Resources - History

This page lists all companies that used to sell or manufacture S-scale product items, but they are now out of business or have been bought out. There are a total of 382 entries listed on this page.

3D Building Models

3DCerebro

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

A.C. Gilbert

A.D. Imfeld, Co.

Notes

All models were hand-built by Dan.

ACE Model Railroad Company

History

Walter owned a brick-n-mortar hobby shop. In 1968 he decided to bring a line of S-scale trucks to market, of which he had 54 by 1969, available with both scale and hi-rail wheels, thereby single-handedly saving S-scale in the drought period between A.C. Gilbert's demise in 1967 and American Models appearance in 1980.

The company gained access to the original A.C. Gilbert three-bay hopper molds, and so started producing undecorated models of these using high-quality plastics. They also produced floors, bolsters, and other parts to make it easy to convert A.F. rolling stock to "scale" models. The ACE product line provided the S-scale modeler with products until American Models and other companies started coming along. It is the opinion of several S-scale modelers who were actively modeling at that time that, if it wasn't for Walter Graeff's efforts, S-scale would have died back in those days. Walter passed away in 1978, and Downs Model Railroad Co. bought the product line in 1983.

ACL Emerson Shops

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Adapter Coupler

Notes

The company's web site is gone as of March 2023.

Adirondack Car and Foundry

Notes

The owner is experiencing serious health issues, and so is unable to continue the projects until he recovers. He was trying to release small diesel locomotive etched-brass kits, but they've never materialized. A warning: those who made an initial deposit, haven't gotten their moneys back or received any kind of communication.

History

Online research shows that he has been developing kits in various scales since 2011, at least.

Admiral Duck Sauce

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

akf models

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

History

In 2018, the company was contacted by The Railcar Company in New Zealand to take over the production of their range of etch brass locomotives, etch brass and white metal wagons, shipping containers and etch brass native vegetation. These were all S-scale (Sn42) NZR prototypes.

Alco Models

Alkem Scale Models

(last reviewed on 11/20/2025)

All Aboard Trains

History

The company was started in 2011. The web site disappeared in September 2024.

Allegheny Models

Notes

This is not the same company as the current-day brass retailer "Allegheny Scale Models" based in Hackettstown, New Jersey.

Altoona Model Works

Notes

Supposedly the owner's father modeled in S-scale, so the company started producing S-scale models and they were seen at S-scale events, such as the NASG Convention. When the owner's father passed away, the company stopped producing S-scale kits. They are predominantly an O-scale company. So, the company is still around, but not involved in S anymore. In June 2024 one modeler indicated that the company created the S-scale kit for the roundhouse kit for him, so you may want to contact the company if you want something in S.

Amatos Hobby Surplus

Notes

The company bought the leftover A.C. Gilbert inventory when that company went bankrupt.

History

In 2006 they released a 124-page catalog. The company is now called Amato's Toy and Hobby of New Britain. They have been in business since 1940. They closed in February of 2022. They tried to re-open the store later in 2022 with a new building, but in 2023 one of the principals passed away and they decided to close up shop for good.

Ambroid Co.

History

Charles Seavern, president of Howe & French, Inc. a Boston chemical company, in the year 1900 discovered that combining the company's camphor product with the left-over waste product, celluloid, he was able to produce a waterproof, flexible, fast-drying, and strong glue. He created the name Ambroid by combining "amber" (the product's final color) with celluloid. Then in the late-1940s/early-1950s they started making S-scale kits to promote their glues, which are great for porous materials such as wood.

Amercom

Notes

Their products are available via various online retailers.

History

The company was started as a publishing house in 1993. However, they eventually switched to just producing diecast models. The company closed their web site in October 2025, without an explanation.

American Flyer Depot

History

Frankie passed away in February 2025.

American Flyer Trains

History

Bob passed away in 2023. The web site disappeared in 2024.

American Hi-Rail

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

History

Instrument Design, Inc. is still the owner's design and engineering services firm. American Hi-Rail was founded in the 1980s under this company. Some of the early S-scale passenger car models have the "IDI" name imprinted. They are no longer actively producing S-scale products.

American Model Builders

History

John passed away in July 2022. In March 2024, Berkshire Valley Models bought the company's product line, which consisted of mostly CAD drawings, instruction sheets, and masters (no inventory available).

American Scale Models

Amity Star Models

Andrew's Railroad Details

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Apogee Loco Works

Arden Scale Models

Notes

The kits consisted of wooden core bodies with molded-plastic doors and ends. However, like A.C. Gilbert, they use Tenite, which was an early form of plastic that deteriorates over time. A.C. Gilbert switched to using Bakelite, which was a far better material, but Arden never did. This means that none of the Arden kits have survived in-tact. The company itself simply disappeared after a while.

History

The company was started in 1946. The November 1960 issue of S Gauge Herald asks if anyone knows what happened to the company.

Arkansas Valley Scale Models

History

The company was bought by Scale Structures LTD sometime in the 1990s.

Atlas Tool Co.

Aurora Plastics Corporation

History

The company was started in 1950. In 1968 due to internal leadership struggles, an investment group took over the company. They were bought out by Nabisco in 1970. Then, in 1977 the company's product line was bought by Monogram. A UP train derailment damaged a lot of the Aurora molds during this transition time, but most were salvaged.

Authenticast

AutoMotionFX

History

The web site disappeared in September 2024.

Aztec Manufacturing

History

The company was started in 1976. In 1991 they started producing track-cleaning cars in the various scales, including S. The owner retired and closed the company in 2019.

Backwoods Miniatures

History

Their products were distributed in the U.S. by banta modelworks. They closed in 2016.

Baker Mfg Co.

Bart's Pneumatics Corporation

Notes

Started as an industrial re-motoring and air-compressor maintenance company, the company now is also a reseller for S-scale products. They manufacture "Supersmoke". They have an S-scale layout on their premises, since 1977, that is open to the public during the Christmas holiday season.

History

The company closed in November 2025.

Berlyn Locomotive Works

History

The company was bought by Precision Vintage Classics in 2009.

Best Of Show

Notes

The company focused on doing custom-built projects, painting, and weathering, especially structures, figures, and vehicles. They built in all different scales, but the owner's main interest was in S.

History

Gerry passed away in August 2023.

Big Four Road

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Big Wanda Knows

Notes

This company designs and produces wood structure kits, and they have customers who request them to build fully-finished models as well. Their Facebook page has examples of their work. Their kits are identified by a man's name (rather than using a product ID number).

History

As of May 2024, the company seems to have no more items for sale.

BK Enterprises

History

In 1990 the company produced the S-scale "Tru-Scale" turnouts. In 1995 they bought "Tomalco" Sn3 kits from Building & Structure Co. They bought Classic Miniatures and Taurus Products in 1999. The company is still around, but it operates under the name of Trout Creek Engineering.

Black Bear Scale Models

History

Rich passed away in 2018, which effectively closed the company.

Blue Mountain Hobbies

Bob Peare Engineering Corp.

Notes

This web site contains many catalog and product photos.

History

The company was started in 1946. They specialized in track components for HO, S, and O that were not available at the time. They used the brand name "TRACKMASTER". Their track components used brass rail. In 1951 they had bought Westbrook, Train-Craft, and Essex Modelcrafters, all O-scale manufacturers. They also produced S-scale maintenance-of-way cars, but in 1953 North Jersey Model Car Co. announced that they had bought that part of Bob Peare's product line, so that Peare could focus only on track components.

Bone Valley Scale Models

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Branch Line Models

History

In 1960 they bought out the Sylvania Models and Chester Industrial Arts product lines of streamlined passenger cars (see November & December 1960 S Gauge Herald). In the Herald they are identified as "Branch Line Hobby Supply", but in their kit instructions they call themselves "Branch Line Models".

Branchline Trains

History

In December 2022 the Laser-Art product line was sold to Micro-Mark (they named the new product line "Laser-Art by Scientific"). It appears that Micro-Mark has decided to discontinue the S-scale versions of the structure kits that Branchline Trains had available.

Bub

History

The company was started as a large toy company before WWII. After the war, in 1948, they started producing S-scale-equivalent products. S-scale production stopped in 1958. The company was closed and sold in 1966. The YouTube link is to a video by Fred van der Lubbe who presents the European S manufacturers who were contemporaries of the U.S. A.C. Gilbert company.

Buffalo Creek Graphics

Notes

The company created the graphics for the cars, and sold the completed models. These were very limited runs. The company was mostly active in O-scale.

History

The company left the model railroading industry in 2020 as the owner was started to phase into retirement.

Building & Structure Co.

Notes

In addition to hydrocal, styrene, and white-metal parts, they were one of the first companies in S-scale to use lasers to cut their kits' parts. Their product line's primary focus was on Colorado-based narrow-gauge, but they did make some "generic" models. Part of the purchase of Tomalco were the Sn3 code 70 flextrack molds. Rich Rands, then owner of Micro Engineering was able to use those molds to produce the Sn3 code 55 flextrack molds (this is the product that P-B-L sells).

History

The company was started by two Sn3 modelers in the mid-1980s. In 1992 they bought Tomalco from Robert Sloan, which focused on Sn3 track components. In 1998 the founders sold their company to banta modelworks. In 2014 a new company called Commercial Scale Models bought the former Building & Structure Co. product line from banta modelworks, and sold their structure kits under that brand name. In 2019 "Commercial Scale Models" suddenly closed, and so "banta modelworks" took over the product line again.

C-D-S Lettering Ltd.

History

The owner retired. In 2011 Ozark Miniatures bought the product line, which included the S-scale decals.

CanaDakota

Notes

TractorFab now owns this brand.

Canadian Railway Model Co.

Cascade Hobby Products

History

Sometime in the 1960s, Delwyn "Jack" Amerine, under the name of Port Able Lines, offered a conversion kit for converting A.C. Gilbert GP7 models to scale. The all-brass kit included a powered chassis with trucks that included the Enhorning F unit sideframes. In addition to the beautifully-detailed ends, the kit included correct steps, railings, and coupler pocket. The only part needed from the donor AF model was the plastic superstructure. In 1970, Jack wanted to sell his company, so Jon Beveridge bought it and named it Cascade Hobby Products. In 1984 they bought part of Locomotive Workshop's stock to add to Cascade Hobby Products. Locomotive Workshop was one of the suppliers that Jon used for his product line. During the 1990s the company gradually started shutting down due to lack of availability of parts from their suppliers. The company relied on as many as 25 different suppliers to provide the materials needed to put together the kits.

Cedarleaf Custom Railroad Decals

History

Stan passed away in January 2022, which closed the business.

Central Hobbies

History

The company closed in 2023. Intercity Trains and Hobbies at 19965 96 Ave, Langley, BC took over their inventory.

Central Hobby Supply

Notes

The company owned the "West Shore Line" brand.

History

The store was started in 1987, and closed in 2018.

Chad Boas

History

In 2012 Chad created the S-scale base flat car kit, which was later bought out by "The Supply Car", which released it as a complete kit. This is the only S-scale project he did.

Chama Car Shops

Notes

The company produced HOn3, Sn3, and On3-related structure kits.

Chama Model Shop & Gallery

History

P-B-L was distributing their vehicle kits, but they bought them out in 1986 who continued to produce and sell them under the name "Milestone Automobiles".

Champion Decal Company

Notes

These may still be available via Des Plaines Hobbies, as they bought the remaining Champion Decal's S-scale inventory when the company closed.

History

Started in the 1940s, and closed in 2010.

Chesapeake Models

Notes

This was a division of John's "Railroad Art" company.

History

John created the one and only S-scale model he produced, but was unable to financially fully bring the product to market, so Des Plaines Hobbies bought the product's tooling in 1995, who continued to produce this kit with a variety of decals. John passed away in 2000.

Chester Industrial Arts

Notes

The company offered eight Pullman car styles in both 60- and 85-foot versions. The shorter versions were intended for AF-based layout, whereas the longer models were closer to the prototype and thus intended for "scale" layouts. They were baggage, baggage-mail, railway post office, combine (coach-baggage), coach, roomette (sleeper), diner, and observation cars. The cars were produced in the 1950s in O-, S-, and HO-scales. All featured corrugated aluminum sides, a wooden floor, a wooden roof, two wooden spacer blocks (to separate the roof and floor), two thick sheet-aluminum ends with four countersunk screw holes each, and eight short flathead wood screws to secure the ends to the floor and roof. Also included were stamped aluminum doors specific to each car, celluloid window material, and a pair of sponge-rubber full-width diaphragms. No trucks or couplers were included.

History

The company starts advertising in Model Railroader magazine in 1950. In 1960 the editor of S Gauge Herald asks if anyone knows what happened to the company (and confirms the rumor that Branch Line Hobby Supply bought them is not true).

Cheyenne Industries

History

Founded in 1995/6, the purpose of this company was to manufacture non-powered models, while Overland Models continued to use Ajin Precision in Korea to manufacture their powered models. Tom and his wife Jan even moved to China to manage the daily running of the company. The venture was not successful and so it closed in 2003 and the couple moved back to the U.S.

Chicago Express Products

Chicago Model Trains

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Cibolo Crossing

Cimarron Works (The)

History

The company was started in 2003, and eventually merged into The Leadville Shops, which in turn was merged into The San Juan Model Company in 2018.

Circle C Farm Toys

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Classic Trains

Notes

Owns the brand name "American S Gauge" a track manufacturing arm of the company. They appear to not respond to attempts at contacting them. Doug Peck (Port Lines Hobby Supply), who stocks some of their items (whatever he has left in his inventory) indicates that he suspects that they are out of business. Either way, Doug is not planning on restocking any items, even if the company returns. The company's web site has a copyright date of 2018 on it.

History

At some point in its history, the company was bought by the Mescher brothers. One of the brothers passed away in 2021, and it is unclear whether or not the other brother wants to continue the company. The web site appears to be gone, for all intents and purposes.

Cleveland Model & Supply

Notes

First S-scale locomotive in the U.S. Really, the first "major" S-scale manufacturer. At first they produced static locomotive models, but later on they started making operating models. Model Railroader magazine issues of those years had "C-D Models" advertisements in them. They also produced track (code 115), rail joiners, and #6 turnouts, as well as crossings, and a double-slip switch. After WWII they also started making code 210 rail, to start being compatible with A.C. Gilbert's equipment.

History

The company is still active, but they aren't involved in the model railroading industry anymore. The company was started in 1927. In 1937 they started selling S-scale kits under the name of "C-D Models" (a.k.a. Cleveland-Designed Models). In 1950 the owner, Edward T. Pachasa, changed his last name to "Packard" to sound more American (he was an immigrant). In 1960 Ed puts a request into the first S Gauge Herald asking for suggestions as to what to produce next. In the November issue of S Gauge Herald it is announced that the company is offering the S product line's tooling for $40,000, as they call it quits on S products. Ed retired in 1996 and sells the company to John Jacox. Ed dies in 1999.

ClimaxShop

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Colorado S Scale Connection

History

A division of Sundance Publications, this was a brick-n-mortar S-scale-only hobby shop. There is an online record that indicates that the corporation, Sundance Publications in Denver, CO, was dissolved in October 28, 2022.

Commercial Scale Models

History

In 2014 this company bought the S-scale product line from banta modelworks, after that company had announced that they wanted out of S Commercial Scale Models sold S-scale structure kits under the name "Building & Structure, Co", which was the old name of the company that originally had created the kits and banta modelworks bought out in 1998. In 2019 Commercial Scale Models suddenly closed. Later that year, banta modelworks announced that they had bought back their S-scale product line, and are now actively producing the kits again, although in limited quantity and usually on demand.

Concept Models

History

In 2017, the company started producing S-scale kits based on their existing HO-scale product line. In 2020 they stopped selling S-scale products. They then listed their molds for the S-scale product line for $2K on eBay. Did someone buy the product line and/or tooling?...

Continental Flyer, Inc.

History

The company was started in 1976 by three ex-A.C. Gilbert employees to continue to produce true American Flyer products again. In 1977 a notice appeared in the June issue of Railroad Model Craftsman stating that this new company was active. A brief history of the company can be found in The Collector, Volume 20, #4 Winter 1997. General Mills' Fundimensions (they had bought Lionel's product line when Lionel went bankrupt shortly after A.C. Gilbert went bankrupt) decided to revive American Flyer, which caused Continental Flyer to go bankrupt. The 2012 March/April issue of S Gaugian magazine has a cover photograph of the three partners in Continental Flyer. They are holding a Franklin Passenger Set and a Barrel Unloader. There is mention of Continental Flyer in Hal Carstens' book 150 years of Train Models on page 84. (information was provided by a number of people on the S-Trains Yahoo! Groups discussion list). So, the company never actually sold any products to the general public.

Copper Range Products

Cornfeild Customs

Notes

We recommend not ordering, as the owner appears to not respond to communication. (caution: I have received a report from two customers who paid but did not receive their order; unresponsive to e-mail)

Corona Flex

Coronado Scale Models

Coyote Flats Depot

Notes

This company primarily focuses on On3 products, but they own S-scale tooling/licensing. You may consider contacting the owner if you are interested in a specific FKM kit.

History

The company bought the Finest Kind Models structure kit and detailing parts product line from Turner Model Works. The web site disappeared in January 2025.

Creative Laser Design

Crescent Creek Models

History

It appears that in 2023 the owner completely got out of selling kits and detailing parts, in all scales.

Cripplebush Valley Models

Critter Works

Notes

(no information is known about this company, other than that they produced something in S)

Crown Model Products

History

The company was started in 1993 by Don who was the owner of Northeast Trains Hobby Shop of Peabody, Massachusetts. The company started making ready-to-run O-scale reefers and box cars. He did all the work himself, initially. In 1994, he started making S-scale products. Port Lines Hobby Supplies hobby shop was the exclusive dealer for their S-scale reefers (as per Doug Peck, Port Lines decided on the paint schemes, Crown manufactured and packaged them, and Port Lines sold them both wholesale and retail; each with three road numbers). In 1996 Mike McCormack had been Don's partner for a little while when he bought the entire product line out from Don. Weaver bought the O-scale tooling in 2000. Crown Model Products closed in 2001. As of 2017 Lionel now owns Weaver's tooling (after that company closed), which includes the Crown tooling (O-scale only; the S-scale tooling whereabouts are unknown).

Crummy Products

Notes

"Crummy" used to be a nickname assigned to cabooses, due to their uncomfortable nature. The company sold HO-, S-, and O-scale products.

History

Bert passed away in 2014 due to Parkinson's.

Crusader Rail Services

History

The company was started in 1997. In 2022 the owner announced his retirement, keeping the web site open only until his inventory has been sold. In 2024 he shut down all sales. The web site remains as just a retirement announcement page.

Cryer Gray Foundry

Notes

The company's web site still shows S-scale products, but their last updated date is 2008, so, at best, they are inactive, and maybe closed.

Culp Bros.

History

Online records indicate that it was registered in 1946 as a corporation. As reported in the November 1960 issue of S Gauge Herald they were still around and producing trucks for Rex Engineering whenever the demand was there. The online records indicate that the company was dissolved in 1993.

Custom Model Depot

History

The owner of the company started working full time for

Custom Trax

History

Their web site disappeared sometime in late 2025, even though its domain name was renewed for another year.

Dakin

Notes

The train sets were made in the 1950s and ran on A.C. Gilbert-style track.

Dalles Hostler's Models (The)

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Damin Keenan

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Dave's Twacks & Twains

(last reviewed on 09/30/2025)

History

Founded in the late 1980s by the father and son team of Charlie and Clay Buckage to promote and share the heritage of the A.C. Gilbert company with displays at train shows, senior residences, and children's hospitals. The company is named after Clay's brother, Dave. The company provided parts and repair for A. C. Gilbert and S-Helper Service products. They bought the entire supply of S-Helper Service parts when that company had to close in 2010. In late 2024, Clay announced his retirement and the plans to sell the inventory and close his store. Trainz.com bought the entire remaining inventory that Clay had.

Dayton Model Products

History

The company started advertising an interurban kit in the September 1947 issue of Model Railroader magazine, with what appears to be "scale" wheels. In the November 1960 issue of S Gauge Herald the editor reports that the rumor of the company being closed are false; they are just dormant.

We are unclear as to the relationship between Dayton Model Products and Super Scale Models, but we have photographic evidence that Super Scale released a Dayton industrial switcher. The label on that box clearly states both company names. We don't know if they were owned by the same person, or if Super Scale bought out the Dayton product line at or before the time that Dayton closed. If you have any leads, feel free to contact the webmaster.

Delaware Valley Kits

Notes

John converted Kadee HO-scale couplers so that they had a longer trip pin (this was before Kadee started producing their own On3/S couplers). He also converted U.S. Hobbies On3 passenger trucks to S-scale standard-gauge trucks for use under express reefers and Kinsman passenger cars.

History

A 1968 S Gauge Herald magazine ad by the company identified them as "Delaware Valley Kits". In 1976 another S Gauge Herald ad identified them as "Delaware Valley Kits S Scale Supply", presumably to avoid confusion with Frank Titman's Lehigh Valley Models.

Denny's 3D Classic Trucks & Farm

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Design-Tech Models

History

In 2006 their location was Wheatridge, CO.

DesignDyne

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Detail Associates

History

The company was founded in 1975 producing detailing parts for various scales.

Devore

Digitawn

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Division Point

DKRickman's Shop

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

DMK Scale Models

Notes

The letters D, M, and K stand for the first names of the children of the company's three owners.

History

Later on, the three partners formed Modern Models.

DMS Engineering

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Don Winter

Notes

Don Winter was an O-scale kit manufacturer, and only ventured out into S-scale one time to make the gondola kit. Jim Kindraka wrote an article about this kit in the June 2016 issue of The S Scale Resource magazine, which also includes some background on Don (he mostly produced On3 kits, and then switched to G/Fn3 kits).

History

He created and released the kit in 1981. He passed away in 2007.

Don's Depot

History

Earl bought Don out at some point in time, to become the sole owner. Earl was a member of the State-Line S Gaugers club. Sometime in the early 2000s Earl retired and moved to Florida. He sold all his molds to another person who had an interest in continuing production (it is unknown who that was).

Down Range Productions

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Downs Model Railroad Co.

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

History

Russ started selling re-painted/re-lettered American Flyer cars ("Silver", "Blue", "Red", and "Gold" line) under the name "RUSTI Model Railroad Equipment" in 1980. He also did that with Rex Engineering, Pacific Rail Shops, and his custom-made body shells. He bought ACE Model Railroad Company in 1983. Russ announced his retirement in 1999, continuing production until the product supplies ran out. Manheim Machine & Tool bought Downs in 2000. Russ passed away in 2009.

Downtown Deco

History

The company started in 1993, focusing on hydrocal-based structure kits (the owner was a former professional Hollywood scenic artist). They ventured into the S-scale market in 1996. In 2000 they announced that they stopped manufacturing new kits in S-scale, and currently are no longer active in S (although active in N-, HO, and O-scales).

DSL Shops

History

The company started in 1993, and the owner retires all kit production in 2021 (continuous to do custom work).

East Louisville Shops

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Eastern NY Kits

Eastern Road Models

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Ed Loizeaux

History

In the late-1970s, Ed produced 400 pair of these passenger car trucks from various available parts. In 1980 Fine Scale Trains takes over the project and produces at least one more run of these before retiring the project.

Efsi Toys

Notes

Since this company's products are similar in concept to those of Matchbox (meaning "box-scale", i.e. whatever size fits in the retail box), each model should be individually evaluated to see if it matches your S-scale standard.

History

The company started as "Bestbox" in 1959. In the 1960s the Dutch government created the FSI (social program for employing out-of-work coal miners), and so in 1971 the company started using the name "Efsi", as a pronunciation of the FSI government program name, with which the company worked to help employ mine workers (the company was located in the center of Dutch coal mining). In 1988 the Dutch government discontinued the coal miners employment program, and so the company's name was changed to "Holland Oto", which is still their current name, although they seem to only make HO-scale and 1:50 models nowadays.

Eight Wheeler Models

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Electric RR Co. (The)

Notes

Lionel announced that the company was shut down, mostly because the boards that they produced were outdated, and some of the key components used by those boards are no longer being produced. Note that some retailers may still have new old stock on their shelves.

Enhorning Industries

Notes

The company had a large selection of decals available in the early 1970s. It is believed that Enhorning bought out the Champion Decals S-scale decals product line.

At some point in time the company moved to Ludington, Michigan. Tom Lennon reported that he had a lunch meeting with John in that location.

The company used three different drive mechanisms for their engines. The first one came with hefty cast-metal frames with integral skirts. The next version had the cast-frame with the Pittman DC-94 motor slung in the fuel tank space, slightly visible beneath the skirts when viewed from the side. The motor was held in place with four hefty bolts, two at each end through slots in the fuel tank ends. This version came with a gearbox on one axle of each truck, driven directly by one of the motor's shafts via a neoprene shaft coupling. This coupling was all that kept the gearbox in approximate vertical alignment. The other axle was driven by an O-ring type belt between pulleys on each axle. The last version had two poorly-performing, vertically-mounted motors attached to each truck driving one axle via an exposed worm gear pair, with a belt driving the second axle. No gearboxes. The flimsy floor/frame was plastic. Absence of rigidity was its biggest problem.

The company's F9 model was identical to their F7 model, except that the number boards were flush with the body on the F9, whereas they were raised on the F7.

The much-advertised GP40 was in the works, according to one eye-witness who visited them near the end, but was never actually produced for customers.

History

Apparently Electro-Motive Division of GE approached Enhorning to produce a scale model of the EMD F7 for use as a desktop display model and for promotions. The company made the decision to model it in S-scale. When Arthur had serious health issues, his son John wasn't able to keep it all going, and so that led to the eventual closure of the company.

Essence

Notes

Published the ESSENCE newsletter/magazine from 1985 through 1988, under the NMRA's S scale Special Interest Group (SIG). He was a pioneer in Sn3.

History

Ken passed away in 1998.

Exacta Scale Models

Notes

Their unique manufacturing process consisted of electro-deposition of copper in female molds, then coated on their backsides with solder for stiffening. The streamlined kits included a single flat wrapper that included the two sides and roof, to be formed by the modeler. Some of their heavyweight sides found their way into the Super Scale line of S-scale kits. You can tell the difference because the backs of the Exacta sides were ink-stamped "Exacta Scale Models". They filled a U.S. patent for this manufacturing process in May 1946.

History

The company was originally started as Baker-Scott Railway Models in the 1940s, producing heavyweight and streamlined passenger car kits in O-, OO-, S-, and HO-scale.

Farmington Avenue Model Engineering

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

FGEX Design Roofs

Notes

These were roofs that were designed and created by Smoky Mountain Model Worlds.

Fine Scale Trains

History

In 1980 the company purchases the rights to produce the Ed Loizeaux passenger car truck, and does at least one more of run of them.

Finest Kind Models

History

The company was started in 1985. Later that same year, they bought "SS Ltd" (which had oversized HO-scale parts). In 1988 the company bought Triangle Scale Models. The company moved to Dallas, Texas at some point in time. In 2005, Finest Kind Models was sold to Turner Model Works, who sold it to Coyote Flats Depot (Tim Moat) in 2018. Wiseman Model Services bought the Sn3 rolling stock line, which was part of the original Triangle Scale Models product line.

Foothill Model Works

Notes

This company is still active, but is solely focused on O-scale and O narrow-gauge. They used to carry S-scale narrow-gauge-themed structure kits, some of which they acquired from P-B-L.

History

At some point in time, they sold their S-scale (only) structure kit product line to Wiseman Model Services.

Forbes Models

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

FOS Scale Limited

Foxhill Associates

History

The company was started in 1985.

Funrise Toy Corporation

Notes

Under the trademarked brand name "Code 3 Collectibles", the company produced fire-related S-scale emergency vehicle models. The company still exists, but it is no longer involved in the diecast vehicles market.

History

The company was started in 1987. Code 3 Collectibles was started in 1997 by Arnie, targeting the adult collector. The last year of production of Code 3 Collectibles vehicles was 2011. Arnie retired as CEO in 2015. The owner has been a leader in the toy industry for several decades. He was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 2012.

G and W Models

Notes

Note that there were advertisements put out by the company that they were going to produce a U25B body kit. The project was started, but it was never actually brought to market.

History

In the May 1980 Model Railroader magazine there is an ad for metal detailing parts available for a variety of diesel engines, as well as a GE U25B body kit (no drive mechanism), thus announcing this new company. In 1981 Geoff took over as the NASG's Dispatch editor. The company closed in 2005 with the death of Walt. Walt helped found the Central New York S Gaugers club. The company also produced decals, which were sold to Rail Graphics (which, itself, closed at the end of 2017).

G Mil Models

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Gandyman and Son Trains

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Gardiner Model Railroad Designs

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

GCLaser

History

In September 2024, the company closed down their web site.

Gilmaur

History

The company was started in the 1970s as an O-scale brass kit manufacturer. Working with Colin Stewart, Gilmaur in 2014 released a few of their kits in S-scale. Mike passed away in January 2021, thus ending the company.

Gloor Craft Models

Notes

The company manufactured prototypical kits featuring pre-cut basswood parts, color-coded stripwood, metal castings, and step-by-step instructions with full-size drawings.

History

The company was started in 1983. At some point in time, they bought the Quality Craft Models line of modern car kits (Quality Craft became Weaver Models, of O-scale fame). The company was eventually bought by Wiseman Model Services.

Gold Coast Models

History

The company was started in 1994 by the founder of Pacific Rail Shops, primarily to import brass S-scale models. After the sale of PRS to Des Plaines Hobbies in 2006, the father and son team used this company name to sell the remaining built and kit-form cars that they still had in stock from PRS (Des Plaines did not buy their existing inventory; just the tooling and the right to the name). In 2013 Felix made the announcement that their TT-scale product line had been sold to the German company Lok-N-Roll.

Goldline Products

History

Their web site disappeared in March 2024.

Grand River Models

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

Grandt Line Products

History

Cliff passed away in 2002 and his family continued the company.
The company closed in 2018. The product line was bought by The San Juan Model Company. However, the "Grandt Line" name is now officially retired and is no longer used with any of their former product line. The Grandt Line web site is still up, but it refers you to the new company.

Great American Locomotion

Notes

The company makes G-gauge products, but in 2010 they took a side tour and created the one and only S-scale kit they made. The company still exists, but is no longer active in S.

Greenbrier Railroad Models

Notes

The company produced one engine model in several configurations. The remaining inventory continues to be sold by B.T.S.

History

The company was started as an LLC in West Virginia in 1997. The company closed in 2001.

Grizzly Mountain Engineering

Notes

The company produced laser-cut wooden kits of 1900s horse-n-carriage wagon kits (i.e. narrow-gauge oriented) in HO, S, and O. They also developed a cam driver kit for enabling chuff sounds for DCC-equipped steam locomotives.

History

The company was started in 2003. Their web site has been gone for a number of years, so presumably they are out of business.

H.D. Scale Models

Notes

The company was primarily an HO-scale kit manufacturer, but produced a number of S-scale kits as well. The web site link is to an archive web site that shows the instruction sheets of the kits (probably the HO-scale versions).

History

The first kits are identified as having been released in 1966. The S-scale ones came out in 1979 as near as we can tell. The mailing address was a post office box in Sterling Jct, but the shop was in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. It was run out of the owner's house. The company stopped when the owner passed away in around 1980.

Hartoy, Inc

Notes

Web site indicates that it was last updated in 1999, so this likely just a forgotten page.

History

Founded in 1982, initially to import English diecast vehicles into the U.S. In 1988 the company changed ownership, which added larger-scale models. In 1990 they started their famous 1:64 "American Highway Legends" (AHL)series. In 1993 they started making more modernday trucks, such as Kenworth and Mack models, under the PEM (Precision Engineered Models) product line name. The company was bought by Tonkin Replicas in 2003.

He6agon

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Heimburger House

History

The company was started in the early-1980s to publish books and the Sn3 Modeler magazine (Don was already publishing the S Gaugian magazine). The company was closed (not sold) in 2019 when Don decided to retire. Don passed away in 2022.

Hobby Loads

History

Wilson died in 2017. In 2018 DC Rail & Hobby Depot bought the product line from the estate.

Hopper Line (The)

Hoquat Hobbies

History

The company was started in 1977. The brick-n-mortar retail store closed in 2016, and the web site closed in 2019, with most of the remaining inventory going to the Des Plaines Hobbies retail store.

Howard' S Trains

History

Howard passed away in February 2022, thereby closing the shop.

Imex Model Company

Notes

It seems that the company has completely switched to the RC hobby, and their web site no longer lists the various figures collections that they offered. They are likely still in stock at your local hobby stores.

History

The company was started in 1974 as a hobby distributor in Central Islip, New York. They moved to Florida in 1992.

Imlay Train Station

Notes

Dave created this company, mostly to sell his own inventory. The web site is still active, but it hasn't been updated in many years.

Imperial Hobby Productions

History

The owner stated on an online forum in 2013 that he is tired of resin casting. Now, in 2023, it appears he has completely removed all S-scale products (trolley shells) from his Shapeways store. The store is still open, but it only lists 1:700 scale ships.

Instrument Design, Inc.

Notes

This is the parent company of American Hi-Rail. The company still exists, but it is no longer involved in manufacturing S-scale products.

J-C Models

History

The company was started in 1939. Sometime in the 1960s they bought Chester Industrial Arts' product line of passenger cars (the new versions had detailed cast ends, and the option of either corrugated or smooth sides). At some point the company moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Tom passed away in 1980. In 2025 Chris Boylan contacted the NASG to indicate that he took over whatever was left of the company.

JAKS Industries, Inc.

Notes

The name comes from the owners' names (John And Kathy Stetz).

History

The company was started in 1983. Sometime in the 1990s they bought Scale Structures Ltd., Period Miniatures, Finest Kind Models, Triangle Scale Models, Mini-Structures, Mecca Mineral Works, Milepost, and Arkansas Valley Scale Models. In 1997 the company announced that they would stop producing S- and O-scale products. In 2000 Jon was recalled to active duty in the U.S. Navy. At some point in time their product lines were bought by Wiseman Model Services and Turner Model Works (e.g. Finest Kind Models).

Jan Rons

History

Jan is still around, but he no longer takes orders for custom builds.

Jim Sutter

Notes

The cars were painted using Floquil paints, decorated with Champion Decal Company's decals, and sold ready-to-run.

History

Walter Graeff, of Ace Model Railroad Equipment Company, commissioned a number of box car bodies from Lionel in 1971. Starting in 1974 James "Jim" R. Sutter bought these car bodies, custom-painted and decorated them, and sold them at train shows. Jim owned a hobby shop in Homer City, PA, and also worked for the Pennsylvania DOT.

John Huster

Notes

S-Helper Service manufactured a number of cars specifically for him that he sold directly.

History

John ran a web site called "The Boys' Railroad Club". Through it he sold vintage A.C. Gilbert American Flyer films on VHS video tape, and custom runs of American Models- and S-Helper Service-produced items.

JT Toys

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

June's Small World

Notes

It is now believed that Pacific Fast Mail was the company that actually manufactured the unpainted figures. They sold them, unpainted, to other companies. June bought these wholesale and then hand-painted each of them and sold them under her own name. She produced figures in HO-, S-, and O-scale. P-B-L's Keren Booth did the same thing, so that explains why duplicates of the same figures appeared under different brand names. Note that there appears to be significant discrepancies between the back-of-the-packaging numbering system and the actual figures.

History

June's product line was sold when her health started to fail, but so far no one has positively identified to whom. KLM Creations appears to be a successor, as their packaging was very similar to June's, and they appear to have expanded on June's product line a little bit. Bill Winans recalls that that company didn't last very long, maybe a year or so. P-B-L still has "KLM" figures listed on their web site.

K-Line Electric Trains

History

MDK, Inc. was started in 1975 and operated under the name K-Line Electric Trains (not to be confused with the famous "K Line" shipping containers owned by a Japanese company). The company acquired the rights to the A.C. Gilbert S-scale track components after Gilbert's demise, which they continued to produce. K-Line bought the Marx tooling in 1980 at that company's bankruptcy sale. The company was set to release an 0-4-0 steam locomotive and an end-cab industrial switcher, when Lionel discovered that K-Line's factory was using the Lionel designs to make their S-scale and other products. Lionel, LLC successfully sued K-Line in 2006 and was awarded all of the assets of K-Line as the judgment against them was more than what the company was worth. The interesting bit of back-story is that Lionel, LLC was itself in a state of bankruptcy, so actually Sanda Kan, who made all of the K-Line products, bought the company, and licensed it back to Lionel. Got it? Good! K-Line's S-scale products were based on Marx' O-27 product line, replacing only the trucks. Lionel was only allowed to use K-Line's track for three years, so they produced American Flyer-labeled track during that period. When that expired, they created their FasTrack system. The dies to the S-scale products were sold off and never heard from again.

Kanamodel Products

Notes

The company produced N-, HO-, and S-scale kits, all based on Canadian prototypes.

History

The owner passed away in 2017, thereby closing the company.

Kane's Farm Toys

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Kansas City Kits

History

The company was started in the 1940s, and in 1953 they advertised a brass S-scale tank car. Their kits were very spartan; essentially a box of pre-shaped wood pieces. Prices were around $1.20 for a single-dome car.

Kaslo Shop Distributing

History

They produced a couple of S-scale rolling stock kits, but seem to be focused on HO-scale only now.

Kemtron

Ken Kidder Railroad Models

History

Started in the late-1940s.

Kent's Stuff

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Keystone Details

Notes

Products only should through the old Shapeways.

History

The owner stated on a public forum that he would literally have to recreate all of the CAD drawings to make his products available via another 3D-printing service web site, and he has decided that it is not worth it for him. The announcement was posted in July 2024 and his web site disappeared in October 2024.

Kingfield Car Shops

Kingmill Enterprises

History

The company is no longer active, and the owner now has a company that makes wall-hanging art and seems to no longer be involved in model railroading.

Kinsman Scale Models

History

Bob Blois was Northeastern Scale Models' shop foreman. He had received permission from Jim Doyle (owner of Northeastern) to use the shop's tools, during after-hours, to produce S-scale car kits. Bob named his venture after his wife's maiden name, "Kinsman Scale Models". Bill Boucher did the Kinsman instruction sheets. When Jim Doyle passed away, his heirs took over in the early 1960s and were not as lenient. They discovered that Bob had been using the Northeastern materials without paying for them. Bob went to jail for embezzlement.

Presumably the company continued, after that, as they also sold the "Quality Craft Models" line of modern freight cars. The Bill Boucher-drawn passenger car instruction sheets indicate a date of 1969. Kinsman also sold Andrews and Bettendorf truck kits that had been part of the "Ambroid S Gauge" kit line made by Northeastern Scale Models.

Their 1964 catalog showed an address in Salem, New Hampshire, which included a listing of the many parts that they carried as well as metal figures.

Bob Blois passed away in 1998.

The dates are unknown, but Main Line Models, owned by Richard & Shirley Koontz out of Furnace, PA, bought Kinsman's product line and continued to sell the kits. We have found no evidence that they produced new kits under that name; perhaps they simply continued to sell Kinsman's remaining inventory. They also owned Ye Olde Huff-N-Puff, which was also located in Furnace, PA. Kinsman kits were released under Ye Olde Huff-N-Puff, so perhaps Main Line Models simply used the "Ye Olde Huff-N-Puff" brand name to release those kits.

Some years later, Don Heimburger bought the rights and Kinsman product line. He released a number of kits under the Scenery Unlimited brand name. In around 2009 he sold the rights, tools, inventory, and parts to NE Prototypes, owned by Bill Morris, who became the official owner of the Kinsman product line. Bill Morris passed away in November 2025.

Kiwi Trains

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

KLM Creations

History

This company appears to be a successor to June's Small World, as they sold similar figures and even expanded the product line. Bill Winans recalls that they didn't last very long. P-B-L, on their web site, identifies some of their figures with the "KLM" product ID, which are unpainted. Both June's Small World and KLM Creations sold painted figures. Some have speculated that unpainted figures were sold wholesale.

KMP Models

History

The company started in 1993. The KMP Models own web site seems to have disappeared, but the kits are now available via Coastmans Scenic Products. In January 2025, Coastmans indicated on their web site that they are no longer able to continue the KMP Models product line.

KND Enterprises, Inc

History

Their web site disappeared in 2021. John had a serious fall in 2021 which prevented him from producing kits. As near as we can tell, John passed away in July 2022 at the age of 88.

Korber Models

History

Bought by Mr Muffin's Trains in 2016.

Kris Model Trains Company

History

The company was started in 1968. The owner was an avid Lionel collector, and purchased a lot of the tooling that Lionel had when it went out of business in 1967. Although primarily an O-scale company, in 1969 the company received around 3,000 American Flyer freight car shells, which were painted, decorated, and sold under the "Kris Model Trains" (KMT) name. Advertisements appeared in the 1970 and 1971 issues of the S Gauge Herald. The models came with either Pikemaster trucks and couplers, or American Flyer knuckle couplers. The company closed in 1982. Andy passed away in 1990.

Lanes Trains

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Liberty Models

History

Produced car parts in the 1970s.

Lima Models

Lines West Products

History

In late 2025 their web site was updated and they completely dropped all S-scale products.

LITCo

History

The company is now opened by Berrett Hill Trains, but doesn't appear to carry track anymore.

Locomotive Workshop

Notes

The company was primarily an O-scale manufacturer from the 1960s through the 1980s, adding S-scale products in the early 1970s. Both Hoquat Hobbies and Wally Metal Products of Parksburg, PA (Fall 1984 issue of the NASG's Dispatch) are listed as having bought the S-scale product line.

History

In 1983 the company announced that the 4-6-0 project was their last S-scale one. Then in 1984 part of the product line was bought by Hoquat Hobbies. Jan died in 2004.

Mad Dog Designs

Notes

Keith is an S-scale modeler. This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

MadAboutCars

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways. In 2024, he started his own web site, but he now only lists N- and HO-scale cars; no mention of S. Showcase Miniatures is the U.S. distributor for these models.

Main Line Models

Notes

Their kits were sold by the Kinsman Models' retail arm.

History

The company was originally located in Furnace, PA. The company was bought by Ye Olde Huff-N-Puff (any now its new owner LaBelle Woodworking, who announced that they are closing their business in mid-2026).

Mainline Modules

Mainstreeter Trains

History

The company was started in 1996.

Manheim Machine & Tool Co.

History

In 2000 the company bought Downs Model Railroad Co (which included the ACE product line owned by Downs). Marlin did some machining work for Russ Downs, hence the connection. Marlin died in 2009 (the company was offered for sale by his lawyer). In 2010 Iron Rail Models bought the company and the rights, which included the MMT, Ace, and Downs product lines.

Marker Light Productions

Notes

They produced nickel-plated passenger car sides replacements for American Models passenger cars.

History

The company was started in 1996.

Marsh Creek Mini

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Mask Island Decals

History

Founder Hubert Mask passed away in 2022. In August of that year Highball Graphics bought the Mask Island Decals product line from Hubert's family, and is continuing to produce these decals under the Mask Island Decals brand name.

Master Creations

History

The company was started in 1984. They were the supplier to a number of parts that B.T.S. used and sold, so in April 1998 B.T.S. bought them out.

Masterpiece Module Kits

History

The company close down in 2024.

Mettoy Playcraft Ltd

History

The company was started in 1956. In 1989 they were bought by Mattel. Then in 1995 Corgi Classics Limited bought the product line. In 2008 they were bought by Hornby. Corgi Toys is their trademark name.

MicroMimesis

Notes

They used to sell most only the old Shapeways.

History

Their web site disappeared in early 2025.

Microtech Scale Models

History

The company was founded in late 1999 and owned by two Sn3 modelers. Their web site was last updated in 2006 and then disappeared.

Midgage Models

History

The company was started by Bill Stewart (unknown year). The company was set up in one end of one of the two New Haven box cars that Bill owned and placed on his property. In 1950 Gene Fletcher joined the company (he was the accountant), and when Bill wanted to sell it, Gene bought it, renaming it "Sylvania Models". Gene only kept the passenger car line. He was located in Rehobeth, MA, and helped found the Bristol S Gauge Railroaders club in 1948 (for more history about this club see the October 1997 NASG Dispatch issue). Gene died in 2003.

Midlin Models

History

In 1938 the company's HO-scale track system was announced in the Model Railroader magazine. In 1949 they announced their first S-scale components. The company was sold to Gnome Models in 1959.

Midway Model Makers

History

One modeler bought a kit that contained typed instructions dated March 20, 1948.

Mike Parts

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Milepost 169

Milepost Models

History

Tim Moat bought the entire product line from Turner Model Works in 2018. This included, for S-scale, the Finest Kind Models product line. He also owns Coyote Flats Depot, which appears to be only an On30

Milestone Autos

History

This was a product line by P-B-L. When P-B-L bought the Chama Model Works company from Jim Finnell in 1986, they also bought his S-scale vehicles product line. They continued to have Jim produce the vehicles and released them under their own name "Milestone Autos".

Milestone Models

Notes

This was a brand name that P-B-L used for releasing some of their early engines.

Miller Engineering & Design

History

Doug passed away in 2020.

MillsTech Model Shop

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Mini-Structures

History

Three men started the company in 1956, but could not make the business profitable. Hansel Main and a partner bought the company in 1960. The partner revived the company in earnest 12 years later. Dwight Wortman (Denver, CO) bought the company in 1985. Hansel Main bought the company back in 1988. In 1990 he sold the company to BK Enterprises. The company appears to be dormant now.

Miniature Locomotive and Car Shop

Miniature Machine

Notes

This company offered brass 50-ton arch bar freight trucks for Sn3, according to their announcement in the September 1980 Model Railroader. They also produced twenty 2-8-0 brass engines modeled after the Sierra RR #18, and sold 42" steam locomotive drivers (code 110) separately.

History

J.D. Rustermier bought the dies and remaining castings from Barney, however, by that time S-Helper Service and American Models were making similar products much cheaper, so there wasn't much demand for them anymore. Barney passed away in 2010.

miniNature

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

MinuteMan Scale Models

History

The owner bought Scalecoat paints. Word has it that the regulatory burden of making paints became too much to handle. This happened sometime in late 2022, and all who placed an order in that time have lost their money. In June 2025, an unknown entity bought Scalecoat and created a dedicated web site for it.

MJMX Models

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Model Railroad & Space Models

Model Railroading Details

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Model RR Warehouse

History

At some point in time, Model RR Warehouse, believed to have been a physical retail store in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area, bought "Wabash Valley Models" from Omnicon (who in turn had bought Enhorning's product line). Wabash Valley Lines, Inc was created by Model RR Warehouse, under which they sold their version of the F-unit shells in S-scale (the company also sold improved older-style HO-scale wood kits of freight cars). Pre-painted and decorated models of the S-scale F-units were sold, but their box labels indicated "New River Models" (speculation: was this another company owned by Merle Rice that sold "finished" models?). Merle experienced some serious health issues in 2020 and subsequently shut down his web site. Merle passed away in May 2024.

Model Tech, Inc.

History

The company was started in 1985.

Model Train Stuff

Model Truckers LLC

(last reviewed on 11/25/2025)

History

The company took over the modeltruckin.com product line in late 2024.

Models by Miller

History

The company lasted from 1961 through 1969. It was founded by two gentlemen from Cleveland who were in the printing business and who were O-scale model railroaders in the early 1960s. They debuted their O- and S-scale photo-engraved brass heavyweight passenger car kits at the Cleveland NMRA Convention in 1961 (Dick Karnes was there and bought four of the kits).

Models by Roger Schenck

Modern Models

History

Three guys, modeling in S, who became friends while in Vietnam.

Monon Shop (The)

Monroe Hobby Products

Mountaineer Precision Products

History

The company was started in 2002.

MrCraftsmanHK

Notes

Produces 3D-printed figures that arrive hand-painted.

MTH Electric Trains

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

History

Mike Wolf founded the company in 1980 as a mail-order online store. In 2012 they bought the S-Helper Service tools & product line, with the first products appearing in 2014. In 2020 Mike Wolf announced his retirement, with the intent of closing the company. In 2021 MTH releases the fishbelly hopper, which was their first new S-scale product (designed by SHS), which sold out very quickly. In January 2021 MTH and ScaleTrains announced that ScaleTrains bought the MTH (former S-Helper Service) tooling. Meet the Manufacturer is a video to learn more about the company. Interview with Mike Wolf. Interview with Andy Edleman.

The additional bit of history that is significant in MTH's history, was the event that they got sued by Union Pacific Railroad for using slogans and logos of current and fallen-flag railroads on models, which the UP owned. UP demanded a 3% royalty fee from all model railroad manufacturers for any model that they made that was decorated for any UP-owned logo. Mike Wolf, negotiated with UPRR and eventually in November 2006 managed to get them to drop the 3% royalty fee. Model railroad manufacturers do have to state on their official literature that the trademarks are owned by the UPRR.

Mullet River Model Works

History

Glenn closed the company and sold it to Des Plaines Hobbies in 2015.

Multiscale Digital LLC

History

The company was started in 2018 by an electrical engineer hailing from the Pittsburgh, PA area, hence the large industrial equipment. They originally printed the items themselves, but switched to using Shapeways in late 2022. Modelers reported that the prints that Shapeways created were not as good as the ones that the owner himself produced. The company closed down in early 2024, and Shapeways filed for bankruptcy in July 2024.

N.J. Custom Brass

NE Prototypes

NASG member

History

Bill indicated in 2024 that he is the official owner of Kinsman, and all of the parts that make up their kits. He bought the products and the name and rights from Don Heimburger in around 2009. He also bought whatever inventory was there at the time and all of the molds. Bill passed away in November 2025.

Supplemental File

Inventory as of November 2024

NEO Scale Models

Notes

The company predominantly made 1:43 cars, but they also branched out in S-scale. Only 500 models of each vehicle were created.

History

The Dutch company was founded in 2008, and had one additional employee, Mark Asbreuk. In 2011, they sold the company to Model Car World GmbH out of Florsheim, Germany, while the two NEO gentlemen went on to form Matrix Scale Models (which only produces 1:43 scale resin models).

Nevada-California Car Shops

History

Released an S-scale kit in 1992.

Newgard Model Industries

History

The company's web site disappeared sometime in 2022.

Nikkru Gadgets and Apparatuses

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Nixon Model Co.

History

The company was started in 1946 with the first catalog published in 1947. The company's objective was to produce conversion kits for A.C. Gilbert products, to make them into scale models. These kits contained replacement wheels/axles for tender, pilot, and trailing trucks as well as scale drivers and axles. The axles had "D"-shaped ends, and the zamac driver centers had "D"-shaped openings to match. This design assured proper quartering. The modeler had to remove the AF drivers, axles, and worm gear, then use the reverse procedure to install the scale versions. The modeler had to press the drivers onto the axles between vise jaws to keep the drivers perpendicular to the axles. Rectifiers were separately available to allow for DC reversing of these converted locomotives.

Later, the company also started producing freight and passenger car kits.

Often found abbreviated as "Nimco" (Nixon Model Company), their trade name for their S-scale product line. Paul Culp and his brothers were the ones who actually made the tooling and dies for Nixon.

Nixon had a retail store and was a retailer for Super Scale Models' box car kits. The company also produced a line of passenger trucks that were made out of soft metal (which continued to be offered by Scenery Unlimited), as well as an extruded aluminum heavy-weight passenger kit. The six-wheel Pullman truck still had Strafford Scale Models stamped on them, suggesting that Nixon had bought the Strafford product line.

Ben died in 1960. Later that year, Ben Nixon's estate sold the business to the Broadbent family, which continued the retail hobby store, under the name "Delaware Valley Hobby Shop", but stopped producing S-scale products. Then in 1963 Northern Industries (out of St Albans, Vermont) bought the S-scale product line. Al Hall, owner of Northern Industries, moved to California. Later, in the August 1981 issue of RMC, "The Hobby Shop", a division of Northern Industries, of San Jose, California offered the Nimco S-scale conversion wheels for American Flyer diesels.

Nord Company (The)

Notes

In the March 1945 issue of Model Railroader magazine, on page 147, there is a half-page ad by Nord introducing S-scale, but they gave no specifics; they merely asked readers to send in for info. Click the file to view the ad, and the booklet that one received once one asked for the info.

History

The Nord name was part of the Stinson Model Company. Nord engines were produced after WWII and continued to be sold under the Stinson name into the 1950s. In 1960, Bob Stinton announces the desire to sell the company (source: December 1960 S Gauge Herald).

Supplemental File

The 1945 Nord Booklet Scanned by Chuck Kinzer

North Jersey Model Car Co.

History

In 1953 the company announced in October 1953 issue of Model Railroader magazine that they had bought the O- and S-scale maintenance-of-way kits from Bob Peare, so that Peare could concentrate on their track components.

Northeastern Scale Models

History

The company was active in the 1950s.

Northwest Model Railroad Co.

Notes

Jesse (pronounced "Jess") was a master craftsman who built many steam locomotives from scratch for himself and many other lucky modelers.

O3D Miniatures

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Oahu Railway & Model Company

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Old Pullman Model Railroads, Inc.

History

The track was manufactured in Switzerland. Scenery Unlimited sold it in the U.S. At some point in time Hoquat Hobbies took over the U.S. distribution. According to Jeff Wilson, owner of the former Hoquat Hobbies, the reason for the ending of the product line was that the exchange rate between the Swiss franc and U.S. dollar made the track components too expensive to be sold in the U.S.

Old Shanty

Olson Hobbies

History

The store was started in 1966. We're unsure of when it closed, but Dan passed away in April 2023.

Omnicon Scale Models

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

Notes

Charlie helped create the concept of the "Gang of 100". This consisted of a group of individuals who firmly committed to purchasing a brass locomotive that Omnicon agreed to have produced in Korea. Every member of the group had to agree to purchase one or more models, regardless of what the group decided to have manufactured. A minimum order of 100 individual models had to be placed for it to make economic and practical sense for the builder and Omnicon. Only a couple of engines were so manufactured. Charlie had his own S-scale home layout, and he was involved in a 50-foot square layout built by the "S-Team" at the Omnicon office.

History

The company was started in 1985. When Charlie died, Dave and Charlie's wife continued with the company. In 2012 Dave Netherton passed away.

Oriental Limited

Pacific Fast Mail

Notes

It is believed that Pacific Fast Mail manufactured unpainted figures (in HO-, S-, and O-scale), which they sold directly, and also sold wholesale to P-B-L and June's Small World.

History

The company was started in the early 1950s. When the owner passed away, his son took over. By that time Don Drew became involved with the company (mid-1960s). In the early to mid-1970s the company was among the first to import brass Sn3 equipment. The company got out of the brass importing business around 1980, and continued to sell books and their Sound System II until around 1990.

Pacific Rail Shops

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

History

The company was started in 1985 as a 50-50 partnership between Jerry Porter and John Verser (they met at that year's NASG Convention). In 1988 Jerry moved from California to Colorado and created Intermountain Railway Company (IRC) to act as the manufacturing arm of Pacific Rail Shops (the kits were made in Oregon). At some point in time, Jerry sold his share of PRS to John Verser, and held a smaller share in IRC to afford bringing on additional personnel at IRC. At some point in time both John and Jerry sold their share of IRC back to IRC, as S-scale became less appealing to IRC. Jerry went on to create HO-scale models under the name "Innovative Model Works", and John focused on PRS. John created Gold Coast Railway in 1992 for the purpose of importing brass models. In 2005 the person PRS used for painting and lettering retired, so John switched to having the models painted and lettered in China, and also contracted with them to have some models be fully assembled. In 2006 Des Plaines Hobbies (DPH) bought the PRS product line while the work in China was progressing. So, PRS, itself, never sold any assembled cars. DPH started selling the assembled-in-China models, which were already in PRS boxes. These were only a number of PRS reefer cars that were assembled and sold in PRS boxes. Subsequently, DPH started having the cars made and sold under their "S Scale America" brand. DPH did not buy any of the Gold Coast Models (remaining inventory of PRS kits were sold by John's son, Felix, under this name on eBay). Please note that Des Plaines Hobbies currently owns the Pacific Rail Shops name and tooling (which is why this company is listed as "active"). The company produced easy-to-build freight car kits where the bodies were pre-painted and lettered. See the NMRA's S Scale SIG for a complete article on the history of this company.

Pazan Hobbies

Pecos River Brass

Pennsy Mainline Models

Pennsylvania Heritage Models

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

Notes

The company produced some unique products for S-scale, especially related to traction modeling. Surprisingly, the web site is still up.

History

In the 2011 Spring 1:64 Modeling Guide issue there is a note stating that effective January 1, 2011, PA Heritage Models will no longer produce S-scale products (the company was predominantly an O-scale manufacturer). When Tom passed away in 2012, this abruptly ended the company.

Perma-Bilt Models

History

The earliest confirmed year that the company appeared was in 1952. The company bought the Super Scale Models product line when they went out of business. At some point in time they were bought by ACE Model Railroad Company.

Pieter Roos

Notes

Pieter Roos commissioned Smoky Mountain Model Works to produce these resin roofs, which he sold directly via word-of-mouth.

Pine Canyon Scale Models

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

History

The company was started in 2003 in Fresno, California. In 2008 Michael Greene bought the company and moved it to Massachussets. He did re-runs of the kits, until about 2013, when the company appears to have gone on hiatus. Michael has moved since then, but the address is unknown. The web site disappeared in September 2024.

Pinelas Miniatures

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products. The company has a web site, but it does not sell products anymore.

Playart

History

The company was active from 1965 to 1983.

Pope Imagineering

Port Able Lines

History

Around 1970 Jon Beveridge bought the company and renamed it Cascade Hobby Products.

Poverty Flats Model Company

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Precision Flyer Repairs

History

In August 2023 the company announced that they are no longer offering repair services, but that they are selling their inventory of parts and items via their eBay store.

Precision Vintage Classics

Notes

The company was a dealer for Evan Designs, ESU, Decoder Buddy, QSI, and Tam Valley.

History

The company bought Berlyn Locomotive Works' Sn3 product line in 2009. They also bought the Tomalco parts (only; not the track) product line. They were using Valley Brass & Bronze (owned by David Sciacca) for making their parts, but in 2024 that company announced it is no longer doing so for PVC. Paul Vaughn passed away in December 2024. Shortly after that, his web site was changed to indicate that the company is closed. In July 2025, Doug Junda announced that San Juan Details bought Precision Vintage Classics' inventory, and will integrate them into their product line.

Prototype S Parts

History

A 2003 fire destroyed masters and inventory. Pre-Size Model Specialties buys the product line in 2018.

Putt Trains

History

In 1996 the company bought the Rex product line. In 2014 Terry indicated that he might revive the line after his retirement, but for now it is dormant.

Quality Craft Models

Notes

Quality Craft Models was the original name of Weaver Models, with the latter producing only O-scale models and the ScaleCoat paints. Weaver Models closed in mid-2015 (Minuteman Scale Models took over the ScaleCoat paints product line, which was closed in 2022).

History

The company was started in 1965. The changed their name to Weaver Models sometime around 1980. At some point in time Gloor Craft Models bought the Quality Craft Models' S-scale product line.

Queen Tool & Mfg. Co.

History

Dave passed away in 2017.

R.S.S.V.P. Models

History

The company was bought by John Porter at some point in time.

R3feetr

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Racing Champions

History

Racing Champions was founded in 1989. In 1999 Racing Champions purchased the Ertl Company and changed its name to Racing Champions Ertl. TOMY International eventually bought the company, and that's where it stands today. In 2015 the company Round 2 obtained the rights to use the Racing Champions name to produce its line of diecast vehicles, as sold today.

Ragg's... to Riches?

History

Joe started designing laser-cut kits in 1993, primarily for other companies. Then in 2004 they decided to start their own kit manufacturing business. In 2022 they announced their retirement, remaining open until all inventory is sold. Joe models in Sn3.

Railroad Art

History

In the April 1995 Model Railroader magazine, the company announced a run of the PRR H39 three-bay hopper car. John was unable to financially see the project through, so it was taken over by Des Plaines Hobbies (which still sells this today). John died shortly after that.

Railroad Crossing (The)

Notes

The owner built models to your specifications.

History

In October 2024, the owner announced on his Facebook page that he is closing up shop after 30 years in the business. His web site disappeared in early 2025.

Railway Engineering

History

The company's web site disappeared in mid-2024. Due to age, Stephen has decided to no longer continue his business. As of mid 2025, he appears to still be around and happily working on his own S/Sn3 layout.

Rebel Locomotives

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Regal Kits

History

The company was started in 1961 and closed in 1970. In 1971 Wisconsin Central Supply bought the product line. At some point in time they were located in Champaign, Illinois.

Rem's Railroad Models

Renoster Scale Models Limited

Republic Locomotive Works

Notes

Their web site seems to be gone as of March 2023.

Rex Engineering

History

The company was started in 1951, and the 0-4-0 was their first product. Paul Culp and his brothers made all the tooling and dies for Rex. Some time in the early 1960s Bert passed away. The company was subsequently bought by John Sudimak and Howard Phillips (a founding member of the Cuyahoga Valley S Gaugers club), operated as S&P Distributors. They changed the original 2-4-4 dies to produce the 2-6-0 engines. In 1968 the earliest known product catalog was created. Some time in the 1980s Howard Phillips withdraws from the company due to health reasons, and John Sudimak continued it under the name Rex S Gauge Models. John Sudimak dies in 1984. His son, Jack, continues the business, moving it to Medina, Ohio. Howard Phillips died in 1987. Jack works with Bowser to re-run the old flat car dies to produce another run of those in the late 1980s. Jack adds a partner to the company in 1993. In 1996 Jack sells the company to Putt Trains (Terry Putt). Jack Sudimak died in 2012. In December 2025, Terry announced on Facebook that he is offering the Rex product line for sale, as he hopes someone will be able to revive the product line.

Ribbonrail

Notes

The company produced metal gauges that the modeler fits in between two rails when handlaying track to get the desired gauge. They were available straight and curved for various radii. When used, the modeler could then spike the outside of the rail in position on both rails, and then follow up by spiking the inside of the rail after removing the gauge. The company has been closed for some time, but retailers still have some of these in stock.

Ridgehill Scale Models

Ring Miniatures

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

River Leaf Models

History

The company closed its shop in 2022.

River Raisin Models

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

History

The company was started in 1987. Jim sold his partnership back to Dan in 2007, as he wanted to retire. In 2022 Dan announced his retirement, and their web site was closed down in February 2023.

Robert L Miller Laboratory

Notes

The unique design of those trucks was that everything was contained between the sideframes (similar to the NWSL Stanton Drive). The patented Miller tie strip was an early form of flextrack. It came with code 126 rail. More information about Bob Miller and a sample catalog from 1952 can be found in the December 1996 issue of the NASG's Dispatch magazine.

History

Robert Miller manufactured an Alco S-4 diesel switcher, powered trucks, and plastic tie strips. The powered trucks were manufactured from the 1940s through the 1960s. The company was bought by Sunset Mfg. Co. In 1979 Scenery Unlimited bought the Sunset. Robert died in 1988.

Rocky Mountain Model Works

Notes

This company produced some S-scale structure kits, primarily focused on narrow-gauge territories. Jim's Sn3 Colorado & Southern layout was open as part of the 1997 NASG Convention layout tours.

History

Jim died in 1997.

Roy Meissner

Notes

Roy manufactures automobile kits based off of various models. e-mail him to see if he carries a specific model. The DIVCO delivery van is one such kit which costs $20. To see Roy's available kits, go to the NASG Convention or other S-scale related events.

RSLaserKits

(last reviewed on 07/21/2025)

History

The company started in 2004. An article with photos of the facilities appears in the July 2016 issue of the NASG's Dispatch. In 2025 the owner decided to retire and sold their kits product line to Phoenix Precision Models.

Rusty Stumps Scale Models

History

The company was started in 2002. In 2018 the company sold their kits and laser-cut parts to Rail Scale Models, and Walt retired. However, in 2020 Walt came out of retirement (because he was bored) and switched to producing detailing parts in cast and 3D-printed resin. But then by 2022 the company's web site completely disappeared.

S DeSignS

Supplemental File

Doors

S Scale Locomotive & Supply

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

History

In 1962 Claud Wade starts producing parts for S-scale steam locomotives (patterns were made by various modelers; castings were made by external contractors on bids). Bob Hartzel bought the company in 1989 and moved it to New Jersey. Bob owned a machine shop that made tugboat parts. Claud then retires. Bob made the parts, but Russ Downs (ACE) did the selling of them and dealt with the customers, as Bob had no interest in doing that. By 1998, Bob had lost interest in the company and Russ Downs couldn't get Bob to make more parts, so the business and inventory was sold to Fred Rouse, who re-built the inventory (patterns were made by Simon Parent, but Fred started to cast himself, as external contractors were too expensive). In 2003 Fred moved the company to Florida. Claud passed away in 2005. Fred sold the casting business, machinery, and inventory (the purchaser was not announced) in 2016; Fred retains the "S Scale Locomotive & Supply" name. Simon Parent makes the public announcement in 2021 that he was the one who purchased the tools and inventory from Fred Rouse (he did not buy the SSL&S name). He has retired from his day job, and is now interested in making the parts that he can from the masters he acquired. He will sell them under the name Miniatures From The North. A side note: Steam Depot never owned SSL&S. They had a lot of parts in their inventory. Fred Rouse bought out Steam Depot's inventory of SSL&S when he took over SSL&S, as he found that he could buy them cheaper than having to make them again.

S Scale Resource (The)

NASG member

History

The magazine was published by the parent company, The Model Railroad Resource LLC. Their first issue was in late 2014. In late 2024 they announced that due to lack of contributions, they closed the magazine. Back issues remain available via their web site.

S Scale SIG

History

The site was moved into inactive status sometime in 2020/21. In 2022, members of the S Scale SIG agree to have most of the pertinent content of the site moved over to the NASG web site. This was completed in July of 2023 (see the web site link).

S-Helper Service

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

History

The company was started by Don Thompson and Mike Ferraro in September of 1989 and they built a collaborative relationship with American Models. The purpose of S-Helper Service (a.k.a. SHS), initially, was to help manufacturers bring new products to market by providing the initial funding (hence the company's name). Don Thompson recalls that when the 1988 NASG Convention hosted by the Central Jersey S Scalers completed, they used the profits to have American Models produce several box cars and hoppers. This bought them the exclusive right to the project until the investment was paid back. This allowed American Models to produce S-scale versions of the Alco FA-2/FB-2, PA, and RS-3 engines, the EMD GP35, the GG1, and the 4-6-2 engines, and the heavyweight passenger cars. Most of these are still available via American Models and their dealers. This working relationship stopped in 1995, and SHS started their own product line under The Showcase Line brand name. In 2010 Sanda Kan (the main Chinese manufacturer) stopped making models for many companies, including S-Helper Service. Nearing retirement age and not being able to retrieve their tooling from China, in 2012 Don announced that MTH Electric Trains bought the company's tooling (the tooling remained in China but was moved from one factory to another; the Chinese communist government does not allow tooling made in China to be moved outside the country). Dave's Twacks & Trains bought the remaining parts inventory and shop tools in 2012. In 2014 MTH released their first S-scale products based on the original S-Helper Service tooling. Mike Wolf (MTH) announced his retirement in 2020, with the intent to close the company. MTH released the fishbelly hopper in 2021, which was their first new S-scale product (SHS designed that car and was going to put it in production when Sanda Kan forced them to close). In January 2021 MTH and ScaleTrains.com announced that ScaleTrains bought the MTH (former S-Helper Service) tooling. In 2023 ScaleTrains announced their first S-scale product to be the fishbelly hopper, and their S-scale product line now goes by the brand name of S-Helper Service. Don Thompson reported that all of the prototype research and documentation that they had amassed during S-Helper Service's existence was transferred to MTH. However, it is his understanding that none of that research material was transferred to ScaleTrains.

Sanda Kan

Notes

This was the Hong Kong-based company that manufactured many of the model railroading hobby's products, including for S-Helper Service, American Models, S Scale America, and Lionel, and many others.

History

The company was started in 1973 by WaiShing Ting and Sol Kramer, of Life-Like Products, to produce better quality motors for model locomotives. WaiShing Ting, however, continued to work as the managing director for Cox International, which he and Ron Cox, a California toy maker, had formed in 1965. WaiShing Ting officially moved from Cox to Sanda Kan in 1979, which at the time had 200 employees, but eventually had ten factories in China, with 10,000 employees. In 2004 the company was sold to the Hong Kong-based JP Morgan Partners, and again in 2009 to Kader Holdings, the parent company of Bachmann Industries. In 2010, Kader made the decision that Sanda Kan was to no longer manufacture products for the smaller clients, which affected many model railroading companies, but disproportionately so the S-scale ones, such as S-Helper Service.

Sandy River Car Shops

Scaler164's Shop

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Scenery Unlimited

Notes

This was the manufacturing arm of Don Heimburger's companies.

The web site domain for the former Scenery Unlimited web site has been taken over by a malware scam operator, which when you go there, will install a virus on your computer.
DO *** NOT *** GO *** TO *** THE *** OLD *** WEB *** SITE.

History

The company started importing Shinohara S and Sn3 track in 1983. In 1985 they imported their first flextrack in both S and Sn3. The exact year is thus far unknown, but the company bought Kinsman Scale Models at some point in time. In around 2009 Bill Morris, owner of NE Prototypes, bought the rights, tools, inventory, and parts of the Kinsman product line from Scenery Unlimited. In 2018 Don announced the Sn3 Modeler magazine has been stopped. In 2019 Don announces his retirement and with it the closing of this company. Port Lines Hobby Supply bought the remaining inventory, including resin kit molds. Don passed away in 2022.

Schist Lake Models

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Schreiner Scale Models

Notes

The owner worked on the Scenery Unlimited display layout.

History

Norm passed away in 2004.

Seltzer's

Notes

painted them

History

Starting in 1973 and through 1977, Josh and his wife Barbara Seltzer custom-painted and sold A.C. Gilbert-based freight cars. They were instrumental in keeping S-scale alive in the drought period between A.C. Gilbert's demise in 1967 and American Models' appearance in 1980. The story goes that Vince Amoto, owner of Hobby Surplus Sales, bought up the remaining inventory of A.C. Gilbert freight car bodies at the A.C. Gilbert company's bankruptcy auction, for literally pennies on the dollar (several truck trailers full of them, requiring dedicated storage). Details are unclear of whether Josh Seltzer was hired by Hobby Surplus to paint these car bodies, or if Josh Seltzer bought the car bodies, painted them, and then sold them back to Hobby Surplus. The subjective opinion at the time was that the work that Josh did was on par with what A.C. Gilbert would have done with the cars. Josh painted the cars with Floquil or Scalecoat, and Barbara decorated them with C-D-S dry-transfer decals. The second effort that Josh was involved with was the Budd passenger cars. That story goes as follows. Dick Karnes recalls that Bill Geracci, one of Josh Seltzer's friends, took a couple of the American Flyer Budd car bodies and spliced them into an accurate 80-foot version of Budd coaches (the AF ones were too short, so as to allow them to navigate typical AF curves). Josh used this car body as a pattern and contracted for a run of them from this pattern. Josh sold these with an American Models 80-foot Pullman floor in the same box. Josh passed away in February 2003. You can find a "Last Run" column on him in the April 2003 issue of the NASG's The Dispatch. Barbara Seltzer passed away in December 2020.

Sergent Engineering

Notes

Frank released his coupler design into the public domain, so anyone can take that design and create an S-scale coupler based on it. Currently, Inventive Models is the only one that has done so commercially.

History

The company's web site disappeared sometime in 2023, and appears to now be owned by another company.

Shapeways

History

The company was started in 2007 as a spin-off from the Dutch electronics company, Philips. It was a 3D-printing service bureau. Designers could contract with the company to have their designs hosted on the Shapeways web site, so that customers could order prints of the designs. Shapeways would handle the printing and the shipping. The designer would or could receive a percentage of the sale. In 2021, the company opened a center in the United States to offload their workload and to shorten the shipping period. All seemed to be going well when on July 2, 2024 they suddenly announced that they had filed for bankruptcy and all employees were let go. So much so, that they didn't even take down the product listings from their web site! Apparently, the company had been losing tens of millions of dollars in 2022 and 2023. The expected turn-around in 2024 wasn't going to happen, so they filed for bankruptcy. They were a major source for model railroading parts, models, and kits, and a major source for S-scale 3D-printed items. In 2025 some of the original founders of the company purchased the company out of bankruptcy, but they have dramatically changed their business model, so much so that it doesn't really resemble the original company. Basically, they are now a back-end 3D-printing service for commercial enterprises.

Sheepscot Scale Products

History

The company has merged with Gandy Dancer Hobbies, which no longer carries S-scale products.

Sidetrack Laser

Sidetracks

(last reviewed on 10/31/2025)

History

Tom passed away in 2023. Tom's wife, Margaret started listing the remaining inventory on eBay in mid 2025. In October 2025 she closed down their web site.

Sierra-Built Models Co.

Notes

Listed as one of the major suppliers of S-scale products in the 1960 S Gauge Herald.

Slim Gauge 3D

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Sloan

SmallScaleModelCollection

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways. The owner passed away in early 2024, shortly before Shapeways declared bankruptcy.

Southeastern Junction

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

SouthWind Models

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

History

The company was started in 1985. In 1996 Bill Wade left the company, but took over the SouthWind Models' detailing parts line, to supplement his own B.T.S. product line, while Jettie continued to focus on producing brass cars and engines. Jettie owns the company name. Jettie passed away in January 2026.

Special Shapes

History

Konrad made all of the shapes the company sold, himself. When Konrad passed away, the estate sold the company to K & S Precision Metals, who mostly was interested in the milling machines Konrad had. K&S continued to operate Special Shapes as a separate division.

Springfield Models

St. Charles Model Works

Notes

They manufacture loads for other train companies, as well as sell direct. They also own the trainloads.com web site domain.

History

The company was started in 2002. Their web site disappeared sometime in 2024.

Stadtilm

History

The company produced S-scale toy trains. The web site link is to a 2025 book written about this company and their product line. The YouTube link is to a video by Fred van der Lubbe who presents the European S manufacturers who were contemporaries of the U.S. A.C. Gilbert company.

Standi Toys

Notes

Their products are carried by many retailers. Stan Krueger was inducted into the National Farm Toy Hall of Fame in 2006.

History

The company was started in 1981. Sandi passed away in 2015. In 2016 Mini Truck & Tractor, LLC purchased Standi Toys Inc. Stan passed away in 2021.

Star Hobby Products

Star Models

Star-Line Models

History

Started in 1941 producing HO-scale items and products in other scales. In 1947 Midgage Models listed that the company had produced wood trestle kit for them. There is no further mention of the company after 1950.

Steam Depot

History

For a while they were the U.S. distributor of some of New Zealand's Railmaster Exports' product line. Jim Whipple indicated that he bought the patterns for making brass 4-wheel, 8-foot wheelbase trucks that Steam Depot sold. John died in 2008.

Steven's 3DGarage

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Stewart Locomotive Works

Stewart Products

History

Bought by Ye Olde Huff-N-Puff. Then in 2018 they were in turn bought by LaBelle Woodworking.

Stoney Creek Designs

Strafford Scale Models

History

Started in the late 1940s. Their instruction sheets also indicate a P.O. Box in

Stratford Metal Products Company

Notes

The parts were sold under the name Franklin Trains.

Sunset Models, Inc.

History

The company was started by Mort Mann in 1975. His son, Scott Mann, took over the company and added 3rd Rail Division in 1993, which added accurate models for three-rail O-scale. He also started Golden Gate Models to product plastic-bodied HO- and O-scale models. In 2025 Sunset Models, Golden Gate Models, and 3rd Rail Division were taken over by Third & Townsend Models. S-scale products were only made while Mort ran the company.

Sunshine Models

History

The company was started in 1972, and bought by Scenery Unlimited in 1980.

Super Scale Models

History

Started in the 1940s. When the company went out of business, Perma-Bilt Models bought their product line.

Sylvania Models

History

In 1950 Gene Fletcher took over Midgage Models and renamed it Sylvania Models, but he only continued the company's streamlined passenger cars. In 1960 Branch Line Hobby Supply took over the Sylvania Models streamlined passenger cars product line.

SZenery

History

As of December 2020, the company is on hiatus (the owner is a college student).

T Town Hobbies

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Taurus Products

Notes

Owned Classic Miniatures product line.

That Canadian Guy

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways. Also goes by the name of "miniskfarm".

The Supply Car

History

After Bob McCarthy's passing, Bob Hogan took over the remaining inventory, and may have additional information, so contact him if you have any specific requests. Bob Hogan can also custom-build you a finished model.

Thomas A Yorke

Notes

His roots were in S, but he was mainly an O-scale manufacturer and modeler.

History

Tom is retired now.

Tom's Turnouts & Trackwork

History

Tom starts the business in 2005. Tom retired in 2019. The web site closed down in April 2024.

Tomalco

History

According to Bruce Blalock, in his December 2018 article in the S Scale Resource magazine, Tom Lindholm, from Houston, Texas, created the Tom Lindholm Company, or "Tomalco" ("Tom" "A." middle initial, "L" last name, and "Co"). The company was started in 1946. Tom focused on custom-made TT-scale products. When he saw narrow-gauge diagrams in the printed media that were scaled to 1:64, he became hooked and switched to Sn3. Avery "Swede" Norlin, McCracken, Kansas, bought the company in 1964 because he, too, was pursuing TT-scale. When he saw what Tom had done (but never sold) in Sn3, he started to focus on Sn3 as well. Swede bought both the company name as well as all of the Sn3 patterns that Tom had created, as part of the deal of buying all of the TT-scale items. Swede introduced the code 100 standard-gauge and narrow-gauge flextrack product line. Bruce Blalock states that he designed and produced Tomalco's first catalog after he had moved to Houston. In 1976 they imported 500 models (total) of D&RGW C-16 #223 in both Sn3 and Sn42. Robert Sloan bought the company in 1979. Building & Structure Co. bought the company in 1992. They introduced the #6 code 70 Sn3 turnout (reviewed in the October 1996 issue of the S/Sn3 Modeling Guide magazine). In 1998 they sold their brass parts product line to banta modelworks; car parts were sold to Tru-Scale Models. In 2001 P-B-L bought the narrow-gauge track product line. In 2003 Bob McCarthy bought the standard-gauge track product line. In 2004 Larry Morton bought the standard-gauge track product line from Bob McCarthy, which he ran as Tomalco Track (since then bought by Shane Lambert and operated under the name . In 2015 Precision Vintage Classics (Paul Vaughn) bought the remaining Tomalco Parts Line (locomotive and car detailing parts, and narrow-gauge track products).

Tomalco Track

History

Larry Morton bought the standard-gauge track products, only, from Bob McCarthy in 2004 to form Tomalco Track (the narrow-gauge product line was eventually bought by Precision Vintage Classics. In August 2023, Shane bought "Tomalco Track" from Larry Morton who was retiring. Shane subsequently renamed it "S Scale Track", continuing to produce the same items as Tomalco Track had. In mid-2024, the web site was changed to "Tomalco Track" and they dropped the "S Scale Track" name. In January 2025, Shane Lambert announced that the web site will close in March 2025 due to ongoing health issues. Later in the month he announced that Micro Engineering had bought the molds and rights to the S-scale flextrack, and will start to produce them.

Top Shelf Replicas

History

Bought by Matt Cassety in 2018.

Topper Corporation

History

The company started the Johnny Lightning brand of diecast vehicles in 1969. In 1994 Thomas Lowe, owner of Playing Mantis based in Cassopolis, Michigan, bought the rights to the Johnny Lightning name. Thomas Lowe sold Playing Mantis (including the Johnny Lightning brand) to RC2 Corporation in 2004. RC2 Corporation was bought by Tomy (of Japan) in 2011. In 2013 Tomy discontinued the Johnny Lightning brand. In 2016 Round 2 LLC, a new company owned by Thomas Lowe, bought the rights to produce the Johnny Lightning brand of diecast vehicles again.

Toy Trains International

Notes

The company produced reproduction A.C. Gilbert flat cars and trailer, pipes, and rocket loads. Some were duplicates of ones A.C. Gilbert made, some were identical to A.C. Gilbert's cars but with different road numbers, and some were new ones that A.C. Gilbert never produced. The underside of the cars, initially, had A.C. Gilbert's name on them. Then the molds were modified by scratching out the A.C. Gilbert name. The final molds did not have the A.C. Gilbert name at all. This information was provided by Doug Peck who sold these cars in Port Lines Hobbies.

Tracmodel

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products. They have a Facebook page, but it hasn't been updated since before Shapeways stopped.

Train & Trooper

History

Train & Trooper was a full service model train shop specializing in New England Railroading and the Maine narrow gauge. For the S-scale market, they specialized in narrow-gauge products, including Sn2 and Sn3. Crusader Rail Services bought most of the company's inventory when they closed. At the 2018 Midwest Narrow Gauge Show, Train & Trooper announced their return, and the owners are considering producing an Sn2 steam locomotive. As of 2021, their web site is now, once again, gone with no notification, so we're assuming they are out of business again.

Train Cat Model Sales

Notes

(the company is on hiatus)

Train Stuff (!#@*?! Train Stuff)

Notes

The company produced a variety of S-scale cast-resin contemporary freight and heavyweight passenger car kits. Don Thompson stated that the resin castings were made of polyester, poured into RTV molds. The metal parts were spun-cast in black rubber molds with pewter or white RTV molds in zinc S1 alloy. The patterns were made by several S-scale modelers: Stan Stokrocki, Dick Lind, Bill Boucher, and Pat Conlin. Liberty models made the brake details and Northeastern provided the lumber. Herald King resized their HO-scale decals and provided them for these kits. The kits came with either code 125 (old NMRA-gauge standard) wheels and Kadee #5 couplers, or hi-rail wheels and couplers. Don said that at one point they were releasing a new kit every two months. They were doing runs of about 100 kits, but Don wanted to switch to injection-modeling, to increase the number of items he could produce. He said that they worked with Jan Lorenzen of Locomotive Workshop to produce S-scale injection molded 50-foot box cars. They contacted several tooling and injection molding houses, but were unable to seal a deal. Later, when Wayne Pier took over the company, he continued to expand the line to include a heavyweight 12-1 Pullman and several vintage freight cars including the PRR X29, and a single and double sheathed ARA box cars, as well as several structure kits.

History

The company was started in 1975 by Don and Robin Thompon in Oceanport, New Jersey. They sold the company to Wayne and Diane Pier in 1982, and moved the operation to Wayside, NJ. They closed the company in 1988.

Important note: this company is completely unrelated to the very similarly-named "Train Stuff, LLC" company that produced structure kits in S and other scales. That company came later and was located in Wisconsin. There was never any contact between the owners of these two companies.

Train Stuff, LLC

NASG Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Award

History

The company was started before 2001. In 2001 they were located in Milford, CT. In 2003 they moved to Larsen, Wisconsin. The company produced structure kits and parts in all of the model railroading scales, except for Z. In 2004 the company received the NASG's Charles Sandersfeld Memorial Manufacturer's Award for their S-scale structure kits. In 2006 they announced that all but their S- and G-scale molds were up for sale. In 2007 they announced that they were no longer taking orders, that the company was closed, and that all molds and inventory was up for sale. In 2008 they closed their web site and the domain name was available for purchase. No word on who bought the molds and inventory, if anyone did. Dayna Williamson passed away in May 2024.

Important note: this company is completely unrelated to the earlier "Train Stuff (!#@*?! Train Stuff)" company that produced freight and passenger car kits in S only. That company was located in New Jersey. There was never any contact between the owners of these two companies.

Train Thingz

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Triangle Scale Models

History

The company was started in the late-1970s. In 1984 they bought the Village Depot product line. Finest Kind Models bought the company in 1988, and moved it to Dallas, Texas some time later. In 2005, Finest Kind Models was sold to Turner Model Works, who sold the structure product line to Coyote Flats Depot (Tim Moat - primarily O-scale) in 2018. Wiseman Model Services bought the Sn3 rolling stock product line from Pat Turner in 2019, which was part of the original Triangle Scale Models product line.

Triple S Supplies

(last reviewed on 01/28/2025)

Advertises in the NASG's Dispatch

Tru-Scale Models

Notes

The company manufactured sectional track components that were made out of wood. These had the integrated ballast slope, ties, and tie plates. A flextrack component was available that had kerfs cut every three ties (which easily broke, by the way). A bridge track component was available which had length-wise beams instead of the integrated ballast slope. The system was designed to be used with either code 125 or 172 rail.

Truly DIY

Notes

The company mades items based on the RamBros Workshop's Dragon Railway system of 3D-printed S-scale cars, engines, and track.

History

They started and disappeared in 2024.

Turner Model Works

History

The company bought several other companies' product lines over the years, including Finest Kind Models and JAKS Industries who carried S-scale products. Pat Turner sold the company to Coyote Flats Depot (Tim Moat) in 2018, but indicated that that person has done nothing with the product line. That sale included all of the companies that he had purchased over the years. Note that Wiseman Model Services was able to buy some of the former Tomalco product line that Turner had bought from Building & Structures Co.

V&T Shops

History

The company was bought by Wiseman Model Services, who continues to release their products.

Verse (The)

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Village Depot

Notes

This brick-n-mortar store carried quite a bit of Sn3 products, including P-B-L, until P-B-L started selling direct. Steve and Dorothy Bishop moved the store into a former depot building.

History

Sometime in the 1980s they bought the Triangle Scale Models product line. Later, the company was bought by Steve & Dorothy Bishop.

W.A. Drake & Co.

Notes

Bill was also the store manager of the large Denver-based Caboose Hobbies model railroad store. Bill's S-scale standard-gauge layout was open as part of the 1997 NASG Convention layout tours.

History

The company was started in 1997.

w_customs

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Wabash Valley Lines, Inc.

History

Merle Rice bought Wabash Valley Models from Omnicon. Omnicon had improved the Enhorning shells of the S-scale F-units (the infamous hump in the middle of the roof line), and so Wabash Valley Lines continued to offer the shells for sale. An American Models chassis could be used to power the model. Merle passed away in May 2024, and the disposition of the shells and molds are currently unknown.

Wabash Valley Models

History

Charlie also owned Omnicon Scale Models during the mid-1980s. Wabash Valley Models acquired the Enhorning F unit molds. The molding processes were improved to eliminate a hump in the roof of the Enhorning shells. At some point in time, Model RR Warehouse, owned by Merle Rice, bought the Wabash Valley Models product line from Omnicon, and sold their version of the F-unit shells under the name "Wabash Valley Lines, Inc.". Some more details can be found in an article by Gerry Evans in the October 2006 issue of the NASG Dispatch. page 20.

West Shore Line

Notes

This was a brand name/product line created by Central Hobby Supply to sell products they had commissioned to be made by Funaro and Camerlengo. These were resin kits of specific steel cars built by prototype railroad shops in the 1920s. In this web site's Product Gallery, they are listed under Center Hobby Supply.

Western Car Shops

Notes

The kits were made by Pacific Rail Shops, which Western Car Shops repainted (pad-printed) for other railroad names, and then sold to customers as kits.

History

The company was started in 1999.

Western Scale Models

History

The company was started in 1983 in Northbridge, California. In 2013 they were bought by Wild West Scale Model Builders.

Whiteoak Models

Notes

The turnouts were manufactured for Whiteoak Models by Marcway and use Peco flat-bottom code 100 rail soldered to gapped printed-circuit-board ties. Frogs are powered by the contact with the stock rail. Except for electrical contact surfaces, the turnout is spray-painted black. Left- and right-handed.

History

The owner needed re-usable turnouts for his own use, and so set up a special commission with Marcway in England to produce these turnouts for him in the year 2000. Kelvin passed away in March 2025 of cancer.

William Flatt

Notes

William builds his own electric-locomotives-based S-scale layout, and made the models available for sale as kits to others.

History

William retired from making kits in 2020.

Willmodels

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products. Apparently the owner suffered a stroke, so the odds of the product line coming back are slim.

Willy Monaghan

Notes

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Winross

Notes

In August 2024 their web site seems to be gone.

History

The company was started in the late-1960s. In 1978 they switched from making commercial toys to producing corporate advertising products using their diecast models.

Winup Scale Models

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Wisconsin Central Supply

History

In 1971 they purchased Regal Kits. Gale Hall, under the name DMK Scale Models, was involved for a while in producing and improving their kits, but continued to use the Wisconsin Central Supply name on the boxes.

Wutter Vehicles and Details

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Z & N Scale Tracks, Odds and Ends

History

This company used to sell via the original Shapeways, but since Shapeways has stopped their service, this company is no longer able to provide their products.

Z-stuff for Trains

History

The company is still active, but in 2024 they announced a sale of all of their S-scale items, and they are clearly no longer carrying their former S-scale products.