Considering going to S scale. Information wanted

rg5378 Aug 13, 2013

  1. rg5378

    rg5378 TrainBoard Member

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    Hello,

    I am considering moving to S gauge. I know that there is not a lot out there in S gauge. What I want to know is: 1) has ANY MANAFACTURE made a DRGW SD40T-2 in S scale? If so, what is the minimum radius needed for it and where is a good place to find one (most likely used). 2) are there any manafactures that make the DRGW billboard lettering in S scale? I have not found any with Microscale Decals. Also, what are some good sites magazines for S gauge information.

    Thanks for your time
     
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  3. rg5378

    rg5378 TrainBoard Member

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    Thank You, Boxcab.
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I had a subscription to S/Sn3 Modeler, before it became 1:64 Modeling Guide. Seemed to me when they changed that name, it sort of slid down hill from there. I just looked at their web site and see publication has ceased. Hmmm.
     
  5. JB Stoker

    JB Stoker TrainBoard Member

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    S is a lonely scale. I was gung ho about going Sn42 (S on HO track) for a few months, and in the end finally talked myself out of it and went On30. The final straw for me was when I got some 1:72 airfix figures that I intended to use as 1:64 ones, and the airfix figures these days are all underscale! They work better as HO. I remember ~35 years ago Airfix figures were all a bit OVERscale, and I was counting on that to get cheap figures. Sounds like a minor thing (Miner thing really) but it was just the straw that broke the camels back for me. The figures you can find for S are all $5 each- or more. You can find some Ertl stuff in 1:64, so check that out especially if you are doing a modern layout. You can get all kinds of farm and construction equipment from Ertl in 1:64, including farmers and livestock- all reasonably priced for the quality. Click here for a good link with a bunch of S scale sites listed. Good luck if you stick to your guns and go S!

    Edit to add: Just found some more S scale links I had saved. This video of Bill Scobies Sn3 layout is worth watching. I lived in that area for a while and he nailed the look of it amazingly well.

    [video=youtube;PiIkg6anF2w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiIkg6anF2w[/video]

    And this guy has a good RGS Sn3 layout too, click here to go to Mark Evans Sn3 layout website. Interestingly enough, he took a picture of the Placerville CO RGS warehouse when I lived directly behind it in '96 and you can see my green '88 Chevy 4x4 sitting there.

    Also Click here to see a list of other RGS layouts, many of which are Sn3.
     
  6. rg5378

    rg5378 TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for the info JB. I will look at the videos when I have more time. If I delve into S, I will be doing a mid-1970's era layout. I am thinking of a laid back branch line. Best that I can explain it is imagine if the C&S narrow gauge was still in existence except with modern engines. Still not sure if I will go to S. I am at the point now where I don't have to much invested in O scale. I only have a 4 1/2 x 7 train board. I sold my HO stuff because I was getting tired of all the derailments. Went to O because of the large flanged wheels. Track and switches are REALLY expensive. I am thinking that quality, not quantity is the way to go. S scale might be the answer. I guess that OMI at one time imported SD40T-2s. So I know they are out there. I will just have to be patient and find one.

    Tomorrow I am going to the train store and check out what they have in S. I am also anxiously awaiting the next train show to see what is out there. I have my research to do. Cary
     
  7. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Years ago I did some military modeling. I remember the Airfix OO, plus other makers of 1:72, 1:76 and more. Maybe they have become more scale conscious through passing years?
     
  8. JB Stoker

    JB Stoker TrainBoard Member

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    This appears to be the case, along with better molding ability. I read around on some military modeling sites about this and the general consensus is that in the past Airfix and others (Revel- etc) made their figures a bit overscale so that they could get better detail in the figures with the production process back then. Now much more detail can be achieved in small items, and of course the demand for correct scale increases every year as well. Que sera sera. I am happy with O scale. Gotta love being able to mill most of my own scale lumber, and I recently received some miners and livestock from Pegasus in 1:48 and the detail is outstanding. $6 for two trees of these animals and $6 for 15 miners/mules/sluices etc. Wish they had more of these.

    [​IMG]
     
  9. rick773

    rick773 TrainBoard Member

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  10. rg5378

    rg5378 TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks Rick773, I will look into Bill's website. Great looking pictures!
     
  11. Greg Elems

    Greg Elems Staff Member

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    Coming into this kind of late. There are used brass SD40T-2's on the market but not many. You might find one on eBay now and then also. There are dealers who have estate collections for sale periodically and they show up there. Off hand I can't give you any names since I'm on my wife's computer but the yahoo S-scale group can point you down the right road for brass for sale. Kind of an eclectic group but they do help newbies.

    Greg
     
  12. Logtrain

    Logtrain TrainBoard Member

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    I am a veteran (30+ yrs) N scaler. I love to kitbash and scratchbuild. All I will say is this. IF I was EVER to change scales, I would go into Sn3 in a heartbeat.
     
  13. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hey, Ryan- Where have you been lately?
     
  14. rogergperkins

    rogergperkins TrainBoard Member

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    I model in n-scale and have been involved since 1973, however I have my American Flyer from my childhood in the 1940-50 era. A couple of years ago, I purchased a small S set with a steam locomotive and some of the "roadbed included" track. I was having cataract surgery at the time, thus n-scale was too small to manage in those few months.

    If at age 74 years, I were to start modeling in another scale 1/64th would be my choice. My primary concern is getting started with an affordable steam locomotive with DCC and sound.
    I saw a 2-8-0 offered, but understand the company has changed hands.
    What options are now available?
     
  15. Greg Elems

    Greg Elems Staff Member

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    Used market, eBay and a few hobby shops. If you are contemplating scale then the yahoo scale list would be good. If you are considering highrail and American Flyer compatible then the yahoo S gauge list. If you ask on the appropriate list you will probably get a quick response of said items for sale. Having said that, MTH is supposed to bring out the SHS 2-8-0 some time in the future. Lionel makes a couple of nice steam engines but have the AF high rail flanges. American Models has several steam engines and sells them either with scale wheels or AF compatible.

    Greg
     
  16. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Just curious- What is the scale diesel market like these days?
     
  17. Greg Elems

    Greg Elems Staff Member

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    About the same. AM may or may not have some models in stock. Lionel diesels seem to be available with AF wheels, scale is another story though. SHS can be had at some hobby shops or evilbay and train shows. The GP38 project I was helping with has died unless S scale 40" wheels can be found. NWSL is out of stock to make them at the moment. Not real good for looking and buying from a store unfortunately. Lionel has rumblings of an AF style Berkshire for Christmas Story planned for next yr. Will be a scale sized steamer though. MTH is working on the ex-SHS F3's and has them in the catalog now.

    Greg
     
  18. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Seems like there have been some changes, but not for the better?
     
  19. Greg Elems

    Greg Elems Staff Member

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    Sure feels that way. Even my rose colored glasses aren't helping.

    Greg
     
  20. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I was afraid your answer would be something along those lines. Bummer.
     

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