Classy Woods, LLC posted:Hello,
I've been contemplating if I should take the S adventure or not. I have accepted the limitations of S in product availability. I am just in love with the size which is an offsetting factor. The one thing that I get hung up on is hi-rail or scale?
Coming from a Scale Guy: I would say that at this point in time, it would be best to stick with the HiRail side of S. There is much more available (mostly from Lionel) and if desired, can be converted to Kadee couplers if the Flyer style coupler bothers you.
I am new to S and would prefer to do scale wheels and scale couplers (no offense to the traditional guys). I like running just about every era which includes modern. I see that Lionel has offered the SD70, U33C and maybe others I am not aware of? I see you can get a wheel conversion kit from Lionel to convert the wheels to scale.
Convertible Flyer Locomotives: SD70ACe, ES44 and U33C. However, once Lionel exhausts their supply of scale conversion wheels, they are unlikely to make more.
It is my understanding though that you can not convert their steam locomotive wheels to scale. Is this correct?And can you convert the steam locomotive couplers?
There was a third party that did scale conversions for the Y3, (approx $575.00 including DCC code upgrade) but he has exhausted his parts supply and is also unlikely to do more. Some of the Lionel/Flyer steam locomotives had a Kadee bracket included. Otherwise, you'd have to whip up a bracket yourself.
I guess I can do a transition car for the little time I would run steam. Starting from scratch would I be shooting myself in the foot in trying to focus on scale? Once again I really do not foresee running traditional pieces. I saw the Fox Valley turnouts at a train show and they looked quite nice not sure what track works with them? Then there is the question of the operating system. I believe the newer Lionel will run on DCC. I think that is the way I would need to go with the American Models products.
All new legacy Flyer locomotives have DCC code embedded, starting with the SD70's. The U33C's do not have DCC code. Scale guys gutted the electronics and installed their favorite DCC decoders. Smooth operation on conventional DC through the Lionel electronics is dependent on the power pack. Some work better than others.
Fortunately, American Models is simplicity itself so adding your preferred operating system is relatively easy.
The final question is there sustainability in S? Is there any data to show it is growing? I hate to invest in something that will be extinct in 10 years. Still do not care for HO, like O but just too darn big and scale demands such large radius. Like they say S is the perfect size and that is the driving factor for me.
The optimist in me says S is still sustainable, even though things look pretty bleak right now. I've been in S for over 30 years and S today is still a little better off than it was 30 years ago. Right now, American Models is the cornerstone for S.
Too bad M.T.H. is risk adversive towards S which I can understand. Thank goodness for American Models and thank you for Lionel to do what they have to do to keep S running. S Scale America glad they are around too. I'll be buying stuff from everyone. Now just have to figure out which track and turnouts to use.
Many electrons have scarified their lives talking about MTH S. I'm not sure they know what to do. One thing I am sure of is they have squandered the reputation that came with the S-Helper Service purchase.
Fox Valley track would probably be the best bet to use.
I realize I am in the extreme minority in trying to do S in scale form but I think I would have a lot of fun with it and I know it would look beautiful . Okay it is more work and hopefully someone out there would try to offer more product.
Attitude is part of the game plan. Even during the "glory days" of the 1990's-early 2000's it was still somewhat of a challenge to be in S...
Rusty
P.S. I will make S gauge display cases for anyone who is interested in one. Just have not had time to get them up on the website. I use the track from American Models.
