News: Recent News
This page shows a listing of news entries from the past month or so. Click photos to visit the web sites.
Jerry Holmes' Layout Featured
The July 2026 issue of the Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine has a full 32-page featured article about Jerry Holmes' layout. The image is the cover photo of the issue of Jerry's layout. Joe Fugate, the editor, visited the layout himself as part of his effort to document layouts that were going to be open for the 2026 Annual NMRA Convention. The article is in an interview-style format with lots of good-quality photos of Jerry's layout. The magazine can be freely downloaded or read online. The article starts on page 85.
(ed: as an avid reader of MRH, I do not recall them having ever covered anything in S-scale, and especially not a full layout feature, but I could be wrong).
K and R Electronics
The company carries all sorts of electronic components, boards, and more. They are based in Michigan, and they were at the 2026 NASG Convention.
Southern 5277 Waffle Box Car by Smoky Mountain Model Works
Back in 2008 Smoky Mountain Model Works did a run of resin kits of this box car (see the photo). These were 50-foot cars produced starting in 1974. The Norfolk Southern ran them until a few years ago, and they can now be seen on secondary shortlines. Since that time, Jim King has switched to high-resolution 3D-printing, and he is proposing, based on several requests from customers, to do another run of these kits but using his latest technology. He has no final price yet, but expect something around the $120 mark per kit (depends on the cost of the decals). He has the appropriate 70-ton trucks and wheels already available, separately. Contact Jim with your interest and let him know how many kits you'd like, so he can gauge interest to determine if the project is a "go".
Start an e-mail message (jimking3@charter.net).
2026 NASG Convention Summary
We will soon have a Summary page with information about what all happened at the 2026 NASG Convention. What we do know is that even though American Models made a few extra Convention Cars than what was ordered, between the pre-orders and the in-person purchases, all 2026 Convention Cars have sold out.
Bill Hobbs Sn3 Layout
Bill Hobbs recently "completed" his Sn3 layout, which resides in a dedicated building. His question was, What to do next? This is an interesting dilemma that some of us face when we reach that stage of the larger project and have to decide how to continue to enjoy the hobby. Bill has been working on this layout since 1992, so he's made quite an investment. He presents his plans in this 25-minute video hosted by the Narrow Gauge Off the Beaten Track YouTube channel.
Mike Swederska's 2-10-2
Not everybody arrives at this web site via the home page, so if you didn't, be sure to check out Mike Swederska's recently-completed built of the St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern 2-10-2 #1702. There are over 80 photos and several videos covering the build.
Lionel 2026 Christmas Car
The annual Lionel Christmas car is available for pre-order from your favorite dealer.
New 3D-printed Structures by Gozoda
The company has recently added two more structures to their S-scale line-up. These are 3D-printed, unpainted kits.
New Trucks by Diecast Masters
3000toys.com announces these models. These are heavy diecast models with free-rolling and detailed wheels, and tilting fifth wheel.
River Raisin Southern Pacific P-10 Pacific 4-6-2 (Price Reduction)
Stephen Lacey has for sale a River Raisin Models Southern Pacific P-10 Pacific 4-6-2 locomotive #2482. This locomotive sports a Skyline boiler and 120-C-5 tender. These models were built by Boo-Rim Precision in Korea and are simply stunning. The model is factory-painted and lettered and comes complete with factory-installed DCC sound. The locomotive has seen minimal running time, having been stored in its box since purchase from new. The locomotive and tender are in excellent condition and come complete with the original box and packaging.
Asking price is $1,895.00 (or near offer), plus shipping. This item is now located in Ohio, so the model can be sent via US Mail service from there, at buyer's cost. Payment via PayPal - if using G&S, payer to cover additional costs.
Photos are of the actual model for sale, and were taken by friend and professional photographer, Jonathan Bushell. Photos are used by permission and are copyright © Jonathan Bushell (jonathanbushell.com). Stephen and Jonathan have graciously allowed us to continue to show these photos on our web site as part of our Product Gallery.
Start an e-mail message (stephen.r.j.lacey@hotmail.com).
New Structures by Frisco Factory
These are 3D-printed, molded-in color but unpainted models, available fully built or in kit form.
Non-operational Lift Bridge by slycooper124
Important: the photo is of the company's operational HO-scale model. The S-scale version is non-operational, unless the modeler is willing to put in the effort. The parts are printed in white. The completed model will measure 49" long, 4-3/5" wide, and 18" tall.
S at St. Louis RPM
James McAuliffe, NASG Promotions chairman, took his Canadian National reefer to the St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet in July 2026. HO-scale modeler and manufacturer, Ted Culotta, took a photo of James' model and shows it on his blog. It is the fourth photo down that page; click the photo to see a larger version. RPMs are a great way to share your S models with other modelers, and maybe convince some of them to add or switch to S-scale!
Since the photo is now in the public domain, James responded online:
"Oh my, I did not expect this CN reefer to get any attention. I built this last year (yea after sitting for 8-10 years in my kit storage cabinet) and at the last minute I picked it up from the layout to take to the RPM. I had trouble with the roof and the ladder at the roof level so this is not in any way a good build; at 3 ft it is okay. Got the paint totally wrong but once I sprayed it I was not going back. You know the feeling when you have spent time on a model and you are really ready to move on."
He stated that he'll be at the NASG Convention showing a model that was not photographed.
Dan Malkiewicz
The Western New York S Scale Association regrets to inform us of the passing of Daniel Malkiewicz, of Kenmore, New York, on July 29, 2026. Dan was an NASG member as well. His layout was featured in the March 2018 NASG Dispatch on pages 24 and 25. He wrote a brief article about his C&NW Streamlined #400 in the January 2024 issue on pages 16 and 17. More photos of his large 18' x 50', floor-to-ceiling scenery, layout can be viewed on this web site. We offer our condolences to Dan's family and his many friends.
NASG Membership Secretary
Dick Kramer has been the NASG's Membership Secretary for 13 years. He is looking to retire, and so we are looking for someone to fill his shoes.
We had found an excellent candidate, but due to unexpected extenuating circumstances, he has had to withdraw his candidacy.
The Membership Secretary position is one that aids the NASG Treasurer in maintaining the NASG's membership database, accepting and reviewing new-member applications, notifying members of renewal deadlines, sending out renewals notices (via e-mail and postal mail), handling member's requests and changes-of-address, etc., and maintaining the list of active members to whom NASG Dispatch magazines are to be mailed.
The position requires an active membership in the NASG. Behind the scenes, you will be working with the NASG Treasurer and the NASG webmaster. The ability to handle e-mail (most interactions as done this way) and willingness to contact members via telephone (especially for those for whom we have no e-mail address) is necessary for this position. Ideally, you will be able to handle e-mail on a daily basis, but at least several times per week. The ability to enter and review data in a database application on a laptop computer is necessary for this position. However, no "programming" is needed, as everything is already set up and has been working well for more than a decade. Dick Kramer will be able to train you and help you with all of the necessary steps. Ideally, you live in the Connecticut area, but that is not a requirement (it might just make training easier).
Please contact the NASG's President, Jim Whipple, if you are interested in helping the NASG with this important position (and to allow Dick to retire!).
Start an e-mail message (president@nasg.org).
Barbara Rudnicki
We have been notified that Barbara A. Rudnicki, of Naples, Florida, passed away on June 12, 2026. She was an NASG member for more than 20 years. Barbara was born a Pennsylvanian and attended Plymouth Whitmarsh High School. She then attended East Stroudsburg University before a career at IBM where she trained managers. In retirement Barbara relocated to Naples, then Raleigh, North Carolina, and back to Naples where she dedicated her life to helping non-profits with Communication Seminars along with Strategic Analysis and Planning Sessions. Barbara also entertained residents at senior residences by organizing jigsaw puzzle clubs and activities, together with her piano skills and beloved Steinway B. Barbara's other love, of course, were her American Flyer trains and the construction of her layout, the "AAA Atlantic, Appalachian & Allegheny" where she was modeling November 10th, 1958 with both steam and diesel. The layout was A.C. Gilbert American Flyer-based, included a piece of her childhood layout and her original 324AC Hudson locomotive, but with many added details, and even a forced-perspective scene including Gilbert HO- and Kato N-scale trains. Barbara became an expert at repairing AF as well. Barbara also served the S community when joining Dave's Twacks & Twains as a co-owner with a mission to help as many people as she possibly could. We offer our condolences to her family and friends.
Shipping Container Chassis by Hexagon
Hexagon is a manufacturer listed on the 3D Central Trains 3D-printing service company's web site. They have been producing items for HO-scale. They have recently released, in S-scale, two different types of shipping container chassis, and an add-on component used by refrigerated shipping containers. Note that the container chassis can be ordered with your choice of wheels. These are unpainted, 3D-printed items. The "S-scale" version is linked to, below (select the wheel choice by clicking to the desired one before adding the item to the shopping cart).
Microform Models Web Site Has Online Ordering
We have had Microform Models listed in this web site's "Resources" section for several years now. While their product line is still the same, their web site has been greatly improved by recently enabling online ordering (previously, you had to call or write them to place an order). This company makes products for architects. They have a number of figures, some chairs, and a few automobiles that are flagged as "1:63" scale. While these figures aren't very detailed, they are very affordable, and so they make it possible to model a large crowd of people (not too close to the front of the layout) without going broke trying to do so. They also have metal, foldable (not scale-specific) tree armatures. The link below takes you directly to the filtered 1:63 page.
New Trucks by Die Cast Promotions
3000toys.com announces these models. Note that these are highly-detailed models. They feature an opening hood with authentic engine detail, accurately-detailed cab interior, poseable front wheels, pivoting fifth-wheel for trailer attachment, rolling wheels, working suspension, working landing gear, and a detailed chassis and undercarriage.
Glenn Ritter
We have been notified that Glenn A. Ritter, of Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 1, 2026. He was an NASG member for 30 years. Glenn was an architect for nearly 60 years, specializing in churches, but he also did other special projects and custom homes. We offer our condolences to his family and friends.
Dispatch Articles
Attention NASG members! The NASG Dispatch magazine is running low on articles. Please consider writing something about your current or recent S-related activities. Ideas are: a progress report on your layout's construction; a kit you have been building; a car or engine that you have been super-detailing or gotten to work again; a scenery tip that you would like to pass along; a review of a recent train show that you attended, etc. While your article can be long, a short product review and a simple tip can be sufficient to fill an empty spot in the magazine. Photos are great, if you can take them, but if not, that's fine, too. We have two assistant editors on stand-by who can work with you to get you the article that you envision. Please see the linked-to page for who to contact and for possible submission deadlines, if your article is time-sensitive.
Neil Stanton & S-CAB
While this information is not necessarily S-specific, a good number of S-modelers (including narrow-gaugers) are using Neil Stanton's S-CAB system. Briefly, S-CAB is a system that is installed in locomotives that allows direct communication between the throttle and the engine. On top of that, the system is designed to be fully powered by an internal battery that is installed in the engine. This makes an engine completely independent of the track as far as its power and its control system is concerned. This takes us one step closer to mimicking the real world, i.e. on-board "fuel".
While there are several systems on the market that offer similar features as the S-CAB system, none offer the complete solution that Neil's does; most require you to source one or more items from other manufacturers or do your own research on the Web.
Some of you may be aware of Neil's other significant contribution to model railroading and that is the "Stanton Drive" (a completely self-contained motor and gearing system built into a powered truck) that is sold by NorthWest ShortLine (available for S-scale as well).
Neil just e-mailed those of us who have been his clients and customers for years that he just turned 91 years old. He stated that he is still doing well, but is no longer able to do custom installs. He still has a good-sized inventory of the items he sells, but he will no longer take orders from new customers, effective today. He will continue to offer products to his existing customers. Neil also stated that he will continue to offer consultation to those who are interested in battery power for their locomotives. He covers HO-, S-, and O-scales.
Neil has been looking, for several years now, for someone or some company to take over his business and product line. So far he has not been successful. Considering the fact that just about everyone world-wide is walking around with a cellphone that contains a similar or the same battery that battery-powered engines use, you would think that the general "fear" of lithium-ion batteries should be subsiding, but apparently it isn't.
So, the plea is, if you or someone you know has an interest in a small business, is willing to accept some risk (the fundamental "feature" of a small business), and has the ability to produce electronic parts or can contract with someone or some company that can do that, you might want to consider contacting Neil.
Start an e-mail message (neilstanton@msn.com).
Be sure to see all, or other, products announced over the past year via the main News page.