2 days ago I bought my first S scale engine. a 4-4-0 Casey Jones engine. Yea I know its cheap and only has a one position reversing unit but its a start. I have a few questions. Where Can I find S gauge track not in 54? I went to a few hobbie stores and thats all I could find.
Gargraves makes S gauge curves in 042, o54, 063, and 072. Use their dealer locator to find where you can purchase it. And they also make switches in s gauge.
What I don’t know is how compatible Gargraves track is with original S gauge track. The old track appears to me to be way too large for true S scale. The ties on the old standard are high enough to be half way up an S scale figure. I’m using the old stuff but were I to do it over, I would use Gargraves because of the better appearance.
Bill
I’ve had good luck dealing with Doug at Portlines Hobbies. He stocks a full line of track from various manufacturers. I fully recommend him for all S-gauge needs. His site is:
Gargraves is compatible with the old Flyer track, you just need something under the Gargraves to make up the difference in height - I used cardboard on a previous layout with success.
This site http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/sscale.html describes what is available in S. Track is in this section http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/strack.html. Lionel makes some American Flyer track, but no switches. Several manufacturers listed in the section above make track and switches for S scale using American Flyer style wheels. Some also make transition sections.
Enjoy
Paul
G’day!
Couldn’t help but notice your topic - I too “took the plunge” a couple of years ago 'n haven’t been a bit sorry. It’s a terrific size for model 'n toy trains! [tup]
I want to “endorse” Port Lines Hobbies too - I purchased every thing for my modest layout through them. Really fine service 'n no disappointments. [tup]
Track [?] I went with the Showcase line 'n absolutely love it.
Rolling stock from American Models 'n Showcase . . .
Some fotos of my suspended-from-the-ceiling 8 x 7 ft layout . . . <my trainroom is chock full of HO, so I was relegated to the storage room for this one. That’s where the suspension idea came about . . . >
Enjoy! [tup]
Tom [4:-)] [oX)]
Thansk for the help! Im gonna try some of those sites.
Also there is a site called s-trains I think the website is http://www.trainweb.org/s-trains/
Welocme to “S”!!!
As you stated the hallmark of “S” in postwar is still the attractive feature today is big enough to work on and play with small enough to have a nice layout in not much more room than an HO would take up.
Depending on what you want, original AF track is cheap durable and readily available. You can buy track for 50 cents a section and clean it up and it works well. AF did make a Pikemaster Track that was more realistic, with plastic spaced ties and a lower profile, but it seems to tarnish more quickly. It does not look as nice as for instance Gargraves or S line or the others. My layout is all AF “S”, and I intentionally strove for a “toy like” appearance, like you would have from a vintage layout from the 50’s or 60’s.
Here is a pic of the original AF track on my layout with roadbed and added ties.
Pikemaster track on All Aboard panels
Gargraves
If money were no object, I would go with gargraves because it will readily mate to original AF switches, which you can buy for under $50 a pair and they are bullet proof in my opinion.
Welcome to “S”
Jim
Thanks for the info! [:)] Are the Postwar American flyers better smokers then postwar lionel? Ive heard that a few times before but since my locomotive dosnt have a smoke unit I cant tell.
If you ever get to the York TCA show, you will find a ton of S gauge Flyer stuff. I’m not in S but like to look at it at the show. A lot of engines that are in very good shape.
In my 100% biased opinion, YES!
Here is one of my 21165 like your Casey Jones
There is a 21168 that looks like your Casey Jones but has a smoke unit
Jim