The NASG Story
This series of articles was written by Bob Jackson over a three year period (1986 to 1989) in the NASG DISPATCH. The articles described the early days of "S" as well as the story of the beginnings of the NASG up to the early 1980s.
The NASG Story: A History
by Bob Jackson
Like most organizations that grow out of a special need, the National Association of S Gaugers' exact origins are lost in the dimness of receding time. Though many of us in the NASG have a general idea of the history of our organization, there does not exist anywhere a complete record of events, trends, and contributors. Still, the general period of its rising can be determined and those most responsible can be identified. Fortunately, most are still with us and their stories can be collected and assimilated into a record. An attempt is being made to create such a record and to archive it.
Three distinct eras are easily discernable in the nearly 30-year history of the NASG. These are characterized by the linkages of certain personalities as well as some fairly distinctive trends within each era. What follows is the first in a series of articles which reflects the highlights and the spirit of each of these three eras.
PART ONE —— The Beginnings.
The beginnings of the National Association of S Gaugers cannot be separated from the history of the A. C. Gilbert Company. Before American Flyer S gauge there was 3/16-inch scale "CD" gauge, introduced by Cleveland Models in 1937. CD ("Cleveland-Designed") had lured a small but thriving band of craftsmen who labored on in 3/16-inch scale despite the lack of significant support in the market. Then, in 1946, A. C. Gilbert introduced its S gauge American Flyer 3/16-inch scale line of toy trains. By the mid-fifties American Flyer had reached its own peak of development and, though it would take a while to realize it, was about to decline. Nevertheless, at that time A. F. was clearly a force with which to be reckoned, and had made S gauge highly visible. The number of American Flyer operators was large. Moreover, the generally high quality of American Flyer and its closeness to scale was the basis on which many of these operators chose it.
Scratch an American Flyer operator and you will find an incurable tinkerer. He/she can tell you exactly how to repair anything ever made by A. C. Gilbert and, what's more, can tell you how to improve upon it. It is not much of a leap from there to superdetailing and conversion to scale. American Flyer S gauge has surely been the object of scale conversion far more commonly than any other product. Initially, detailing and conversion efforts depended upon filching parts from other scales or building parts from scratch, not the easiest approach by any means. Still, the demand was there and growing. This demand included a hunger for information as to what worked and what didn't. Kits and parts to convert American Flyer S gauge to scale had appeared on the market by the early 1950s. The wave of conversions that followed led to a demand for greater and more accurate detail.
The S gauge collectors, AF operators, hi-railers, conversion nuts, and scale-hounds represented a far more diverse lot than was characteristic of other gauges. These groups were the fertile ground upon which the seeds of organization fell. They were to put a particular stamp on the organization that would emerge as the National Association of S Gaugers.
Although it does not appear possible to establish an exact date for the beginning of the NASG, it most probably should be set in late 1957 or early 1958. Jess Bennett remembers seeing a note in Model Railroader's "Bull Session" column indicating that someone named Claude Wade out in St. Louis was looking for S gaugers interested in joining "circuits." He believes that the notice appeared in the winter of 1957. In any case, he wrote to Wade and soon became a member of a circuit which he remembers as having been started in January or February 1958. The record shows that Jess was director of circuit 172S4, the fourth circuit organized around members operating on 172 rail with scale flanges. So, if that is the circuit that Jess remembers, it was early but not the first and thus others would likely have been organized in late 1957.
It had occurred to Claude Wade that S gauge was ready for something akin to round-robins, a type of organization in which members circulate information to each other. However, he did not feel that "round-robin" was an entirely suitable model railroading term, and therefore came up with the notion of circuits. A circuit is a group of model rails who share some common interest around which the circuit has been organized. Ideally, these groups are small, usually with six to eight members. Initially there were three basic types of circuits, designated by "125," "172," and "AF," which indicated the type of rail on which the members operated. The rest of the designation indicated the type of flanges and the sequence number of the circuit. For example, circuit 125S1 would be the first circuit organized in which the members operated on 125 rail with scale flanges. Similarly, circuit 172TP4 would be the fourth circuit organized with the members operating tinplate flanges on 172 rail, while circuit AF2 would be the second circuit organized with members operating full American Flyer layouts.
The circuit letter is the means by which the members communicate with each other. Each letter contains the experience of the members in regard to a particular project or problem. As it passes from one member to the next, each member is expected to add what he/she can. In this manner the collective experience grows and provides invaluable insight and assistance to its members.
As he recalls, Claude's initial contact with other S gaugers came through advertisements in Model Railroader and Model Trains. Later most contacts came from the NMRA register. In a remarkably short time more than two hundred had been recruited into the ranks and placed into individual circuits with about seven members per circuit. A number of the earliest circuits continue in operation today. Interestingly, one of them still has three of its original members, Jess Bennett, C. D. Lasley, and Gene Fletcher. It is known as the "old-timers" circuit because the youngest of its seven members is 61 and the oldest is 85.
Each circuit had a director whose responsibility it was to keep the circuit alive and functioning. The earliest directors included Jess Bennett, Chester Bolly, Bill Crawford, Will Estes, Gene Fletcher, Leonard Giovannoli, Ambie Hennek, Evert Hoffman, Robert Shafto, William Sutliff, Bernard Thomas, and, of course, Claude Wade.
It was the rapid proliferation of these circuits that brought about the need for a national organization. By the middle of 1959 there were as many as 30 circuits in operation with members in every corner of the nation and some in Canada. The national character of the organization had become self-evident, and a name reflecting that character was needed. Suggestions were submitted to the membership and the name "National Association of S Gaugers" was chosen. The name had not been chosen without some dissent. For obvious reasons, the Canadian members preferred "International Association of S gaugers." However, being fewer in number, they did not prevail. Claude Wade, the founder of the organization, was appropriately named its first General Director.
By 1960, certain features were clearly characteristic of the NASG. It was informal and voluntary. It did not collect periodic dues and it urged that all members belong to the NMRA. The duties of the General Director included collecting items of general interest from the circuit letters and elsewhere and publishing them as "Notes, News and Flashes." They also included writing a regular column in a newly inaugurated publication called the S Gauge Herald. This column contained news of the NASG and frequently included the "NN& F."
It was fascinating to go over the early lists of members with Claude. They read like a Who's Who of S gauge. In addition to those already mentioned, there were Frank Titman, Barney Daehler, Hansel Main, Wallace Collins, Fred Schuster, Henry Sprague, Win Blake --- and too many other familiar names to include here. There were some youngsters listed too, a young college student named Richard Karnes and several teenagers: 12 year old Tommy Riddle, 13 year old Gale Hall and 14 year old Donald Heimburger.
By 1960, two kinds of active membership had evolved: the special-interest circuits and the "engineers." The latter group reflected the growing interest in making castings in S scale and included those whose capabilities and equipment permitted them to make patterns or castings. By this time, many Flyer fans had made a full transition from detailing and conversion to building in scale and were hungry for a source of true S scale parts. Moreover, S scale had always attracted a number of craftsmen who preferred it to the more popular HO and O scales. Some of these, like Kelly Bryant, had actually entered S scale by building CD kits as early as 1938. Together those groups formed a nucleus of interest that became one of the strongest determinants of the NASG character of the early Sixties. Here are the roots of the NASG lost-wax castings program with its eventual offering of complete engine kits.
As the first General Director, Claude Wade was the guiding light of this period. A review of documents of that period makes it clear that Claude personally embodied much that distinguished S gaugers of that time. He was action-oriented, individualistic, resourceful, and full of energy. He saw to the coordination of the circuits, developing new ones as the membership grew. Moreover, he wrote and circulated the "News, Notes and Flashes." He also authored the NASG column in the S Gauge Herald. And, not having enough to do, he attempted to respond to the wishes of S gaugers by seeking new and different sources of supply for the scale. It is surprising to realize, in 1986, that efforts to import S scale brass engines go back more than 25 years yet it is true that Claude, on behalf of the NASG, was involved in discussions as early as 1960 with Cleveland Models to determine the feasibility of importing such engines. Then, as now, interest in steam engines centered on the smaller more common types such as ten-wheelers, consolidations, and mikados.
It was also under Claude's leadership that movement toward the selection of the NASG symbol with clasped couplers indicating unity got under way. The idea that the organization should have a distinctive symbol or emblem arose early, probably in 1959. In a circuit letter dated January 2, 1960, the idea was clearly set forth and suggestions were requested. Eventually the idea of a contest emerged and a total of 13 entries were submitted. Those who submitted entries included George Bergman, Gene Berry, Martin Daly, Pete Harmon, Herbert King, Bernard Thomas, Frank Titman, Tom True, Claude Wade and four "unknowns." Four finalists were selected by the directors. These were George Bergman, Gene Berry, Bernard Thomas, and Frank Titman. Their designs were published in the circuit letters and later appeared in the March 1964 S Gauge Herald. Members of the NASG were asked to vote on their preference and, as we know, Frank Titman's clasped couplers design was chosen.
When asked how the design occurred to him and whether it was conceived over time following a number of sketches, Frank replied that the idea came as an inspiration. He was watching a train go by and suddenly the symbol of unity in the couplers occurred to him and he sketched out the idea without much effort. He still retains the original drawing which Claude returned to him after the contest.
Without question Claude's greatest contribution is found in the lost-wax casting project and the ultimate development of complete engine kits. The magnitude of this undertaking can only be appreciated in retrospect. Presently there are castings from 195 different patterns available from Claude Wade. Many are comprised of several separate pieces which have been soldered together, thus several hundred parts actually had to be made in order to have all the parts to a single engine. This would have been a very considerable task for even a sizable group of skilled technicians working in a Japanese factory. However, nothing even comparable to such a group worked on making the patterns. Claude himself made the vast majority of the parts. In addition, several of the best modelers in S scale contributed patterns. When members contributed patterns they were given credit toward the eventual purchase of parts or kits. A partial list of contributors includes Chester Bolly, Kelly Bryant, Dave Engle, David Felmley, Ed Filer, Jack Fisher, Fritz Gemeinhardt, Evert Hoffman, Dr. Charles Johnson, Richard Karnes, C. D. Lasley, Joe Scales, Dr. Fred Schuster, David W. Smith, Henry Sprague, and Joe Swift. Grant Magee machined a number of the split frames. A compiled list of all contributors does not appear to exist, but it would not include many more than the above. All were volunteers. It was on the backs of this doughty band that the whole project rested.
The amazing nature of this project can't be fully appreciated without realizing that it never had significant financial backing and that it was undertaken by a man who never had any special training in machine work. Listen to Claude Wade: "I had my American Flyer layout set up in a spare bedroom, but as my children grew up I had to give the bedroom up. I then became more interested in the scale itself and when I saw a Max Gray O scale Nickel Plate Berkshire I began investigating how to build one for myself in S scale. I had no training in machine work except a little bit high school. I think I knew enough to set a lathe but nothing more. I simply taught myself. I figured out how things worked as I went along. I made lots of mistakes but I learned from them all. I also talked to a lot of people who had much experience and used that to good advantage. One of my best advisors was Dr. Charles Johnson here in St. Louis. I gradually turned my basement into a shop where I had an industrial lathe, a milling machine, a punch press, a small smelting furnace, and all the capabilities to do soldering and sand casting. I still have all the casting patterns and cores used in producing the cast boilers that were originally used. We initially experimented with zamac instead of brass because it gave such a smooth finish but, of course, you can't solder to it so we gave that up. I can't remember when the idea building my own engine got transformed into making kits for everybody else's use. It just seemed to take hold and became the most important goal.
When it came to financing the project it seemed to me that the NASG ought to finance it while I did most of the work. Financing came about in several ways. Some people simply donated money. These donations were acknowledged in the circuit letters and were gratefully received. Others made loans which I paid back with interest within about six months of receiving. A few donated patterns. In some cases I financed some things out of my own pocket."
Gradually the project took shape and the first castings were announced in "News Notes and Flashes" in late 1961. The good news was also broadcast in the NASG column in the S Gauge Herald of December 1961. The cast boilers are first, appearing on Sept. 1, 1961. Six days later the first lost-wax castings were received. Claude called Dr. Johnson and they celebrated. "They looked like gold to us." These first castings proved to be a boon to superdetailers and scratch-builders alike. American Flyer engines began sprouting lost-wax casting on hi-rail pikes all over the country. The appearance of a full line of castings took several years to complete. The first full engine kit did not make its debut until early 1963.
The importance of the castings project to the future of S gauge should not be underestimated. A. C. Gilbert was moribund at the time and the project gave hope that there was life after American Flyer. It is fair to conclude that the project provided stimulus to other S scale manufacturers since the availability of its and the number of manufacturers increased noticeably during that period. Although the full flowering of S scale would not occur for some time yet, there is little question that the castings project gave birth to S scale as we know it today.
Nothing approaching the castings project has ever been undertaken in any other scale and very likely never will. The undertaking of such a project reveals something very important about S gaugers. They work together in the common interest and they don't quit. The debt that S gauge owes to Claude Wade and that small band of unbelievably dogged doers can't a measured.
Every organization that endures and grows undergoes evolution. By 1962 the manifold duties that he had assumed as the first General Director had begun to weigh too heavily on Claude Wade. He began to look for ways to spread the burden among the rest of the leadership of the NASG and for someone to whom to pass the candle. In a circuit letter dated Nov. 12, 1962, apparently to the other directors, Claude made it clear that his intention a step aside was firm. He also expressed his deep concern about getting the right leader to keep the young organization alive and vigorous. It appears that Ambie Hennek had previously suggested Bernard Thomas. Claude wrote his about Thomas: " For the forest, I could not see the trees until Hennek suggested Bernie Thomas. First and foremost he is a good modeler, knows prototype railroading, is well educated, knows the ins and outs of many things and where to find them out if he doesn't. [Most important,] he is tolerant of all model railroaders and last, but certainly not least, he is an enthusiastic S gauger. So, I think that Bernard will make a very good leader." Thus it followed that Bernie Thomas became the second General Director of the National Association of S Gaugers.
In retrospect, Bernie Thomas was probably the perfect choice to be the second General Director. It was an understatement to say that he as an enthusiastic S gauger. The record suggests that the man was a tireless, unfailing, completely devoted booster of the scale. He of course continued with the duties begun under Wade. However, it appears that Bernie had earlier submitted a design for spreading the leadership burdens to a second level of directors. Though it took some time to implement his scheme, its first result was the assignment of Claude Wade as Field Director in charge of castings. This approach saved Bernie's energies for other matters. The development of new circuits continued apace but by his time they often centered about some very specialized topics. For example, a circus train circuit was formed in the latter half of 1963, a trolley circuit was announced early in 1964, and a narrow gauge circuit late in 1964.
Although circuit letters continued to be an essential part of NASG activity, the S Gauge Herald had by this time survived its own growing pains and began to emerge as the principal means whereby the NASG communicated to its national audience. This had not occurred completely smoothly as, at one time during 1962, publisher Wallace Collins had wanted to drop the NASG column from inclusion in the Herald. This was no doubt related to the fact that Bernie Thomas had become an Associate Editor of the Herald.
Meanwhile, the castings project was moving forward with a full head of steam. Wade had adopted a strategy wherein as each new casting was received it was sent to a group of about 20 S gaugers who were completing Nickle Plate Berkshires as the parts became available. By 1963, several of these were nearing completion. In that year Claude Wade's won a performance contest at the NMRA national convention. Others won even more prizes at the NMRA National conventions in the years following. Early in 1964 the NASG received notice from the NMRA of assignment of warrant No. 75 for its castings.
Bernie Thomas is remembered by those who knew him for his generosity and for his selfless devotion to the furtherance of S gauge. Looking back in the record it is clear that he accomplished considerable in that respect. Bernie was among those that strongly held the view that the long-range future of S gauge, and probably of the NASG, lay in close association with the NMRA. That view heavily influenced his tenure as General Director and accounts for his most noteworthy accomplishments. In a general sense, Bernie never lost the opportunity to strengthen the organizational structure of the NASG. He was always pointing out the benefits of club membership and holding up the need for new clubs in areas which lacked them. In a specific sense, he was directly responsible for the development of rotating-visiting clubs and for the promotion of a regional sense of organization. While these ideas were not original with Bernie, he surely should be credited with making these distinctive features of the NASG during the middle Sixties. Bernie was fond of referring to the members of circuits as "live-wires. " It is quite clear that he was one himself.
The regionalizing of the circuit organization was on his mind from the very earliest and by the spring of 1963 he could announce in the S Gauge Herald its essential accomplishment. This was an important development because it let the groundwork for the appearance of regional S gauge clubs and the regional meetings that a number of them sponsored. Although a few regional organizations existed earlier, most notably the Northeastern S Gaugers Association, they were informally organized and the rapid development of these organizations after 1963 can easily be observed by studying the S Gauge Herald yearbooks of that era.
To stimulate the development of R-V (rotating-visitation) clubs, he published in the March 1964 issue of the S Gauge Herald a copy of a sample constitution and by-laws suitable for adaptation by S gauge clubs. This sample had in turn been adapted by Bernie from an O gauge club that had been set up on an R-V basis. He had obtained that club's constitution from the NMRA. Once more it is possible to see the results of Bernie's efforts in the growth of local clubs, most of them set up as R-Vs, during the course of the next several years.
Bernard Thomas is now larger than life. Following his untimely and tragic death in 1965, his memory was enshrined in the Bernie Thomas Memorial Award given each year to the person considered to have done the most for S gauge.
The memorial was created by the Deep South S Gaugers Association and was first presented by Dick Schlott to Wallace Collins, publisher of the S Gauge Herald, at the 1965 NESGA convention in Toronto. In establishing the award, the club recognized his devotion to our collective interests, his complete selflessness in promoting S gauge and S gaugers, his generosity, and his sense of humanity. A review of the record makes it clear that, whatever else he was, he was a skilled social engineer who had carefully laid the groundwork upon which a lasting national organization could rest. Though his goal of close formal involvement with the NMRA never was achieved, he provided the basis for the transformation of the NASG from a loose-knit, informal organization to a more structured and enduring one. It is this legacy that should be celebrated with future awards of the Bernie Thomas Memorial Award.
What would the NASG be like today if Bernie Thomas had lived? Would it have had a close relationship to the NMRA? Would its development have taken a different course? We do not know. What we do know is that up to that time the organization had remained essentially informal. It depended strictly on volunteer work and donations to conduct business. Its only force of authority came from the utterly remarkable energies that the first two General Directors, one a visionary, the other a skilled social organizer, poured into the organization. Bernie's death dealt the young organization a hard blow and it fell to Russ Mobley, who had recently been appointed by Thomas as Director of Circuits, to guide the NASG, as its third General Director, through some difficult times that lay just ahead.
[ End of Part 1 ]
NEXT: The conclusion of The Beginnings and the start of The Middle Period, within which the NASG faced some of its inherent internal strains, and consolidation and formalization became a reality.