I do feel bad for those who model in S scale and are not scratch builders. There is little new product and it is unlikely to improve on the future. Those who want models of modern prototypes are also dealing with a lack of options.
S high railers who model in the 1950's are in pretty good shape. MTH and AM offer a large variety of quality rolling stock, more than I could ever use on my layout. Lionel makes some rolling stock but the wheel gauge is 1/10" narrow and I am tired of regauging all of them, so I now only purchase engines from Lionel.
Spent the last hour running trains on my layout. There are 30 TMCC and Legacy engines on it. In a month I do not manage to run them all. Most of the TMCC engines are converted AM products. I have a Legacy Berkshire on order. The only engine I really still want is a detailed Legacy J3a Hudson. If Lionel does not announce one in the next year I will buy a used AM Dreyfus streamlined NYC Hudson, have it converted to TMCC and fan driven smoke and call it good.I bought 3 FlyerChief engines but never run them on my layout. I might if the Cab 2 could control them.
The decision to build a scale appearing layout but use .138 rail rather than .125 and .100 rail has proved to be the fortunate. Modeling the 1950's also helps a lot. I built the layout so I could run River Raisin engines but so far have not purchased any. I do not think the investment manufacturers will make in S will change much in the future but I am very happy with what I have now since I focus on and enjoy what I have rather than what those O gauge 3 railers have that we do not.
