The S-scale, also known as the S-gauge, is one of the most preferred class of model trains. It is designed on the ratio of 1:64 ( 3/16 in . = 1 ft .) and sits between the popular HO and O model train scales. It fulfilled the requirements for a scale which was bigger than HO (which was considered too small by many model railroaders) but more compact than the popular O scale thereby enabling track designs to be built in more compact spaces.
Although S scale model trains had been in existence since the early part of the last century, it started to thrive with the advent of the re-designed American Flyer model trains, first created by The A.C.Gilbert Company in Connecticut, USA, throughout the latter part of the 1930s. The well-known American Flyer model trains, which had been made since the early part of the century originally as clockwork model trains, then later, as electric trains were significantly re-designed by Gilbert when he bought the original organization. These types of trains were built to S-scale but operated on regular O-gauge tracks.
As time went on Gilbert released one more of his radical modifications - he re-designed the tracks for the S-scale trains, shifting away from the traditional three track rail used in model electric railroads to that date.
The 3 track rail then in common use consisted of the 2 outer tracks for the wheels to run on using the third, center track, carrying the electric current to drive the model train motor. The new two track rails made the layouts seem more real life like as they now resembled authentic train tracks’. The development of these tracks to suit the smaller S-scale model trains also allowed track layouts to have curves of a diverse radius, more appropriate to the re-designed American Flyer locomotives and rolling stock.
Many, if not most, of present day S-scale fans had their very first introduction to that scale with the American Flyer when, as a youngster in the 1950s, they received a set as a Christmas gift. During that time period, the Flyer competed directly with the Lionel model trains of that time and these two firms had been the marketplace leaders.
Today the S-scale model trains, which includes the long-lived American Flyer are growing quickly in popularity once again.
This is the end result of the Lionel Corporation, the precursor of the existing maker of Lionel trains, Lionel LLC, having bought the legal rights to the American Flyer from the organization that had acquired the rights from A C Gilbert when his company went bankrupt in 1967.
Lionel Corporation was itself in fiscal difficulties at that point, and went through the fingers of several owners prior to attaining its present incarnation as Lionel LLC in 1996. But for quite some time that new company initially focused on creating and marketing its own HO and HO27 versions and did very little to encourage the supporters of S-scale. Since 2002 however, Lionel LLC has been introducing new models of S-scale model trains - much to the glee of these enthusiasts.
There is really a range of organizations and associations to cater to the interests of S-scale model railroaders. A good example, the National Association of S-Gaugers, which is also connected with the National Model Railroad Association, has a really active membership. Their web site which offers info on activities, events, suppliers, and archived reference material, also has links to S-Gauge clubs in 29 states as well as Canada and the UK. And you will find two Yahoo Groups - S-Trains and S-Scale.
S-Scale model trains, and all the appropriately scaled components, are now created by numerous manufacturers and focus on a number of different sections within that scale - primarily the American Flyer, the standard S-gauge and Proto:64 being the major ones.
After a long and checkered background S-scale model trains are certainly back in vogue again.
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