip Code:
32404-3157
Web Site:
Phone:
Fax:
(850) 872 9557
Products
S Products Page: view
Electronics: DCC systems, decoders
Locomotives: decoder recommendations for specific engines
Notes
The S-specific web site link above shows all the recommended Digitrax decoders for various S-scale locomotives.
Dwarvin
(last reviewed on 12/16/2024)
Contact
Products
Electronics: infrared detection circuits, crossing bell
Structures: swan-neck lamps, rafter lamps
History
On March 1, 2023 Dwarvin Enterprises Ltd. was purchased by Trainz.com, Inc. Going forward products will be manufactured by, and fulfilled through, Trainz.com.
Factory Direct Hobbies
(last reviewed on 02/01/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Online Retailer
Address:
7 Glenn Bridge Road, Unit B (shipping address only)
City:
Arden
State:
North Carolina
Zip Code:
28704
Web Site:
Facebook:
Phone:
YouTube Channel:
Products
S Products Page: view
Decals: Tichy Train Group, Micro Scale generic, Woodland Scenic generic
Electronics: Lionel transformers; LEDs, lamps, toggle switches, speakers, wire, solder
Locomotives: Lionel; NWSL gears; track pick-up wire; Kadee S couplers
Miscellaneous: NWSL tools; general scenery materials; screws, bolts, nuts
Rolling Stock: Lionel; Palace Car passenger car seats; Kadee S couplers
Scenery: Blair Line signs/billboards
Scratchbuilding: Northeastern Scale Lumber strip and sheet goods
Structures: several brands of structure kits
Track Components: Lionel; Caboose Industries ground throws
George's Trains
(last reviewed on 02/24/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Brick-n-Mortar Retailer
Address:
550 Alden Road, Unit #101 & #102
City:
Markham
Province:
Ontario
Postal Code:
L3R 6A8
Country:
Canada
Web Site:
Facebook:
Phone:
Founder(s):
George Olieux
Products
Electronics: original American Flyer transformers
Locomotives: original American Flyer
Rolling Stock: original American Flyer
Track Components: original American Flyer
Vehicles: diecast
Notes
This is a full-service, model railroading-only store.
History
Started in 1962, when George bought Bob's Toy Trains for which he was doing a lot of repair work at the time. Today, the business is run by George's sons, Richard and John. The store moved to its present location in 2007.
Global Diecast Direct
(last reviewed on 03/02/2025)
Contact
Products
S Products Page: view
Electronics: The model includes the individual wooden-board decking.
Vehicles: various brands (including new-old-stock)
HobbyTool.com
(last reviewed on 02/10/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Founder(s):
Bill and Brynne Allcorn
Products
Electronics: parts
Miscellaneous: 6" and 12" styrene S-scale rulers; glues; general hobby supplies and tools
History
Started in 1990 as B&B Hobby Supplies.
Iowa Scaled Engineering
(last reviewed on 06/21/2025)
Contact
Products
S Products Page: view
Electronics: DCC and sound components, block detector
Scenery: galvanized culvert pipes
Structures: farming bins
JR Junction Train & Hobby
(last reviewed on 06/11/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Brick-n-Mortar Retailer
Address:
2716 Erie Boulevard East
City:
Syracuse
State:
New York
Zip Code:
13224
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Products
S Products Page: view
Electronics: various transformers
Locomotives: Lionel, MTH, smoke fluid
Miscellaneous: authorized Lionel and MTH repair facility; tools
Rolling Stock: MTH, Lionel
Scenery: various core scenery materials
Scratchbuilding: various brands
Structures: Plasticville
Track Components: various brands
Lights 4 Models
(last reviewed on 12/02/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Address:
2460 Tevis Ann Ct
City:
Dublin
State:
Ohio
Zip Code:
43016
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Founder(s):
John Gafney
Products
Airplanes: airport approach lights
Boats: buoy lights
Electronics: parts, shrink tubing
Locomotives: electronics parts
Rolling Stock: FRED, EOT lights
Scenery: sound modules, Miller Engineering animated signs
Structures: LED interior, exterior lights, tower warning lights, sound modules (e.g. church, outhouse)
Track Components: track cleaning pads
Trackside: EZ Line
Vehicles: LED lights, flashers
Lionel
(last reviewed on 01/26/2025)
Contact
Products
American Flyer accessories
Electronics: transformers, TMCC, Legacy, etc.
Locomotives: steam, diesel, smoke fluid
Rolling Stock: freight, passenger, MOW, caboose, trucks, wheelsets, couplers
Scenery: figures
Structures: Piggy-back unloader
Track Components: track system, turnouts, railjoiners
Trackside: telephone poles
Train Sets: passenger, freight
Notes
One of the main manufacturers of S-scale products. Lionel owns the "American Flyer" name and produces S-scale products under that name.
History
In 2006 Lionel announced that it had officially taken over the assets of K-Line, including inventory, intellectual property, tooling, and trademarks, after it won its trademark lawsuit against K-Line. Lionel made a deal with Sanda Kan, K-Line's principal manufacturer and creditor, who in turn worked out a deal with K-Line's bankers. Lionel from then on controlled and operated the K-Line brand and has the right to completely own it in the future. The 0-4-0 switcher and the end-cab switcher that K-Line had previously announced for S-scale were abandoned. That year they announced the products will be sold under the brand name "K-Line by Lionel" and will appear in packaging that is different from Lionel's standard boxes. A Lionel representative at the large train show in Springfield, MA in January 2025 mentioned that Lionel will no longer be manufacturing any more S products. Apparently their focus is now on the HO-scale market. They are only selling remaining inventory.
LogicRail Tech
(last reviewed on 06/29/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Address:
21175 Tomball Parkway, Suite 287
City:
Houston
State:
Texas
Zip Code:
77070
Web Site:
Phone:
Products
Electronics: Fusee Pro/M works on S-scale track, signaling circuits, fast clocks, CTC panel components
Milwaukee Flyer
(last reviewed on 12/18/2024)
Contact
Products
Electronics: new decals for worn-out A.C. Gilbert button boxes
Locomotives: replacement parts for A.C. Gilbert steam and diesel
Rolling Stock: replacement parts for A.C. Gilbert cars
Track Components: new A.C. Gilbert-compatible crossing and rerailer; parts
Model Rectified Corp (MRC)
(last reviewed on 07/14/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Address:
360 Main Street, Suite 2
City:
Matawan
State:
New Jersey
Zip Code:
07747
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Products
Electronics: train control systems
Notes
It is nice that a manufacturer acknowledges the existence of S!
Model Smiths
(last reviewed on 03/25/2025)
Products
3D-printed products
Electronics: street lights, light-driver circuit boards
Scenery: construction detailing sets, street lights
History
The company was started in 2015.
N. J. International
(last reviewed on 06/15/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Address:
P.O. Box 15341
City:
Clearwater
State:
Florida
Zip Code:
33766
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Products
S Products Page: view
Electronics: various circuits
Track Components: switch stands
Trackside: crossbucks, semaphores, signals, warning signs
History
The company was started in Hicksville, New York in 1971.
New Zealand Finescale
(last reviewed on 04/10/2025)
Contact
Products
3D-printed products
Electronics: pre-wired locomotive LED, speaker, DCC adapter board
Locomotives: NZR locomotive kits, coreless motors, detailing parts, backheads, wheels, NZR couplers, numberboards, piston rods
Miscellaneous: micro reamers, taps, metric drill bits, screws
Rolling Stock: gondola and hopper car kits, detailing parts, NZR couplers, passenger car trucks
Scenery: figures, horses, vegetation, mining cart, cream cans, milk cans, pulleys and cranks
Structures: NZR Station Latrine, many detailing parts, station poster boards, ladders
Track Components: yard ground throw, fishplates
Trackside: semaphores, kits for animating them, signal box kit, ground throws
Vehicles: horse-drawn carriage, 1936 Austin Ruby, windshield wipers
Notes
The company specializes in 3D-printed, etched-brass kits and details, and metal cast parts. They are focused on the New Zealand Railway prototype, i.e. Sn42, but many items can be used by other modelers. Their figures are very nicely details and to-scale.
Ngineering
(last reviewed on 07/27/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Address:
20024 NE Bridlewood Road
City:
Battle Ground
State:
Washington
Zip Code:
98604
Web Site:
Phone:
Products
Electronics: LEDs, lighting kit, parts, sound modules
Scenery: sound modules
Structures: gooseneck light kit, sound modules
Notes
Although they don't carry S-scale-specific products, they do mention S-scale on their web site, and several of their products can be used regardless of modeling scale. So, browse around their web site and look for actual dimensions to see if any item is compatible with your layout or structure.
History
The company was started in 2002.
Nicolas Smith Trains
(last reviewed on 07/28/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Brick-n-Mortar Retailer
Address:
2343 West Chester Pike
City:
Broomall
State:
Pennsylvania
Zip Code:
19008
Web Site:
Phone:
Products
S Products Page: view
American Flyer accessories
Electronics: DCC, Lionel transformers, Dallee
Locomotives: Lionel, MTH, smoke fluid, Kadee coupler height gauge
Rolling Stock: Lionel, MTH, Kadee coupler height gauge
Track Components: Lionel, GarGraves, Caboose Industries, Blue Point
Train Sets: Lionel
History
The store was started in 1909.
Papa Ben's Train Place
(last reviewed on 02/17/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Brick-n-Mortar Retailer
Address:
4007 Bellaire Blvd, Suite E
City:
Houston
State:
Texas
Zip Code:
77025
Web Site:
e-mail:
Facebook:
Phone:
Owner(s):
Allyn Pearlman
Founder(s):
Ben Pearlman
Products
S Products Page: view
American Flyer accessories
Electronics: DCC, components
Locomotives: original American Flyer; Lionel, MTH dealer, smoke fluid
Miscellaneous: reference materials, tools
Rolling Stock: original American Flyer, Lionel
Scenery: various brands
Scratchbuilding: most common materials
Track Components: ballast
Pikesville Models
(last reviewed on 08/09/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Brick-n-Mortar Retailer
Address:
3315 Timberfield Lane
City:
Baltimore
State:
Maryland
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Founder(s):
Dave Blum
Products
American Flyer accessories
Electronics: Lionel transformers
Locomotives: original A.F., American Models, S-Helper Service, MTH, Lionel, smoke fluid
Rolling Stock: original American Flyer, American Models, S-Helper Service, Pacific Rail Shops, S Scale America, Lionel, their own product line
Track Components: original American Flyer, Tru-Scale, Lionel, MTH
Train Sets: original A.F., American Models, Lionel
Vehicles: various brands
History
Dave announced his retirement from the business effective June 1, 2025. He is in the process of liquidating his inventory. Online ordering has been taken down, but contact him if you are looking for something specific, as he may be willing to give discounts.
Precision Design Co
(last reviewed on 02/13/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Manufacturer
Country:
Canada
Web Site:
e-mail:
Facebook:
Phone:
Founder(s):
Bill Brillinger
Products
Decals: custom S/Sn3 decals
Electronics: Dealer for RailPro by Ring Engineering
R.F. Giardina Co. Inc.
(last reviewed on 08/15/2025)
Contact
Products
Catalog: view
Electronics: original American Flyer transformers, circuit breakers
Locomotives: original American Flyer, smoke fluid
Miscellaneous: A.F. repair, manuals, research materials
Rolling Stock: original American Flyer
Track Components: original American Flyer, Lionel
Rumbling Rails Engineering
(last reviewed on 01/02/2025)
NASG member
Contact
Products
Electronics: scenery sound modules
S-CAB
(last reviewed on 08/25/2025)
Contact
Products
Electronics: radio-frequency-based, battery-powered, DCC-compatible system
Soundtraxx
(last reviewed on 12/25/2024)
Contact
Products
Electronics: DCC decoders
Notes
All of their DCC decoders are made in the USA.
History
The company was started in 1989 in Pocasset, Massachusetts under the name "ThrottleUp!". They released their first sound system in 1991. In 1994, the company moved to Broomfield, Colorado. SoundTraxx became the main company name in 1998, when they announced their first DCC sound decoder, and moved to Durango, CO. They announced their Tsunami decoder in 2005, and the Blunami decoder in 2022.
Steel Mill Modelers Supply
(last reviewed on 12/21/2025)
Contact
Products
3D-printed products
Electronics: LED lights in HO-scale fixtures that may be of use in S
Miscellaneous: DVDs (shown as a book on the computer) related to the steel industry
Rolling Stock: loads
Scenery: fire hydrant
Scratchbuilding: many detailing parts, H-column footers, pipe bent (hold/routing pipes through facilities), exterior vents, piping systems and components, roof trusses, corrugated fiberglass panels
Structures: parts for modeling a steel mill and other industrial complexes, most of which are available in S-scale
Trackside: telephone box
Notes
Note that the owner of the company has indicated that they are willing to 3D-print anything in their existing product line in S-scale; just ask.
T & K Hobby
(last reviewed on 09/04/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Brick-n-Mortar Retailer
Address:
500 Hall Street
City:
Bridgeport
State:
Ohio
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Products
S Products Page: view
American Flyer accessories
Decals: alphabet sets, Solvaset
Electronics: wire
Layout Scenery: scenic backgrounds (not S-specific)
Locomotives: Lionel, smoke fluid
Miscellaneous: weathering powders
Rolling Stock: Lionel
Track Components: Lionel, GarGraves track screws, track cleaning block, Bright Boy, Circuitron Tortoise switch machine
Trackside: backgrounds, Lionel telephone poles
History
Started in 1976.
Tony's Train Exchange
(last reviewed on 09/14/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Online Retailer
Address:
57 River Rd
City:
Essex Junction
State:
Vermont
Zip Code:
05452
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Train Repair Parts
(last reviewed on 10/27/2025)
Contact
Products
S Products Page: view
Decals: American Flyer replacements
Electronics: A.C. Gilbert transformers restored
Locomotives: American Flyer repair parts
Rolling Stock: American Flyer repair parts
Track Components: American Flyer replacement parts
Notes
Train Repair Parts is the home of the original A.C. Gilbert Factory Parts Department and one of the most extensive Lionel parts departments.
History
This company has been in business since 1940.
Trains & More, LLC
(last reviewed on 10/10/2025)
Advertises in the NASG's Dispatch
Contact
Business Type:
Online Retailer
Address:
P.O. Box 1751
City:
Manchester
State:
Connecticut
Zip Code:
06045-1751
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Founder(s):
Todd & Bev Metcalf
Products
American Flyer accessories
Electronics: original American Flyer transformers, circuit breakers
Layout Scenery: original AF bridge
Locomotives: American Flyer
Rolling Stock: American Flyer, Lionel
Structures: American Flyer
Track Components: American Flyer
Notes
This company is dedicated to American Flyer products.
Trainworld
(last reviewed on 10/13/2025)
Contact
Products
S Products Page: view
American Flyer accessories
Electronics: DCC brands
Layout Scenery: Lionel bridges
Locomotives: Lionel, Kadee couplers
Rolling Stock: Lionel, wheelsets, Kadee couplers
Track Components: Lionel
Train Sets: Lionel passenger, freight
Walthers
(last reviewed on 10/18/2025)
Contact
Business Type:
Online Retailer
Address:
5601 West Florist Avenue
City:
Milwaukee
State:
Wisconsin
Zip Code:
53218
Web Site:
e-mail:
Phone:
Owner(s):
Stacey Walthers-Naffah
Founder(s):
Bill Walthers
Products
S Products Page: view
Decals: various brands
Electronics: various systems
Layout Scenery: various brands
Locomotives: various brands
Miscellaneous: reference materials
Rolling Stock: various brands
Scenery: figures, animals, fences, detailing parts
Scratchbuilding: various brands
Structures: various brands
History
The company was founded in 1932. In 1958, Bill retired and his son Bruce took over. In 1984 Bruce's son Phil took over. Phil was the one who got Walthers into the manufacturing business. The company's web site was launched in 1994. Phil retired in 2018 and his oldest daughter, Stacey Walthers-Naffah, took over the reigns of the company.