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Model Railroad Manufacturers Articles

"T" is for Tiny

This article introduces "T-scale", which is 1:450 (half the size of Z-scale). It is very popular in Japan, and growing in Europe, however, there are no distributors in the U.S. yet. Products sold by Eishindo are featured in the article.

(backcover)

The owners of S-Helper Service wrote a "letter" telling the readers about the situation with Sanda Kan no longer producing products for S-scale manufacturers.

1996 Lionel Preview

The author and Will Holt attended the Lionel product announcement meeting. Several A.F. products were discussed. Includes photos of the new products for 1996.

1997 Lionel Dealer Preview

The author attended the dealer preview show in Chicago to report on Lionel's plans for 1997. Includes photos of some of the new products shown there.

35 Years for the S Gaugian

Don Heimburger is celebrating 35 years of continuous publication of the S Gaugian magazine. This article gives some background on Don.

A Candid Conversation With Charlie Sandersfeld

Charlie explained how he became fascinated with railroads, his philosophy about S' future, how he specifically enjoys modeling locomotives, how hobby shops are the key to S' success, and describes their "S Team" and their portable layout. Charlie switched from HO-scale to S-scale in 1984.

A Modeling Mystery: Marklin's S Scale Experiment

Marklin made some prototype models in S-scale in 1932, and they are shown in this article.

A Tour of Scale Models Unlimited

The author visits the studios of this professional model building company.

A Tour with Weaver and OGR

For more than ten years, the attendees of the annual York train show could take a bus ride to the Weaver Quality Craft Models factory for a tour of their facilities, which lasted until Weaver closed its doors. After an introduction by George Seil, the author discusses the limited-run, special cars that could only be purchased on those tours. The cars were made at their U.S. factory. Photos of the cars are included in the article.

A Visit to Micro-Trains Line

A pictorial tour of the Micro-Trains Line facilities.

A Visit to PBL

The text describes the author's visit to PBL, while the photos cover the company's Sn3 layout set up in the showroom.

A Walk Around Gilbert's Factory

A photo essay of the remains of the A.C. Gilbert factory premises.

A.C. Gilbert's Paradise - Today Part 1

The author visits the A.C. Gilbert factory complex, which (at the time of this article) was sub-divided and leased to individual stores and companies. Includes photos he took at the visit. The pages of this article have another article inserted in yellow, titled "Demise of the A.C. Gilbert Company", which is an excerpt from the Professor Hartley's book "Marketing Mistakes" which devotes a chapter to the Gilbert story. This provides great insight into the company's history of the 1960s.

ABC's of S...

The author draws the conclusion that S-scale is growing, and specifically mentions the contributions of American Model and Overland Models to the increase of available equipment.

ABC's of S...

The author responds to last month's request for a hypothetical company being formed that produces S-scale items for the AF/hi-rail community.

AF Drops 5 Locos

A.C. Gilbert announces that it will no longer be producing the 0-6-0T Docksider, the PRR 0-6-0 switcher, the NH 4-6-2 Meteor, the PRR 4-6-2 K5, and the NKP 0-8-0 Yard King.

All About Kasiner O Scale and O Gauge

Kasiner Model Hobbies produced aluminum passenger cars with wooden floors starting in 1947. Includes a listing of the kits they manufactured and many photos.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers the creeds by which A.C. Gilbert ran the company.

American Flyer Line Upgraded; New Steam Locomotive Coming

This is an interview with Todd Wagner of Lionel about the future of American Flyer.

An Update on S Scale

The author describes S scale, and where to find steam and diesel locomotives, freight and passenger cars, track, structures, and detailing parts. The last section is about the NASG and the upcoming 1981 NASG convention. Includes a few S-scale layout photos.

And the Winners Are...

The 2001 Readers' Choice Awards includes S-scale's American Models' Budd streamlined passenger car set, and S-Helper Service's A and B set of EMD Phase II F3s.

Backshop Solutions

The author shares what he has been up to in the past 4 months

Backshop Solutions

Tools and building a master.

Brass Models with Code 110 Wheels

A listing dated January 15, 1987 of all the known S-scale brass models that came with code 110 wheels.

Champion Decal Co. Celebrates Their 50th Anniversary

The history and a tour of the facilities of Champion Decal. Includes a side bar on how the decals are made.

Changing Standards

After mentioning several other major changes in the model railroading industry, the author opines about the need for the S-scale community to adopt the new NASG S-scale standard.

Charles D. Sandersfeld 1934 - 1990

The (uncredited) author shares his memories of Charlie, provides some insight into the man, and the article includes several photos.

Chinese Model Railroading Manufacturing Factory Closed

It seems that this only affected some of the S Scale America product line.

Cinders

This column lists product announcements. This first one included American Models announcing their 52-foot mill gondola, and two-bay offset hopper. Omnicon announced the Erie 4-6-0 project. Jon Stetz announced the formation of Finestkind Mdl's.

Cinders

American Models is planning on making a plug-door box car decorated for the NP. NP streamlined passenger cars are also planned. They also announced that they are out of the #8 switch kits and will not make any more.

Clearing Up (We Hope!) That Coupon Confusion

Issues related to NASG membership renewals and discount coupons that will be offered by the NASG.

Cleveland Models

Mr. Packard of Cleveland Model & Supply Co. asks for which S-scale products people want them to produce.

Cleveland Throws in the Towel

Cleveland Model and Supply announces that their S-scale product line and tooling is up for sale.

Coffee With Don Thompson

Don Thompson is the co-owner of S-Helper Service. He describes his home layout, but progress on it stopped when he started the company in 1989.

Collecting Antique Electric Toy Trains

This article centers around Lionel, American Flyer, and the tinplate collecting hobby.

Crapola from the Cupola

The owner of Pecos River Brass describes the ins and outs of the importing business.

Crapola from the Cupola

The owner of Pecos River Brass talks about what it takes to become a brass importer.

Dear S Gauger

The author introduces the "This is S" pamphlet.

Dear S-Gauger

A letter-to-the-editor explains the situation about getting ALCO Models to produce an S-scale brass NYC Niagara.

Did You Know?

John Enhorning bought the Champ S-scale decals product line. The current companies producing code 126 rail are: Model RR Products, Coast Cities Associates, Eastern Model Railway; all selling 99 feet of rail.

Did You Know?

Does Anyone Know What Became Of Dayton Models?

The author is asking if anyone knows what the status of Dayton Models of Wilmington, Ohio is. The author also asks about other inactive S manufacturers.

Editorial

The author lists things he would like see manufacturers produce in S-scale.

Evolution of the scale AF Challenger

The author interviews Remy Convey, product manager at Lionel.

Frank Titman Sells His 35 Year Lehigh Valley Models

Frank Titman has sold his company, Lehigh Valley Models, to Phil Kehr of K&P Brick & Building Company out of York, PA. Includes photos of some of the company's models.

From Stoves to ICEs: 130 years of Marklin

This article covers the history of the German Marklin company, and includes information about visiting the company in Goeppingen near Stuttgart, Germany.

From the Observation Lounge

The author describes his philosophy regarding having "fun" as a kit-maker manufacturer.

Gary Moreau Named Chief Executive Officer of Lionel

Announcement of the new CEO at Lionel.

Gilbert's 50 Year Heritage

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of American Flyer, the author reviews the company's and S-scale history. In the article he claims there are perhaps 20,000 S-scale modelers and 325 manufactures making product for S-scale.

Gilbert's Response to Lionel's 50th Anniversary Line Part 1

The author describes what A.C. Gilbert did to compete with Lionel's 50th anniversary product line.

Gilbert's Response to Lionel's 50th Anniversary Line Part 2

The author continues to describe what A.C. Gilbert did to compete with Lionel's 50th anniversary product line.

Hi Rail Committee Report

The author responds to commentary he has received about the Fundimensions cars.

Inside American Models

This is an interview-style article conversing with Ron Bashista owner of the S-scale-only American Models company. Includes photos of their products, and some behind-the-scenes images. More photos are found on page 43 (online PDF file only).

It's Time for a New Wish List

The author updates his wish-list for various manufacturers to produce, primarily focusing on rolling stock.

Jeff's Junction

Would other larger model railroading manufacturers consider adding S-scale products to their product line? If so, which ones?

Jeff's Junction

The April Fools edition of the column has the author fantasizing about being an S-scale dictator telling the manufacturers which products they should produce.

Jeff's Junction

The author ponders the need for more modern equipment to be available in S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

Speculating on when the first S-scale plastic-bodied steam locomotive would be produced and what it might be.

Jeff's Junction

Getting enough seed money to make an S-scale project a "go".

Jeff's Junction

In general, S-scale manufacturers have been cognizant of each others' products, so as to avoid duplication-of-effort. However, this column points out a few exceptions. He continues by mentioning the product types that he thinks are best for brass production and those best for plastic models.

Jeff's Junction

The author is making the point that manufacturers should list structure dimensions, rolling stock built dates, paint scheme eras, etc.

Jeff's Junction

What first drew the author to model railroading was advertisements of products shown on a real layout. He wonders why more manufacturers don't do ads like that.

Jeff's Junction

The author adds some of his items to a Christmas-in-July wish-list.

Jeff's Junction

"If you sell S, you need to promote S!", is the editor's opinion, reflecting on how vendors and manufacturers might want to interact with their customer base at train shows.

Jeff's Junction

The editor opines about the future of resin kits in S-scale and what might be produced next.

Jeff's Junction

The editor discusses the various polls that are done within discussion groups to determine what modelers would like to see produced in S-scale.

Kimpei Sofue's Life

The story of the life of Mr. Sofue who built brass engines for KTM, Max Gray, both O- and HO-scale.

Lionel '93

The author got to visit the Lionel factory and view the new S-scale products, photos of some of which are included in the article.

Lionel Shows Commitment to S Gauge

Representatives of Lionel attended the 1986 NASG Convention, which led to a factory tour at Lionel, all indicating that Lionel is serious about continuing American Flyer products.

Lionel Trains Hosts a Media Event At Their New Visitors Center

The author describes what happened at the January 21, 1992 event. Includes photos of the dignitaries at the event.

Lionel Trains, Inc. Opens New Visitors Center in Mt. Clemens, Michigan

A description what can be found in the visitors center and what to expect when you participate in the tours given. Photos of the layout are included (4 tracks of O and one of A.F.).

Looking Ahead

Looking into 2011, the editor encourages all to invest in S-scale.

Manufactures Help S Grow

Various manufacturers respond to the current and future state of S.

Maury Romer Interview 1973

With permission from Marilyn Heimburger, the author was able to reproduce the 1973 interview article as found in the S Gaugian magazine. Maury Romer was involved in both the American Flyer before A.C. Gilbert bought it, and the post-WWII era.

May I Have The Envelope Please?

The previous survey done by the NASG's Manufacturers' Advisory Group was mostly focused on A.F and hi-rail, but more manufacturers are interested in the "scale" side of S-scale, so a new survey was created to include all aspects of S-scale modeling. The results of this survey are shown in this article.

Meet an S Gauger

Introduction of Fred and Dolores Rouse who bought S Scale Locomotive & Supply.

Meet an S Gauger

Introduction to Earl Eshelman, who manufactured O- and S-scale turnouts and track.

Memories of the A.C. Gilberts from Julie Gilbert Trail Part I

This is the first installment of an article written by the eldest child of A.C. Gilbert, Jr., who was A.C. Gilbert's son and who took over the company when A.C. retired. It describes her father, her grandfather, and what she remembers of the company (back then girls were sheltered from the business' goings-on). Several photos are included.

Memories of the A.C. Gilberts from Julie Gilbert Trail Part II

The story of Julie growing up with her father continues, dealing with him loosing the company.

Mini-Structures

This announcement is that Mini-Structures has closed up shop. Hansel Main and a partner have bought the passenger station kit that the company offered, and they are willing to go back into production.

MTH and Lionel Talk 'S'

The author interviews Matt Ashba of Lionel and Andy Edleman of MTH.

MTH Purchases S-Helper Service

Following the official press release, Don explains why the delay in making the announcement. The article also covers a bit of company history.

NASG Manufacturer's Advisory Group Meeting Summary

This is a report of a small meeting with several representatives from different companies, and NASG representatives.

NASG Officers Visit Lionel

A report of what happened during a meeting of several NASG officers and employees of Lionel, in an interview style.

New Products: Wanted!

A list of the author's wishes that he would like manufacturers to produce in S-scale.

New Track

Interviews with Korber Models, Right-O-Way, Specialty Track Services, Carolina Craftsman Kits, Wiseman Model Services, Larry Burk (On30), Allen Littlefield, Kevin Spady (On30). The confusing article continues with several other unrelated topics.

New Tracks

Contest sponsored by Clever Models.

New Tracks

The owner of Monster Modelworks wants to help be part of the mentoring project. Bob Frascella also offers to help (includes a description of Bob, and several photos of his projects). Keith Haynes is an accomplished Sn3 modeler who will help with mentoring. John Pratt also signs up.

New Tracks

Interviews with Scott Peterson of Hidden River Manufacturing Company, John Mann, and John Robertson.

New Tracks

Interview with owner of Clever Models.

New Tracks

The author works with Twin Whistle Sign & Kit Co. to offer one of their kits as a price to a contest. The company is willing to be a mentor to the winner. The author describes S-scale modeler Bill Boucher from Don Thompson's interactions. Some photos of Bill's famous circus train models are shown in the article. Introductions are made to modelers Warren Judge, Lance Mindheim, and John Sullivan.

News From the North

The author shares an interview he did with Mt. Albert Scale Lumber owner Gerry Cornwell about his company, his manufacturing practices, and what it takes to produce tiny strips of wood. Includes lots of photos of the factory set up.

News From the North

The author reports on the River Raisin Berkshires announcement, Scalecoat paint's being bought out, and a visit with Fast Track's owner Tim Warris (includes several photos of his S-scale jig and his HO-scale layout).

News from the North

A couple of notes of Fast Track's kit for improving the tracking problems of American Model's 6-wheel passenger car trucks. The author interviews Steve Hunter, the designer behind the 3D-printed "Eastern Road Models" Shapeways web site.

News from the North

Notes about the dormant Ridgehill Scale Models company, the Niagara Central Hobbies store closing, and the S Scale Workshop's experiences at the Expo Rail Museum show of 2015. Includes photos of models by members of the club.

News from the North

Information about new products planned in Canada, and the latest status updates of layouts under construction in Canada.

News from the North

Information about products under development by Canadian manufacturers, and how the author built a roll-away paint booth.

Odds And Ends

Aurora Plastic Models makes a Vikings ship, which contains between 30 to 40 S-scale figures. Kemtron's Ma & Pa steam engine is pre-announced.

OS from S Tower

The author reviews the 2012 Lionel catalog.

Photo Tour of American Models

A photo essay showing the American Models factory.

Possibilities

Al Westerfield indicated to the author that they can produce S-scale flat kits that they have already done in HO-scale, if the demand is there.

Possibilities

Helping manufacturers with prototype data, so that a particular model could possibly be produced.

Possibilities

The idea of bringing wanna-be manufacturers with money together with manufacturers short on cashflow.

Possibilities

Small plastic manufacturing companies could be turned into producing model railroad products, if we provide them with the necessary data; the company doesn't have to be a pure model railroading-only company.

Possibilities

What S needs is a distributor, to help cut down on the amount of time cottage industry manufacturers have to spend on "administrivia".

Possibilities

What benefit would an S-scale distributor have to the community?

President's Message

Continued discussion related to criticism toward S-scale manufacturers.

President's Message

Responding to the claims that there are too many NYC and PRR engines being made, and not enough for other railroads.

President's Message

The passing of Charlie Sandersfeld, owner of Omnicon Scale Models.

President's Message

Help promote S-scale with existing manufacturers.

President's Message

MTH's closing does not spell the end of S.

President's Message

Lionel is celebrating the 75th anniversary of American Flyer. American Models is celebrating their 40th anniversary.

President's Message

Discusses the fact that Scale Trains has bought the MTH's S-scale tooling (which itself was the former S-Helper Service tooling).

Publisher's Message

Disappointment in the lack of Sn3 available at the 1990 NASG Convention.

Publisher's Message

Marketing S-scale products to non-S modelers.

Publisher's Message

The June 1995 Model Railroader had a 8-page section in the middle of the magazine all about what is available in S-scale at that moment. The author is encouraging all to take advantage of this and help continue to promote and grow S-scale.

Publisher's Message

The publisher writes about what they did over the summer to improve the S/Sn3 Modeling Guide, started BTS Distributing, and new BTS structures.

Publisher's Message

A review of the author's companies' accomplishments for 1997, and concern for the Asia products due to their financial woes.

Publisher's Message

The author describes what they went through buying Master Creations' product line, and discusses the future of this magazine.

Rare AF Missouri Pacific Passenger Set Returns

The author conducts an interview with Jeff Jones, American Flyer Production Manager at Lionel about their new offerings for 1991. Included are pages of advertisement showing photos of the new AF products.

Reflections on Robert L. Miller and the Miller Power Truck

The article describes the operating sessions Bob Miller would have on his layout for teenage boys in his town (the author being one of them). It also covers how the (patented) powered truck worked. Included are a timeline of Bob's life, and two pages of Miller's product catalog from 1952.

Remembering Ron Bashista

The author reviews the history of American Models and what Ron has produced. The company will continue.

Remembering Se Young Lee Founder of Samhongsa Models

The author, owner of SouthWind Models, describes meeting Mr. Lee in 1974.

Restoration Station

The author describes his process for doing maintenance and repair work on American Models locomotives.

Richard "Dick" Truesdale And His Westside Model Company

Jim visits with Dick to learn about his brass importing business and the extent of the hard labor he went through to dig a basement out under his house to build his layout there.

Ron Bashista Passes Away Unexpectedly on December 4, 2021

The founder of American Models passed away, and his wife, Karin, announces that the company will continue.

RS Laser Kits S Products

The author introduces the owner of RSLaserKits, showing some of their S-scale kits, and photos of their facilities and owner. Page 34 has a collection of photos that show the parts that make up the company's pickle car.

S Firms Record Past Growth and Positive Outlook

Interviews about 2005 and 2006 with Hoquat Hobbies, S-Helper Service, Tomalco Track, River Raisin Models, and Hunterline.

S Gauge Suppliers

The three main suppliers are Nixon Model Company, Sierra-Built Models Co., and Branch Line Hobby Supply.

S Gaugian Interviews MTH's Mike Wolf

This is an interview with Mike Wolf, owner of MTH, about AF accessories and MTH's future involvement in S-scale (note that MTH bought the S-Helper Service tooling in 2010, and is now indeed producing S-scale equipment as well as accessories).

S Scale at a Crossroads

The author discusses the Sanda Kan notice to 60 companies stating that they will no longer make products for them.

S Scale Catalog

The author is exploring the idea of producing an S-scale catalog to hand to customers.

S Scale... Old School Style

The author has a YouTube channel where demonstrates from very old S-scale equipment. This article covers some of the early C-D (Cleveland Models & Supply) products from the 1930s.

S Stands for Steam

The author is encouraging us to help younger modelers look into steam engines, and what S manufacturers could do to encourage more S-scale steam availability.

Say What? Communicate!

Telling manufacturers what you would like for them to produce requires precision, including a specific acceptable price range.

Sn3 Modeler

This page introduces the magazine-within-a-magazine, the Sn3 Modeler.

Sometimes You Can Actually Get What You Want...

The author describes his experiences in drumming up support for projects to convince manufacturers to produce the product.

Special Run Cars

This article is a quick guide to how to create your own custom cars by interacting with model manufacturers. The author talks about his club's experiences so far.

Starters

What about S-scale products from the 1950s? How to find them, and that they are still valid kits to build.

Steam is Still King!

Readers' Choice Awards for 2002. Broadway Limited's HO-scale sound-equipped New York Central 4-6-4 Hudson took the top prize. For S-scale S-Helper Service's F7 and Lehigh Valley 55-ton two-bay composite hopper took first place in each category.

Support Your Local Manufacturer!

This editorial comments on how Charlie Sandersfeld of Omnicon Scale Models can't go out on a limb by himself having brass engines built without the support of S-scale modelers in the US.

The American Flyer Enthusiast

A discussion of the A.F., Lionel, and American Models wheelsets for the tinplate operator.

The Cute and Quaint

We need steam locomotives that fit in the 1880 through 1930 time period.

The Dispatch Visits American Models and Lionel

Covers information about the American Models 4-6-2, the GG-1, and various other projects underway. The visit with Lionel included meeting with Carl Crosier and Neil Young (about their new sound system). The visit covered the products that Lionel is introducing in 1995.

The Dispatch Visits Ertl

An interview with Ertl's Product Manager James Willey about their 1:64 product line.

The Dispatch Visits Lionel

The author visits with Lionel and interviews the company's Steve Saxton and Carl Crosier about the future of S-scale products at Lionel.

The Dreaded Deposit

What it actually takes, financially, to produce a brass piece of equipment.

The Ertl Company

A condensed version of the Ertl hand-out capturing the company's history. Also includes a page of photos of the latest 1:64 Ertl items in 1994.

The Hi Rail Committee Report

Information about the upcoming Lionel Fundimensions cars, which are aimed at collectors.

The Last Stop

The very interesting story of how the Cuyahoga Valley S Gauge Association attempted to create a Sherwin-Williams tank car for one of their S Spree events.

The Main Who Lived in Paradise

How A.C. Gilbert got started making trains.

The NASG Visits Intermountain Railway Company

The Longmont, Colorado company produces their own O-scale freight car kits, and is home to S-scale's Pacific Rail Shops and HO-scale's Innovative Models, as well as being a contractor for other manufacturers. Includes many photos of the facilities.

The Results of the 1996 Product Survey

The Story Behind Lehigh Valley Models

This article covers the history of Frank Titman's Lehigh Valley Models, producer of wood/paper/metal kits. Includes photos of some of the models.

The Story of Adams & Son Model Foundry

The "Son" part of the company describes the story of the company as he grew up learning the tasks his father did. Includes several photos of the original models.

Train Set Gazette

This special insert into the magazine lists various starter sets and information about how to get your first layout started. Various starter sets in N, HO, and O-27 are listed.

Union Pacific: The Grinch that Stole Christmas

The author shares comments he received from Don Thompson (S-Helper Service) of the possible legal ramifications by the accusations the Union Pacific RR has launched against model railroad manufacturers.

Visit Tomalco Track

Owner of Tomalco Track describes his transition into S-scale and into becoming an S-scale manufacturer. Owning the company, he has been able to complete his own 28'x28' S-scale layout in his basement.

What Would A.C. Gilbert's Crew Be Making Today?

The author shows kitbashed models he has made that he thinks A.C. Gilbert might have produced, had they continued to be around.