What is S Scale?

It is not widely known that 'S' scale preceded American Flyer S gauge trains. Also, not many know that S scale also survived American Flyer's demise, dormancy, and its resurrection. 'S', it has been suggested, stands for secret. But the secret is now out!

There is substantially more available in S now than at any other time. Yet, few in the mainstream of the hobby know about S gauge modelers and S products. We are just like modelers in the majority scales except that our trains and models scale 3/16" to the foot-- larger than HO or N, but smaller than 0 and G.

Think about it! Passenger cars are about 16” long --"just right!" as Goldilocks would say. Details such as steam valve gear and grab irons actually become visible as opposed to the smaller gauges. However, S is not so large that things must be super-detailed.

Besides the bonus of being 36% larger than HO, S gauge layouts can generally be built in about the same space as HO, particularly if a walk-around style is chosen. An S narrow gauge (Sn3) layout can be constructed in virtually the identical space as an HO standard gauge layout.

DC hi-rail or scan engines can operate from a standard HO powerpack or handheld throttle.

Hi-rail, scale, American Flyer, or narrow gauge?

These are the major subgroups of S gauge modeling which correspond to those in O gauge.

S gauge hi-rail modelers operate equipment that has couplers and wheel flanges compatible with American Flyer. Currently Lionel manufactures American Flyer and companies such as American Models, S Helper Service, and Des Plaines Hobbies all sell hi-rail equipment outfitted with American Flyer style couplers and wheelsets.

S scale modelers are just that. They model in 3/16” to the foot with the same fidelity to scale that their HO and 0 scale counterparts do.

The scale group also includes the popular and growing Sn3 and Sn2 narrow gauge segment of modelers who found that HOn3 and HOn30 was just a bit tedious and didn’t show off their modeling efforts as well.

The final sub-group are the American Flyer collectors and operators. The former collect for enjoyment or investment and the operators build layouts for both enjoyment and nostalgia.

See the standards for information on track and wheel size standards.

Rolling stock priced competitively

Current S gauge offerings are priced competitively with O gauge equipment. Scale and hi-railers can find both brass and plastic cars and engines. American Flyer followers can purchase locomotives and rolling stock from Lionel. Some comparably priced diesels made in plastic include RS-3s, FA-2s, PAs, GP-35s, GG-ls, SW9/1200s, SW1s, GP9/18s and the F40PH. There are numerous freight cars available along with both heavyweight and lightweight passenger cars.

Trackwork and turnouts

Rail height varies in S. The original American Flyer track height is .220 inches or Code 220. Many hi-rail operators are using the Universal Track System offered by American Models. This Code 148 track has full plastic ties and will accept both scale and hi-rail equipment. Since it is available in both straight and curved "snap track" sections as well as turnouts and flex track, it is being accepted and used by both groups. S Helper Service (SHS) introduced code 125 rail to S and it, too, will run hi-rail and scale equipment. The SHS code 125 product lineup includes both code 125 flextrack, as well as pre-ballasted sectional track with straight sections, several radii of curved sections and turnouts. SHS can easily joined to American Flyer track. Many scale modelers use code .100, .83, and .70 flextrack and turnouts or take on the challenge of hand-laying track. Flextrack for Sn3 is available in code 70 and turnouts in code 70 and 55. And Sn2 modelers either handlay their track or use HOn3 track.

S-MOD layouts

The NASG maintains a set of standards for anyone wanting to build a modular layout. The modular concept has become popular for the train enthusiast who doesn’t have space for a layout but is able to construct a module that can be plugged into another S-Mod.

How to join the NASG

Simply fill out the online application, submit it, and mail it with your dues payment as instructed in the confirmation notice.

Online Databases of S Scale Historical "S"tuff

S Scale Products

This is a listing of businesses with mostly websites offering products of all kinds.

Useful Websites Maintained by Others
Yahoo Groups
Magazines for S Gaugers
  • The DISPATCH. Published bi-monthly by the National Assocation of S Gaugers.
  • 1:64 Modeling Guide. Approximately 40 pages devoted to 1:64 (3/16") S scale and S narrow gauge (Sn3, Sn2, Sn42") and other 1:64 scale model railroading.
  • The S Gaugian. Published bi-monthly by Heimburger House Publishing Co. Approximately 60 pages dedicated to S scale model railroading.
  • The Sn3 Modeler is published semi-annually by Heimburger House Publishing Co. Approximately 60 pages dedicated to S scale model railroading.
  • Classic Toy Trains Published nine times a year by Kalmbach Publishing Co. Focused on toy trains of all scales including S. Get the scoop on the newest trains made by Lionel, MTH, K-Line, and others; learn about track planning, wiring, and layout construction; learn how to identify and repair old Lionel and American Flyer trains; and visit the most inspiring toy train layouts - big and small - ever built.
  • Model Train Magazine Index