Is S scale still an option?

@Rusty Traque posted:

Rail height has nothing to do with it.  It's the turnouts where the issues lie.  When I was with the CASG modular group, we used AM's code 148 rail and could run scale wheeled stuff on the outside loop because it had no trunouts.  The inside loop had one turnout and was limited to HiRail or Flyer.

There is a mod for Fox Valley's HiRail turnouts I've attached below from the S Scale Facebook site that will allow both Scale and Hirail operation.

I haven't tried it, but reports are the mod works well.

Rusty

I have the instructions and photos in a Word document that I am happy to email to anyone who wants it. I also have videos of some of my tests. The problem at present though is that FVM is sold out of hi-rail turnouts and the new run that was due in November have still not arrived and it is not known when they will.

I figured this all was the case.  Couldn't figure how rail height would be an issue with scale wheels other than maybe tipping issues.   I'm gonna investigate Micro Engineering code 100 rail (it's made here in STL) and Tomalco turnouts which are also made with ME 100 rail.

@Jacobpaul81 posted:

I figured this all was the case.  Couldn't figure how rail height would be an issue with scale wheels other than maybe tipping issues.   I'm gonna investigate Micro Engineering code 100 rail (it's made here in STL) and Tomalco turnouts which are also made with ME 100 rail.

My former railroad was code 100.

I used Shinohora flex and turnouts along with Old Pullman turnouts.  Both companies are gone now.

Rusty

@Rusty Traque posted:

My former railroad was code 100.

I used Shinohora flex and turnouts along with Old Pullman turnouts.  Both companies are gone now.

Rusty

The code 100 looks very good.  Very realistic.   I've seen several photos you've posted with some of the previous LAF locomotives (Mikado, Pacific).  Did you just display them on the track?  Or was that another layout?

@Jacobpaul81 posted:

The code 100 looks very good.  Very realistic.   I've seen several photos you've posted with some of the previous LAF locomotives (Mikado, Pacific).  Did you just display them on the track?  Or was that another layout?

They're just posed for photo's on the layout.  Much nicer that way.

Rusty

@Rusty Traque posted:

Are those Industrial Rail O-27 cabooses?

@Jacobpaul81 posted:

I've been in an and out of different scales over the last few years. Built an O high-rail layout (tore down), then toyed with both HO and 1:32 One for a while.  I don't like the smallness of HO or N and O is too big for inside running.  All the scales have gotten crazy expensive.  I've always felt like S was the "right" size but I've been concerned about the viability of it - given lack of manufacturers.  What's the current take? My interest is ATSF - late 30s steam through F7s.  I'm a locomotive guy.

Locally, at my large train shop it is dying......

@Michael Hokkanen posted:

Locally, at my large train shop it is dying......

I can't make a case that it is growing, but I can say with confidence that it can't be measured on the basis of sales performance at brick & mortar shops.  I am aware of some enthusiasts who have spent $10's of thousands on S scale motive power and rolling stock over the last 5 years and not a penny of it was spent at a hobby/train shop. 

@Jacobpaul81 posted:

Are those Industrial Rail O-27 cabooses?

Those are American Models wood cabooses.  Patterned after a Grand Trunk western prototype.  Here's a close up of one.

The IR caboose is patterned after a Santa Fe prototype.

Rusty

Chuck, I could be one of those S people you are talking about. The one store I did buy a lot from is Des Plaines Hobbies, but all by telephone/mail.

@AmFlyer posted:

Chuck, I could be one of those S people you are talking about. The one store I did buy a lot from is Des Plaines Hobbies, but all by telephone/mail.

That's a good point Tom.  My comment was not allowing for purchases from hobby/train stores that have an online store.  Like you my online purchases have certainly included Des Plaines as well as Charles Ro, Nicholas Smith and a couple of others.

I have ordered from Charles Ro as well, and not a small amount.

I consider Charles Ro and American Models to be brick & mortar stores and the best people I have dealt with. We have NO stores in Maine that carry S Gauge but I still think S is a viable scale.

Gunny

@gunny posted:

I consider Charles Ro and American Models to be brick & mortar stores and the best people I have dealt with. We have NO stores in Maine that carry S Gauge but I still think S is a viable scale.

Gunny

I am doing my part to Portlines Hobbies, just got my tracking info for my order.

@Rusty Traque posted:

They're just posed for photo's on the layout.  Much nicer that way.

Rusty

Rusty - I saw it posted on an O-27 post from a few years ago that some Lionel O-27 double doors scale out to S nearly exactly (like the Industrial Rail caboose).   Can you clarify for me that it's these Lionel cars?

https://images.app.goo.gl/Toq3t3SWguzZFbLS8

My local used shop sells them for like 5-10 bucks if this is the correct car.

@Jacobpaul81 posted:

Rusty - I saw it posted on an O-27 post from a few years ago that some Lionel O-27 double doors scale out to S nearly exactly (like the Industrial Rail caboose).   Can you clarify for me that it's these Lionel cars?

https://images.app.goo.gl/Toq3t3SWguzZFbLS8

My local used shop sells them for like 5-10 bucks if this is the correct car.

Yep, that's the one.  It's a continuation of the Lionel Scout boxcar from the 1950's

I have converted one to scale. The green unlettered body came from the "Black Cave Express" set.

The underfame is from Downs Models (no longer available)  added some American Models parts and modified the side sill.  I just put Styrene strips where the rivets would be because rivet decals weren't available in the late 1980's.  It's not a "fine scale" model by any means, but it does provide some variety:

When the 3-foot rule is applied, it pretty much blends in with other cars.

Rusty

@Rusty Traque posted:

Yep, that's the one.  It's a continuation of the Lionel Scout boxcar from the 1950's

I have converted one to scale. The green unlettered body came from the "Black Cave Express" set.

The underfame is from Downs Models (no longer available)  added some American Models parts and modified the side sill.  I just put Styrene strips where the rivets would be because rivet decals weren't available in the late 1980's.  It's not a "fine scale" model by any means, but it does provide some variety:

When the 3-foot rule is applied, it pretty much blends in with other cars.

Rusty

Unfortunate the underframe on the original is just a flat sheet of metal - however, I could live with that for a cheap yard filler. Maybe find some underframes from some broken PRS kits.   I found the Lionel car # 6004.  I think it looks pretty darn good.  Add some rivets, ladders, repaint, and decal it up. 

There's a lot of Kinsman wood ATSF Autobox kits over on facebook.  They worth picking up?

Rusty:

You put in more than a little work on that conversion. I see a LOT of careful carving, filing, smoothing, to remove the unwanted crude cast-on details as well as some adroit use of styrene and such.

Even with the styrene strips, the car looks great.

Andre

Jacobpaul81,

Yup, they're fodder for conversion with minimal fuss.  I did one like Rusty did but also a VERY quick one where I didn't remove the brake wheel or even lettering!

Here's a Lionel Flyer car, the O-27 on a Lionel frame with Gilbert trucks and an American Models car.  They play well together,,,