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?
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. 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? 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
