S scale is a model railroad scale modeled at, S scale track gauge is. S gauge trains are manufactured in both DC and AC powered varieties. S gauge is not to be confused with toy train standard gauge, a large-scale standard for toy trains in the early part of the 20th century.
History
S scale is one of the oldest model railroading scales. The earliest known 1:64 scale train was constructed from card in 1896. The first working models appeared in England in the early 20th century. Modeling in S scale increased in the 1930s-1940s when CD Models marketed 3/16" model trains. American Flyer was a manufacturer of standard gauge and O gauge "tinplate" trains, based in Chicago, Illinois. It never produced S scale trains as an independent company. Chicago Flyer was purchased by A.C. Gilbert Co. in the late 1930s. Gilbert began manufacturing S scale trains around 1939 that ran on three rail "O" gauge track. This was known as 3/16" O gauge. Gilbert stopped producing trains during WWII. When the war ended, Gilbert began producing true S scale S gauge trains in 1946 under the American Flyer mark. The term "S scale" was adopted by the National Model Railroading Association in 1943 to represent that scale that was half of 1 gauge which was built to 1:32 scale. A.C. Gilbert's improvements in 1:64 modeling and promotions of S gauge largely shaped the world of 1:64 modeling today. S gauge entered what many consider its heyday in the 1950s . However, during that period, Lionel outsold American Flyer nearly two to one. American Flyer's parent company went out of business and the brand was sold to a holding company that also owned Lionel in 1967. Lionel re-introduced S gauge trains and accessories under the American Flyer name in 1979. Another S manufacturer, American Models, entered the marketplace in 1981 and is now also one of the major S suppliers. S-Helper Service, another major S gauge manufacturer of locomotives, rolling stock, track and other products, began operations in 1989 and delivered their first S products in 1990. In 2013, S-Helper Service was sold to MTH Electric Trains. And while the S scale market has seen a number of brass model manufacturers, today the major brass model supplier in S scale and S gauge is River Raisin Models. Today's S gauge and S scale modelers have a greater selection and higher quality products, from a wide range of manufacturers, than at any time in the past. In addition to the basics of locomotives, rolling stock, and track, various manufacturers now offer S scale structures, detail parts, figures, other scenic items, bridges, and more.
Terminology
The terms "scale" and "gauge" are often confused. Strictly speaking, scale is the ratio of the size of a model to that of its prototype and gauge is the distance between the track railheads. In the case of S scale, the proportion is 1:64 or 3/16" equals 1 foot. Standard S gauge is 7/8". Three-foot gauge in S scale is. In the 1920s and 1930s, toy trains were built of plated and lithographed tinplated steel. Since they were toys and not models per se, wheels and couplers were oversized. They were designed more for ease of use and robust service rather than pure fidelity of reproduction. Details were often represented as simple graphics on the models or even omitted altogether. Enthusiasts of toy trains are sometimes known as "tinplaters". Very little S scale equipment was ever "tinplate". Production methods have improved over the years making it possible for more accurately detailed models to be made available. These models have smaller flanges and couplers and in these respects are closer to actual proportions. They can also be more finely detailed. In an effort to distinguish these efforts from the "highrail" products, the term "scale" has been adopted by the adherents of this "higher fidelity" approach. Examples of scale equipment are seen at many shows every year. Highrail and "scale" can be compatible because they are both made to 3/16" scale and 7/8" gauge. It is a matter of degree of fidelity to the real thing.
The S scale SIG is an NMRA-affiliated special interest group dedicated to promoting and providing information on scale model railroading at 1:64. The National Association of S Gaugers serves as an organization to promote all forms of S gauge model railroading. The S Scale Model Railway Society also works to promote the scale in the UK.
