S scale trains and 1/64 farm toys

1/64scalefarmer Nov 14, 2006

  1. 1/64scalefarmer

    1/64scalefarmer New Member

    1
    0
    10
    I collect 1/64 scale farm toys and would like to get some S scale covered hopper cars (DM&E if possible), some track, and possibly a trackmobile for my grain elevator set up. I have found plenty of HO stuff, but would like to stay with 1/64 if possible. How much smaller is HO compared to S? Is it enough to make a difference? I don't plan on setting up a working train, just for looks in one area of my diorama.
     
  2. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    22,014
    27,407
    253
    Welcome to Trainboard!!!
    I am no S scaler, so the guys that know more about that scale can help you find what you seek....
    As for farm toys, I still have a small collection of Ertl toys.. 'Just like the real thing, only smaller'....

    As for scale, 1:64 is S scale, and 1:87 is HO scale. HO trains will be a bit smaller. The way I look at it, if it looks too big for you, then it is too big, regardles of scale. If it looks good to you, have it your way! :p :)
    Rule number one of model railroading:
    Model RRing is supposed to be fun!
    Rule #2:
    It is your layout, do things as you like.
    Rule #3:
    If any conflict arises from any self-appointed 'Prototype Police', refer to rule #2.

    Above all, enjoy! What I am getting at is this: If HO scale equipment will fit the bill, and it looks good to you, without being too far out of proportion, then use HO equipment! ;)
     
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,734
    653
  4. EricB

    EricB TrainBoard Member

    872
    2
    23
    One thing to consider when dealing with S scale is the fact that not al of the prodcts are true to scale. Much like Lionel, American Flyer stuff may not be correct. In addition AF is more of a tinplate style. For good S scale stuff check out http://www.showcaseline.com/

    I always liked S scale. I'm surprised its not more poplar. I think it offers a great comprimise between detail and size.

    Eric
     
  5. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,734
    653
    Eric-

    I agree completely with your perception of it's size.

    I tried to follow a Yahoo Group on S scale. For a couple of years. Could never make a connection with anyone there. Even though I actually knew a couple of them. The only S scaler I was ever able to chat with in depth, is a fellow right here on TrainBoard! (Greg.)

    There's something about them, that it's kind of a closed little society. And years behind the curve on truly scaled items. I can't quite describe it. But it's there. Almost an invisible barrier. Possibly still a lot of hangover, from tinplate days. Which the majority of S people are still modeling right now. I'm certain that turns many away as well.

    Don't get me wrong. I had AF as a youth. Along with Lionel. Loved those days. Cherish the memories. But.....

    :sad:

    Boxcab E50
     
  6. Greg Elems

    Greg Elems Staff Member

    1,355
    1
    32
    Yeah Boxcab is right, something not quite there. Some are ultra scale and want details down to the rust flakes. :D Others are happy with American Flyer. In-between there are operators, modelers and BS specialists. Not unlike O in fact. :D I've been interested in S since the early 80's. I joined a group in the SF bay area. Still I feel like I'm on the outside looking in. I guess it's because I didn't start out with AF equipment converted to scale. In looking at the pictures from the recent S convention, I feel like a teenager almost.

    In answer to your question, Des Plaines Hobbies has or will be offering ACF center flow covered hoppers. I doubt they will be offered in DME but IIRC decals are available for them. Other granger roads such as CNW have been offered. BN, UP, Santa Fe, SP and other roads from the late sixties have been offered. The hopper was originally from Pacific Rail Shops and can be found on eBay. PRS sold them to Des Plaines Hobbies around June or July of this year. Now a track mobile will be a bit harder to find but maybe an Ertle tractor can be modified to have sitting next to the cars or office. Hope this helps.

    Greg
     
  7. mhrreast

    mhrreast New Member

    1
    0
    8
    to Boxcab 350:
    What Yahoo group did you try to communicate with? The majority of the people I know in S scale do NOT fit the problem description that you have encountered. I expect that I could direct you to some people in your area if you want to discuss that.
    It is quite rare for me to see any modified AF on layouts. There are S scale model trains and S scale toy trains. If you are looking for model trains, ignore the toy AF and Lionel trains.
    Ted
     
  8. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,734
    653
    Ted-

    It was the same Group where I recall seeing you post. I recognize your "MHRR" from there.

    I have since moved forward with On30. Availability, price, and other reasons.

    Boxcab E50
     
  9. ctxm

    ctxm TrainBoard Member

    377
    0
    12
    There are two S scale yahoo groups, one is highrail flyer guys and one is scale guys. I don't know about the flyer guys but the scale guys are very friendly....dave
     
  10. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,734
    653
    It was the scale Group. I had a post or two that never appeared. Questions unanswered. Even knew a couple of the people there, and couldn't get them to respond on or off list. (Which left me quite confused!) As noted earlier here, another member of that Group concurred in his experience there as well. In fact, he's the only one who stepped up and bantered with me, answered questions, even even calling me long distance on his own dime!

    Boxcab E50
     
  11. ctxm

    ctxm TrainBoard Member

    377
    0
    12
    Sorry you couldn't connect with the S scale group. They might have just had email troubles, I never have any problems getting responses from them.
    I'm moving into S scale from O scale just to allow me to downsize my layout space requirements a bit. I decided I don't want a huge layout but I do want to be able to see the trains and handle them easily so S is a good compromise for me. I like modern equipment, an S scale modern boxcar is about as long as an O scale 40 foot boxcar.
    If anyone else is interested in S scale don't hesitate to jump in and ask any questions that you might have....dave
     
  12. Reckers

    Reckers New Member

    2
    0
    8
    I realize this is a very late response, but I've just come onto the board. I run AF S scale, though I'm relatively new to model railroading. If anyone wants to discuss it, I'm around!

    Reckers
     
  13. Greg Elems

    Greg Elems Staff Member

    1,355
    1
    32
    Welcome to Trainboard Reckers. Its been kind of slow here but don't let that stop you from posting. When you say you run AF S scale do you use Kadee couplers?

    Greg
     
  14. Reckers

    Reckers New Member

    2
    0
    8
    Hi, Greg---it's nice to meet you. So far, I use the original American Flyer knuckle-couplers. The engines and rolling stock I've been acquiring are all post-war, 1950s vintage (excluding a late 1960s game train engine I received in a swap). To be honest, I haven't even looked at other couplers because I haven't needed to. Is there a significant advantage to Kadees?
     
  15. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,734
    653
    Reckers-

    Welcome to TrainBoard!

    Sounds like your equipment is all hi-rail. So you'd not be using any other couplers.

    Any chance we could see a few photos?

    Boxcab E50
     

Share This Page