Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Magazine Articles by Scale
S Articles

!!Syracuse!!

A report of the 1991 NASG Convention. Includes lots of photos.

"87 for 87"

A reprint of an article about trying to come up with 87 new ideas using AF-based products (only 8 are listed).

"East Meets West": San Jose S Scale Convention

This article covers the author's visit to the 4th annual NASG convention in San Jose, California, organized by the East & West S Gauge Model Railroad Club. The author, an HO-scale modeler, was invited to do a clinic presentation, hence his attendance at the convention. (Note that according to the NASG web site, it was actually the sixth NASG convention)

"In the Mood" Period Model Railroading

This is a preview article of Dave Jasper's S-scale layout that will be part of the 1999 NASG Convention's layout tour. Dave models 1927. Includes several photos, and Dave shares his philosophy of how he modeled that era. A sidebar is included about the 1999 NASG Convention.

"Rio-Granding" the Forks Creek Station

Using the Classic Miniatures' Forks Creek Depot kit, the author converted it into a depot that would be appropriate for a D&RGW layout.

"S" Fest Report

The author shares the activities at the 1990 Fall S Fest. Includes one group photo.

"Springing" The Pacific Rail Shops Bettendorf Trucks

Improving the look and the performance of the PRS truck by removing the springs section and adding "real" springs. Includes photos.

'Cincinnati in Motion'

A couple of photos of buildings under construction at the museum.

'Cincinnati in Motion' Highlights 2002 S Spree

The author covers the 2002 S Spree show, which includes a couple of photos.

'S' Fest '92

Report on the 1992 Fall S Fest in Elk Grove Village, IL.

(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.

(title cut off from scan)

The author describes how he is converting an O-scale "Poiter switcher" to S-scale.

0-4-0T Porter Part I

The author starts building the Backwoods Miniatures' kit, which is based on a freelanced design. It shows the kit's parts, a few early construction photos, and photos of the company's other locomotives.

0-4-0T Porter Part II

The article continues by working on the super-structure of the kit, building the cab, and their detailing.

1/64 Cars and Trucks from the 1940s and 1950s

The author breaks down what kinds of cars were common on the roads after WWII. He then reviews sources for these cars in S-scale. Includes several photos of many cars.

11th Annual Fall "S" Fest Wrap-up

A brief summary of the events at the show.

14th Annual Spring S Spree 2001

Information about the show in Columbus, Ohio.

17th Annual Spring S Spree

A report on the show, with a few photos.

1938 NYC 20th Century Limited in S Scale

The author describes how he had always longed for building this train, and how he was able to do so later in life in S-scale.

1950s Milwaukee Road One-stall Enginehouse

The author took a B.T.S. kit and turned it into a model representing the one at Canton, South Dakota.

1980 NASG Convention

More information about this year's NASG Convention.

1980 NASG Convention

Brief information about the upcoming NASG Convention.

1981 NASG Convention

Introduction to the planned activities and dates of the 1981 NASG Convention.

1981 NASG Convention News

Information about the upcoming NASG Convention's car by Lionel.

1983 NASG National Convention

The authors introduce the 1983 NASG Convention, organized by the Bristol S Gauge Railroaders club.

1984 NASG Convention: A Family Reunion

The story about the Convention, with several photos of people there, and many photos of the models at the show.

1985 "S" Gauge "Gold Rush" Convention

Information about all the activities at the upcoming 1985 NASG Convention.

1988 AF Wabash Alco PA Electrical Contact Repair

The Wabash PA locomotives may not have their contact wires make proper contact, so this brief article describes how to fix that.

1993 NASG Board of Trustees Meeting

A detailed report about what happened at the NASG's BOT meeting at the 1993 NASG Convention.

1993 NASG General Business Meeting

Reports covering the general membership meeting.

1994 Columbia River Convention

Introduction to the 1994 NASG Convention in Vancouver, Washington. Includes a couple of photos taken in the area.

1994 Columbia River Convention

Information about clinics, contests, and local attractions for the 1994 NASG Convention.

1994 NASG Board of Trustees Meeting

1994 NASG Columbia River Convention Summary

The author describes his Amtrak trip to the 1994 NASG Convention, and reviews the activities there. The article continues over many pages and includes lots of photos of people and models.

1994-5 Flyer Fest

Photos of the temporary layout set up as part of the event.

1995 General Business Meeting

A summary of the topics covered in the NASG membership meeting at the 1995 NASG Convention.

1995 NASG Convention Schedule

A detailed schedule of the 1995 NASG Convention.

1995 NMRA Prize Parade

This page shows a photo of Randy's Moon Run station, which won first price in the Online Structures category. Although freelanced, it is based on the Chesapeake & Ohio depot in Thurmond, W. Va. It's entirely scratchbuilt of cardstock.

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.

1998 NASG "Minuteman Express" Model Contest

Information about the contests that will be held at the 1998 NASG Convention.

1998 NASG Model Contest Results

A listing of all the winners of the contests held at the 1998 NASG Convention. Photos follow in the subsequent pages, followed by a full summary by the editor.

1999 BOT Meeting

Report of what happened at the 1999 NASG BOT meeting.

1999 Convention Report

A report about the 1999 NASG Convention, with lots of photos.

1999 NASG Convention Update

Several pages with info and photos about the Convention, and the Convention cars.

2000 NASG BOT Meeting

A report of what happened at the NASG BOT meeting at the 2000 NASG Convention.

2000 NASG Convention Report

A full report of the Convention in San Jose.

2001 Convention Report

A full report along with photos of the 2001 NASG Convention in Scranton, PA.

2001 NASG B.O.T. Meeting

A full report of the NASG BOT meeting at the 2001 NASG Convention.

2002 Convention Report

The article covers the events at the 2002 NASG Convention. The preceding page and the pages of the article itself have lots of photos taken at the event.

2002 Fall S Fest Roundup

A handful of photos with captions.

2002 NASG BOT Meeting

A detailed review of what happened at the 2002 NASG BOT meeting.

2002 NASG General Meeting

A detailed review of what happened at the 2002 NASG general membership meeting.

2003 NASG Board of Trustees Meeting

A full report of the BOT meeting at the 2003 NASG Convention.

2006 Fall S Fest Beloit, Illinois

(ed. the title of the article is wrong; it should be "2005") Several photos taken at the event.

2006 NASG Convention Round-up

A review and many photos of the NASG's annual Convention.

2007 NASG Convention - Baltimore

Photos and contests results of the convention.

2008 NASG Contest Awards

A listing of the people who won the contests at the 2008 NASG Convention.

2008 NASG Convention Layout Preview

This article covers the following layouts open during the 2008 NASG Convention: Tommy Robichaud's 22'x22' DCC-powered layout that can handle both hi-rail and scale equipment; Dick lannacone DCC-powered layout features AF, hi-rail, and scale equipment.

2008 NASG National Convention Mountaineer Limited

Introduction to the 2008 NASG Convention in Lowell, MA, covering all the tours and external activities.

2009 Fall S Fest - Rockford, Illinois

A photo essay of the event.

2009 NASG Convention - St. Louis

A photo essay of the event.

2009 NASG St. Louis Convention Model Contest Results

A listing of those who won the various contests at the 2009 NASG Convention.

2010 Duluth Convention Report

Comments and photos of the 2010 NASG Convention.

2010 NASG National Convention

More details about the 2010 NASG Convention, including what can be done before and after the show.

2010 S Spree Report

A report on the happenings at the show, as well as several photos.

2011 Fall S Fest Round Up

A brief summary and some photos taken at the event.

2014 NASG Convention

The author reports on the annual show. Includes a couple of people photos. The article is followed by two pages of photos of contest winning models. More photos are shown on pages 19, 20, and 21.

2014 NASG Convention - The Heartland S-press

The Badgerland S Gaugers and the State-Line S Gaugers introduce the 2014 NASG Convention, to be held in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. In addition to briefly covering the planned activities, there are also photos of the area layouts that will be open for tours.

2014 Spring S Spree

The author reports about the event. The article includes several photos of product and people.

2014 Spring S Spree

The author reports about the event. The article includes several photos taken at the event. The article also briefly describes the history of the Spring S Spree, and the history of the Central Ohio S Gaugers club who hosted this event.

2015 Candidates for NASG Offices Biographies

Members running for certain positions for the upcoming NASG elections are showcased.

2015 Fall S Fest

2015 Flyer Fest West

A one-page photo essay taken at the event.

2015 NASG Convention

More details and photos related to the upcoming 2015 NASG Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.

2015 S Fest St. Louis, MO

Photos of some well-known S-scale people, products for sale, and the local layout.

2015 Spring S Spree

The Spring S Spree show was held May 8 and 9, 2015 in Dayton, Ohio, and is hosed by the Miami Valley S Gaugers. The author shares the many photos he took at the annual event.

2015 Trainfest

A brief description of the show, and a couple of photos.

2016 Annual BOT Meeting Minutes

The notes taken at the NASG BOT meeting at the 2016 NASG Convention. Also briefly mentioned are the notes of the general membership meeting.

2016 Fall Fest

The author provides a report about the event, and shares some information about the 2017 show. Photos are shown on the next page.

2016 Fall S Fest

Details about the upcoming event.

2016 NASG Convention

A full report, with photos, of the Convention. Also covered are the model contest winners, and the layouts set up at the hotel.

2016 NASG National Convention Novi, Michigan

The author reports on the 2016 NASG Convention, sponsored by the Southeastern Michigan S Gaugers, and held at the Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel in Novi, Michigan. The author was one of the vendors are the show. Includes many photos taken at the show, including of the layouts set up at the show.

2016 S Fest West

A report about the history of the Southern California S Gaugers involvement in this annual show, and what they did for their 2016 show. Includes several photos taken at the event.

2016 S Spree

The author reports on the event, and includes several photos.

2017 NASG Annual Convention

The author reports on the event. Several people contributed photos to the article.

2017 National Convention

Details about the upcoming NASG Convention in Timonium, Maryland, covering hotel, convention cars, tour listing, spouse events, home layout tours, contests, and vendors.

2017 National Convention

Details about the clinics being offered at the upcoming NASG Convention.

2017 National Convention

More events added to the upcoming NASG Convention.

2017 Spring S Spree

The author reports on the show, and shares several photos. More photos are shown on pages 36 and 37 of the PDF version of this issue.

2018 NASG National Convention

Lots of details and photos of the upcoming 2018 NASG Convention in Boxboro, MA.

2018 NASG National Convention

More details and photos of what the upcoming NASG Convention has to offer, including a section on the clinics scheduled to be offered.

2018 NASG National Convention

More details and photos of what the upcoming NASG Convention has to offer, covering prototype tours, and layout tours.

2018 Spring S Spree

The author reports on the Spree held in Ohio, with several photos.

2019 Fall S Fest

A report, with photos, of this annual event.

2019 NASG Annual Convention

Some updates about the upcoming 2019 NASG Convention.

2019 NASG Annual Convention

More details about the 2019 NASG Convention.

2019 NASG Annual Convention

Jeff reviews the activities that took place this year's NASG Convention. Includes photos of the contests winners.

2019 NASG Convention Clinics

A description of the clinics planned for the 2019 NASG Convention.

2019 Promotions Committee

A summary report of the NASG's promotions committee's efforts for 2019.

2022 Buffalo CanAm

The author describes his experience of attending the 2022 NASG Convention in Buffalo, NY. Includes many photos taken during the tours and at the event.

2022 Buffalo CanAm

Shown in this article are the model contest winners at the NASG's 2022 Convention.

2022 Buffalo CanAm NASG Convention

The author describes his first full attendance of an NASG Convention. Includes photos of every aspect of the event. More photos in the November 2022 NASG Dispatch magazine.

2022 Convention Time

2023 Twin Cities Division "Modeler’s Retreat"

Photos taken at the March 2023 2023 Modeler's Retreat hosted by the Twin Cities Division of the NMRA, highlighting the many S-scale items on display there.

21st Annual Fall S Fest

The show is reviewed, and includes a couple of photos taken at the event.

25 Years of Conventions

The author reflects on attending the annual NASG Conventions for 25 years now.

27th Fall SFest Numbers Outstanding

The author provides an overview of the 2002 Fall S Fest held in Tinley Park, Illinois. In addition to the large vendor area, there were also clinics and operating layouts.

3/16" Scale 53' Girder Bridge from Central Valley's HO Kit

Although this kit is designed for HO-scale, it can easily be used in S-scale, which is what the author does as he reviews the construction and modifications of this kit (available in single- and double-track versions). The kit can also be used for narrow-gauge S-scale layouts.

3/16" Scale Buildings in a Hurry!

Using a copy machine to make copies of HO- and/or O-scale buildings to print out in S-scale, apply to a substrate, and then detail the models. Several examples are shown in this how-to article.

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.

3D Printing... My Experience

The author shares his experience learning how to use the AnyCubic Photon S 3D-printer. In the process he teaches a bit about the technology itself and shows a part he printed.

4-6-6-4 It Takes Two Locomotives to Make One

The author briefly describes how he built this engine out of two A.C. Gilbert #312 engines. Includes finished model photos.

40 Years Ago

Brief highlights of what happened in S-scale in the 1960s.

40' Hi-cube Boxcar Kitbash

The author builts his model from two American Models 40-foot plug-door cars. Includes a materials list, drawings, and some photos of the model under construction and completed.

45 Years of S Gaugian Readers' Achievements

Personal layout stories by Chip Essex, John DiNapoli, and commentary by Bill Fraley, John Hodges.

45 Years of S Gaugian Readers' Achievements

Layout descriptions by Bob Kiehl and Jim Roberts.

48-foot Rib-side Containers

Using a Des Plaines Hobbies 48-foot flat-sided container, the author simply added ribs to model the newer versions of the containers used in the real world. Includes several model photos.

50 Golden Years with S Scale

The authors cover the history of the first 50 years of S-scale, what is available now (1987), and the formation of the N.A.S.G. Includes a sidebar by Don DeWitt about S-scale modular groups and standards. Includes photos by Bob Werre of layouts by members of the Houston S Gaugers club.

50 Years of the S Gaugian

The author reflects on what it is like to have published 259 issues in 50 years.

50,000 Gallon Water Tower Kit

The author summarizes the history of the Lehigh Valley Models kit, which is still available via K&P Brick Co. Included are tips & tricks for building the model as well as construction photos.

50th Anniversary NASG Timeline

A detailed timeline of significant events over the 50 years of the NASG.

50th Anniversary of S Business Meeting

Details about what transpired at the annual membership meeting at the 1987 NASG Convention.

50th Anniversary of S Contests Winners

A listing of all of the contests winners at the 1987 NASG Convention. Photos of the models are shown starting on page 12.

50th Anniversary of S Observations

The author summarizes the 1987 NASG Convention, celebrating 50 years of S-scale, and the 25th anniversary of the S Gaugian magazine. Apparently Ed Packard was there, who introduced the first commercial S-scale products via Cleveland Designs' C-D, including showing some of the turned-wooden models.

55 Years Ago in S

Jesse Bennett took photos in the early 1960s of Doc Johnson's S-scale layout, and of the one owned by Will Estes, which are shown on this page.

6-8-6 Turbine

The author builds an S-scale model of this engine using a Lionel O-27 version of it. Includes two model photos.

64 Reasons for Going to the Convention Part I

The first 32 of 64 reasons are listed here.

64 Reasons for Going to the Convention Part II

The second 32 of 64 reasons are listed here.

70-ton Great Lakes Ore Car

The author thoroughly reviews these new S-Helper Service cars. Includes a side-bar on the history of ore cars.

700 Modelers Display Their Work in St. Louis

The St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet drew some S-scale participants.

A "Your Pics" Special Presentation

These pages show photos taken by Bob Werre during the 2009 NASG convention of Bob Hogan's models. They include steam and diesel locomotives, and box-, stock-, and passenger cars.

A 1950s-style AF Layout

The author describes how he got to building the layout he has, which measures 12'x8'. Includes one photo and a track plan.

A 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Works Sherman Hill

Gawaine Dvorak converted a K-Line 4-8-8-4, which was sold shortened and intended for the O-31 modelers, to S-scale. He describes some of the issues he had. Includes two photo of the final model.

A 4-truck Flatcar Conversion

The author took an American Flyer depressed-center flat car and kitbashed it into a four-truck depressed-center flat car designed for carrying heavy loads. He describes how he built the special trucks for this project. For the load he is using a SouthWind Models Type A large transformer.

A Battery-powered Caboose

The author shows how he installed the new S-CAB BPS-Lite board that allows for powering the interior and exterior LEDs for cabooses or passenger cars, using an on-board rechargeable battery with convenient on/off switch.

A Blast from the Past

The author shares a few slides from past S-related events.

A Boxcar Shanty on the Ground

The author built this MOW building from a spare body made by Smoky Mountain Model Works. Includes a couple of photos.

A Boyhood Dream Fulfilled

The author finally gets to build the full A.C. Gilbert American Flyer layout he wanted to build when he was young, but couldn't because A.F. went out of business shortly after he got started. Includes several photos of his layout.

A Brick Platform for Oostburg

The Hidden River Manufacturing's kit comes with a wooden platform, but the author wanted a brick one, so he describes how he built his.

A Brief History of American Flyer Pullman Cars

After a history lesson about Pullman the man and his company, this article covers the A.C. Gilbert AF Pullman passenger cars.

A Busy Day at Truckee on the S Scale Sierra Northern

A two-page photo, with a brief description, of the yard of the author's layout.

A Caboose for FinistAre

The author briefly describes how he took a Scenery Unlimited caboose and converted it into one that might have been seen on the Grand Trunk Western. Includes one photo of the completed model.

A Call for American Flyer Photos

How to take good photos of an A.C. Gilbert-base layout.

A Canadian Interurban

Photos and a description of William Flatt's modular layout. It features the Niagara, St. Catharines & Toronto electric railway. A track plan of this 9'x18' U-shaped layout is also included.

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 Candid Conversation With Chuck, Jane, & Nick Cornish

The article interviews the owners of an (unnamed! - its name is shown in an ad on the next page, "Cornish & Sons") hobby shop in Alexandria, Virginia. They cater toward S-scale modelers.

A Capitol Christmas

The 12' square layout at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Oregon features A.C. Gilbert equipment, because that was where A.C. was born. This article describes how the layout came to be, how the author provides the equipment to run, and how the layout has traveled over the years. Includes several photos of the layout.

A Car Story... or Quick & Easy Weathering with Oil Pastel Crayons

Note that the author mentions pastels, not chalks. He offers the list of tools needed, and then briefly describes a handful of cars (a photo of each is included) and how he applied the weathering.

A Carnival of S Gauge

A revisit of this 5-level layout, owned, by Tony Yorio, that features a carnival.

A Causeway for a Good Cause

The author describes how he built the rock causeway on the module he built for the S Scale Workshop. Includes a couple of construction photos.

A Chicago & Northwestern Heritage

The author describes how he got around to building a 13'x13' layout. Includes a few photos and a track plan drawing.

A Chop-nose Geep

Converting an American Models GP9 into a low-nose version is not trivial, according to the author. Includes many construction photos.

A Close Up Look at Pre-Size Models New Southern Pacific Class A-50-6 Auto/Box Car

A brief overview of the car.

A Club's Method for Attracting Members to S Model Railroading

The Pittsburgh S Gaugers create a number of portable layouts that the audience members can interact with. Includes photos.

A Collector's American Flyer Layout

The author describes the construction of his 28'x15' A.F. layout. Includes the track plan diagram.

A Colorful Fall S Fest

A few photos taken at the 2001 Fall S Fest.

A Compact End Module Part Two

This is a follow-up to the December 1994 issue's article to show the various radii used in the end modules.

A Convention Car for Christmas?

The author reports that the 2022 NASG Convention car will be available earlier. He also reports on the modeling activity of some of the Canadian S modelers.

A Converted Track Cleaner

The author builds a super-structure (a B&O U-2 Unloader) on top of a Centerline Products track cleaner, so that it can remain on the layout without being so obvious.

A Different Approach to Solving the "Pogo Stick Couplers" Problem

The author shares his experiences to solve the problem, as a follow-up to Michael Fox' December/January article.

A Different Perspective

Using HO-scale structures in the background in deep corners can yield an effective forced-perspective.

A Dirt Cover For Your Gondolas

The author built a cover for a S Scale America/Des Plaines Hobbies' Thrall gondola.

A European Rail Adventure

The author travels the European train system on his vacation.

A Few Things You Can't Live Without

Various details that are needed to make a more complete layout, such as instrument houses (B.T.S.) and staircases (Kaw Valley Designs).

A Fire Hose House

A simple structure that holds the fire hose for keeping the wooden structures of an engine servicing facility safe. Model is based on the B&O design.

A Founder's View of the NASG

Dick Karnes is the last remaining original founders of the NASG organization. In this article he reflects on how the organization was formed, and how it has grown over the years. Includes a photo of his original membership card!

A Full Size Structure From a Toy Car Diorama

Using a Motormax toy diorama for parts, the author built a nice-looking model of a gas/service station.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to 45 Years

Funny and interesting tidbits in the S Gaugian magazine's 45-year history.

A Gas and Service Station

The author describes how he modified a Walthers HO-scale kit to be usable on his S-scale layout.

A Glimpse of the "S" Roster of Iowan Bob Nicholson

Photos, and a brief description with each, of the models found on the author's layout.

A Hidden S Gauge Layout in Southwest Florida

Fort Myers, Florida's Lakes Park is home to the Railroad Museum of South Florida, which has a 9-1/2' x 20' S-scale layout. It models the 1950s/60s of railroading in Florida. The article includes photos and a track plan.

A Hump Yard for the Sacramento Division Part I

The authors describe their plan to add a hump yard to their layout. Includes a proposed track plan, and several layout photos.

A Hump Yard for the Sacramento Division Part II

The previous article covered the hump yard's design. This installment covers the actual construction, which includes hand-laid track.

A Hump Yard for the Sacramento Division Part III

Construction of the hump yard continues with applying ballast, doing the electrical work, testing turnouts, adding retaining walls, adding structures, and describing what the future plans are.

A Kitbashed Switch Tower

The author combines a Plasticville and Monster Model Works kit to create a unique tower.

A Last Look... The Plateau Railway

The author shares his experience of visiting Len Giovannoli's layout, and several photos of the layout.

A Layout Design Grows Up

After introducing his model railroading hobby history, the author describes his current 20'x20' S and Sn3, two-level layout. Includes photos of the current layout, still under construction.

A Layout for the Kids

Each year the author sets up the American Flyer layout in the livingroom on a 5'x12' platform with a 4' extension. Friends of his children would come over during the Christmas period to play with the layout.

A Legendary Modeler in S and His Layout

Frank Titman is a prolific modeler, builder, author, editor, and kit manufacturer (Lehigh Valley Models). This is a photo essay of his Spiral Hill layout, which was featured in the Great Model Railroads 2000 annual magazine. This article includes a track plan of the 19'x20' layout.

A Little More on Russell Morris Mobley

A brief history of Russ, and more information about the new Russel M. Mobley Memorial Library, with a listing of what is available.

A Longer Project

After last month's one-evening project, this month the author expands on the same techniques to build a two-story structure that represents a building that used to maintain horse-and-carriages, but has since switched to the new "automobile" repair service industry. The building is part wood and part brick.

A Look at Current S Scale Track Products

After covering some general advice about track laying, the author provides a quick review of the various S-scale manufacturers that produce track products (at the time of the article's writing).

A look at Sam Pellegrino's AF layout

The author describes his layout, and how he got into collecting. Includes several photos.

A Mack "Bulldog" Coal Delivery Truck in S Scale

The author describes how to convert a Matchbox "Models of Yesteryear" series, part # Y3O, a 1920 Model AC Mack, to a local coal-delivery truck (made from 1916 through 1936). Includes scale diagrams and two model photos.

A Magnificent Old Locomotive Kit

The author describes how he saved up for the Rex 0-4-0 Docksider kit when it first came out. Now, many years later he found another kit, but it has become a collector's item.

A Mini Review

The subject under review is the NJ International brass crossing gate signal.

A Model Affair

A report on the 1978 NASG Convention.

A Model of Stony Creek Railroad

The author describes his new layout after down-sizing. The layout features the Stony Creek branch of the Reading. It is a walk-in style that fits in a 12'x12' space. The article describes how he built the layout, and it includes several photos.

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 Modern Lumber Flat Car - the Old Fashioned Way

The author describes how he scratchbuilt a lumber flat car. Includes a parts list, a few photos, and scale drawings.

A Mountainous Pike in S-scale

This article covers Ed Sauers' B&O Mountaintop branch line layout that fits in his 17'x31' basement. The article covers the track's design (a plan is included), layout construction methods, and motive power. Includes photos of the layout and its owner.

A Myth Exposed: The Unicorn Lives Near Four Corners

The author built a fictitious S-scale hobby store out of a Thomas A. Yorke Design Studio Bank/Storefront kit. Includes several photos.

A New Decoder for an Old Engine

The author describes how he replaced the stock DCC decoder in the S Helper Service F7 with a Soundtraxx Tsunami2 one.

A New Decoder For An Old Engine - Update

The author describes accidentally breaking off the steps of the S-Helper Service F7 shell when installing the decoder, so he shows how he fixed that, and then shows how he arranged all the electronics to fit in the model.

A New Manufacturer Hits a Home Run

The author reviews the first kit, Greg's Grocery, by Grand River Models.

A New Model for Model Railroad Clubs

How the Spokane, Panhandle, and Palouse Model Railroaders (SP&P) club was started, and what their membership requirements are. Includes a number of photos of members working on other members' home layouts.

A New Modular Railroad Takes Shape

Lightweight construction techniques are used by the author to build a 12'x40' modular layout, that also has a 3-foot wing. Photos were taken at local shows where he set up the still-under-construction layout.

A New Twist On...

Try a different way of setting up a Christmas train in the livingroom.

A New Website for the NASG

An overview of the core functionality of the completely re-designed web site.

A Not Too Large Water Tower

Scale drawing of the structure.

A Novice Scratch Project: Let's Build a Fuel Storage Tank

The author built the model based on storage tank where he works, so he could take photos and measurements. Includes the prototype photos he took, and several photos of the completed model. The article is a step-by-step process he took to build the model. The model, by the way, won first place "Scratchbuilt Structures" at the 2015 NASG Convention.

A One-car Mixed Train

The author describes how he built a drover's caboose using a Scenery Unlimited open-end combine car. Includes photos and detail drawings, as well as a two-page scale drawing and a parts list.

A Pennsylvania Railroad N5c Cabin Car

The author built his model from a #638 American Flyer caboose.

A Perfect Shot in the Foot

The author's observations about the behavior of long-time S-scalers.

A Permanent Club Exists

Prompted by Jeff's commentary in the previous issue about whether or not there are any permanent S-scale layouts set up in the country, the author responds with two photos and some details about the Nauset Model Railroad Club's hi-rail layout.

A Photo Visit to The Twin Cities

Several pages of photos of models and layouts by Steve Hanson, John Kromhout, Dave Jasper, and Tom Lennon.

A Photo Visit with John Bortz

Four pages of photos of John's Pennepack Valley & Western Railroad.

A Pike Master Layout for a Hospital Room

After initial rejections, the The Virginia Central Division of the Atlantic Coast S Gaugers were able to set up a 10'x14' modular layout in an area hospital for the children. This article covers the lessons the group learned. Includes two photos of a smaller portable layout.

A Pike Size Streamliner

How one might model the Train of Tomorrow consist in S-scale. Bob Hogan supplied some photos of passenger car trains.

A Poultry Car as an S Model

The author shares how he built the Lehigh Valley Models Palace Poultry Car kit #LVM45. Includes several final-model photos.

A Practical Rail Inspection Car

Building your own track inspection car from a piece of plexiglass and two trucks.

A Quick Course in Weathering

A handful of ideas for how to effectively weather a model.

A Quick Fix for SHS Trucks

The sideframes of early S-Helper Service freight car trucks tend to cant inwards, so this article describes two ways to fix that issue.

A Quick History of S Gauge

The author describes some of the major dates relevant to S-scale modeling's history.

A Quonset Style Building

The author describes how Tony Dixon scratchbuilt this farm building for a friend of his. Since there is a lot of farming equipment available in S-scale, Tony himself has switched from HO to S-scale to be better able to model farming.

A Railroad Car Out Outbuilding

Tony Dixon found an out building that consisted of two old railroad cars with a roof between them. The built a model of it and shares his construction story with plenty of photos.

A Ravishing Corpse - Almost

A problem with the decals spurred the author on to take a unique direction in the purpose of this structure, to make it into a recycling center. The article includes many additional photos of the finished product.

A Report on the Spring 'S' Spree 2008, Dayton, Ohio

A report and photos of the events that took place at this event.

A Review: Backhead Kit for the American Models Northern

Painting and installing the backhead kit.

A Salute to S Gaugian!

The S Gaugian magazine is 55 years old this year. Don Heimburger started it in 1962 when he was 14!

A Scale in Two Cities

The track plan for a small, standard- and narrow-gauge layout initially intended as the B.T.S. display layout, and designed to fit within the space of a show booth, while still allowing walk-around space.

A Short Lesson on Application of Decals

A step-by-step guide to applying decals to freight cars.

A Simple Dual-Gauge Turnout

Adding a standard-gauge spur to an existing Sn3 2'x8' diorama allowed the author to show the difference between standard-gauge and narrow-gauge. This article is about how he constructed the turnout for that spur.

A Simple Unloader

The author shares a photo of an unloader found in an industrial area on the east side of Sacramento, California.

A Simple, Cheap Switch Machine

The author describes how he uses the DPDT switches to control the turnout's throwbar and the polarity to the frog. Includes an installation diagram.

A Slick Option for Re-Lettering

The author describes how he built several more S Scale America H39 hopper cars, but this time modeling an older car that has been re-lettered later in life, still showing through some of the older lettering. Includes a prototype photo and several model photos.

A Small Hotel

Scale drawings of a two-story hotel as might be found in a small town.

A Small Industry

This industry is served by Burlington Northern trackage in the town of Girard, Illinois. The factory receives vermiculite in moisture controlled covered
hoppers. Includes a track plan, and several prototype photos.

A Small Industry

A belt elevator that moves material from below-the-track up on to something else. The one described here was found along the Southern Pacific rails, in Sacramento, California. Includes prototype photos.

A Small Industry

A small platform and a storage tank are placed next to a spur to allow a tank car with anhydrous ammonia to fill the tank when needed. Includes 4 prototype photos and instructions for how to model the scene in S.

A Small Industry

Denis Fortier submitted some information about unloading salt from covered hoppers in Coteau Station near Toronto. Includes prototype photos.

A Super-detailed Stock Car

The author shows how to take a Grandt Line On3 stock car kit and build it into an S-scale standard-gauge one. The editor built one, too, and his comments are interjected in the article. Includes two completed model photos.

A Tale of Two Box Cars

The author describes how he built two Pacific Rail Shops 1937 AAR box cars, one as per the instructions (an ATSF Bx-27), and one with lots of extra detailing (NKP). Includes several close-up photos and a parts list for the NKP car.

A Tale of Two Buggies

The author worked for the Boston & Maine and so this article covers the B&M cabooses, or "buggies" as they called them. He describes creating a model using an S-Helper Service car in S-scale, and finishing an Overland Models brass model in HO-scale for his brother. Includes many prototype photos, and full construction photos of the S-scale car. He used the HO-scale car as his go-by for kitbashing the S model.

A Tale of Two Cities, and a lot of Boy Scouts

The local boy scout council contacted the Cuyahoga Valley S Gauge Association about setting up their layout for a day at a boy scout camp.

A Tale of Two Gondolas

Converting two O-27 gondolas to 46-foot, close-enough, S-scale gondolas, one for the Pennsylvania Railroad and one for the B&O. Includes a couple of paragraphs on how the author built two different pipe loads (with photos).

A Tour of the Iron Mountain Stamp Mill

The author describes how he kitbashed the Western Scale Models stamp mill to fit his era. Includes lots of close-up photos and discusses the animation he added to the model.

A Track Plan for the Keokuk Junction Ry.

The author presents his track plan for modeling the Keokuk Junction in a 14' x 22' space in S-scale.

A Track-cleaning Car for Your Tinplate Layout

Using a strip of Masonite hardboard to help clean the rails. Includes a construction diagram and a parts list.

A Transcontinental S Gauge Layout

The author describes his 50'x18' U-shaped layout. The floor-to-ceiling scenery is reminiscent of John Allen's HO-scale layout from the 1950s. Includes several photos of the author's layout (more can be seen in the PDF online version starting on page 33).

A Transformer Load You Can Build

The author uses an A.C. Gilbert AF depressed-center flat car to model a car after the Erie railroad that had a large transformer load on it. He describes the changes he made to the car to make it more accurate, and how he built the load.

A Tricky Problem

The author built a lift-out section of a factory warehouse to gain access to hard-to-reach track.

A Trio of S Scale Baggage Cart Kits

The author reviews three different manufacturer's S-scale baggage cart kits.

A Truck Painting Mask

The author describes the mask he made so that he could paint the freight car wheels and not everything else.

A Unique Gilbert Legacy

After a very brief history of the A.F. brand, the author shares many photos from his personal collection (his father was a cousin of A.C. Gilbert).

A Very Hardware Manufacture Company

A design of an early 20th Century brick building, shaped to fit a pie-shaped area of the author's layout. Includes many design diagrams.

A View From a Hobby Shop Owner

The author describes the reality of a brick-n-mortar store owner in the 1990s of stocking model railroading items, and S-scale products specifically.

A Virginian Passenger Train

A bit of prototype history on Virginian passenger trains, and how to model them in S-scale. Includes a couple of photos of models.

A Visit to Goellner Publishing

A visit to the company that is printing and the Dispatch (at least at the time of this article). Includes several photos.

A Visit With Dave Smith

After a brief introduction on how Dave got into S-scale, there are several pages of photos of his NYC/UP layout, including a full-page photo of his scratchbuilt trestle bridge.

A Visit with Ron Tilton

The author describes Ron and his layout, and shares many photos of the work Ron has done. Ron specializes in scratchbuilding rolling stock.

A Walk Around Gilbert's Factory

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

A Website Designed for BC&G Modelers Becomes More

The author built a web site to document his S-scale layout, and it becomes a central repository for prototype research information with many people all over the country contributing data and photos.

A Wood Flagstop Station

The author builds and reviews the "Flag Stop" structure kit produced by Laser Art Structures.

A.C. Gilbert Memorabilia Display

A brief description and several photos of the A.C. Gilbert display found at the 2019 NASG Convention.

A.C. Gilbert's Colorful Trains

Many photos and descriptions of rare A.F. items.

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.

A.F Penn-Central Caboose Conversion

A short article on how to do the conversion.

A.F. Service Committee Report

A summary of the 1990 A.F. Commemorative Car made by Lionel, and the improvements Lionel has made to their products starting this product year. Also the article introduces the 1991 A.F. Commemorative Car.

A.F. Service Committee Report

Updates on the 1992 and 1993 NASG A.F. Commemorative cars.

A.F. Service Committee Report

Update on the 1995, 1994, and 1993 A.F. Commemorative Cars projects.

ABC's of S

The President of the Train Collector's Association shares his views of S-scale.

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.

About Couplers

Devore and Baker couplers have disappeared, but since the Kadee HO-scale couplers are too large for HO, they are actually a good fit of S. This article offers working suggestions for how to make the uncoupling pin, since it is too short for S-scale operations.

About Diners...

Model and real-world photos of diners, and ideas on how to model them.

About Rail-Scale-Models

The author offers some thoughts on the Rail Scale Models product line for S-scale modelers.

About the Bernie Thomas Award

The story of Bernie Thomas, and how the award came about.

About the NASG

A statement of what the NASG is, a brief history of the NASG, what S-scale is, and information about the annual awards the NASG may offer. This issue is the first one edited by Bill Pyper.

About the NASG

A statement of what the NASG is, a brief history of the NASG, what S-scale is, and information about the annual awards the NASG may offer. This issue is the first one edited by Bill Pyper.

Abraham's Log House

The author scratchbuilt this cabin and describes how to do it. Includes finished-model photos and plans, as well as a parts list.

Accessorize Your Christmas Layout

The author describes his L-shaped layout with four loops of AF track. Includes two photos and a track plan.

Action-packed Hi-rail Layout Features AF Track, Locos, Accessories

The author describes his toy-train layout (set up as if he was a 10-year-old boy). Includes several photos of the layout, and a track plan.

Adams Lines

The author's layout is 12-1/2' square which uses code 100 handlaid track. The article includes the track plan and several layout photos.

Adapters: Link to Knuckle and Bar to Link and Bar to Knuckle

The author introduces adapters he makes available to convert from one A.F. coupler to another.

Adapting Kadee Couplers to Fit Huff n Puff Pockets

This article covers how to modify Huff-n-Puff/Stewart coupler pocket openings for the Kadee HO-scale couplers. Includes parts and modification photos.

Add Realistic Diaphragms to Your AF Passenger Cars

The author describes how to modify the American Models' diaphragms for use with AF passenger cars.

Add the NYO&W Creamery to Your Layout And a Milk Run to Your Schedule

The author reviews the Laser Art Structures Branchline Trains structure of the creamery kit. Photos are of the completed kit.

Add Vent Windows to Your FP-7

The author describes how he simulated the side vent window of the cab of the American Models FP-7. Includes diagrams.

Adding Details to AM 40 Foot Boxcars

The author admits to not knowing what the prototype for the American Models' 40-foot box car is, but he does describe how he added some more details to the model to enhance its appearance. Several close-up photos are included.

Adding Operating Doors to Pacific Rail Shop Boxcars

Step-by-step instructions and a few diagrams show how to make these kits have movable doors.

Adding Public Transit with Help from PHM

The author reviews the Birney Streetcar kit made by Pennsylvania Heritage Models, and includes photos of the kit parts and the final model.

Adding to a Spartan Kit Jacking up a Thrall 54' Mill Gondola

The author stumbled upon a rare Don Winter kit. This article shows how he built it. Includes construction photos, as well as several prototype photos of similar gondolas.

Adventures In S Scale George Sorensen's Journey

The author met George, and subsequently learned about the man, and his current switch from an A.F. layout to a more scale layout, and his reasons behind that change. Includes photos of the old A.F. layout, and the construction of the new A.F. and "scale" layout combo.

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.

AF Heavyweight Hauler

The author describes how he built a Schnabel Heavy Weight Hauler look-alike from various A.F. parts

AF Hopper Bolster/Wheel Conversion to Scale

A step-by-step guide on how to create a new bolster for the Lionel cylindrical hopper and use of American Models' roller bearing trucks to lower the model's ride height. Includes construction photos.

AF Lines

This is a reprint and update of an article from a past issue of the magazine that covers how to convert an AC current American Flyer locomotive to operate on a DC current layout.

AF Price Valuation Guides: Analyzing and Explaining the Differences

With the arrival of the Bubeck-Garrigues book on American Flyer S gauge, the Greenberg AF Guide has some competition. This article explains how to evaluate A.F. pieces.

AF Reefer Conversion from 1970

The author recalls how he converted an A.C. Gilbert reefer to "scale" back in 1970. Includes photos.

AF Service Committee Report

A report on the status of the current and upcoming A.F. Commemorative Cars.

Al's Body Shop

A product review of both the DSL Shops' kit, and Roberts' Brick Mortar Formula.

All About Clubs

The author describes how clubs influenced his modeling.

All American Railroads

That is the name of Bob Spaulding's layout. The "scale" layout measures 20'x24', build using a series of modules. Includes photos of the layout (no track plan).

Alleghany VA Signaling Project

After covering prototype information about this tower at the summit of the Alleghany Mountains, the author describes how he simulates the signaling on his layout, including using Arduinos. In addition to prototype and model photos, the article also includes his Arduino code for controlling the signaling.

Along the Hudson Central RR

The author describes his two 2'x5' portable modules that he built, using the "Switchman's Nightmare" track plan in the Kalmbach "101 Trackplans" book as a guide. Includes many photos of the layout.

Along the Narrow-gauge Rails

A listing of recent and new releases of narrow-gauge-related products by P-B-L, Mini-structures, Overland, Railmaster Exports, Triangle Scale Models, and various structure manufacturers. There is also a bit of history of the D&RG and RGW mixed up in this article.

Alto Model Train Museum

Several people are asked about the hobby of model railroading, in this re-print article, and what they think the future of the hobby is. Included are photos of club members, the layout, and a track plan of the S-scale layout (one of two layouts).

Altoona and the "Curve" Will Welcome the NASG in 1995

A complete introduction to the 1995 NASG Convention and all planned activities. Includes two photos taken on the Altoona Curve.

Altoona Convention Update

Clinics update for the 1995 NASG Convention. Also, model contests to be held at the Convention, including new rules.

American Flyer 4-8-8-4s Make the Grade

The author describes running the two Lionel 4-8-8-4 locomotives recently purchased on the Southwestern Ohio Oxford Two-Rail Train Club layout (which measures 30'x50'). Includes many professional photos of the engines staged on the layout.

American Flyer Christmas Layout

The A.F. layout of the All Gauge Toy Train Association of San Diego is featured in text and photos.

American Flyer Circus Train Mania

The author shares his observations about trying to build and improve upon his collection of American Flyer circus trains. Includes several photos of cars.

American Flyer Collector

The author has built a fantastic collection of both American Flyer and Plasticville products. He is always improving on his collection, because not only does he want one of each, he wants the best he can find of each. The display room also includes an 7'x6' island-style layout. Includes many photos.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author reviews the purpose behind this column, and continues by suggesting ways that new collectors can get into the hobby.

American Flyer Collector's Column

In this column, the author discusses A.C. Gilbert A.F. advertising, including providing a complete listing of all known advertisements in magazines.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers the A.C. Gilbert advertisements in newspapers, covering the various sets that were available.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column continues the discussion of A.C. Gilbert's AF diesel locomotives. Includes several model photos.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column covers the A.C. Gilbert Export Division, which was responsible for sales outside of the U.S.

American Flyer Collector's Column

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

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column answers a number of reader's questions on a wide variety of topics.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This month's column answers readers' questions.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This article covers the A.C. Gilbert train sets of 1953 (25 in all).

American Flyer Collector's Column

This month's column covers what A.C. Gilbert did in 1954.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The A.C. Gilbert company starts to deal with the sales slump of of late 1954, in early 1955.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column covers the use of proper A.F. screws.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column answers a number of AF-related questions from subscribers.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author starts a series of columns covering 1956 through 1958, Gilbert's heyday.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author describes why A.C. Gilbert switched to the 5-digit numbering system in 1957 (use of computers).

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author describes what 1957 was like for the A.C. Gilbert company, and the start of their decline.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author answers a number of questions he has received about previous columns.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers A.C. Gilbert's offerings of 1958, the last of the "Golden Years" of the company, in which they still offered a full line of products.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This columns covers how one can identify American Flyer prototypes and pre-production models from common repaints and home-made items.

American Flyer Collector's Column

Continuing with the A.C. Gilbert story, this column concentrates on the actions in 1967 leading up to the auctions of the Gilbert plant equipment and the Gilbert archives.

American Flyer Collector's Column

In this column the author covers the various AF displays available to retailers.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column answers a number of questions, covering the A.F. #20340, Billboard Whistles, ATSF freight set, #21115, and more.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column covers the Flyerama displays, and A.C. Gilbert factory plant additions.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column continues the discussion of the history of American Flyer trains with a look at 1959, Gilbert's 50th Anniversary year.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author dives deep into the Talking Station accessory.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author answers questions about the Post cereal boxes used for the 1959 Gilbert Frontiersman promotion, #807 Rio Grande "Cookie Box" box car, and French instructions for A.F. products.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column covers Kleer-Pak packaging and the color of the corvettes on the #24578 Corvette Flat Car. It also answers a couple of individuals' questions.

American Flyer Collector's Column

Covers the American Flyer non-Pikemaster turnouts.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers these topics: the resolution of complaints about the 1947 production; a possible explanation as to why so little information is available on Gilbert's SP sets in 1954; the boxing of #30, #31, and #32 figure sets in 1949.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This installment is a question-and-answering column covering a wide variety of topics.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This installment is a question-and-answering column covering various topics.

American Flyer Collector's Column

Answering various questions from readers regarding AF.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column features the second floor layout display at the New York City Gilbert Hall of Science. Includes several photos.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author continues the discussion of the Gilbert Hall of Science layout is from the previous S Gaugian issue. Includes photos and portions of the track plan.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This is the author's first column, and he discusses the rare 1959 "One of the First 50" set, highlighting the unique differences between the very rare set and the standard #20550 Frontiersman set. Includes detailed photos. Includes a sidebar and a photo of the author.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers several other A.C. Gilbert 50th Anniversary items the company sold. He researched who got one of the first 50 Frontierman sets. He also covers the Overland Baggage Cars (24730). Includes photos and period ads, as well as the Post Cereal ads.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author built his collection by focusing on themes, and he starts this two-part series off on the CB&Q equipment he collected. Includes details and photos.

American Flyer Collector's Column

In this column, the author covers the CB&Q cars made by A. C. Gilbert.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author starts a two-part column on A.F. items with the number 625. This installment covers the Shell/Gulf tank cars and the Shell and Gulf Oil Terminal depots.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column covers the #480 orange Shell tank car.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author answers some questions he has received via postal mail and e-mail (covers Franklin sets).

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author starts a two-part series on three-digit numbered American Flyer reefers.

American Flyer Collector's Column

In this installment the author covers the 5-digit AF reefers.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers the two unique numbering systems Gilbert used between 1956-57 and 1962-63 for cars and locomotives. Includes several photos of cars.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers the L-series locomotives and the C-series cars produced by Gilbert between 1962 and 1964.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author starts a two-parts series on rare locomotives. He first defines what is "rare", and how to evaluate it. Next, he covers the A.C. Gilbert #299, #375, and #21161.

American Flyer Collector's Column

In this installment, the author covers these five A.C. Gilbert engines: #21099, 21115, 21129, 21139, and 21140.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers the #24450 American Flyer Trail Blazer Freight set, and the #24470 New York Central Pacemake Freight set. Includes photos of some of the cars in the sets, and of several very rare models.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers the rare items A.C. Gilbert produced in 1958.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers the #660 Baggage and Club Car, #661 Streamlined Coach, #662 Vista Dome Pullman, and the #663 Streamlined Observation. He also answers questions he has received.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers the A.C. Gilbert A.F. non-operating knuckle couplers and the cars and locomotives that utilized them. Includes photos of some of the cars mentioned.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column covers a number of different answers to questions posted by readers.

American Flyer Collector's Column

In this column the author answers a number of readers' questions.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This is the first of two columns on the topic of American Flyer catalogs.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column covers the various A.C. Gilbert A.F. catalogs from 1950 to 1967.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column covers the ATSF Warbonnet engines produced by A.C. Gilbert. It also includes the billboards showing those engines.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The installment covers the second diesel locomotive A.C. Gilbert introduced in 1950, the EMD GP7. Includes a bit of prototype history as well.

American Flyer Collector's Column

Covers the question about the wattage rating of the #22034 transformer, the validity of #24127, how the load was fastened to a #24578, and the author asks for help from his readers.

American Flyer Collector's Column

With this article, the author intends to start covering figures and action figures in AF equipment. This installment covers their introduction, and competition with Lionel's inclusion of figures. Includes a photo of large number of AF figures, as well as a listing of figures.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column covers the AF #740 and #742 handcars, and the various rolling stock that came with figures inside.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column continues to cover various A.F. action cars.

American Flyer Collector's Column

In this column, the author answers a number of questions he has received.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author continues his series on American Flyer accessories kits.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column starts covering A.F. accessories that include figures, including #584, #758, #770, and #766.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author discusses the postwar AF cabooses.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author discusses the AF F9 diesel locomotives.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers the Sharon Bolt & Screw Company which makes items for use with AF trains and Erector sets. Also covered is a follow-up on the A.C. Gilbert sunglasses.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author discusses the undocumented "All Aboard" set, called "1 No. 26123 4 Unit All Aboard Scenic Layout". Includes photos.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column covers 20 questions posed by reader Elliott Yolles.

American Flyer Collector's Column

This column is part 1 of 2 covering the A.C. Gilbert gondolas.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author continues his discussion of AF gondolas.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author covers 6 rare accessories that appeared in the 1946-47 A.C. Gilbert American Flyer catalog.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author starts a series of articles about unique and cool items that A.C. Gilbert produced. This issue covers the #11 Circuit Breaker, the #300 Atlantic, the #632 hopper, the #700 track, and the #705 Remote Control Uncoupler.

American Flyer Collector's Column

The author continues to share some of his favorite A.C. Gilbert items from 1948/49, and starts on some from 1950/51. Includes photos of the items.

American Flyer Collector's Column Part 1

The author starts his discussion about the AF tank cars.

American Flyer Collector's Column Part II

The author discusses the tank cars.

American Flyer Creates Christmas Memories

How S-scale trains and Christmas combined to create wonderful memories, as told by several people.

American Flyer Features

The author travels for his job, so he has been able to get a glimpse of AF collecting from all of the country, which he shares in this article.

American Flyer Layout Filled with Accessories

The author describes how he got into AF and the layouts he has built.

American Flyer Line Upgraded; New Steam Locomotive Coming

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

American Flyer Lines, Western Division

The author tells the story of how he built his mostly AF-based layout, starting in 1999. Includes several photos.

American Flyer Locomotive Service Facility

The author describes a 4'x6' layout that features a turntable, a roundhouse, and a loop of track around them. Includes many photos of the diorama.

American Flyer Memories on My Scale Layout

The author describes how he sold and then re-acquired all of the box cars and reefers listed on page 48 of the 1956 AF catalog.

American Flyer Rarities at the York TCA Show

The author describes the rare products he found at the April 2010 TCA York show.

American Flyer S Gauge 1946-2000 Illustrated Price Guide and History

A review of the softbound book which is the first American Flyer guide published by TM Books & Video, Inc.

American Flyer Self-liquidating Display Layout

The author built a display layout to help him sell his uncle's large collection of A.F. items.

American Flyer Service Committee October 1989 Report

Two previous committees were merged into this new one, and the purpose is to produce an annual NASG A.F. Commemorative Car. The car significantly increased the NASG's membership.

American Flyer Service Committee Report

American Flyer Service Committee Report

Status update on the 1991 NASG AF Commemorative Car, introduction to the 1992 one, and some info on the 1993 one.

American Flyer Steam-Up

A "Steam Up" is a two-day, weekend, event, where American Flyer fanatics convene to frantically set up a fairly complex temporary layout, operate it,
and then tear it down. Includes a couple of photos of this year's event.

American Flyer Switch Modifications

The authors show several modifications that they make to A.C. Gilbert AF turnouts.

American Flyer Tank Car Frames

The author describes some A.C. Gilbert AF trucks and their couplers used on the company's tank cars. Includes photos.

American Flyer Uncoupler

The author moved his staging tracks closer together but that meant his A.F. uncoupler no longer fit, so he modified it.

American Flyer Under the Tree

The author shares a number of photos of S-scale trains under the family's Christmas tree, as well as his friend's layout. Other Christmas-related photos with trains are included as well.

American Flyer Under the Tree

For two months out of the year, Tim Price sets up his American Flyer train set layout on a ping-pong table for the family to enjoy during the Christmas time period. John Murray's American Flyer layout measures 24'x13' with a 4'x6' extension consisting of several loops for simple and reliable running, which family and friends enjoy.

American Flyer's Industrial Brownhoist Crane

Prototype and model information about the A.C. Gilbert crane, #644 and #944.

American Flyer's Mikado

The author reviews the new Lionel 2-8-2 locomotive. Includes many close-up photos.

American Models AAR Freight Car Truck

A review of the standard North American truck used from the late 1930s on, which has self-aligning, spring-plankless, and double-truss plain bearings.

American Models Flat Car

The author reviews the ready-to-run cars from American Models.

American Models Heavyweight Coach

The author replaces the 4-wheel trucks with 6-wheel ones, installed Kadee KD802 couplers, adds window shades, and installed diaphragm. Includes two model photos.

American Models K5 Conversion

This article describes taking an old American Flyer K5 that had been converted to scale using Nixon parts many years ago, and updating it with taking the chassis and parts from a new American Models K4 model.

American Models Northern

The author describes the process of picking up the locomotive from American Models, unpacking it, and testing it on his AF-based layout. Includes lots of close-up photos.

American Models Steam Set

The author reviews the American Models Southern Crescent Limited set, which consists of a USRA heavy Pacific 4-6-2, a baggage car, RPO, combine, coach, and observation car lettered for the Southern Railway. Includes one small photo of the engine.

American Models Wood-side Caboose

The author does a product review of the AM new caboose, speculating on its prototype.

American Models' PS-2 CD Covered Hopper

The author reviews the three-bay covered hopper, after providing a brief history of the prototype car.

Amtrak's AEM-7 Electric

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this model. Includes a sidebar on the history of this engine.

An 1890 Bridge Upgrade Inspires a Model

The author details the history of the Lindstorm wooden trestle bridge owned by the St Paul & Duluth Railroad, including prototype period photos. The author shares how he modeled a compressed version of it on his own layout.

An AC Powered FP7

For those who have an AC-powered layout, the American Models' FP7, which is DC-powered, can be converted to either a single-direction AC-powered engine, or a bi-directional engine using the Williams #1010 reverse unit. How to do that is covered in this article. Includes photos.

An AF Northern Becomes UP's #806

The author describes how he took a junker AF 4-8-4 and built a UP model by fixing its problems and repainting it, after doing extensive research into the prototype engine.

An Alternate Use for Background Building Kits

Using background, shallow-depth kits for foreground structures, detailing the interior.

An Amazing Train Accessory: The 799 AF Talking Station

The author fully describes this large structure that includes a small record-player and record.

An American Flyer Holiday Season

The author discusses the use of American Flyer during the Christmas season and how that got a lot of people into the hobby. He also has a couple of quotes from this "Peter's Model Railroading" web site!

An American Flyer Reverse Loop Made Easy!

This article describes what it takes to make an automated reverse loop for an A.F. layout. Includes a parts list and diagrams.

An Announcement of the Board of Trustees

NASG election results. A listing of the open positions within the NASG.

An Easy Effective GG1 Improvement

The author describes the changes he made to his American Models GG1 to remove the excessive swing of the pilots. Includes close-up photos of the modifications to be made.

An Easy Steel Viaduct or "A Bridge Too Far?"

The author built an S-scale model out of a pair of Micro Engineering HO=scale kits.

An Easy-to-build Flatcar

This article describes how to scratchbuild a model of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad's flat car as it was built around the late 1890s.

An Executive Pike

Building a small layout that takes up very little space, yet provides switching opportunities, and takes only one 4'x8' sheet of plywood. Includes photos of the layout, cutting diagram, and installation diagrams.

An HO Walthers Pier Warehouse Will Do Just Fine

The author gives some tips on what he did to make an HO-scale kit look like it fits on an S-scale layout.

An Idea of Split Level

The idea is for a 45-degree wedges between two back-to-back layout levels. Includes a diagram to show the concept.

An Ideal Prototype Shortline for S

The author proposes modelers look at the Winchester & Western Railroad located in rural northwestern Virginia. Includes prototype photos, a description of their history, and a suggested S-scale track plan to fit a 12'x18' space.

An Inexpensive Narrow-gauge Diesel Switcher from Commercial Parts

The author built a model using the Athearn Hustler industrial switcher and the NWSL PDT that was re-gauged to Sn3. Includes photos and a parts list.

An Interview with Frank Titman

Frank talks about his involvement in WWII, got in O-scale after that, until he was introduced to American Flyer. "Spiral Hill" was his second layout. Frank was the founder and owner of Lehigh Valley Kits. Includes several photos of the layout, and a track plan.

An Ode to the Doers and the Hoarders in S Scale

The author uses American Models' FP7 locomotives to build the shorter F7 version for his C&O layout.

An Operating Hump-Yard Retarder

The author describes how he developed a scale working model of the hump yard retarder for his 32-foot hump yard modules. Includes model photos and construction diagrams, as well as a parts list.

An Operating Tour of the Great Northern Pacific

Lee Johnson and Arden Goehring visited and operated Jess Bennett's layout in 1990. It is a photo essay of the layout. Also included is a track plan of Jess' 20'x44' layout. Includes a side-bar by Ed Loizeaux about Jess' move from California to Idaho.

An S Gauge 'Polar Express'Train

The author creates his own Polar Express train from salvaged AF O-gauge cars, by stripping them, repainting them, and adding/improving details.

An S Review

The subject of the review is the Model Memories etched-brass roof walk for 40' box and refrigerator cars. Includes one photo.

An S scale Christmas present: the F-3s

The author shares his lessons learned trying to build an A-B-B-B-A consist of the new S-Helper Service F3 engines.

An S-module Based On N-Trak Design

A follow-up on the October 1994 article, showing photos of the folded-legs system of the module.

An S-Pike - The Layout of John Kosick, Jr

Four photos of this AF/hi-rail layout.

An S-Pike in Progress - Simon Parent in Quebec

A few photos of Simon's 28'x15' layout under construction (this issue's cover was also taken on his layout). There are more overall layout photos later in the issue, and a track plan is found on page 25.

An S-Plan

The author shares a design of an S-scale layout that could fit in a 12'x13' spare bedroom. The article provides switching suggestions, construction methods, and covers control and scenery topics.

An S-Plan

This article presents the modular concept for the Pennsylvania Railroad's Horseshoe Curve in S-scale. Includes a proposed track plan.

An Unusual Load

The author describes how he built a unique load for a very unique B&O well gondola.

An Update On The Buffalo Creek & Gauley

The author has been working on his layout for 10 years. It measures 44'x25' and based on the BC&G in West Virginia. Includes several photos of the layout, as well as a track plan.

An update on the Penn Western

The author details his moves and changes to his layouts over the many years he has been an S-scale modeler. He is currently working on a 29'x45' layout in his basement, which includes a 2'x16' switching layout and a portion devoted to the EBT modeled in Sn3.

Analysis of the White Residue Found on A.C. Gilbert Plastic Cars and Accessories

People have seen a white residue form on their models and presumed it to be mold. The author performed a chemical analysis and confirmed it to be stearic acid (a mold-release agent) that was used on the polystyrene models.

And in this Corner

Design ideas for building corner modules with built-in easements.

And the Winner Is...

The results of the survey produced by the NASG Manufacturers Advisory Group. The survey seemed to be heavily focused on A.F.-related products.

Announcements

The creation of the Tony Perles award. 1987 NASG election results.

Annual Dues Increase

Details about the NASG's dues increases.

Another Motormax Diorama Conversion

Mel's Diner by Motormax was supplemented by a pair of American Flyer New Haven coaches kitbashed into a dining facility.

Another Motormax Diorama Conversion

The author added walls and a roof to a flat front to kitbash a 3D building.

Another Type of Soil Drilling Truck

The author describes how he built a soil drilling truck starting with a Greenlight 2017 International stake bed truck.

Applying decals Standard Refrigerator Cars Pt 2

This installment continues from the July/August, 2007 issue of this magazine. It discusses how to apply decals, dealing with lettering the ends of the car, and has accompanying photos of the steps. A materials list is also included.

Are You Ready for Kansas City?

In introduction to what can be seen in Kansas City when in town for the NASG Convention.

Are Your Vehicles To Scale?

The author describes a handy grid card that can be used to quickly measure the wheelbase and track/tread width of S-scale vehicles to compare them against prototype measurements, to see if the model truly is to scale.

Armchair Model Railroading

The author describes for whom armchair modeling is a good idea.

Armco Steel Building

A detailed review of this kit offered by the NASG.

Assembling 40' PRS Boxcars

The author shares some of his thoughts and experiences building the Pacific Rail Shops box cars, which are easy enough to assemble.

Assembling the S Scale Alco RS1

The author shows, in a step-by-step fashion, how he built the S Scale America (Des Plaines Hobbies) RS-1 brass kit. The focus is on the soldering of the frame and parts, not on the chassis or painting.

Astro Rail '89 - Report from Houston

The NMRA's Astro Rail 1989 convention in Houston, Texas saw the first public showing of the Houston S Gaugers' modular club layout. The NMRA even offered an S-scale convention car.

Athabasca Northern Railway

This is likely the only S-scale layout in Alaska. The author describes his layout, which mixes Alaska and Canada prototype ideas. Includes many close-up photos and a track plan.

Atlas O Scale Control/Signal Tower Conversion to S Scale

Despite the kit definitely being intended for O-scale, the author still managed to make it into a reasonable model for S.

Atlas O Scale Lumber Yard for S Scale

The author describes how he converted the kit into an office building for a lumber yard. Includes model photos.

August 15, 1945... President Truman Has Just Announced... The War is Over!

Using a 1:35 scale figure to model a town's statue dedicated to the war heroes of WWII.

Aunt Tillie's House

Half-S scale drawing of all four sides of this two-story home.

Auto Transport Car

The author covers the A.C. Gilbert #24566, which was interesting in that the catalog's road name didn't match the actual production road name. Includes two model photos.

Automatic Turntable

An electronic circuit for automating a turntable.

Award Winners for 1998

Photos taken of the contest winners at the 1998 NASG Convention.

Award Winning S Gauge Modular Layout

The Southeastern Michigan S Gaugers won a plaque for being the first place winners of "Module by Group" category of the NTS in 2012. This photo essay shows close-up photos of portions of the layout showing why they won. There is a track plan included in the article.

Award-winning Model Inspired by Boyhood Memories

The author super-details an S-Helper Service SW1 for the Illinois Central, including adding the hood-mounted marker lights.

Awards Banquet

Photos of those who received awards at the 2012 NASG Convention.

B&O Alco RS-1 - Twice

Wanting to occasionally operate his layout in a more modern setting, Brooks decides to add an RS-1 to his layout. However, with one currently not available (Railmaster Hobbies makes a kit but they are currently out of production), he converts an American Models RS-3. Not happy with his initial attempt, he rebuilds it to where the body is essentially scratchbuilt. Many construction photos of both attempts are shown. He also covers the installation of DCC and sound and how he painted and lettered the model.

B&O Class L-2 0-8-0 Switcher

The author describes how he modified an S-Helper Service 2-8-0 model into a 0-8-0 switcher. Includes full and close-up photos of the changes made.

B&O I-1 Caboose Laser Kit

The author reviews the kit manufactured by Lake Junction Models and sold through The Supply Car. He used it to model a caboose for the Buffalo Creek & Gauley railroad which he models.

B&O Iron Scale Test Car

The author describes the purpose behind this car, and then shows how he modeled it. Includes prototype photo and a scaled drawing, and several construction photos.

B&O President Class P7 Pacifics Plans

The background story behind the American Models 4-6-2 locomotive, which is based on this B&O prototype. Includes drawings for the original and the 1930s version of the locomotive.

B&O Two-Bay Hopper

The author takes a Chesapeake Models' three-bay hopper and turns it into a B&O N-10f two-bay one.

B&O W2 Series Quad Hoppers is the Prototype for American Models Car

The American Models offset hopper is actually based on this prototype. In addition to prototype information, this article also includes drawings, build numbers, and photos of HO-scale models for comparison.

B&O Wood Chip Hoppers

The author describes how he converted American Flyer 3-bay offset hoppers to become representative models of the B&O wood chip hoppers used by the Elk River Coal & Lumber Company's sawmill at Swandale, West Virginia. Includes construction photos.

B. Johnson Leatherworks

B.T.S. 110 2nd Street

The author describes his construction of the "110 2nd Street" kit by B.T.S. Includes several photos.

Back Shop

American Models introduced the Great Northern Empire Builder train set, which included the post-WWII streamlined/smoothsided baggage/dormitory car (ACF), the coach car (ACF), a sleeper car (Pullman), and a vista dome car and an observation car (Budd). All of these cars measure a scale 85 feet and come as an easy-to-assemble kit. The author reviews these models. He also previews the Modern Models' D&RGW-based wide-vision brass cabooses (two variations are being imported). He also previews the Omnicon PRR 2-8-2 brass model.

Back to Basics

It is prototypical to use passenger locomotives to pull freight trains.

Back to Diner Heaven

Diners to be found near the 2008 NASG Convention location.

Background on the S-Helper Service Display Layout

A brief description of this famous layout (to S-scale modelers, at least) and how it was built. Includes a track plan.

Badgerland at Mad City

A photo essay of the Badgerland S Gaugers club set up at the NMRA Mad City show in Madison, Wisconsin.

Badgerland Earns Best of Show at NMRA Meet

Roy Meissner scratchbuilt a coal elevator (photo included) and won best-of-show in the structure contest at the 1998 regional NMRA convention. He describes how he built it.

BAFC Starter Train Set Program

The Baltimore American Flyer Club have developed an American Flyer train starter set program that is given away for free several times per year. The details are discussed in the article. Photos include a family that won a set. A starter set expansion layout plan and its description are shown on page 35 of the PDF version of this issue.

Baldwin Babyface (BLW DR-4-4-1500 A-unit CNJ)

The author describes how he designed this locomotive in a CAD program (OpenSCAD), sliced up the model so that it could be printed with a 3D printer, and how to account for issues when the model is sized up or down for different scales. After printing the model, he describes the additional parts that are needed to create a completed model. Includes screen captures of the designs and photos of the printed shell.

Ballast Hopper Car

The author describes how he took an S-Helper Service 2-bay hopper and converted it to a ballast car, much like what the prototype did. Includes model photo.

Baltimore & Ohio M-53 and M-53A Wagontop Boxcars Part 1

This installment starts off by describing the historical information about these two cars. Includes a table on the lettering schemes used by the B&O, and several prototype and model photos.

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 0-6-0

A full, two-page spread of the drawn-to-scale S-scale drawing of this locomotive. Also includes one model and three prototype photos of these engines.

Baltimore Area American Flyer Club

A brief description and several photos of this club's layout. This article is only available in the online PDF version of the issue.

Baltimore Area American Flyer Club

Photos and a brief description of the club's set-up at the Great Scale Show in the Cow Palace at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland.

banta modelworks' Mrs. Skillens' Store

The author reviews the construction of this kit, based on the store near the Ophir Loop in Colorado in the 1940s. Includes photos of the completed model.

Barge Operation on the Conrail & Eastern

The operating barge system from Frank Titman's Spiral Hill Railroad layout was saved and then reinstalled on Bert Mahr's Conrail & Eastern Railroad. Includes many photos of the barge in action, and fully describes the move and integration of the layout section.

Bashing Atlas HO Switches to S

A couple of photos of how the author cuts award a commercial turnout and adjusts the gauge to fit S-scale.

Basic Turnout Wiring

Turnouts by several manufacturers are described how to hook them up electrically.

Battery Power

The author describes his efforts into getting into battery-powered S-scale locomotives. It includes an interior photo of his S-Helper Service NW2 converted.

Bay Area S Scalers Layout

The author describes the development of the club's modular layout, and the return loops he is building for this Free-mo-style layout. Includes photos of some of the club's work so far.

Bay Area S Scalers Layout

The author describes the construction of the Southern Loop of the club's Free-mo-style layout. Includes several photos.

Be An S Dealer

Some modelers have so much stuff in the closets that they could actually become dealers.

Be Safe, Be Organized - Inventory Your Equipment!

The author describes his system for keeping track of his model railroading inventory.

Beat The &%$#@ Wheel-Standards Dilemma With A Compromise Track Gage

An effective solution for those who had built their layout to the old NMRA standard, but now the NASG standard (at the time) has come out, so equipment is manufactured to that standard.

Bench Clean Up Leads to Finished Project

Mounting trucks to a beat-up gondola finished this project.

BenchTest

Reviewed are the USRA Double-Sheathed 40-ft. Wooden box car by Funaro & Camerlengo, Scale People and Animals by Scenery Unlimited, 1930s and 1940s Vehicles and Animals and People by Railmaster Exports, K-27 Brass Engravings by Tomalco.

BenchTest

Reviewed are the "Crested Butte & Southern Ash Pit" by The Building & Structure Co., the "Santa Fe Steel Caboose" by Scenery Unlimited, the "PRR H-32 Covered Hopper Car" by River Raisin Models.

BenchTest

This issue covers the Pneumatic Turnout Control System by Del-Aire Products, the Reading covered hopper by Lehigh Valley Models, the stock car kit by Grandt Line Products (an On3 car that is suitable as an S-scale standard-gauge stock car), and Seated People by Steam Depot.

BenchTest

Reviewed are the D&RGW Narrow-Gauge Short Refrigerator Car by P-B-L, the #6 Code-100 Nickel-Silver Turnout Castings by High Sierra Models, the Nickel-Silver Turnouts by B. K. Enterprises, the General American Pfaudler Milk Car by River Raisin Models, the Standard-Gauge Bay-Window Caboose by American Models, the Borden's "Twinky" Milk Car by SouthWind Models, the Railway Equipment Diagrams Edition 11 by CDS Lettering Ltd., and the 1991 mail-order catalog by Steam Depot.

BenchTest

Reviewed are the The Office by Master Creations, Cast Plaster Parts by Mister Plaster (their round chimney and coke oven), The R.G.S Story, Vol. 1 by Sundance Publications, Thirteen Double-Bedroom Pullman by SouthWind Models, and the Sandblast Booth by The Division Point.

BenchTest

Covered in this issue are the Freelance Watchman's Shanty by P-B-L, UP Steel Boxcar Dry-Transfer Lettering by John Pratt R/R Designs, the Milwaukee Road 50' Ribbed-Side Boxcar by River Raisin Models, Farm Tractors by Scale Models Inc, Narrow-Gauge Freight Car Underframe by Westco Products, and Streetlight by Jason's Brass Poles.

BenchTest

Covers the NWSL 33" wheelsets, the EBT Sn3 railcar by Railmaster Exports, the standard-gauge Commonwealth 4-wheel passenger car trucks by Steam Depot, the River Raisin EMD E-8/E-9.

BenchTest

Reviewed are Realistic Cedar Shingles by Sierra Scale Models, Northwoods Green Trees by Timberline Designs, the C&S Jefferson Depot kit by P-B-L, Flatcar Loads by Stewart Locomotive Works, S Scale Rule by the Cuyahoga Valley S Gauge Association, Lionel Hobbyist Advertisements by Lionel Trains, and the PRR 2-10-0 by Omnicon Scale Models (reviewed by Dick Karnes).

BenchTest

Reviewed are the Colorado & Southern Narrow-Gauge Gondola Kit by Overland Models, the USRA Light Pacific by Overland, and the D&RGW Baggage Car by Star Models.

BenchTest

Reviewed are the Southern Pacific Narrow-Gauge 28' Stock Car by Nevada-California Car Shops, Narrow-Gauge decals by Republic Locomotive Works, the 50' Double-Door Boxcar Kit by Pacific Rail Shops, the Swayne/West Side Narrow-Gauge Caboose Kit by Rio Grande Models, the West Side Lumber Company Heavy-Duty Narrow-Gauge Flat car Kit by Rio Grande Models, Alco RS-1 Body Kit by Railmaster Exports, the Alco RS-3 Road Switcher, manufactured by American Models for S-Helper Service, and the 1922 Mack AC "Bulldog" Stakebed Truck by Railmaster Exports.

BenchTest

Covered are the narrow-gauge Archbar trucks by Stewart Locomotive Works, the book "The RGS Story, Volume II", the 50,000-Gallon D&RGW/ RGS Water Tank by JAKS Industries, Inc., the UTLX Tank (tank only) by Rio Grande Models Ltd., Locomotive carrying cases, by A.E. Pierce Construction, and Acrylic Paints by the Pro Color Division of Windmill Hobbies.

BenchTest

Covers 85' heavyweight passenger cars, manufactured by American Models for S-Helper Service, standard-gauge archbar trucks by V&T Shops, code 100 three-point track gauge by Old Pullman Model Railroads Inc., EMD NW-2/SW-7 switcher body kit, manufactured by Railmaster Exports, for Steam Depot, and Dirt by Mecca Mineral Works.

Berg's Farm Dairy

The author describes how he took two HO-scale building kits and kitbashed them into models representing buildings on his Berg's dairy farm scene. Includes detailed instructions on how to deal with the size difference, accompanied by several photos.

Bernie Thomas Award

This article explains why this award was named after this man.

Bernie Thomas Memorial Award Update

Following an explanation of the purpose of the award is a listing of those whom have won it up through 2009.

Bernie Thomas Memorial Award Winners

A listing of this award's winners from 1966 to 2000.

Best Christmas Ever When You Are Eight Years Old

The author recalls his first train set for Christmas and describes his continued involvement in the hobby.

Best in Show

The author briefly describes how he built the structure, which won best-of-show at the 2002 NASG Convention. Includes a model photo.

Best in Show Duluth 2010

Contest winners report for the 2010 NASG Convention.

Best Model 60 Bulldozer Blade

The author previously commented that the kit didn't come with a blade, but the owner of Rio Grande Models provided him with one, which is reviewed here.

Best Model 60 Tractor

A review of the Rio Grande Models' kit of the Best Manufacturing Company's Model 60 tractor.

Best of Show

A listing of the contest winners at the 2003 NASG Convention, with photos of Andy Malette's and Kenny Palmer's entries.

Best of Show

A listing of the winners of the modeling contests at the 2004 NASG Convention.

Best of Show

A listing of the contest winners at the 2005 NASG Convention.

Best of Show Steamtown 2001

A listing of all who won contest awards. Includes several photos of the winners. This issue's cover includes some of the model photos in color.

Better Late Than Never...

Photos and a description of John Porter's 1st place freight car contest win in the 1993 NASG Convention. He also received the best-of-show award.

Beware of Alleged American Flyer Mail Scam

A warning about a "Linda Benson" of Henderson, Nevada selling cheap products as valued American Flyer products via mail order.

Big Bridge

The author describes how he tackled building the New York's Upper Manhattan NYC Railroad bridge over the Harlem River. Includes model photos.

Big S Show in Indiana

A description and a couple of photos of this show, named the "Indianapolis S Meet", that brought in 80 people.

Bike Shop - Post Office

Using a Banta Modelworks kit that is no longer available, the author shows how he builds hydrocal structures. The article covers walls, brick, concrete, stonework, decals, windows, and doors.

Bill Lane at Christmas Time 1968

The author shares a photo of himself in 1968, and tells the story of how got into model railroading.

Bill Morrison's Morrison-Mathews Railroad

Bill is rebuilding a new layout after the previous one was destroyed by a California fire. The layout is still under construction, but the article includes many photos and a track plan.

Bill Wood's American Flyer Layout

Open as part of the 1988 NMRA convention, Bill Wood's 24'x35' walk-in U-shaped layout runs some of his 91 steam locomotives, 44 diesel locomotives, and well over 500 cars. Yes, he's a collector, too.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author continues to introduce the members of the NASG BOT.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author reviews the current state of the NASG, and highlighting the many people who contribute extra time to the organization to help be run better. He states that more photos and articles are needed from the AF side of the scale for both the magazine and the web site.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author covers some info about changes within the NASG organization. The majority of the article is about the incorrect use of "gauge" vs. "scale" within S-scale and the industry in general. Gauge is the distance between the rails, and scale is the ratio to the prototype that we are modeling.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The NASG president covers several NASG-related topics, including elections, and needing someone to handle the Estate Survival program of the NASG.

Bill's Boiler Wash

Covers some minor topics about the organization itself (election nominations, no dues increases, extra copies of this issue available).

Bill's Boiler Wash

The NASG president covers several topics as he returned from the NASG Convention.

Bill's Boiler Wash

Commentary about the upcoming NASG elections, the Perles award, and the demise of Carstens Publishing.

Bill's Boiler Wash

It costs the NASG money to send out reminder notices, so the President reminds everyone to send their dues in on time.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author covers the upcoming NASG elections, a request for Dispatch authors, and the Sn3 gauges for sale through the NASG.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author covers the upcoming NASG convention, paying dues ahead of the deadlines, member contributions to content for the Dispatch, the web site's Product Gallery section, and making sure that your estate is set up to handle your model trains.

Bill's Boiler Wash

Covers notes about recent changes that have been made to the NASG web site, membership services, possible dues increase, and an increase in new members.

Bill's Boiler Wash

Comments about providing the webmaster with accurate data so that the web site becomes more accurate over time, business-type NASG memberships, membership renewals.

Bill's Boiler Wash

Consider contributing tips and trick to the Dispatch. NASG membership dues increases.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The NASG membership needs to be more vocal about what it wants for the organization. A change in the NASG Treasurer. People added as committee chairman.

Bill's Boiler Wash

Does looking for cheaper hotels play an important part in members' decision to attend an NASG Convention? Time to start thinking about NASG BOT elections.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author mentions the upcoming Convention, changes to the NASG By-Laws, membership renewals, and encouraging people to join the NASG.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author mentions the upcoming Convention, the upcoming election, the aging of the people involved in the NASG committees, some rant-n-raves,

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author reports on his stay in the hospital, work done by Monte Heppe and Michael Ferraro, the upcoming elections, and updating the Convention handbook.

Bill's Boiler Wash

Being thankful for what we have, upcoming NASG elections, and the facelift of the NASG web site.

Bill's Boiler Wash

Working on our layouts, upcoming NASG elections, and estate planning.

Bill's Boiler Wash

Vote and mail in your ballot for the NASG election, Promotions committee's use of NASG funds to mail out a "Sources Guide", and the NASG booth at the WGH show.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author reports on the NASG booth at the WGH show in Phoenix, getting ready for contest at the upcoming NASG Convention, and the need for a new Contest committee chairperson.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author reviews his four years as NASG president, and recommends shortening the length of the term of president.

Bing Building

A reprint of the article from the previous issue, because several sections were missing from the original article.

Binge Building

The author is taking the time to build structures for his layout. Includes photos of the models.

BK Enterprises Closed-frog Turnouts

After a brief comment about the company itself, the author describes what he does to the turnouts to get them operate well on his home layout. Includes close-up photos.

BK Tower

Randy told Dick Karnes about how he built the P&LE Beck's Run (BK) tower, and why. Includes model photos.

Blacksmith Shop Important to Rural Areas

The author describes how he built his small blacksmith shop building. Includes a photo and drawings.

Blame It All on WWII

How A.C. Gilbert dealt with materials shortages and change-of-focus during WWII, and the author theorizes how WWII led to the eventual demise of A.C. Gilbert.

Blue Ridge "S"calers Hold First Meeting

A group of North Carolina and Tennessee S-scale modelers get together for a day to discuss the idea of becoming a club. An S-scale modular layout was set up and clinics were offered. Thirty people attended. Includes several photos of attendees.

Board Actions

Changes the NASG BOT approved while at the Convention.

Board of Trustees Meeting

A summary of the topics covered in the NASG BOT meeting at the 1995 NASG Convention.

Bob Hogan's Sierra Northern

Photo essay of Bob's S/Sn3 layout. Includes a track plan.

Bob Hogan's Sierra Northern Layout

A two-page spread of photos of the author's layout, who has been an S-scale modeler for nearly 50 years at the time of this article.

Bob Johnson's Retro Layout

The author describes his history in the scale, and some construction details about his layout. The layout is 4'x16', and it was set up at the 2014 Spring S Spree. In addition to a photo on page 16, this article has additional photos and a track plan of the layout.

Bob Tufts, AF Column Editor, Dies

A memorial to the Collector's Column that Bob wrote for the S Gaugian.

Booster Ads

Booster ads (which support the finances of the Dispatch) can be placed in any issue, but the next issue will have extra pages.

Boston & Maine Railroad Crossing Tower

Drawings of the tower that was found in Lincoln, Massachussetts.

BOT Update

A brief review of what happened at the 2015 NASG Convention's BOT and general membership meetings.

Both the Fall S Fest and the Badgerland S Gaugers to Celebrate 25 Years

Detailed information about the 2000 Fall S Fest, its history and the Badgerland club's history. Includes photos of layouts open during the event.

Box Car Conversions Part 2

The author continues the project of converting S-Helper Service box cars into unique models, which in this installment covers the Wabash door-and-a-half box car.

Box Car Conversions Part 3

The author modifies an S-Helper Service double-sheathed USRA box car to match a GN prototype. The second project is taking an SHS box car and putting a Pacific Rail Shops viking roof on it to build a C&NW-prototype box car.

Boys and Their Toys

The author describes their 4-tier 5' x 7' Christmas layout.

Branch Lines

Reports and photos from the Northern Ohio S Scalers', the Pequea Valley Model Railroaders', and a few others' recent meetings.

Branch Lines

The author describes the 2013 Fall S Fest organized by the State-Line S Gaugers in Janesville, Wisconsin. There are also photos of the South Jersey S Gaugers November 2013 train show.

Branch Lines II

Information about the May 2014 Flyer Fest West train show coming up in May 2014. Includes photos of layouts and the Cable Car Museum.

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.

Brian Nicholson's Layout

The author describes Brian Nicholson's (Montreal) layout, shares photos, and a track plan.

Bridge Alchemy

The author describes how he took a Miami Valley Products O-scale single-track Pratt Truss bridge kit and converted it for use in S-scale. Includes construction photos and various diagrams.

Bridge Floors

This article describes how bridge floors are built, and includes several S-scale model photos of layouts, as well as a detailed design diagram of various types of floors.

Bridge That Chasm!

The author describes how he built a lift-out bridge in front of the door that allows entry into the model railroad room. Includes electrical protection for when the bridge is not in position.

Bridging the Gap

The author reviews three different ways to connect two parts of the layout while still allowing people to pass through into the layout. He then describes how he built his bridge.

Bridging the Local Creek

Modeling two wooden trestle bridges, one holding a two-track mainline and one holding a branch line, next to each other. The bridges are near Flagstaff. Includes full-scale (S-scale) bridge drawings, a materials list, and several photos of the model (one photo of the prototype).

Bring Out the Wrecking Crane!

The author describes how Dave Smith took a Lionel O-27 crane to build this car.

Bringing Back the Smoke and 'Choo-choo'

The author was disappointed with the Lionel 4-8-4 locomotive's smoke output, and with Lionel's official upgrade. He used original A.F. parts from Gilbert to improve the performance.

Bringing Life to Your Layout Part 1

The author shares a number of photos and several ideas for making a scene look more lived-in.

Bringing Life to Your Layout Part 2

The author describes adding many 1:64 vehicles, as well as many smaller details to his layout, all to indicate that the layout is alive.

Brothers and Trains

The author recalls how his A.F. collection grew with each Christmas. Includes a handful of photos of the Christmas layout.

BTS Cabin Creek Rural Church

The author describes the kit he built.

BTS Structures' Pallets

A review of the B.T.S. kit that produces 16 pallets.

Buffalo Convention Visit Ron Kemp's New York Central Belt

The author introduces Ron, who then writes about the how and the why behind his currently layout.

Build a Backdrop Viaduct

The author describes how he built a backdrop viaduct out of 1-inch thick foam insulation board.

Build a Barber Shop

The drawing and photo is of the barber shop in Fountain, Michigan. The author then describes how he built his in S-scale. Has one model photo, one prototype photo, scaled drawings, and scale colored signs. More photos are available on page 33 of the online PDF version of this magazine.

Build a Bowstring Truss Bridge

The author scratchbuilds the bridge, purely for cosmetic purposes, retrofitting it to his existing layout. Includes photos and drawings.

Build a Concrete Plant

Through the accompanying drawings and the text, the author describes how to build a model of this structure.

Build A Layout

The author proposes a 12'x13' layout based on the Lewisburg & Buffalo Valley Railroad, which was a 42-inch narrow-gauge logging railroad in central Pennsylvania, but using standard-gauge track components. Includes a detailed track plan, and prototype information.

Build a Light Overhead Gantry Crane from an HO Kit

The author adapts the Rio Grande Models' HO-scale Light Overhead Gantry Crane kit to S-scale. Includes two model photos.

Build a Prototype Pulpwood Car

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this model and the issues he had to deal with. Includes some construction photos, two prototype photos, scale drawings, and a sidebar on how loading and unloading of these cars took place.

Build a Soil Drilling Rig

Starting with an M2 stake body truck, the author builds a model of a truck he is familiar with from his career.

Build A Standard-Gauge Auxiliary Water/Crane-Tender Car Part 1

A pure scratchbuilding article, this installment starts with the construction of a flat car base. A details parts list is included, as well as scaled drawings and construction diagrams.

Build A Standard-Gauge Auxiliary Water/Crane-Tender Car Part 2

This last installment covers the construction of the superstructure, and the painting and applying of decals.

Build a Track Cleaner

Using a piece of Masonite hardboard or similar material, the author describes how he built an S-scale version. Includes a photo and CAD-style drawings.

Build a Turkey Hauler

The article provides photos, diagrams, prototype information, and suggestions for how to model a car that can transport live turkeys.

Build a Wood Frame Flat Car

The author describes how he built a truss-rod flat car. Includes several drawings, and a couple of photos.

Build an American Flyer Auxiliary Water Tender

The author builds a water tender from a plastic A.C.Gilber A.F. tender, so that he has a coupler-conversion car in his fleet.

Build Burlington Northern's Lumber Flat

Ernie describe how he built a model of this 65-foot BN finished-products lumber flat car. Includes a model and a prototype photo, and scaled drawings.

Build Craftsman-quality Kit With These Simple Tips

The author provides some thoughts on using the Monster Model & Laserworks laser-cut kits.

Build the Stone Avenue Station

The model is an exact replica of the station in LaGrange, Illinois. The author was commissioned to build this model, and he describes the process from research to construction in this article. Includes one model photo and scaled drawings.

Build Western Pacific's Bay Window Wood Caboose

After explaining the history of the prototype caboose, the author used photos and plans (from Mainline Modeler magazine) to scratchbuild the car out of styrene. It has a fully-detailed interior. Includes photos of the completed model.

Build your own Steam Whistle for $45

The author shares how he built a steam engine whistle to fit in a box car that can be pulled behind a steam engine, thus enabling the sound without having to modify the engine. The whistle comes from a Tyco billboard unit. Includes a photo and a schematic drawing.

Building 20' and 40' Containers in S Scale

A parts list and photos of the models and jig accompany this article about how to build these TOFC container loads.

Building a B&O M-25 Box Car Using Traditional Old School Methods

The author describes his process of converting an A.C. Gilbert American Flyer box car into a reasonable likeness of the B&O car. Includes several close-up photos.

Building a Bascule Bridge

This article covers the construction of an operating bridge to allow easy entrance into the model railroad room. A brief description of how the model was built, and a few photos are included.

Building a CNR Class Z-1-A Boxcab Electric Motor

The author describes and shows through photos how he tackled this scratch-building project.

Building a Composite Gondola in S

The author takes an A.C. Gilbert American Flyer flat car, and shows how to add parts to it to make it be a composite (steel frame, wooden sides/ends) gondola. Includes construction photos. The model uses 3D-printed parts.

Building a Dairy Queen

The author provides drawings and photos detailing how he scratchbuilt his version of a Dairy Queen.

Building a Hand-held Throttle

Diagrams accompany this article about how to build this throttle that has been in use with members of the Central New Jersey S Scalers.

Building a Kinsman 30ft Composite Hopper

The author shows step-by-step how he assembled the kit, making use of Lego blocks to aid in his assembly. Includes other tips, such as inserting springs in the trucks, and making your own decals.

Building a Lorain Model 27 Tracked Shovel

The author describes how he converted an International Models TT-scale Bucyrus Erie shovel into an S-scale model. Includes photos of the completed model.

Building a New Haven EP-3 Electric Locomotive

Three modelers worked together to create this model, with the main body being designed on the computer and 3D-printed. It has quite a dramatic story. Since in the real world the PRR's GG1 was based on this engine, Dick used the American Model's GG1 as the chassis for his model.

Building a One-Room Schoolhouse

An example build of the plans published in the March 2006 issue of the S Gaugian.

Building a Pennsylvania Railroad Tower Car

The author provides the history of the PRR's Doodlebug converted to a M.O.W. work car for repairing overhead electrical wires. He then continues with the story about how he wanted to scratchbuild the model, and the concludes with the actual construction process. Includes prototype and model photos, as well as a scaled drawing.

Building a Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Berkshire

The project has a long history, and was built from a wide variety of donor projects and some creative modeling. The author provides the history of the Class A-2a P&LE Berkshires, how he built it and the tender, how he painted it, and the parts list.

Building a Reading HT Class Hopper Part 1

The author starts a series on how to build a 70-ton Reading HTw three-bay hopper that was originally built by Bethlehem Steel in 1957. The construction starts with two A.C. Gilbert AF two-bay hoppers. Includes a photo, cutting diagrams, and parts list.

Building a Reading HT Class Hopper Part 2

In this installment the author completes the work necessary to have a finished model.

Building A Resin Kit

The author describes building the Funaro & Camerlengo PRR GR gondola kit.

Building a Rock Island Fowler Box Car

After telling the history of the Fowler-designed box car, the author briefly describes the S Scale America kits he built, but the main focus of the article is the work he did to model a specific Rock Island box car, which required some kitbashing. Construction is shown in a photo essay.

Building a Sierra Railroad 2-8-0

The author used a standard gauge B.T.S. 2-8-0 kit to build the model he needed for his standard gauge interchange.

Building a Simple Layout for 4-year-old Noah

Too young for electric trains, the author removed the motors from some AF steam locomotives, to allow his grandson to hand-operate the layout they built for him.

Building a SOO Line Wooden Caboose

The author built this caboose by heavily modifying an A.C. Gilbert AF #930 caboose. Includes construction photos.

Building a Southern Pacific AC-11 Cab-forward Part 1

This first installment covers the running gear, bought from S Scale Loco & Supply. Includes detail drawings, model photos, and a parts list.

Building a Southern Pacific AC-11 Cab-forward Part 2 of 3

This installment covers the construction of the tender. Includes full-size and detail drawings. Note that the motor is in the tender on this model.

Building a Trackside Shed

The author describes how he built this Motrak Models' kit and added many details to it. Includes several construction photos.

Building a Transportable Layout

The author describes how he built a portable, sectional 5' x 8' layout for a local event.

Building a Two-bay Garage

The author used two Monster Modelworks "Triple J Repair Shop" kits to build a two-bay Sohio gas station. Includes some construction photos.

Building a Union Pacific E8B in S Scale

The author's UP passenger train kept growing, so he needed to add a B-unit to his American Models E8. He used a UP A-unit's shell to create the B-unit. Includes step-by-step photos.

Building a Unique Cityscape

Photos of the owner's layout show off the interesting ways he has laid out the city scenes.

Building a Urethane PRR GRa-class Gondola Kit

Bill describes how to built this kit, but not necessarily using all the kit's parts. Includes discussion on how to paint the model and several construction and final photos.

Building a Yardmaster's Office

The author builds a small building to act as the yard office. He discusses how he designed it in a CAD program, and covers all the work he did to build the various parts. He also covers how to integrate the building into the surrounding scenery.

Building An Amusement Park Band Shell

The author tried to duplicate the band shell he remembered from Hershey Park, PA some 50 years ago.

Building an Empire Part I

The modular layout built for the 1995 NASG Convention continues to participate in local train shows in western Pennsylvania. It was built by the Altoona Area Train Collectors Club. Includes several photos of scenes on the layout, and a bullet-point history of the club's layout.

Building an FA-1

The author describes how he converted an American Models FA-2 to an FA-1. Includes construction photos, various diagrams, and a parts list.

Building An Old Rex Kit Part 1

The author found an old Rex wooden outside-braced box car kit and shares how he built it. Includes many construction photos.

Building An Old Rex Regal Kit Pt. 2

In part 1, the author introduced working on this kit wherein he identified the manufacturer as being "Rex Engineering", but actually it is "Regal Kits", which he corrects in this article. This installment covers finalizing and painting the model.

Building an Operating S scale Bascule Bridge

The author briefly describes how he scratchbuilt this bridge using Plastruct ABS materials and Plastruct Bondene.

Building an S Layout on a Budget Part One

The author has built 12 layouts, and he shares the lessons he has learned. The article is about how one can build a layout without spending a lot of money. His focus is mostly on AF-style layouts. He covers planning a layout, deciding on the track to use, planning the required power, planning of large scenic features, and then construction.

Building an S Layout on a Budget Part Three

In this installment, the author covers some of his wiring tips, how to start laying out the scenic components of the layout, painting the scenery, and using real dirt and gravel.

Building an S Layout on a Budget Part Two

In this installment, the author covers how he laid American Flyer sectional track, which subroadbed he used, building lift-out sections, bus wiring, and transformers.

Building And Detailing a Vintage House Car Kit

Using a Scenery Unlimited resin box car, the author describes how to properly prepare and build these types of kits. Include three built model photos.

Building and Operating the St Agnes Railway

The author describes how he operates his small layout in a prototypical manner. Includes a photo and track diagrams.

Building Buck's Creek Station

The author describes how he built this AM Models' structure, including lighting and detailing the interior.

Building Cof f man Bicycles

The author describes how he took two B.T.S. kits and created a turn-of-the-century bicycle shop diorama. He models in O-scale, but used the S-scale models as a forced-perspective.

Building Copper's Donuts

The author describes his experience building the Pine Canyon Scale Models kit #640, Copper's Donut Drive-in.

Building Glacier Produce And Cold Storage

The author kitbashes the Pine Canyon Poured Concrete Storage Facility (kit #359), to fit a specific area on his layout. Includes assembly instructions, and two photos of the final model.

Building Heavyweight Passenger Cars

The author describes how he converted A.C. Gilbert heavyweight passenger cars into credible models. Includes photos and drawings.

Building in S Scale

The center supplemental to this issue is 24 pages of S-scale modeling articles, tips, and currently available product from advertisers. This is a great source to find out what's available in S today. The supplemental was a co-operative effort by the RMC magazine and the NASG.

Building Kits with Dick Karnes

The author describes how he built the Reviresco Gas Station kits (a 1930s-era and a 1950s-era one). These are very inexpensive kits. Finally, the author also describes the AM Models structures, which, too, are very inexpensive kits of shed and a small passenger station.

Building LayoutS

This last installment covers painting or apply different decals to cars, thoughts on kitbashing or scratchbuilding equipment and structures, and the variety of materials that are available today.

Building Lehigh Valley Model's 300 Ton Coaling Tower

The author takes us through the whole process of tackling an old-fashioned craftsman-style kit.

Building Osgood-Bradley "American Flyer" Coaches Pt. 1

This installment covers the prototype of this car, and how to model it using an American Flyer coach passenger car. Includes prototype and model photos.

Building Osgood-Bradley "American Flyer" Coaches Pt. 2

(part 1 was published in the Winter 2012 issue). This installment covers window arrangements, skirting, Lehigh Valley model variations, and adding many details.

Building Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

The author provides a detailed guide for how to add exterior lighting to structures, to liven up the scenes.

Building S Layout

The author details his modeling railroading history, covering an estimated 35 layouts built.

Building S Layout

The author recommends starting small when building a layout, especially if it is your first one.

Building S Layout

The author covers planning your benchwork, tips for framing, and planning for grades when you are planning your layout's construction. Includes several layout photos.

Building S Layout

The author covers forced perspective, using a view block, mining and logging, modeling trees, and using styrofoam in layout construction.

Building S Layout

In this installment the author discusses the various track options available for S-scale at the time. Includes a couple of photos from various modelers' layouts.

Building S Layout

Information about how to wire a hi-rail layout.

Building S Layout

This installment covers backdrops, lighting, and rocks.

Building S Layout

This installment covers how to make roads, parking lots, dirt roads, railroad crossings, and building structures (including using Plasticville kits).

Building S Layout

Mistakes made in lighting the interior of buildings. Installing signs on the layout. The state of the 1:64 vehicles. Preparing figures before placing them on the layout.

Building S Layout

Building a smaller layout may require running shorter equipment. Tips on keeping equipment from rolling away. Adding figures to equipment, and what direction the engineer should be facing in steam and diesel locomotives.

Building S Scale Roadrailers

The author describes how he built an S-scale roadrailer following the instructions in an article in the July 1982 Model Railroader magazine. Includes two photos.

Building Second Generation EMD Diesel Locomotives in S Scale

The author describes how he used Shapeways 3D-printing abilities to design and create the parts needed to build an EMD GP38-2 and GP39-2. A step-by-step photo essay composes the article, so that you can follow along and build your own model.

Building the "Nighthawks" Scene

This model is based on Edward Hopper's 1943 painting "Nighthawks". O-scale modeler John Armstrong designed the scene and described it in the January 1989 issue of Model Railroader magazine. This S-scale kit is manufactured by Right On Track Models and sold by Wit and Wisdom Models. The kit contains hundreds of parts, so the author describes how he set about building the various structures that make up this scene.

Building the Budd 10-6 Sleeper

The author shows how he built the UP sleeper car, to show that it is fairly easy to build a lightweight 80-foot passenger car.

Building the Charlotte Southern Station in S

The author owns Model Building Services, and was commissioned to build a scale model of the Southern Railway depot in Charlotte, North Carolina. He described how he did his research, how he created his drawings from print and online sources, created the CAD drawings, and laser-cut the acrylic parts to build the model. He also describes the Stonewall Hotel that is next to the station. Final photos of both models are included in the article.

Building the CS&R

The author's first S-scale layout (switching from HO-scale) represents an an independently-owned 1950s western bridge line that operates between the Rio Grande and the Union Pacific railroads. This article covers the method for building the benchwork, how the yards were handles, and choosing to use code 100 rail. A few under-construction photos accompany the article.

Building The Des Plaines RS-1 with DCC

The author shows how he built his kit (bought in 2016), which he postponed until he was retired and could give it the time and attention it needs. (As an aside, the kit was released under the "S Scale America" name, which is the manufacturing arm of the Des Plaines Hobbies retail store).

Building the Easyville

The S Gauge Herald's project layout continues with the wiring.

Building the Easyville Shortline Railroad

Building a small layout for the publisher's office.

Building the Easyville Shortline Railroad

This installment covers the construction of the railroad's benchwork.

Building the Easyville Shortline Railroad

This installment completes the construction of the framework, install the track, and begin operating the layout. Includes photos and a track plan, as well as a parts list.

Building the Gilbert 'Radio' Car

The author found a photo of the A.C. Gilbert Radio car, and describes how he built one.

Building the Leadville Designs MOW Bunk Car #4965

The author shares photos and his construction process of this kit, which is slightly different from the kit's instructions. Includes several construction photos containing helpful methods.

Building the Mount Blue Models Cranberry Storage Barn

The author describes how he turned this barn model into a harbor scene's fisherman's net shack, complete with suggested interior details.

Building the New BC&G Part One

The author describes tearing down his old layout, packing the various details, and introduces the new layout's design and his objectives.

Building the New BC&G Part Three

In this installment, the author starts building the Appalachian Mountain scenery on his new layout. He also describes his method of dealing with backdrops (only sky and clouds, thanks to the mountains).

Building the New BC&G Part Two

This installment covers the benchwork, roadbed, track, and DCC.

Building the New Buffalo Creek & Gauley Part IV

This final installment covers the "story line" of the layout and how he operates it. A little bit of prototype history is covered, including the lines' demise. On Brooks' layout, the line is doing well. He describes the car card routing system he uses, as well as the NCE DCC system he uses to run the trains. The locomotives are using the Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders.

Building the NNY RR

The author describes his around-the-wall layout with three peninsulas, for a total of 400 feet of mainline track. Construction has begun, so a couple of photos are includes, as well as a drawing of the completed track plan.

Building the Smokey Mountain Model Works H10-44 Kit in S Scale

After describing the prototype engine, the author details his construction of the Smoky Mountain Model Works' resin kit.

Building the Timberline Miner's Union Hotel

The author describes how he scratchbuilt the remote location's hotel next to his recently-completed mine. Includes lots of photos of the project.

Building the World's Fastest Steam Locomotive in S

The author describes how he built an S-scale model of the 4-4-2 PRR E7 #7002, which set a world speed record in 1905.

Building Track Switches

The author describes how to build a custom turnout using cast frogs and points.

Buildings

Modeling large buildings in S-scale using some HO-scale components that are suitable.

Bulkhead Flat And Frisco Plug Door Box Car

Two photos taken by the author of Stan Furmanak's scratchbuilt TTPX bulkhead flat car and a plug-door box car. Both were shown at the 2007 NASG Convention in Baltimore, MD.

By-Laws Change

This article covers the proposed change of the three regions that the NASG covers.

C&NW Grain Covered Hoppers in S Scale

The article shows the various grain hopper cars that are available in S-scale, straight from the box.

C&O AMC 50-ton Offset Hopper

The author describes how he built an accurate model of this car by stripping an American Models hopper off of its sides, and having new, accurate sides designed and 3D-printed. Only the dreadnaught ends are now commercially available.

Cab Ladders For Your American Models GG1

How to add ladders below the cab doors. Includes model photos and drawings.

Caboose Conversions Made Easy!

The author describes how he changed a B.T.S. and an American Models caboose into his custom models. Includes model photos and a scaled drawing of an SP bay-window caboose.

Caboose Kitbash

Using the American Models baywindow caboose, the author kitbashes it into a B&O I-17 model. Includes a parts list, construction photos, and detail diagrams.

Calabash Terminal Update

Monte shares a few photos of an area of his modular layout that has recently received new scenery (an update to his October 2010 article in the Dispatch).

Can You Help Solve This Mystery?

An attendee of a local show shares two photos of his steam locomotives that he cannot identify.

Canadian Prairies Module Part 2

This installment covers painting and weathering the elevator, adding the logo, building the annex building, roof construction and weathering, modeling the terrain, laying track and ballasting, and making realistic vegetation. The module can be seen on the web.

CanAm NASG Buffalo Convention Rescheduled

The NASG Convention is postponed until 2022. The details behind TractorFab and CanaDakota, two companies owned by Kent Loewen.

Cancelled

The 2021 NASG Convention has been canceled, and is re-scheduled for the same location for 2022.

Car Float Storage Yard

The author describes his removable float to handle the issue of having way more cars than the layout can hold at any one time. Storage shelves under the layout hold additional floats. Includes photos and drawings.

Car Identification Idea

Using paint markers to mark the axles of cars using the resistors' marking bands scheme to help identify the owner of the car. Useful in large group settings and during operating settings.

Cats, Flats and Locos

The author describes how he detailed a D-8 and a D-6 crawler, and also covers the Rex 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 engines he has.

Central Jersey S Scalers 8th Annual Fall Get-Together

The three-day show was held in November. The author covers all the activities during that time, with 60+ people attending. Includes a track plan of the modular layout's set-up at the show.

Central's Sharks

The author describes his experience building the Omnicon Baldwin 'Sharknose' diesel locomotive. Includes construction photos.

Change Marx Light Tower to LED Lights

The author describes how he converted the tower's lights. Includes close-up photos.

Change Times... Changing Tunes... Sometimes!

An editorial about how people used to complaint about things not being available in S-scale. Now that more products are available, people still complain.

Changes and Additions to the Model Contest Rules Are in the Works

The NASG Contest Chair announces new rules that go into effect at the 2019 NASG Convention, which includes processing 3D-printed models.

Changing Scales!

This is two articles in one. Roger converted from HO- to O-scale, and Charles converted from HO- to S-scale. The purpose is help the reader things to consider when wanting to change scales.

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.

Changing the Ends on a Perfectly Good Brass Boxcar

By changing the ends of a River Raisin Models X33a, the author produced an X32a.

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.

Chattanooga Convention Report

A detailed report with plenty of photos of the 2012 NASG Convention. Also includes Jay Mellon's vendor report.

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad's Highlands Station

Prototype photos, and scale drawings (1:64) of this building found in Hinsdale, Illinois.

Chicago, Priceless & Denver RR

The author describes his layout, which was open during the 2011 Fall S Fest. A track plan is included.

Chicagoland RPM Meet Gets a Taste of S Scale

A report on S-scale's presence at the 2017 Railroad Prototype Modelers in Lisle, Illinois (the meet is hosted by two "closet" S-scale modelers). Includes photos taken at the event.

Chinese Model Railroading Manufacturing Factory Closed

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

Christmas 1947

The author shares his experience of receiving his first A.C. Gilbert American Flyer train.

Christmas and American Flyer = Fun!

The author describes his layout, which contains almost all A.C. Gilbert accessories ever made. Includes several photos.

Christmas and American Flyer Trains

The author shares his recollections of Christmases with American Flyer trains.

Christmas and S Scale Trains... A Recipe for Happy Holiday Memories?

Two authors share photos and a description of how S-scale trains are used at Christmas time.

Christmas at the Finger Lakes

Planning and creating the S-scale Polar Express display layout for the holiday season at the Ontario County Historical Society in Canandaigua, New York.

Christmas Set Becomes Permanent Layout

The author describes how as a kid he could only have the AF layout out at Christmas time, and how that finally changed when he had space in his own house.

Chuck West's Layout

Chuck lives close to the Des Plaines Hobbies store, through which he learned about S-scale, and has been in S ever since. Many of the local S-scale modelers now work on and run trains on Chuck's layout. Includes many photos of Chuck's layout, and a group photo of some of the guys working on the layout.

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.

Cindy Chinn

The author carves model train scenes out of common pencils! Includes many photos.

Circular Modular S Layout is a West Coast Ambassador at Shows

The author takes his 10-foot diameter modular layout, built to NASG standards, to local train shows. It combines scale and A.F. Includes two photos of portions of the layout.

Circus Advance Car

A review of the purpose of this special car, and how the author created an S-scale model of it.

Circus Train Variation

The author found a #643 circus flat car, and studies it a bit more. Includes several photos.

Civil War Rolling Stock

The author describes how he converted some A.F. train sets' cars to be used for Civil War equipment. Includes several photos of completed models.

Classics From the SG Herald

Modifying original American Flyer turnouts so that two can be placed very close to each, one left-handed and one right-handed. Includes diagrams.

Clearing Up (We Hope!) That Coupon Confusion

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

Cleveland Area Spring S Spree 2000 is Planned as a "Weekend Retreat"

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.

Closing the Gap: Modifying Coupler Mounts

The author shows how to modify the mounting plate for an FP-7 to allow for closing coupling. Also shown are how to make similar adjustments to passenger cars. Automatic uncoupling is still possible after the adjustments.

CN Caboose #78674

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this model. Includes many construction photos and a parts list.

Coal Dealer Down by the Tracks

The author describes how he scratchbuilt a scale for the local coal retailer. Includes photos and scale drawings.

Coast to Coast in S Scale

Many photographs of 9 different S-scale layouts.

Code 125 & Code 126

The NMRA S Gauge Standard Committee chairman explains the differences between these two rail types (not just the height).

Coffee With Allen PhillipsAllen Phillips

The author introduces himself and his layout.

Coffee with Bob Bubeck

The author describes his A.F. layouts and what he collects.

Coffee With Bob Hogan

Bob introduces himself, his switch from HO to S, and his view on the future of S.

Coffee With Bob Wilson

The author introduces himself, and his scale 27'x35' layout.

Coffee with Brooks Stover

Brooks describes the shortline he researched and models, and what he enjoys in this hobby.

Coffee with Charlie Bettinger

The author describes his layout, and then shares his philosophy about S-scale and how to continue to grow the scale.

Coffee With Dan Olson

The author was a collector of post-war A.F. items.

Coffee with Dave Blum

The author shares how he is building an addition to his house to build and house his 18x40 layout (hi-rail). He also briefly touches upon getting young children involved in the hobby and the supposed rift between "scalers" and "hi-railers".

Coffee with Dave Heine

Dave introduces himself and how he got started and evolved in the hobby. His layout covers S standard-gauge, and Sn3 and Sn2 narrow-gauge.

Coffee with David Pool

The author continues his previous article with building another wall-section structure around an opening in the wall.

Coffee with Don Rosa

The author describes the new layout he is planning on building in some dedicated space. He is an American Flyer collector, as well as an A.C. Gilbert toy collector, so a space for the layout and his collections are planned.

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.

Coffee With Doug Peck

The author describes his basement set-up which includes two finished rooms housing his model railroad and his collection. As a retailer, he dismisses the doomed forecast about the hobby in general and S in particular. He started Port Lines Hobbies in the late 1980s, was a full-time school teacher, and now runs the retail store full-time since retiring.

Coffee With Gerald Burks

The author introduces himself and his layout.

Coffee With Hiram Graves

The author introduces himself and his history with S.

Coffee With Jeff Madden

The author details his involvement in the hobby, and what led to him eventually switching from HO-scale to S, while taking on the editorship of the NASG's The Dispatch.

Coffee with Jeff Wilson

The author shares his model railroading roots and history, and is now retired from his retail store, Hoquad Hobbies.

Coffee with John Nosari

The author describes how he got into S, his AF-based S layout, his O-scale layout, and how, even though he has both, he prefers S-scale.

Coffee With Nelson Steinmetz

The author introduces himself and his layout.

Coffee with Roger Nulton

The author shares his model railroading roots and history.

Coffee with Steve Lunde

The author describes his experience with model trains, starting with American Flyer as a kid, and shares a few tips he has learned.

Coffee With Ted Hamler

The author describes his modeling history and his current layout and display shelves.

Coffee With Tom Foley

The author introduces himself, and his 2-1/2'x10' switching layout.

Coffee with Tom Robinson

The author describes his 13'x16' AF layout, a 5'x18' portable S-MOD modular layout,

Coffee with...

The author shares his history in S-scale, his current layout, and his take on the use of the various glues.

Coffee with...

The author shares his history in S-scale, his current layout. He is the producer of the Track Ahead PBS series, and he still prefers S over all the other scales he has seen.

Coffee with...

The author recalls his times spent at the Gilbert Hall of Science shortly after it opened, and how he befriended many of their employees. He then shares how he returned to the hobby in the 1970s.

Coil Cars and a Cushion Coupler

Photos and information about Jerry Schnur's scratchbuilt coil car, and the extended, cushion coupler he had installed on his PRS box car.

Coil Covers for Your Greenville Gondola

A review of the Pre-Size Model Specialties kit for steel coil covers for gondolas. Includes prototype and model photos.

Collecting 'S' Scale Brass

People who collect brass model may not be model railroaders. The article also covers why brass is sought after, what to collect, how to purchase and protect the collection.

Collecting AF Via Train Lists

This article describes the author's recommended approach to starting to collect American Flyer items.

Collector's Column Editors Through the Years

A summary and photos of the various column's editors.

Colorado & Silver River Railroad's Monte Vista, May 1957

This article describes the updates done to Chip Romig's S/Sn3 layout, focusing on the town of Monte Vista, since the last article covering this layout.

Colorful Cabs for your S Layout

The author describes how he repainted and applied decals to transform a 1960 Chevrolet made by Racing Champions into a typical cab. Includes several model photos.

Colorful Choices in New SHS Rolling Stock

The author describes a good number of new S-Helper Service's freight cars that are available.

Coloring Brickwork

The author provides his step-by-step guide on how he paints brick walls for his structures.

Command Control in S

This is an in-depth article describing what command control is, which the major systems are on the market at the time of the writing, how these systems works, and how to wire them to your layout.

Committee Updates and Changes

Information about which NASG committee members resigned, which were added, and which positions are still open.

Committee Updates, Changes

Information about personnel changes at the NASG.

Compact End Modules

The author designed and built two half-circle modules for use at home and at train shows.

Compact Yard Design for a Branch Line Railroad

The author describes the key features an engine yard typically holds, and how to model that in as small of a space as possible.

Complete Listing of All Hartoy AHL 1:64-scale Trucks

All known Hartoy American Highway Legends trucks are listed.

Complete Text of the Convention Brochure

The full brochure text of the Cuyahoga Valley "S" Gauge Association's invitation to the 1982 NASG Convention.

ConditionAire Covered Hoppers

The author describes how he created this model of a temperature-controlled centerflow covered hopper.

Conductor

Changes to web site addresses, the inclusion of the Dispatch advertisers listing on the "S Resources" page of the NASG web site, and the new feature of additional pages to the Dispatch issue when you download the PDF version, starting this this issue.

Conductor's Clipboard

Consider putting figures in your locomotives and automobiles on your layout. Put trains on empty tracks when composing a photo for the Dispatch. Starting the Scratchbuilding 101 column.

Conductor's Clipboard

What is the connection between the holidays and trains? Turkeys in the town where the editor lived (continued on page 5, "Turkeys by Train"). Info about booster ads.

Conductor's Clipboard

Some more follow-up information about poultry cars covered in the previous issue.

Conductor's Clipboard

The editor asks for photos for next year's Christmas edition, lists previous survey results, and mentions the various services the Dispatch offers to NASG members and clubs.

Conductor's Clipboard

The editor is retiring. New Dispatch advertising editor announced.

Confessions of a Modular Group Part III

Internal issues related to the track used on the modules are covered, including adding a third line with no turnouts. They had many electrical problems with their layout. Module legs are discussed, as well as the addition of a trailer.

Connecticut S Gaugers at Chesthire High School

A brief description and several photos taken at the Cheshire High School Ram Bank Parents Association train show, where the club set up their layout.

Connecticut S Repair Clinic

A brief description and several photos of the Connecticut S Gauge Model Railroad Club's first repair clinic.

Conrail Colors

This article covers lots of prototype information about Conrail diesels, to help the author figure out how to properly paint and decorate the GP30 brass models his company imported.

Construction Cement Pipe Loads for Your Gondola Cars

The author describes how he simulated a concrete pipe load in an S Scale America gondola using Evergreen Scale Models styrene tubes.

Construction of the South Jersey S Gaugers Portable Layouts

This article covers the construction of the club's second modular layout, but starts off with the lessons learned from the first one. Includes many construction photos, and a photo of each module as completed. There is also a collection of links to YouTube videos featuring the layout (old and new).

Contacting the NASG

Information about how to contact the NASG leadership via the NASG web site, and a note about which photos are still missing from the Product Gallery.

Contacting the Webmaster

Various ways of contacting the webmaster of, and submitting potential content for, the NASG web site.

Contest Results

A listing and some photos of all the contest winners at the 1985 NASG Convention.

Contest Winners

Photos and a brief description of the models at the 1994 NASG Convention.

Contest Winners

Photos of some of the contest-winning models.

Contest Winners

Bob shows photos of the models that won contests at the 2009 NASG Convention.

Contest Winners

Photos of the contest winners' models at the 2010 NASG Convention.

Convention Best of Show

A listing of all the winners in the various model contests at the 2007 NASG Convention. A photo of Simon Parent and his best-of-show engine are included.

Convention Cars Announced

The 2017 NASG Convention Cars are announced, and shown in photos.

Convention Outlook

Some quick notes about the 1984 NASG Convention, include contest winners.

Convention Report

The 2011 NASG Convention was held in conjunction with the 2011 NMRA Convention and NTS Train Show in Sacramento, California. Includes photos of layouts, attendees, contest models, etc.

Conventions - 1994

The author reports on the 1994 NMRA convention, the 1994 NASG Convention, and the 1994 National Narrow Gauge Convention. Several photos are included, including the contest winners in the NASG Convention.

Conversion

The author describes how he converted in old A.C. Gilbert American Flyer flat car to "scale". Includes construction photos.

Conversion

Starting a new column on how to convert AF engines to scale.

Convert a Baldwin Switch Engine into a "Critter"

The author shows how he used a Lionel Baldwin frame and a couple of shells to build the critter he remembers of his youth.

Convert a Lionel Flat to S Scale

The author describes how he converted a Lionel O-scale UP 9020 yellow flat car to S-scale.

Convert Atlas HO Scale Customline Switches to S

The author describes his process of taking Atlas HO-scale commercial turnouts and converting them to work in S-scale.

Converting a Flyer Gondola to Scale

One of the two types of gondolas designed by the USRA during WWI was modeled by the author using two damaged A.F. gondolas. Includes several model photos.

Converting AF Flat Cars to Scale

The author describes how he found and converted several A.F. flat cars into scale models. Includes photos of some of the under-construction and completed models.

Converting An American Flyer 0-8-0 into a 2-8-0

The author describes how he replaced the original A.C. Gilbert motor with a quieter Pittman DC91, and with Nimco gearing. The article contains technical drawings for the modifications to be made.

Converting an Old S Gauge 2-bay Hopper into an Ice Breaker Car

The author describes how he added a structure to an American Flyer hopper car to model this car. Construction photos are included.

Converting the American Flyer Y-3 2-8-8-2 to Full Scale

The Lionel 2-8-8-2 only comes with hi-rail wheels. The author wanted to have his converted to using scale wheels, so he contacted Fred Rouse of S Scale Locomotive & Supply. Includes photos of the key items that needed work.

Coordinator's Corner

The author is the coordinator of the SSSIG, and introduces the new group to the reader. He reports on the 50th anniversary NMRA annual convention, and what S-scale-related items and activities there were.

Coordinator's Corner

What is an NMRA SIG? What do SIGs accomplish?

Coordinator's Corner

Is the SSSIG redundant?

Coordinator's Corner

Would a SSSIG booth at this year's NMRA convention be a good idea?

Coordinator's Corner

The S Scale SIG is now officially a sub-group of the NMRA.

Coordinator's Corner

The NMRA offers half-price membership rates for those who do not want the magazine.

Coordinator's Corner

SSSIG dues structure changes.

Coordinator's Corner

A report on the S-MOD standardization.

Corner Module

The author recommends putting loads on open freight cars so that show audience members can enjoy them when viewing our layouts. Includes several diagrams for constructing loads and how to tie them up.

Corner Module Design

Simon Parent and the author built three modules to compose a corner module that has a lot of interesting track work on it. He describes how they designed and built them. The article includes a track plan and several photos.

Coupler Upgrade

The author shares a couple of examples of upgrading older S-scale models with Kadee couplers.

Couplers and the "Pogo Stick" Effect

The author describes the various tests he and other members of his club did to reduce the pogo-stick effect of the traditional S-scale couplers. He shared the successful replacement/improvement of the springs.

Couplers for Operational Reliability

The author shares his thoughts on having a trouble-free operating session on your layout, focusing on couplers, uncoupling magnets, and his operating scheme.

Craig Wright's Cumbres & Toltec Western

The author describes how he switched to Sn3, built his 18'x30' layout, set in Chama, NM in the fall of 1950. Includes lots of photos.

Create a Black Widow FP-7 in S Scale

After an introduction to the prototype series, the author describes how he built his model from a stock American Models FP7 model.

Create a Load for Your S Flatcar

The author uses a prototype photo of a flat car with a crate load, determines the dimensions of the crate, and then scratchbuilds a model of that load. Includes a sidebar on how to convert a Rex Engineering hi-rail flat car to "scale".

Create Your Own 'Polar Express' Using Heavyweight AF Passenger Cars

The authro described how he converted Lionel S-scale passenger cars into "Polar Express" cars. Shows two models.

Creating a 3-bay PS-2 Hopper

The author shows how he cut up 2 or 3 S-Helper Service PS-2 hoppers to build this model.

Creating a 72-foot Circus Stock Car

The author kitbashed two Scenery Unlimited 40-foot circus stock cars into this model.

Creating a New York Central Locomotive from the Alco Models RS-3

The author claims the model's motor is not powerful enough and the body sits too high on the frame. Only the second issue is resolved in this article. The remainder of the article covers how to detail the base model differently to make it more accurate for an NYC prototype.

Creating a Southern Streamline Passenger Set

The author describes how he collected, repainted, and created the Southern passenger cars with the 1960s paint scheme. Includes black-n-white photos of his completed models.

Creating NYC Empire State Express 999

The author built a facsimile of this 1900-era NYC passenger train using A.C. Gilbert AF items he had available.

Creation of the S Hi-rail Saguaro Valley

The author briefly describes his previous two layouts, and then covers his current layout after a move.

Crescent City S Gaugers

A one-page photo essay of the New Orleans group's layout set up at the 2015 NASG Convention.

Crown Reefers Variety

Crown Models Products produced a number of unique reefers in the 1990s and early 2000s, which the author covers in this article. Includes several photos of the models in his collection.

CSX Combining Objectives

The extended-height, coke-carrying, modernday hopper covered in the article started with an S Scale America H39 hopper. Includes construction and final photos.

Cumbres Depot

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this D&RGW depot, including how to make a mold and cast roof braces.

Custom Painting Makes an Unusual UP Northern

A brief note about repainting an AF 4-8-4 to Union Pacific Northern gray with Armour yellow trim. Also mentioned is the conversion to straight DC. Includes two photos.

Cuyahoga Valley 9004 Coil Gondola

This article describes how the author took a gondola and added the Mainstreeter Trains corrugated add-on panels to create a different-looking gondola. He super-details the model and describes how he added the coil steel loads. Includes construction and final-model photos.

Cuyahoga Valley's Track Joints for Portable Hi-rail Layout Sections

Information about how the Cuyahoga Valley S Gaugers achieved their smooth track-running on their club layout at the 1986 NASG Convention.

D&RGW Class 8-33 0-6-0

James "Rusty" Rustermier of San Jose, California built the S-scale model of D&RGW #51 from brass, silver and 303 stainless steel. The frame was machined from solid brass stock, and the boiler began as a solid round piece, turned down to size, then bored out. Includes one photo of the finished model.

D&RGW Narrow-Gauge Stock Cars

This article provides the extensive historical research the author has done on these cars. Drawings of the various lettering schemes are includes, as well as several prototype photos. The article concludes by briefly listing the S-scale models that are available to model these cars.

D&RGW SD-50 #5517

The author describes how he super-detailed the S-scale OMI model. Includes some prototype photos, many close-up model photos, and a parts list.

Dad's Dream

The author describes his seasonal layout set up on six 4'x8' sheets of plywood. It is an AF- and Plasticville-based layout. Includes several photos of the layout.

Dave Blum

The author reports on which NASG A.F. Commemorative Cars are still available.

Dave Blum Says...

The author makes the plea for people to purchase the A.F. Commemorative cars sold by the NASG.

Dave Butterfield's SP Locomotives

Dave Butterfield has built several fairly accurate SP engines from American Flyer parts, and some scratchbuilding, of course.

Dayton Freight Motor

This article covers the completion of a Dayton freight motor car (interurban/Doodlebug). Includes diagrams.

Dayton S-Spree 2012

The author reports on the 2012 Spring S Spree.

Dayton Spring Spree Shows Positive State of S Hobby

A review and some photos of this annual event held by the Miami Valley S Gaugers club.

DC on a Shoe-string

The author describes how he used a diode to have a DC locomotive run on half-wave AC output from a Lionel transformer. The article also covers full-wave (bridge rectifier) usage with AF steam locomotives, and converting AC AF locomotives to DC.

DCC Decoders

How to determine wheel-slip current draw and stall current, so that you can find the appropriate DCC decoder, is described in this article.

DCC Installation of a Smoke Unit and Lighting in an American Models Wood-sided Caboose

This brief article describes the process the author went through and includes several construction photos.

De-railing Hi-Rail Derailments

How to fix hi-rail couplers on S-Helper Service passenger cars catching on turnout frogs. Adjusting Kadee couplers' support arms.

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.

Decal Corner

The letter the author wrote to the owner of Microscale Decals is reprinted.

Decal Corner

A collection of new decals announced from various manufacturers.

Decal Corner

New releases of decals in S-scale.

Decal Corner

The author introduces S-scale decals by Microscale, John Hall Decals, River Raisin, and S Designs.

Decal Corner

The author takes over the column, and reports on new decals available from Microscale and S Designs. He also provides some decal-application tips.

Decal Corner

New decals released by S Designs.

Decals for a Freight Car

An old hot dog wrapper (unused) led the author to having decals created for it to decorate a reefer car.

December Issue Questionnaire Response

Summary of the responses received to the most-recent questionnaire.

Denis Fortier's Canadian S Scale

A brief introduction to Denis and his layouts. Photos include those of the layouts he has built, as well as track plans for each. Also includes photos of models he has custom painted for his fictitious layout.

Denver Zephyr '97

Prototype railroading in the Denver area when on the way to and from the 1997 NASG Convention.

Denver Zephyr '97

A listing of clinics and local layouts open at the 1997 NASG Convention.

Denver Zephyr '97 Convention Update

Some more updates about the 1997 NASG Convention.

Denver Zephyr 1997

A preview of the 1997 NASG Convention to be held in Denver, Colorado.

Depots by John Garage/Trackside MOW Building

A product review of the construction of this kit. Includes a couple of photos.

Derailments

Changes the author has made to reduce or eliminate derailments, especially running backwards.

Des Plaines Hobbies Open House for S Scale

As part of the O Scale National convention near Chicago, and Mike Calvert of Gilmaur Models in the United Kingdom being there, Des Plaines Hobbies held an open house to give S-scale modelers who attended a chance to see the U18b pilot model in person. Photos are included with the article.

Detail The Tail

The author describes how to super-detail the back end of an F-unit locomotive, a section that is often overlooked. Includes a photo, drawings, and a parts list.

Detailing a Boxcar

The author reviews the S-Helper Service single-sheathed box car, and offers suggestions for how to improve it even more. He discusses ways to improve the center and side sills, the brake components (depending on era modeled), the grab irons next to the coupler pockets, the changing to a vertical brake wheel (which requires additional parts), and adding cut levers. Several photos are included of project cars.

Detailing a Commercial Turnout

The author, who predominantly models in O-scale, describes how he super-detailed an S-scale Shinohara sold by Scenery Unlimited. Includes lots of close-up photos.

Detailing a Pullman Underbody

The author describes how he details the underbody of the NASG passenger cars, manufactured by American Models.

Detailing a Putt Trains Diesel Switcher

The author describes his building this small, unpowered industrial switcher, with a battery powering the LED headlights. It would be great in a train or as a scenic element.

Detailing a Wood Reefer

After describing the prototype companies that transported fruit, and their cars, the author describes the changes he made to his S-Helper Services reefers to make them even more detailed. Includes photos of his models, both finished and under construction. Additional prototype and references information is found on page 33 of this issue (digital version only).

Detailing American Model's Passenger-Car Trucks

The author describes how he super-details the rather bland American Models passenger car trucks. Includes a diagrams, a couple of model photos, and a parts list.

Detailing American Models Triple Hopper Not Exceedingly Difficult

The author describes how he super-detailed the AM hopper.

Detailing an American Models GP35

The author starts off with an American Models GP9 chassis and a GP35 shell, to build a model representing the B&O GP35. Many close-up construction photos are shown, including the final result.

Detailing the American Models New York Central Class J-3a HudsonNew York Central Class J-3a Hudson

The author super-details his American Models Empire State Express Hudson locomotive. He describes how to disassemble the model, and then the specifics he modified. Includes close-up photos.

Detailing The American Models Twin Hopper

The American Models 1985 new hopper is based on a Unicast 55-ton outside-braced two-bay hopper. The author describes optional steps the modeler can take to make the model more detailed, covering grab irons, steps, couplers, brake details, cross-braces support, hopper door hardware, ladders, interior braces, glad hands, and painting the model.

Detailing The American Models Twin Hopper Part II

The drawings of the car shown in the previous Dispatch were too small to be of any use, so this issue devotes two full pages to those drawings.

Detailing the Hartoy Trucks Part II

This installment covers adding details such as exhaust and connections for the trailer. Includes several model photos.

Detailing the Pacrail Northern Pacific Boxcar

The author describes how he super-detailed the Pacific Rail Shops' 50-foot NP box car.

Details Make the Difference

Taking two American Models box cars, Jon Firpach has done a lot of detailing to them so that you can't tell that they started life as the same models. Includes many close-up photos showing the details added.

Details, Details, Details

Building a small hand pump for a water well from scratch. An isometric drawing for three different types are shown in the article.

Details, Details, Details

Suggestions for modeling a company-owned set of row houses at the back of the layout, which don't take up much layout real estate but can still be a haven many creative details.

Details, Details, Details

Adding small signs to your layout that indicate local names that non-railroading visitors may recognize when they come to visit.

Details, Details, Details

How to build a three-raised-panel door with a two-pane window.

Details, Details, Details

Suggestions of several small additions that can be made to an existing structure or kit that make them unique or more interesting.

Details, Details, Details

S-scale doesn't have many figures (at the time of this writing) and especially missing are children.

Details, Details, Details

Using a photo-copier and acetate plastic to make custom windows.

Developing an Industrial Scene... Plastic Pellet Storage Part 2

This installment covers the construction of the tanks and the legs. Shows lots of close-up details of the construction process.

Developing an Industrial Scene... Plastic Pellet Storage Part 3

This installment covers the construction of the storage tanks, the silos, and their detailing. Includes prototype and lots of construction photos.

Development of 7/8" Gauge

7/8", the original distance between the rails of an S-scale piece of track, has its roots in other gauges. The author covers model railroading history in general, starting with "live steam" engines from the 1850's. 7/8"-gauge was half of No.1 gauge's 1-3/4" rail spacing.

Dick Karnes S Scale History

The author reviews his personal history of how he got into S-scale modeling, and a brief description of the layouts he has built. Includes a photo of his layout in 1952.

Dick Kramer Membership Chair

The author introduces himself. Includes two photos of him.

Did We Forget Something?

The author's vision of the future with regard to S hasn't come true, yet.

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?

Die Modelleisenbahnanlage

The toy museum in Nuremberg, Germany hosts a huge S-scale layout. The 325sqft layout was built between 1950 and 1974 by Dr. Wolfram Bismarck in his spare time, most of it scratchbuilt. The Union Pacific-based layout depicts the Nebraska/Iowa junction on the west bank of the Missouri River. Includes many photos, and a track plan of this rectangularly-shaped layout.

Die-cast steam locomotive kits: S scale

The Rex Models' 0-6-0 is a freelance job that looks like a shortened version of the Pennsy B6sa, the only non-Belpaire firebox loco built at Altoona after 1900. The 2-6-0 is very similar but with a pilot instead of footboards, a flared smokestack, a longer smokebox, and a square tender. The only complaint the author had was that the wheels on the 0-4-0 are slightly out of round, which results in a slight wobble as the engine runs.

Diesel Detailing Part 1

This installment covers using B.T.S. detailing parts to super-detail the pilot of an American Models GP9. Includes one prototype photo.

Diesel Detailing Part 2

This installment covers detailing a diesel engine's cab.

Diesel Locomotive Wheel Cleaner

A simple solution as to how to clean your diesel locomotive's wheels.

Diner Conversion

The author describes how to convert an NH A.F. coach car into a diner one.

Dinner in the Diner

The author describes the process he went through to build a diner/lounge car for the D&RGW "Royal Gorge" train. He started with an American Models model, but had to significantly modify it. Includes some photos.

Dino's House

The author describes the construction of a three-story single-family home. Includes drawings and photos.

Dirty Knees Leads to a Solution for Module Club Layout

The author describes his construction of a lift-up bridge for gaining access to the interior of the rectangularly-shaped Houston S Gaugers club layout. Includes two photos.

Disassembling the Monon

The author is moving, but prior to the layout's demolition, it was photographed in its best condition for a feature article in the Model Railroader magazine. Now the author is literally digging a basement under his new house for the salvaged parts of the old layout to be incorporated into the old. Includes photos of both.

Disaster Strikes Popular St. Louis Christmas Display Layout

The American Flyer S-Gaugers of the St. Louis Area-built layout at the St. Louis Famous-Barr department store was drenched in water due to a frozen pipe breakage.

Dispatch at the 1997 National Model and Hobby Show

The author reports S-scale models shown at the National Model and Hobby Show in Chicago, Illinois.

Dispatch Obituaries

Noting the passing of Lee McCarty and Richard Kloes.

Displaying S Gauge

The author shares his expanded version of his traveling modular layout, now measuring 5'x18'. Includes a track plan and a photo.

Dixie Union Station Expands Inventory to Carry S Gauge Trains

The store primarily carries HO- and O-scale, but has recently added about 10 feet of shelf space for S-scale products, such as MTH, Lionel, GarGraves, Artistta, and more.

Dody Stevens' Awarding Winning Modules

Photos and a brief description of NASG membership secretary, Dody Stevens' two modules.

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.

Doing an American Models E8A in CP Rail

A brief description of how the author painted and lettered the model. Includes one photo.

Don't Let It Stump You!

The author's company, Master Creations, sells metal stumps. This article covers how to make those stumps look like real wood.

Donald James Heimburger

The author pays tribute to a man who was a tremendous positive influence on S-scale modeling.

Donors Make an Early Christmas

Three people won items donated by the manufacturers at the 2017 NASG Convention.

Doodlebugs in S

After introducing what a Doodlebug is, the author describes the Scenery Unlimited S-scale model of one. He covers converting the model to run on AC (provided by the model's instructions), how he painted it for his freelance railroad, and how he installed the Dallee Electronics components. Includes several photos of the model on his layout.

Dots and Dashes

Building an actual telegraph for a model railroad to enhance operations of the layout.

Double Hung Windows

How to construct double-hung windows for wood-framed buildings. Includes drawings, with a sidebar on how to cut cardstock.

Double Hung Windows

How to construct double-hung windows for masonry buildings. Includes drawings.

Down At The Depot

Information about recent S-scale clubs' activities.

Down by the Depot

Reports from various S clubs.

Downtown Deco's Blue Angel Smoke Shop/Lou's Tattoo Parlor

The author describes the construction process of the double-store downtown building.

Drawings for American Models Twin Hopper

Various small drawings of the car.

Duluth 2010 Convention Roundup

A couple of small photos and a listing of the contest winners.

Dyersville Iowa Spring Fair Toy Show

A quick note about the NASG table that was set up at this show.

Early 1863 B&O Truss Rod Coach

Scale drawing of car #20 and #21.

Easiville Shortline RR

A track plan design idea for a 4'x8' layout using AF-compatible track.

Easiville Shortline RR

A design diagram is presented for building a layout using A.C. Gilbert sectional track that fits on a 4'x8' sheet.

East Broad Top Underway

Some Sn3 track plan ideas.

Eastern Junction

Gary is recycling a set of modules he has used for various layouts in other scales into an S-scale layout. This month's column also has some very nice comments about my model railroad web site! He also encourages us to think about modeling a Santa Claus train on our layouts during the holidays.

Eastern Junction

The author mentions the S-scale activities and models at the 2010 Narrow Gauge Convention, and covers the start of a Ohio River & Western locomotive using a Railmaster Exports Sn3 2-8-0 kit. Includes several construction photos.

Eastern Junction

Quite a bit of S-scale available at the Mid West Narrow Gauge Show/Mini-Bunch meet held earlier in 2010 in Canfield, Ohio. The Sn2 "Free-Mo" layout by the Sn2 Crew, of which Gary is a member, had a 23'x40' layout set up. Also, the Pittsburgh S Gaugers (of which Gary is also a member) had their layout set up at two Greenberg shows. Photos appear on page 31 of the issue.

Eastern Junction

Dealing with lesser-known railroads leaves gaps in one's research, which the author covers in this article describing his coal mine structure.

Eastern Junction

The author shares his approach for running SD45 locomotives in a coal train over a hill, with pushers. He also updates the reader on which modeling projects he has been involved in. Includes a photo of the Sn2 Crew modular (Free-mo) layout set up at a recent show.

Eastern Junction

Gary reports on what he saw at the Northern Ohio S Scalers' meet, which included vendors, clinics, and displayed models.

Eastern Junction

Gary specifically mentions people that are helping S-scale move forward into the digital frontier, such as the NASG web site, the S Scale SIG, the S-scale Yahoo! Groups, the Sn2 Crew group (of which Gary is a contributing member).

Eastern Junction

The author talks about what he has been working on with regard to his Sn2 modules, and what he has been working on next for the modules: the Kennebec Central Coal Dock.

Eastern Junction

The author reviews the Sn2 Crew's attendance of the 2012 National Narrow Gauge Convention in Randolph, Maine. It includes a review of the changes the group introduced on their layout at this show.

Easy See-through Roofwalks

This article covers how to replace the American Models' roofwalk on a box car with an O-scale one made by Quality Craft Models. Includes construction photos.

Easy to Build Turntable

After describing the history and fundamentals of prototype turntables, the author describes in step-by-step instructions how to build a turntable. Includes prototype photos, construction diagrams, construction photos, and a materials list. More photos can be found on page 33 of the PDF version of this issue.

Easy Tracklaying

The author describes how his group (the S Team) of modelers lay their track quickly.

Ed Cooper's Flyer Layout

The author shares his history in the hobby, and describes his reasoning behind building the A.F.-based layout he has. The layout has lots of items on it. Includes several layout photos, as well as a track plan.

Editor's Comments

Some info about the magazine itself. A request for a printer for the magazine. Preparing for next month's article on converting an A.C. Gilbert 0-8-0 to scale.

Editorial

Dick starts off as the editor of this Dispatch with this issue.

Editorial

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

Editorial

A photo tour to Spokane, WA, and this is the first Dispatch issue with a theme: tracklaying.

Editorial

Dick describes his transition from A.F. to scale. His request is for more A.F.-related materials to be published in the Dispatch.

Elaine's Elaborations

Attending NASG Conventions, as told from a woman's perspective, and how can Conventions be held so as to reduce the costs to those attending them?

Elaine's Elaborations

Purpose behind the included survey.

Elaine's Elaborations

Why would a club want to organize and host an NASG Convention or other major event?

Elaine's Elaborations

Elaine reports the results of the 1983 NASG Dispatch survey.

Election Results

Photos and a brief description of each of the 5 people that were elected for this year's NASG BOT election.

Electric Motor Load for Flat or Gondola

The author describes how he modeled an electric motor by using two dish soap bottle caps.

Electric Substation Part 1

After a foreword by Bob Jackson about how substations work, the author introduces this three-part article, describes the model he built (and for which he won an award at the 1986 NASG Convention), and provides a parts list.

Electric Substation Part 2

In this installment the construction commences. Includes many construction diagrams.

Electric Substation Part 3

The series concludes with the construction of the many details that need to be added to building. Includes construction diagrams, and close-up photos, as well as a parts list.

Electrical Union May Strike Over Unsafe Working Conditions with Yardlights

The author describes how he added ladders and platforms to his two Lionel AF floodlight towers. Includes several final and construction photos.

Electro-Motive FTs

After a brief history of the FT locomotives, the author continues by covering the River Raisin's brass FT models. Includes model and prototype photos, and a table for which railroads to use the parts that come with the model.

Elk & Gauley Finally Gets Some Scenery

The author reports on the scenery progress he has made on his layout. Includes the latest photos and a track plan.

EMD's SW-1 Switch Engine

After a brief prototype description of this engine, the author goes into the kit construction manufactured by Locomotive Workshop. Includes model and construction photos, and several scaled drawings of the model.

End of the Line

John Bortz passed away on September 14, 2013 at the age of 94. Includes two photos of him.

End of the Line

Reporting about Lee Johnson and Thorin Marty passing away.

End of the Line

Sam Powell and Jim Lyle have passed away.

End of the Line

Remembering Wally Collins, one of S-scale's pioneers.

End of the Line

Glenn Miller passed away.

End of the Line

David Daniels and Tom Riddle pass away.

End of the Line

Noted are the passing of David Felmley and David Tanner.

End of the Line

Well-known S-scale modeler Bill Fraley passes away.

End of the Line

Harry Shade Kidd, Jr. passed away.

End of the Line

Noted are the passing of Jake Jacobsen and Gene Metzgar (owner of Ye Olde Huff 'N Puff).

Engine Terminal Wiring

Breaking a storage yard into small blocks allows the controlled movement of just one engine in the yard, without the others moving as well.

Engineer

The author shares his history in the hobby. He is a real-world train engineer. In addition to A.F. collecting, he also scratchbuilt NYC transit equipment. A track plan of his 11'x17' layout is included, as well as several photos, including ones of his scratchbuilt cars.

Engineering Department

In trying to assure that your equipment stays on the track, this article covers trackwork, dirt, and center of gravity. Includes an explanation and diagram for the three-point suspension system recommended for cars.

Engineering Department

Information about how to super-detail your turnout using parts appropriate for S-scale. Includes many close-up photos.

Engineering Department

The author covers rock-vs-nut ballast types, when to apply ballast, and how to apply rock ballast.

Engineering Department

Using bridge components from O- or HO-scale works just fine on S-scale, because most are scale-indifferent. A few kits are mentioned in the article. Several model photos of bridges on the author's layout are included.

Engineering Department

Slowly replacing solenoid switch machines with either Blue Points or Tortoise ones. Additional layout progress.

Engineering Department

The author describes how he made a section of his layout such that it could be tilted up so that he could get to the wires and electronics under the layout.

Engineering Department

The author describes the things he has to do to get ready for his monthly operating sessions.

Engineering Department

The author describes how he installed the Blue Point and Tortoise switch machines. Includes many tips that make the process go much smoother.

Engines of American Flyer The S-8 Baldwin Switcher

After describing the history of the prototype engine, the author reviewed the A.F. version.

Entering Model Contests

The author describes how to prepare a model to be entered for a contest (specifically the annual NASG Convention contests).

Ernie Horr Tackles a 50 foot FMC Covered Hopper

Starting off with a Pacific Rail Shops ACF 3-bay hopper, the author builds the 50' FMC grain hopper. Includes a couple of photos and lots of design diagrams, as well as a parts list.

Erv Rahr's Layout Plan

Erv Rahr sent in his proposed track plan, and Jeff offers his design ideas to improve the plan.

Everything in Model Railroading was Made by Someone Else

The author describes his journey into S-scale, and his layout. Includes photos and a track plan.

Evolution of an AF Layout

The author describes his involvement with American Flyer trains, and what he is doing today.

Evolution of the scale AF Challenger

The author interviews Remy Convey, product manager at Lionel.

Executive Transport for the A.C. Gilbert Company

The article covers how to scratchbuild an S-scale DC-3. Includes a photo of the model and drawings for the various parts.

Exhibition Tips for an Unfinished Layout

The author shares ideas (with photos) about how one could present a layout that appears to be more complete than it really is.

Explore What a Trolley Layout Might Have to Offer You

The author opines on why S-scale traction modeling never took off. Includes track plans for small traction layouts. Includes a review of current and past traction models available in S.

Extra 2011 West

Detailed information about the 2011 NASG Convention later in the year.

Extra 2011 West

Information about the upcoming 2011 NASG Convention, which is a joint-NMRA convention.

F-M Erie Built Part 2

The author describes how he built his Milwaukee Road model from scratch.

Fairbanks-Morse Milwaukee Road H-10-44

A brief article with photos showing the Smoky Mountain Model Works' FM kit before and after the build.

Fall 'S' Fest Report

The 37th annual Fall S Fest was held in the Milwaukee area and hosted by the Badgerland S Gaugers, with about 400-500 people attending. The show report includes photos taken at the event.

Fall S Fest

A brief review of the annual S-scale show, which includes several photos.

Fall S Fest

A report of the 2016 show in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, with lots of photos.

Fall S Fest 2004

A report of the 29th annual Fall S Fest hosted by the Badgerland S Gaugers in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area.

Fall S Fest 2011 St. Louis MO

The author reports on the activities of this event.

Fall S Fest 2018

The author briefly reports on this event. Includes several photos taken there. This article is only available in the online PDF version of the issue.

Fall S Fest Report

Report of the CASG-BSG Fall S Fest held near Chicago.

Fall S Fest Report

A brief review of the show and some photos.

Fall S Fest Report - 2010

Photos and a review of the 2010 Fall S Fest in Tinley Park.

Fall S Fest... Records Broken; Founders Honored

A report on the show held in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Includes a number of photos of people attending the event.

Fall S Fest: Just for the Fun of It

The 2007 Fall S Fest in St. Louis had over 600 attendees and 250 trading tables. There were three local A.F. clubs set-up with their layouts. Includes photos of the newest River Raisin items and people in attendance.

Fall S Happenings

A brief report on the 2008 Fall S Fest with a couple of photos. Also covered is the Indianapolis S Show.

Famous AF Passenger Cars

After a brief introduction to the Osgood Bradley coaches (85-foot long, lightweight design), the author describes the A.C. Gilbert AF models of same (which were only 53 scale feet in length).

Farm Factor Figures

The author reviews and prepares 3D-printed figures made by Farm Factor 3D. Includes photos of the finished models. The company also sells cows in various poses.

Farming Tips for the S Scale Modeler

The author provides tips on how to improve the look of the steering wheels of Ertl's tractors, painting the tractors, and installing drivers for those tractors.

Fellow Modelers Salute

The Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop remember Gary Brown.

Fighting Fatigue in Woburn

Having just joined the Bristol S Gauge Railroaders club, the author describes his experience being part of the hosting club of an NASG Convention.

Finding That Perfect Track Plan

The author describes unfolding some basic rectangular track plans to create walk-in layouts.

Finger in the Light Socket

After covering the 2022 NASG Convention car, the author describes his ballasting experiment failing, and how he fixed it.

Finishing the Don Winter's Railgon Kit

The author completes his Don Winter project gondola by painting it and applying decals to it. The remainder of the article is about the loads that are reasonable for this kind of a car.

Finishing the Frenda

This installment finalizes the structure, by building two buildings that sit on top of the structure built in the previous month's issue.

Finishing Touches

This article covers some of the new (in 1990) decals, and how the author decorated the American Models D&RGW GP9 (includes a photo).

Finishing Touches

Modeling the Lehigh Valley GP9, GP18 (American Models), and RS11 (Overland Models) engines. Includes many model photos.

Finishing Touches

The author describes how he simulates stainless steel paint finishes on a model, and how to deal with masking. The model photo shows an Omnicon RDC-3.

Finishing Up Projects

The author describes how he completed a Mullet River S-scale caboose project, including adding details that are not included in the kit. The second project he completed is an F&C 4-bay "Dunmore" hopper resin kit. This project involved dealing with weaknesses in the aging resin kit, and installing Morton roof walks. He completed the model by painting it and lettering it for the NKP.

Finistere

The article covers the author's sectional Canadian National exhibition layout. The model represents an extension of the Caraquet & Gulf Shore lines on the Acadian Peninsular in New Brunswick, Canada, set in 1968 to 1972. The article includes a track plan and many photos of the layout.

First AF Trains Came in 1950

The author tells the story of how he got his first AF train set.

First Dayton Area S Spree A Success!

Photos and a recap of the first S Spree organized by Miami Valley S Gaugers of Dayton, Ohio.

First Michigan Spree a Success

Report about the show.

First S Scale Interstate Opering Session?

A number of Minnesota S-scale modelers visited with Michigan S-scale modelers, operating on their home layouts. Includes a photo of all of the attendees.

Five S Pennsy Cabooses for Little Time and Not Much Money

The author takes several junk American Flyer and Lionel cabooses and turns them into reasonable models. Includes photos of the finished models.

Fixin' Flyer

This is the first of the author's columns about running and fixing American Flyer trains. In this column he introduces himself and his history of model railroading. He shares a tip for how to remove the AF floors from the cars' body, including the action caboose.

Fixin' Flyer

This column focuses on trucks and their wheels.

Fixin' Flyer

This column continues to deal with improving A.F. trucks.

Fixin' Flyer

The author describes the Christmas train set up he builds and uses every year, which includes elevated sections.

Fixin' Flyer

In this column, the author covers how to deal with loose A.F. steam wheels as they age. It also deals with gauging the wheels as well as quartering them.

Fixin' Flyer

The author covers repairing motors in A.F. steam locomotives.

Fixin' Flyer

This column focuses on the A.C. Gilbert track, and how to get good performance out of it.

Fixin' Flyer

Continuing with the track theme from the previous issue, this column makes suggestions for improved running around the Christmas tree. Includes several Christmas set-up photos by Mike Wright.

Fixin' Flyer

The author describes the various A.F. steam locomotives that were produced.

Fixin' Flyer

How to identify smoke-in-tender models and how to fix them.

Fixin' Flyer

New books and reference material to help anyone wanting to repair A.F. products.

Fixin' Flyer

This column starts a series on A.F. turnouts. It covers A.F. #720.

Fixin' Flyer

This column continues the series on A.F. turnouts.

Fixin' Flyer

What tools are required to be able to fix A.F. items?

Fixin' Flyer

What to look for before buying a "bargain" at a train show.

Fixin' Flyer

What to look for before buying a "bargain" at a train show.

Fixin' Flyer

How to prepare your AF trains for the Christmas display layout around the Christmas tree.

Fixin' Flyer

The author gives the top-ten reasons why you're having trouble keeping your engines on the track.

Flagstop Station

The author describes how he built the Flagstop Station kit (#562) from the Laser-Art Structures Division of Branchline Trains. Includes several photos of the completed model.

Flat Car Loads

Using the HO-scale Tichy Train Group kit #3056 Cement Pipe Flat Car Load on an S-scale car.

Flat Car Loads Part I

This installment covers how to model a load-that-was, i.e. what remains after a load has been recently removed from the car.

Flat Car Loads Part II

Covered machinery loads from Stewart Locomotive Works.

Flat Car Loads Part III

This article is also a product review of the Building & Structure company's laser-cut low-profile crate used as a flat car load.

Flyer Fest West

A report about this event, and several photos taken there. This article is only available in the online PDF version of the issue.

Flyer Fest West 14

A report and photos of the event held in San Mateo, CA. Includes several photos.

Flyer Fest West 2007

The author reports on the activities at the eight annual Flyer Fest West held by the Sacramento Valley American Flyer Club May 4-6 in Elk Grove, California.

Flyer Fest West 2017

A description of the upcoming event hosted by the Golden Gate American Flyer Club, which includes the two Lionel tank cars they are offering.

Flyer Fest West IV

A behind-the-scenes review of the show held in 2003.

Flyer Modules Win Award at Milwaukee Trainfest

Ron Schlicht and Jim Starosta, members of the Badgerland S Gaugers received the award for their 6 American Flyer straight modules at the 1998 Trainfest.

Flyer Toy Train Museum

This 16'x24' layout has A.F. track and runs A.F., SHS, and AM products. In addition to being a museum, it also holds South Jersey S Gaugers club meetings there.

FlyerFest 2001-2002

After a brief introduction to this informal event, the author describes what happened at Phil Moser's home with nearly 950 feet of AF track laid down. Includes a couple of photos taken at the event, as well as a rough track plan spanning almost the entire house.

Foam Ballast

Bob Daniel shares how he makes ballast from ground-up styrofoam coffee cups.

Foamcore Buildings

Using this shortcut to quickly get some buildings on to the layout, using photocopies attached to the foamcore to represent windows, doors, and even siding materials.

Focal Point: 'Rumansoda' on the Minnesota Heartland

The author tells about how he designed his layout to have several railfanning spots on it to remember the real-world railfanning he gets to do.

Folding Legs

The author shares the design ideas behind the folding legs of his local N-scale club, and how they can be used in S-scale modules.

Foolscap

This is the first issue of this magazine, published under the NMRA's S Scale Special Interest Group.

Foolscap

The author discusses the track standards in effect (editorial: the older NMRA standard was not the same as the NASG standard for standard-gauge; they are now).

Foolscap

A description of the changes made to this issue of the magazine.

Foolscap

Why no December issue?

Foolscap

The editor is formally switching to an every-other-month publishing schedule.

Forty Years of S Gauge Conventions

A listing of all of the NASG Conventions from 1961 through 2002.

Four American Flyer "Whys?"

The author poses (and answers) four "why" questions about why A.C. Gilbert produced a specific product for which there seemed to be no prototype.

Four Easy Kitbashes from Other Gauges

The author took kits from HO- and O-scale and modified them to fit S. It is a brief photo essay, showing the models.

FP-7 Diesel Electric Locomotive by American Models

This is a product review of this engine, listing the few problems the author found with the model.

Francis Lee Jacques' Great North Road

The layout used AF mechanisms, trucks, and track, but Lee scratchbuilt everything else to his own standards, which was On3-1/2. The whole objective of the layout was an exercise in perspective, as he was a professional artist. The layout was moved to the Lake Superior Transportation Museum North Road in downtown Duluth after his death. The article includes photos of the layout, and a track plan reprint from the May 1962 issue of Model Railroader magazine.

Frank Titman

Frank Titman passed away in January 2015. He created Lehigh Valley Models, a kit manufacturing business, and had a fantastic S-scale layout. Many of his other accomplishments are listed in this article, along with feedback from several modelers, and photos of him and his layout.

Frank Titman on "S" Scale and the NASG

After a brief introduction of how the author met Frank, the remainder of the article is an interview-style format. Frank describes how he got started in model railroading, in S-scale, background info on the S Gauge Herald, and the history behind Lehigh Valley Models. Includes photos of Frank's layout and his models.

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.

Freelance Triple Hopper from an On3 Kit

The author built an S-scale standard-gauge 70-ton 3-bay hopper from an EBT hopper kit marketed by CB&T Car Shops. Includes photos and construction diagrams, as well as a parts list.

Freelanced S Scale Cars as Gilbert Might Have Made Them

The author describes various cars he has kitbashed: 32-wheel PRR depressed-center flat car, a Doodlebug, a PRR E-6 Atlantic, a smoking caboose, and R-50B express box car.

Freelanced Structure Kits & Power Routing

The author describes the informal Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop group, and then offers member Steve Doyle to describe his freelanced structures, and how the club dealt with converting older turnouts to power-routing ones.

Freight Car Farm Buildings

Based on seeing these structures in person, the author repurposed, much like the real-world farmers, a box car and a stock car model, put them on a foundation, and covered them with a roof. These made for quick and affordable barn structures for the farm. The article includes prototype and model photos.

Freight Car Modifications Part I

This article starts with how the author super-detailed two S-Helper Service box cars.

Freight Car Modifications Part II

Covers the modifications the author made to the S-Helper Service door-and-a-half Wabash box cars.

Freight Car Modifications Part III

This installment covers the construction of Great Northern single steel door re-build box car (S-Helper Service), a double-sheathed door-and-a-half box car, a Locomotive Workshop steel box car, and a flat car (based on an American Flyer metal tank car frame).

Freight Car Modifications Part IV

This installment covers a CNW Viking roof box car, which was based on an S-Helper Service box car and a Pacific Rail Shops viking roof.

Freight Depot

A one-page scale drawing of a small freight depot as found on the Port Louis & Northern team track.

Freight Door

The author shares a technique for creating freight doors for buildings.

Freight House

Drawings for a small freight house.

Frenda Mine Part 1

The author needed a small mine for his Sn3 D&RGW layout. The article shows how to measure and fit a new structure into existing scenery, and how to start with scratchbuilding the structure.

Frisco USRA Rebuilt Boxcar

The author describes how he super-detailed an S-Helper Service reefer, including information about making water-slide decals. Includes many photos.

From Gilbert to YouTube

The author introduces himself, and his YouTube channel "Austin's American Flyer", dedicated to all things A.C. Gilbert American Flyer. As his YouTube channel grew, he started developing new products aimed at the AF enthusiast, such as a 30-degree crossing.

From Jay Mellon

Jay reports on the well-being of fellow NASG members and S-scale modelers affected by the Katrina hurricane that his New Orleans.

From Junk Box to Layout

Using twist ties (from garbage bags) for modeling fences or shanty roofs.

From Snap Shot to Composed Photo

The author shares his learned experience of setting up a composed photo on his A.C. Gilbert-based layout.

From the BOT

Volunteering for the NASG has been down, and hardly anyone is offering their services. The BOT is asking for help with this article.

From the Conductor

The new editor introduces himself, and how he plans to edit the magazine.

From the Conductor

The editor responds to feedback he got on the previous issue, the one he edited for the NASG.

From the Conductor

The editor of the Dispatch introduces his design idea of making the cover's text look like the font and style of a prototype railroad. Each issue will be different.

From the Dimly Lit Damp Offices of the Commemorative Car Chair

The author pleads for help in selling the NASG cars.

From The Eastern VP

A brief report on the 1978 NASG Convention in Ottawa, Canada.

From the Editor

A 1992 survey done by Model Railroader magazine showed 1.4% of their readers modeling in S-scale, and 9.6% of the people considering S-scale their secondary favorite. At the time that meant around 21,000 people interested in S-scale. The author proposes how to reach those people.

From the Executive Suite

News from the NASG's president about the NASG's check gauge, coupler-height gauge, the increase in Dispatch issues from 4 to 6 per year, NASG promotional material to be included in S-scale products, and the NASG's 50-foot brass box car project has been shelved due to rapidly increasing costs.

From the Long and Morose to the Swatara and Western

The author reminisces about John H. Long who had recently passed away. John modeled in S-scale for 37 years, and was a founding member of the Central Pennsylvania S Gaugers.

From the Mail Sack

The author is trying to drum up support for the P-B-L S/Sn3 Shay, due to the initial response being very low.

From the Observation Lounge

A review of the tours, clinics, and all the other usual activities at the 2010 Duluth NASG Convention.

From the Observation Lounge

Comments on how S-scale vendors or layout displays can be grouped together at the 2011 NTS show.

From the Observation Lounge

The author reports about the February 2011 World's Greatest Hobby Show in Edison, NJ. He observed that more NASG members were needed to man the NASG's booth, and that more S-scale layouts were needed at the show itself.

From the Observation Lounge

The author recommends using the digital camera to study and find error and problems on your layout. He also recaps what happened in S modeling in 2011.

From the Observation Lounge

The author describes riding various traction rails in Philadelphia, and doing traction modeling in S-scale.

From the Observation Lounge

The author makes a case for how S-scale is affordable.

From the Observation Lounge

The author introduces himself and his new column, as well as his business, DSL Shops.

From the Observation Lounge

Concepts that bridge the gaps between narrow-gauge, scale, and hi-rail modelers.

From the Observation Lounge

Thought on how to combine HO- and S-scale into one layout.

From the Observation Lounge

Consider using parts from HO- and O-scale kits to make the buildings you want, outside of scratchbuilding.

From the Observation Lounge

Comparing the current (1995) state of S-scale to the 1950s state of HO-scale. What caused the growth in S-scale in the 1970s? Is there really a superior scale to model in? Why would someone choose modeling in S-scale over any of the other scales?

From the Observation Lounge

The author would like to see more layout builders place placeholder structures on their layouts, so that visitor have an idea of what is going to be where. To give them a glimpse into what the layout owner is planning.

From the Observation Lounge

The author had his layout open during the regional NMRA tours. His was the only S-scale on the tour, and he describes his experiences, what he enjoys about going on layout tours, and offers a list of things to think about when you open your layout for a tour.

From the Observation Lounge

The author describes his process for coming up with designs for his new S-scale layout.

From the Palatial Offices of the Executive VP

The author writes his last column as the Executive VP of the NASG, recalling the things he was able to accomplish during his 8 years.

From the Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop

The group organized their first "All 1/64th" get-together covering anything that fits within the 1:64 modeling efforts.

From The President...

Rollie responds to the "mud-slinging" that has taken place by the two candidates running for NASG President. Included are several letters from past NASG Presidents responding to the unfortunate campaign.

From the Publisher's Desk

The parent company of this magazine, Model Railroad Resource, has bought the Indianapolis O Scale show, and has rebranded it the "Indianapolis O Scale
Show and S Scale Midwest Show".

From The Survey Squad

A survey for those who identify themselves as "hi-railers".

From the Treasurer

The author describes what his duties are and how much time it involves, and he announces his plans to retire from the position.

From the Yard Office

The publishing of the notes of the NASG Board of Trustee meetings that took place in June 2022 and July 2022. It also includes a notice from Dan Navarre announcing the closing of River Raisin Models by the end of 2022.

From the Yard Office

The NASG Secretary's notes about what happened at the 2022 NASG General Membership meeting.

From the Yard Office

A review of what happened during 2022, and info about what's planned for 2023 for the NASG.

From the Yard Office

The NASG president re-emphasizes that the NASG serves all aspects of 1:64 modeling. He mentioned that there were no nominations for open positions within the NASG leadership. The five annual awards the NASG hands out are described and the BOT is looking for nominations. Also includes are the NASG BOT meeting notes from October 2022.

From the Yard Office

NASG Board of Trustees reports from November 2022 and December 2022.

From the Yard Office

Lou Templeton joins the NASG Board of Trustees as the Executive Vice President to fill an open position. He introduces himself and his history in the hobby. Also included are the BOT meeting reports for January, February, and March 2023.

From The Yard Office

The formation of an ad-hoc group to investigate having a commercial #6 scale turnout created by an establish manufacturer. Also includes the April 2023 NASG BOT meeting notes.

From The Yard Office

Answers to questions about the NASG's plan to have a ready-to-install turnout manufactured. Also includes are the NASG BOT meeting notes from May, June, and July of 2023.

Fruit-stand Construction

Using the FinestKind Models #102 False-Front Store, the author describes how he built a roadside fruit stand. Includes drawings.

Full Scale Freight Station Plans

Scaled drawings of a typical freight station built in the late 1800s to early 1900s, with suggestions for how to model it.

Galena, Illinois Waterworks

S-scale drawings of this building, built in 1886. Includes three small prototype photos.

Gallimaufry

Photos of vehicles built by Vic Roseman, as well as some other model manufacturers' recent S-scale vehicles.

Gallimaufry

The latest news about 1:64 vehicles. Includes a few photos on how to model a half-submerged vehicle being pulled out of the river.

Gear Replacement S Helper 2-8-0

The author describes how to replace a split/worn gear in this locomotive using a replacement part from NWSL. He also describes how to add weight to the tender, to keep if from derailing on curves that are a bit too tight for the model.

Geauga Motors Used Car Lot

The author took a River Dam Model Works Rural Post Office and kitbashed it into a used car dealer ship office. He added to that a Miller Engineering animated billboard sign. Includes a number of photos of the diorama scene he built.

General Business Meeting Kansas City, MO

The author reports on the NASG business matters covered at the 1989 NASG Convention.

George Richard "Dick" Cataldi

Dick Cataldi recently passed away. He was very instrumental in the early development of the NASG, and came up with several ideas that the organization still uses today.

Georgia RR 50-ton Gondola

After a brief history of the Georgia Railroad, the topic covered in this brief article is a West Shore S-scale gondola super-detailed to match a prototype car (photo included).

Get the Big Hook!

Both prototype and model photos of large cranes used to deal with wrecks on the railroad. More photos are shown on page 39 of the online PDF edition.

Getting 'In the Chips'

A brief overview of the wood chip hopper car, and then more in-depth about how to model such a car in S-scale using an American Models two-bay hopper. Included prototype and model photos, as well as many construction photos and a parts list.

Getting Lucky

The author describes the process he went through to bring a brass freight car back to useful service after it had taken a nasty fall to the ground.

Getting Motor-vated

The author describes how he converts AF engines from AC to DC using Pittman and Kemtron motors.

Getting the Younger Generation Interested

The author discovered that his grandson likes to push the train around the track himself, so he removed the motor from a AF engine, so that his grandson can push the train himself.

Getting Your Weight Down

The author builds a 2'x2' filler module for the Houston S Gaugers' club layout. He describes the techniques he used to make it as lightweight as possible. Includes construction photos.

Giant Trains of Steel Thundering Through the Dawn

Prototype information about circus trains. Includes circus images of posters and prototype photos.

Gilbert Wheel Is a Winner

The author built a display where the train runs on a vertical circular track, which he uses as an attention-getter for train shows.

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.

Gilmaur GE U23b/U30b, SW1500 and Alco S4

The company's U18b kit was a success, so they are releasing kits for other engines. The author shares photos of the models in various stages of construction.

Glen Sponholtz's Laramie and North Park Railway

A visit and several photos describing Glen's layout. The layout was open as part of the 1991 NASG Convention.

Go West, Or Whatever, For S

More updates on the schedule of the 1994 NASG Convention. Includes some area prototype railfan photos, a list of the clinics, and the Amtrak timetable.

Grade Crossing

Dick shows how he used two different commercial and one scratchbuilt methods to building grade crossings.

Granddad Makes a Layout for Christmas

The author describes how he built two small layouts for his grandsons. Includes construction photos, and completed photos of both layouts.

Grandview Storage

The author reviews the building of the Grandview Storage kit #4087 by banta modelworks.

Great Lakes Lumber Co. CF-7

The author describes how he built this unique model starting with an American Models GP7.

Great Northern Pacific Tour

The 1998 S-West III will be visiting Jess Bennett's layout as part of a three-layout tour.

Greater Power Lower Speed

The author examines what is the difference between American Models' high-speed and slow-speed drives for their locomotives.

Greeley's Contest Winner

The author briefly shares his history in model railroading, being relatively new to S-scale, and how he participated in the make-n-take clinic at the 2016 NASG Convention, where he built the building for which he won the Greeley popular vote. Includes photos of the building.

Greeley's Place

The author built this building as part of the Make-and-take clinic, and won the "Greeley's Place" contest in the process. He describes what he did, the story behind the scene, and shares several additional photos.

Greeley's Place Contest

This year's contest was converting an American Flyer caboose into a not-caboose model. The contest entries are shown on a one-page photo essay.

Gregg and Colleen Mummert's Incredible Christmas Layout

Gregg describes how their Christmas layout grew over the years. Includes photos of the layout, as well as a track plan of this L-shaped 11'x17' layout.

Greymouth to Otira in Steam Days

The author describes his journey into model railroading, and how he is building a layout in New Zealand. Includes a track plan and photos of his layout.

Growing S Scale

The editor opines that the way to grow S-scale is by making products available, and not to rely too heavily on limited-runs.

Growth of the Scale

How can we encourage people into the hobby of model railroading, and, specifically, into S-scale? The author offers a few ideas.

Growth of the Scale

The author suggests that our primary audience for switching to S-scale should be the HO-scale modeler.

GRS Type SA Signal Stories

The author adds General Railway Signal Company type SA signal to his layout which has a complex bit of trackwork in a yard. Includes how he built the parts, created the signals, and used an Arduino to control the system.

Guest Editorial

The former editor of the Dispatch provides some suggestions for the future of S-related events.

Gulf Terminal Transfer

The author documents his previous layout. It was a U-shaped, 11'x14' industrial switching layout. The article includes track diagrams, and several photos.

Guts, Gravel, and Glory's Three Stall Handcar Barn & Line/Tool Shack

The two hydrocal-castings kits are reviewed.

Gwaine Dvorak's S Hi-rail Layout

A photo essay of Gwaine's 24'x17' J-shaped layout, and a full track plan.

Handy Tool for AF Fans

The author reviewed the Ficus track gauge, which applies only to traditional American Flyer track and wheels.

Hanging Signs

How to create models of signs that hang off of buildings.

Happy Holidays

Several Christmas-related model train layout photos.

Hard Times

The author describes aging a model pickup truck, and then the diorama he built. The photos included do not show the truck.

Harley-Davidson Comes to S Gauge

The author kitbashed the NASG Armco Building into a Harley-Davidson bike shop. Includes photos of the complete model, including with the interior lighting shown.

Harriman to Nashville the S Gauge Tennessee Central

The author describes his renamed layout (was "Volunteer Central II") layout based on the what-if scenario of the Tennessee Central still existing. This AF-based layout has lots of track, engines, structures, and over 700 figures. Includes several photos.

Hartland Mill and Elevator

The author converts an HO-scale Life-Like "Supply House" kit into an S-scale model. Includes several photos of the finished model.

Haunted Train At Look Park

The history behind getting an S-scale layout to be set up for the Christmas season at Look Park.

Have Train Will Travel

The author describes building modules that are lower than the typical S modules, so that young children can see them. He focused on a "toy train" version of the layout rather than pure scale.

Have You Seen "All Aboard" Yet?

The tinplate display layout set up in West Nyack, New York is mentioned.

Have You Tried These?

Detailing parts made by Kemtron that are intended for other scales, but that will work in S.

Heap Shields

The author describes how he added heap shields (and other details) to 2- and 4-bay American Models hoppers. Includes construction and final-model photos.

Heavy Electric Fan

After introducing his roots in areas where heavy electric locomotives were common in his childhood, the author describes his 1955-era layout, which features those types of locomotives. Includes a model and a prototype photo of a New Haven EP-5.

Heavyweight Passenger Cars From Spliced Flyer Combines Part 1

This installment starts off with the body assembly and roof modifications. Includes completed model photos, and some detailed drawings.

Heavyweight Passenger Cars From Spliced Flyer Combines Part 2

This installment covers the interior detailing, sides, ends, handrails, and underbody. Includes many diagrams, including one for all the typical details found under a passenger car.

Heavyweight Passenger Cars From Spliced Flyer Combines Part 3

This installment concludes the series by building the underbody and interior detailing, lighting, painting, and lettering.

Heljan Brewery Build

The author describes how he set about creating an S-scale bakery out of this large HO-scale structure kit. He used his 3D-printer to make more-to-scale windows.

Helpful Hints

Carefully handling TOFC trailers, and putting them back into their boxes without damage.

Herb Cotter's Layout

The author shares photos he took of Herb Cotter's layout.

Hi Rail Committee Report

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

Hi Rail Committee Report

The author is providing more information about the Fundimensions products by Lionel. He had contact with the Fundimension's production manager. He continues to state that Fundimensions does not deserve to be flagged as the S scale manufacturer of the year as no promotions were done by that company, and no product has been produced yet.

Hi Rail Committee Report

The committee plans to do a survey.

Hi Rail Standards Committee Progress Report

What is an S-scale "hi-rail" modeler? What materials are available for the hi-rail modeler?

Hi Rail, (or Scale!), Log Buggie

A one-page article on how to scratchbuild a logging car.

Hi-Rail Kits Part 1

In this installment the author uses a 3D-printed model from Custom Model Creations, printed by Shapeways. This company has a lot of parts for building your models.

Hi-Rail Kits Part 2

This installment covers installing a positionable Hi-rail kit on a Greenlight GMC pickup truck model.

Hi-rail Layout of Steve Lunde

Photos of Steve's 12'x23' layout which is open during the 2003 NASG Convention. Includes a track plan.

Hi-rail Layout on Tour at the NASG Convention

Dave's "Fourville Branch Line" measures 16'x16' and consists of four loops. Includes several photos and a track plan.

Hidden River Models Milwaukee Road Car Repair Shed

This is a product review of this kit.

High Tech Decal Printing

The author describes the process of using an Alps printer to create custom decals. Includes several model photos.

Highlights from a memorable railroad: Dave Jasper's New England Central

The author describes two scenes on Dave Jasper's layout before it is demolished.

Highlights from Altoona NASG Convention

The 2005 NASG Convention was held in Altoona, PA. This two-page article has lots of photos of people at the show, a listing of the winners of the contests, and a brief description of which vendors were at the show and the NASG awards handed out.

Highlights of the 2003 Fall S Fest in St. Louis

Hints

The author compares San Juan Shops Evolution (On3), Kadee #802/808 (S), and Kadee #5 (HO) couplers, based on his practical experience.

Hirail TOFC

Modeling trailer-on-flat-cars with some O-scale Lionel parts, and Ertl or similar trailers. Includes several model photos.

His Layout is a 3D Reminiscence of His Life

The author describes how he envisioned and eventually built his dream "hi-rail" layout, building it scene by scene. The article contains a number of close-up photos. It even includes a photo of his grandmother's store which he had a modeler build for him based on a photo of the real thing.

Historical Passenger Cars of S Scale

The article reviews some of the older manufacturers that produced S-scale passenger car kits. It is essentially a photo-essay article featuring models from Super Scale, Dayton, Train Stuff, Strafford, and Chester.

History Lesson Wabash Valley F3 A&B Units

The author recollects the history of these two engines, from how they were manufactured, to how they were detailed, to how they changed hands over the years. Includes several photos of the two units.

History of the South Jersey S Gaugers

The author now delves more into the history of the club itself, and how the club has managed to survive for 28 years. Includes many club photos, and photos of the special cars and projects the club has created for sale.

Hobby Brings Christmas Joy

Having moved to senior housing, the author and his wife now set up his Christmas display in the building's lobby for all to enjoy. Includes photos.

Hobby Shop Nostalgia

The author shares how a hobby shop got him into the hobby of model railroading.

Holiday Model Train Traditions

Having or starting a Christmas tradition around model trains is a good practice. The author shares some of the ones he and his family have developed.

Holy "S" Batman!! 520 Register for 1997 Fall S-Fest

A brief review and some photos of the event.

Home Made Ground Signals and Searchlight Signals in S Scale

The author made functional signals lights out of Kadee HO-scale coupler pockets. Includes diagrams and photos.

Home Sweet Foam

The author introduces a company called "Mountain in Minutes" that uses a spray foam to create shapes, including, Victorian homes that the author believes are close to S-scale.

Hoosier S Gaugers at the Lafayette Farm Toy Show

The Hoosier S Gaugers club was invited and set up their T-Trak layout at the 2016 Farm Toy Show. Includes many photos of the club's layout, as well as many of the 1:64 farm dioramas at the show.

Horseshoe Curve 1995

A review of the 1995 NASG Convention in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Includes a number of contest model photos.

Houston S Gaugers

Along with two photos on the cover of this issue, the Houston S Gaugers are also featured on this page with a group photo and a photo of Jack Troxell's engine facility on his Houston and Gulf Coast layout.

How About a Bascule Bridge

The author describes the Walthers HO-scale Bascule bridge kit he built. It is plenty big for use in S-scale.

How Can An Accident in Your Man Cave Garage Increase Knowledge?

The author damages his AF box car and learns about parts availability.

How I Built a Fleet of Inexpensive and Realistic Pulpwood Cars

The author shows how he used short sections of twigs to populate his bulkhead flat car.

How I built a M-of-W Tie and Rail Car

This article briefly describes the author's construction of the freelanced car. Includes one model photo.

How I Built a New Haven Covered Gon

The author describes how he cut up a Lionel O-scale gondola to build this S-scale covered car. Includes photos and diagrams.

How I Built an S Scale Autorack Car

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this three-level automobile carrier car.

How I built an S Scale Monon Bay Window Caboose #C-325

The author describes how he built this model from several American Models cabooses, for which he won an award. Includes a couple of finished-model photos and a prototype one.

How I Built Locomotive Servicing Facilities on the Southern Pacific Cascade Line Part I

The author describes how he built the locomotive servicing buildings.

How I Built Locomotive Servicing Facilities on the Southern Pacific Cascade Line Part II

This second installment covers the construction of a second, but smaller, engine servicing facility in the other's second room (which is connected to the first room, whose models were covered in the first installment).

How I Built My Gilbert Union Station

Having problems finding a good copy of the A.C. Gilbert #799 Union Station, the author decided to scratchbuild one himself. He describes his process and shares a couple of photos of the finished model.

How I built My S Scale HRM Laser Models Board & Batten Depot

The owner of HRM shows how to build one of his kits.

How I Built My S Scale Oil Refinery

The author describes the 3-foot scene he built on his layout representing an oil refinery using Plastruct oil refinery kit (Kit #8008, Petro/Chem Refinery).

How I Built the "Christmas Story" House in S

The author visited the house that was featured in the 1983 "A Christmas Story", which is now a museum. He took many photos and used those to create scale drawings, from which he scratchbuilt a model of this house.

How I Built the Record-setting New York Central #999

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this locomotive. Includes two photos.

How I Created a Coil Car for my S Scale Layout

Inspired by a PRR G41 coil car, the author build a model of this car using an American Models underframe. He also describes how he made the coil loads. Includes several photos of the model and one Conrail prototype photo.

How I Did It

On the previous issue's cover, Bill Fraley's church drew attention, so he briefly describes how he built that model by enlarging it from a cut-out book.

How I Made an American Flyer Christmas Card

The author's layout is featured in a Christmas card he and his wife made.

How I Painted and Re-lettered to Create a Norfolk & Western Caboose

The author describes how he converted an AF caboose into this model.

How I Scratchbuilt an Art Deco Car Dealership

The author describes how he built this unique structure, starting with two 4'x8' sheets of styrene. Includes a number of photos.

How I Started With an American Models Pacific to Make The Canadian National Railways K-3b Pacific #5584

The author used the model's pilot, chassis, mechanism, and tender trucks, while the boiler, cab, and tender were replaced. Includes one model and one prototype photo of the engine, and a listing of the commercial parts used.

How I transformed an American Models GP-9 into a Milwaukee Road GP-20 Diesel Locomotive

The author started with an A.M. GP9 and converted it into a GP20, much like the prototype did in 1973. An important change was the lowering of the hood, which required a change in the chassis.

How I Use the TruGage Coupler Height Gauge

The author shares a tip he uses to find the correct shim height to apply to the model using a TruGage coupler height gauge.

How I Used an Overland Brass Model to Make an M-O-W Car

The author used two A.C. Gilber flat cars to build a single car that made it look heavy-duty enough to carry the maintenance-of-way car. Includes final model photos.

How One S Gauger Made His Childhood AF Dreams Come True

Well-known for his large, large-scale (Fn3) layout built in a dedicated building, a portion of that building is dedicated to his 13'x23' AF layout, described by the owner in this article. Includes lots of photos, and a track plan.

How to Build a Quick, Portable Layout in S

The author and one other person build a small layout using S-Helper Service, Woodland Scenics, and Plasticville products to build a Christmas display layout for a local bank. Includes the construction process, and a photos of the finished layout.

How to Build an Abandoned Mine

After ten years of staring at an empty spot on his layout, the author has finally built an abandoned mine in the space. Brooks describes how he modeled the abandoned building and the techniques he used for the materials he chose. Includes a good number of close-up photos.

How To Build an S Gauge Club

This is part one of a two-part series on how the Cuyahoga Valley S Gaugers Association grew so rapidly.

How To Build an S Gauge Club Part II

In this installment, the author covers what the Cuyahoga Valley S Gaugers Association club did to keep members coming back each month.

How To Build and Install a Closed Frog Switch

To be able to operate both AF and hi-rail/scale equipment, turnout have to be of the closed-frog variety. This article describes how to build and install one of these. The author used Micro Engineering code 148 rail (compatible with American Models' track), and Circuitron's Tortoise switch machines. Includes many close-up photos.

How to Combine S-Trax and FasTrack

The author describes, with text and photos, how one can interconnect the MTH/S-Helper Service track system with the Lionel track system. The roadbed heights and the rail sizes are identical.

How to Design a Helix

How to design a helix and the things one should consider in building one. It includes the math needed, and look-up tables.

How To Get Board Promoting S

The author built three display boards to indicate the differences between S-scale's track, couplers, and wheels.

How to Make a Portable Control Assembly Using a Kurtz-Kraft TH-2A Throttle

How to install these throttles to operate A.F. AC equipment with DC throttles and track.

How to Make End Railings for Flyer Baldwin Diesel Switchers

Diagrams and a description on how to create your own end railings for this Lionel engine to detail it a bit more.

How to Make Trailer/Container Racks for Flat Cars

The author shares his method for holding down loads to flat cars, while still being able to remove the loads.

How To Scratch Build a Steam Engine Frame Or, The Steamer of Your Dreams

This first installment covers selecting the proper drivers, the matching axle, the cylinder blocks, and the crosshead assemblies. Next, the author uses steel or aluminum U-shaped shelf brackets for the frame. Next up are making scale drawings.

HRM Coal Handling Facility

The author describes his experience building the Hidden River Manufacturing Coaling Facility kit (part #HRM-512).

Hudson Pilot Coupler Conversion

By converting the pilot coupler of the A.F. Hudson, double-heading of trains becomes possible. This photo-essay article shows how to do that with American Models couplers.

Hunting for Flat Car Loads

The author used a 42-foot Rex Engineering flat car, which he slightly refined, to install two boilers as a load. The boilers are HO-scale made by Bachmann, but are oversized for HO, so they make good S-scale models. Includes a model photo and a boiler load drawing.

I Ain't Got No Time to Write an Article!

The author offers suggestions that will help you put together a magazine article over a period of time.

I-Hobby Expo

The author reports on new S-scale items found at the annual Hobby Manufacturers Association product show.

Ideas for Cold Winter Nights

Short articles with drawings about how to build a rail rack, an oil drum rack, a flat car loading ramp, and a coal bin.

Ideas for Spectacular Bridges

The author wants bridges, but didn't want to deal with grades. His layout is only 30" deep. He shares his ideas on how to model them effectively given those constraints. Includes construction photos, final photos, as well as prototype photos.

Illinois Railroad Relocates to Pacific Northwest

The author describes the American Flyer-based layout, how it has its roots in the artist's drawing of the A.C. Gilbert AF catalog from 1950. Having built the layout in a modular fashion, the author was able to move it to a new city. Includes several photos of the layout after the move.

Illuminating Observation Car Marker Lights

The author describes how he was able to install lighted marker lights on a new Lionel heavyweight observation car. Includes photos and wiring diagram for powering these from the rail.

Imagination is All It Takes to Create a Fun-filled Layout

The author details how he started and then re-started in the train hobby. His current layout grew out of a desire to have a Christmas set-up. Due to space constraints, the layout is two levels, set up in a series of unconnected loops.

Imitating Life... With A Little Help From 3D Printing

Using CAD design and 3D-printing made it possible to more easily create the corrugations of the 52' Greenville gondola that is described in this article.

Impressions of an Ambitious Convention-goer

The author reports on all the activities in which he and his wife participated at the 1990 joint NMRA/NASG Convention.

Improve the Appearance of Your A.F. Track

Tips on how to add extra ties, a sub-roadbed, and ballast to improve the appearance of standard A.C. Gilbert A.F. track.

Improved Blomberg Sideframes

Adding details to the American Models' FP7 sideframes.

Improving a Steam Era Tank Car Model

The author describes how he corrected and super-detailed the Des Plaines Hobbies/S Scale America single-dome tank car. Includes a tip on how to cut and install rivets made by Tichy. In addition to many photos, the article also contains a parts list. Includes a side bar on the history of mid-20th century tank cars.

Improving Kit Built Switches

This article covers how to correct some issues with the Old Pullman, Inc. turnouts, especially if reuse between layouts is desired.

Improving Performance

The author shares how he improved his Omnicon F7 locomotives, by adding pick-ups, and by improving the gearbox performance.

Improving the Omnicon Diesel F Units

The author improves the units by adding additional wheel wipers.

Improving the Pacific Rail Shops ACF Center-Flow Covered Hopper

The author describes how he modeled the PRS car, which is now sold by Des Plaines Hobbies under their S Scale America brand name, in a more modern version. Includes many model and construction photos.

Improving the Tracking of River Raisin's 43R Trucks

The trucks used in the previous article's project looked great but didn't not function correctly. It was discovered that that run had too thick of a paint layer. This article explains how to remedy that.

In Loving and Grateful Memory of Ron Sebastian

Ron Sebastian owned and operated Des Plaines Hobbies, and suddenly passed away in 2019.

In Memoriam

The author fondly remembers S-scale modeler Robert "Bob" Nicholson. Includes photos of Bob and of his Shabbona layout.

In Memoriam Bruce Manson

Bruce was the long-time editor of the Train Collector's Association Quarterly.

In S scale General Electric's 5,000 hp U50B

John Tilts' model was built from brass stock, with which he was awarded 1st Place in the Master Craftsman category model contest at the St. Paul, Minnesota NASG Convention in 1999.

In the Beginning was Rivet Scale

The author describes the first ever models produced in 1:64 scale. Includes photos of some of the surviving older models.

Indianapolis O Scale and S Scale Midwest Show

A photo essay of S-scale products, vendors, and models on display at that show.

Indianapolis O Scale Show S Scale Midwest

A behind-the-scenes look at this show, and the first year the owners ran it.

Indianapolis S Scale Midwest Show

This was the first show since the owners of the S Scale Resource magazine had bought the Indianapolis O Scale and rebranded it as the Indianapolis O Scale and S Scale Midwest Show. After a brief introduction, this article is a photo essay of the event.

Industrial Gas-Holding Tanks

The author describes how he built a reduced-size of a typical gas-holding tower

Industrial Rail S Caboose

The ATSF caboose is labeled as "O-27", but the author claims that its dimensions scale out to S-scale nearly perfectly. The article covers how to modify the model, and includes photos.

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).

Installing "Onboard" Command Control in S-scale Locomotives

The author describes how he was able to install the Onboard system by Keller into an AF PA-1 and a Rex Mogul. Includes diagrams and an installation photo.

Installing DCC Decoders in American Models Diesels

The author describes how he makes a flat space in the diesel engines onto which to mount the decoder.

Installing DCC Sound

The author describes how he installed a Soundtraxx Econami DCC sound decoder into a Rex Suburban locomotive. Includes installation photos.

Installing Kadee Couplers On The American Models' Alco PA

The AM PA has padding for the couplers on the trucks, but in this article Dick covers how to install them on the body. Includes close-up photos.

Installing Onboard Command Control in S Gauge Part III

The author describes how he installed command control into an American Model FP7.

Installing Onboard Command Control in S Gauge Part VI

This installment covers installing the Keller Engineering system into an American Models GP, which proved to be difficult due to the lack of interior space.

Installing Onboard Command Control in S Gauge Part VII

This installment covers how to provide flicker-free lighting. Several engine installations are covered in the article.

Installing Onboard Command Control in S Gauge Part VIII

More about the flicker-free circuitry introduced in the previous issue, specifically covering the Rex engines.

Installing Onboard Command Control in S Scale Part IV, V

The article starts off with a preface by the editor Bob Jackson, correcting a number of mistakes in his previous introductory article on command control in the February 1992 issue. The series continues with a description of install the Onboard system in Omnicon F7 A and B units, and in an American Model GP9.

Installing Sill Steps and Couplers on Rex Car Bodies

The author replaced the Rex sill steps on his flat cars and gondolas with those made by Grandt Line. The article also covers installing Kadee No. 5 couplers.

Interchange Yard

Items NASG members have for sale.

Interest the Same for 50 Years

The author describes his family's Christmas traditions related to the A.F.-based layouts.

Interior Detail Sets for S Scale Pullman Cars

Introduction of the passenger car interior details made available in a joint special project between the NASG and Palace Car Co.

Interiors for Your American Models Heavyweights

The author shares how he fitted the American Models Budd car interior into a heavyweight coach car. Includes several photos.

Interlocking Towers

Thoughts on how the author built his interlocking tower for his layout.

Interpreting A B&O P1-d Pacific

The author takes an American Models 4-6-2 and details it for a B&O locomotive used for passenger railfan trips into his BC&G layout. Includes on prototype photo and many model photos indicating the details and changes he made to the model. The project also includes installing DCC and sound, and painting and weathering the model.

Interstate All-'S' Operating Weekend

Brooks Stover, Gaylord Gill, and Dave Held each had their layouts open for an operating session at each layout over a Friday and Saturday in April 2008 to local S-scale modelers and a group from Minnesota. Includes several photos of the layouts and the group of operators.

Interview With Dick Karnes NASG Founding Member

Dick Karnes, who was there at the meeting that eventually led to the formation of the NASG, provides background information.

Introducing Dick Karnes

Dick Karnes signed up to volunteer as the Dispatch's assistant editor for "scale" modeling in S. He gives his history into his involvement with S. Dick is one of the founders of the NASG.

Introducing Stephen Law

Stephen Law signed up to volunteer as the Dispatch's assistant editor for "hi-rail/AF" modeling in S. He gives his history into his involvement with S. Dick is one of the founders of the NASG.

Introduction

The NASG president introduces this special "This is S" issue, with what it takes to be an S-scale modeler.

Introduction to This Is S

This is the first special issue, where the annual Membership Directory is replaced with a special edition of the NASG Dispatch.

Is Convenience The Key to Growth?

The author postulates that the growth of the scales other than S has been due to the convenient availability of ready-to-run product, of which S seems to have always lagged behind a bit.

Is Model Railroading A Dying Hobby?

The author discusses several topics to help determine if the hobby is dying. If not, what is it that we can do to help bring in new blood?

It Pays to Accessorize

The author covers adding animated accessories to his layout.

It'll Be a Circus

The author introduces the 2003 NASG Convention to be held in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. A real-world circus train will be passing through town at the time of the Convention.

It's Great in Dayton in 2005

The behind-the-scenes story of the 1999 Spring S Spree car, which was a U.S. Army flat car with a crate labeled "From Roswell, NM to Wright-Patterson AFB", because legend has it that the aliens crashed in New Mexico are kept in Wright-Patterson. The author wound up being the one who built the crates for the car.

It's Steamtown in Scranton, Pennsylvania for the NASG Convention in 2001

Prototype photos of things to see in Scranton, PA for the 2001 NASG Convention.

It's the 5:26 on the New Haven Railroad in 1953

A brief introduction to Jack Miller's layout, with a couple of photos.

It's Time for a New Wish List

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

Jay Mellon on the Layout Tour

The author shares photos he took while visiting layouts at the 2016 NASG Convention.

Jeff's Junction

The author introduces the article on the BC&G and why it is an excellent shortline to model in S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

Consider designing in operations into the continuously-circling trains on a club's modular layout at a train show.

Jeff's Junction

Commentary about the S-scale-only regional and national events.

Jeff's Junction

The author proposed the idea of promoting S-scale as the "last builder's scale".

Jeff's Junction

How to let go of existing, non-S equipment when switching to S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

Even if your home layout is not yet finished, it can be successfully operated as long as the track work is ready.

Jeff's Junction

How to deal with the argument that S-scale costs more than HO- or N-scale.

Jeff's Junction

The author attended the 1997 NMRA Convention and NTS show, and shares his views on how S-scale could be involved in those national events.

Jeff's Junction

The author compares S-scale's evolution to that of HO-scale, to see where S is in its growth compare to HO (and O).

Jeff's Junction

What should be defined as the "standard S-scale modeling" at this point in time? Associating S-scale with A.C. Gilbert in the late 1990s makes no sense, since the company has been gone for many decades. The author proposes code 125 hi-rail as the current default definition of what S-scale is.

Jeff's Junction

What should be defined as the "standard S-scale modeling" at this point in time? The author continues with last issue's discussion covering track and coupler default standards.

Jeff's Junction

The author proposes the idea of creating more regions of representation with the NASG.

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 author shares his thoughts on how to improve NASG Conventions.

Jeff's Junction

The author shares his thoughts about the past and current state of S-scale automobiles availability.

Jeff's Junction

The author describes his strong desire to collecting magazines.

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 laments the fact that a majority of recent deaths have been on the "scale" side of S. He offers ideas on how to attract more "scale" modelers to S.

Jeff's Junction

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

Jeff's Junction

The author reflects on joint NMRA/NASG conventions, conjunction conventions (at the same time but slightly different locations), and back-to-back conventions (same location, but one immediately following the other).

Jeff's Junction

The author opines about what a "hi-railer" is, and how to encourage people to switch to S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

The author feels that "scale" modelers are looking for a voice since the S/Sn3 Modeling Guide has ceased.

Jeff's Junction

Making a case for an all-"scale"-only regional meet or convention.

Jeff's Junction

Dealing with the loss of several leaders and pioneers in S-scale within the recent year or two.

Jeff's Junction

The author makes the case for local clubs to consider starting a regional convention, similar to the Fall S Fest or the Spring S Spree.

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

What to consider when deciding what your minimum radius should be for your layout?

Jeff's Junction

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

Jeff's Junction

For those who just switched to S-scale, here is a reality-check, and a prioritized list of how to go about getting started in designing and building a layout in S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

The author lists the handful of truly portable S-scale layouts that are around, and suggests that the new NASG President, Roy Hoffman, spends some effort at trying to get other groups or individuals to build portable layout.

Jeff's Junction

The issue of joint versus stand-alone NASG Conventions is discussed in this column, supplemented by comments by Josh Seltzer on the issue. The problem is that joint conventions aren't as well attended by S-scale modelers as when the convention is a stand-alone one.

Jeff's Junction

The World's Greatest Hobby show is explained, and who their target audience is.

Jeff's Junction

The hobby of model railroading is a game, the author proposes.

Jeff's Junction

The author offers up ideas for bringing more narrow-gauge modelers into the NASG.

Jeff's Junction

Consider the idea of quality over quantity, e.g. building a smaller layout, especially if you are new to S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

The author is making a case for manufacturers to start producing S-scale plastic structure kits.

Jeff's Junction

The idea of introducing both idealism and humor into our model railroads.

Jeff's Junction

The author describes the "pros" for modeling the transition era, and the "pros" for modeling the modern era, and answers the question of whether the transition era is still #1.

Jeff's Junction

Using the rough lengths of a 10-car train in S-scale, one can figure what will and what won't fit in a layout space before beginning the benchwork.

Jeff's Junction

The author describes the S-scale activities taking place in Canada, Canadian prototype railroading, and S-scale manufacturers making products for Canadian railroad modeling.

Jeff's Junction

Since Tony Koester announced tearing down his "Allegheny Midland" HO-scale layout, the author is considering the idea of others following suit, and perhaps entertaining the idea of a larger scale as they age.

Jeff's Junction

Celebrating his 10th year as editor of this magazine, the author reflects how to got "roped" into becoming an S-scale modeler. The column continues with a review of the 2003 NASG Convention, of which he was a co-chair.

Jeff's Junction

The author makes the case that good track planning is a skillset lacking in the world of S-scale modeling. He lists some good designs, why some designs are bad, and tips on how to improve a design.

Jeff's Junction

How S-scale is represented (or not) in the various prototype railroad historical societies, and how we can change that.

Jeff's Junction

How to decide which prototype railroad to model in your layout.

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

How many modelers have more stuff in their closet, drawers, cabinets, or attic that they will never build or operate? An introspective by the author.

Jeff's Junction

The author reflects on where he has been buying his S-scale products (at S-specific train shows).

Jeff's Junction

The author makes the point that he is seeing people re-enter the hobby in S-scale, slowly gravitating more and more toward the "scale" side of the hobby, and putting AF products on the shelves.

Jeff's Junction

Dealing with the reality that will loose some modelers to the other scales, and how we should be upfront about the challenges that exist in modeling in S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

The author compares the S-MOD standard modular layouts to the new Free-mo standard S-scale layouts.

Jeff's Junction

The editor explains why this issues is focused on track planning for S-scale layouts.

Jeff's Junction

In this guest editorial by Sam, he reflects on the 2005 NASG Convention and how he believes that the hi-rail modelers are now the main force in S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

The author admits that it is passenger trains that got him into model railroading and has kept him there, regardless of chosen scale. He also recommends a number of specific cars that S-scale manufacturers should consider producing.

Jeff's Junction

The author wonders if there are any permanent S-scale club layouts in existence (layouts that are set-up year-round).

Jeff's Junction

The author suggests the styrene bridges, especially non-craftsman style ones, would be a good addition to S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

The editor contemplates which plastic structures the major manufacturers could produce that would be of benefit to S-scale modelers, preferably ready-to-run.

Jeff's Junction

The visual appeal of S-scale models becomes apparent when seen in person.

Jeff's Junction

The author answers the question: Is S-scale still a scrounger scale? With Lionel and American Models much more is available.

Jeff's Junction

Why do we procrastinate working on our model railroading projects?

Jeff's Junction

Are 1:64 vehicles truly to scale, and why don't manufacturers simply make them exactly 1:64 scale?

Jeff's Junction

Where can we find the active pockets of S-scale modelers?

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

Considering adding animation, such as movement, lights, and sounds to your structures.

Jeff's Junction

The author urges everyone to start considering getting away from the 4'x8' layout and the extremely-tight curves that such a shape requires in S-scale. He makes the point that even HO-scale modelers no longer use that default layout style.

Jeff's Junction

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

Jeff's Junction

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

Jeff's Junction

The various types of newcomers to S-scale and how to best help them get started in S.

Jeff's Junction

Instead of calling 1:64 modeling, "S-scale", the author continues to complicate matters with all the various sub-divisions that for some reason must always be specified. No other scale does this.

Jeff's Junction

How to justify the expense of going to conventions.

Jeff's Junction

Jeff reviews the, then, current state of S-scale passenger cars.

Jeff's Junction

What will be the future of S-scale magazines? Will there be a downloadable, online-only one that can be sustained?

Jeff's Junction

How do we go about promoting S-scale to the hi-rail modelers?

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 opines on what it might take to switch from a steam-era layout to a 1970s/80s-era layout in S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

Making the case for focusing on mini-scenes when building a layout.

Jeff's Junction

The NASG is 50 and the NMRA is 75 this year. This article recalls some of their history.

Jeff's Junction

Keeping "model" in model railroading. The hobby still requires model building.

Jeff's Junction

The editor draws the distinction between two types of S-scale model railroad displays set up at train shows.

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.

Jeff's Junctions

The editor is observing how NASG Convention attendance might be related to the general state of the economy, as well as the number of NASG members that live in the area where the Convention is held that year.

Jefferson Central Railroad

The author describes his layout started in 1974, which is under DC block-control. Includes several photos and a track plan, including a detailed track plan of the switching areas next to the stairs into the basement.

Jersey Central Caboose ... An A.F. Conversion

The author describes how he took an A.F. #630 or 638 caboose and converted it into a CNJ model.

Jess Bennett's Great Northern Pacific

The author describes how he built his 20'x44' layout, and how he enjoys scratchbuilding steam locomotives.

Jim Kindraka NASG Treasurer

The NASG Treasurer introduces himself

Jim Martin's Port Dover Branch

The author shares the formal track plan drawing of his home layout, and how he builds his scenery.

Jim Steed's Flyer Accessories

The author has a 30'x60' O-scale layout, but he uses a lot of A.C. Gilbert American Flyer accessories, some of which are photographed.

Jim's Hopper Car

The author describes how Jim Kindraka's covered hopper cars (resin kits) were completed. Includes model photos and one prototype photo of an NYC two-bay hopper.

Joe Kimber's First American Flyer Layout

A description of the author's 17'x4'6" A.F.-based layout. Includes a track plan and several photos. The layout was dismantled in 2004.

John Ramm's Three-Dimensional Layout

This American Flyer-based layout measures 15'x25' and is 5 feet tall, covering several levels. The article includes several photos of the layout as the Greater Seattle S Gaugers club met at John's house.

Joining Rails of Different Sizes

This article covers how to handle modules with different rail heights (code 125 and code 100).

Jones & Laughlin Tank Car

The author briefly describes how he converted an American Flyer tank car, with some added parts from his scrap box, to build another Jones & Laughlin car matching his NWSL brass one.

Joshua and Barbara Seltzer's Custom Painted AF Rolling Stock

The author describes how the Seltzers custom-painted and sold A.C. Gilbert American Flyer freight cars from 1973 through 1977. Includes ads and photos of the cars produced.

Juicing-up the Citrus Shed

The author describes how he added more details to the 2006 NASG Special Project kit. Includes a couple of photos of the author's model.

Just an Old Concrete Bridge

The author builds a ballasted-deck bridge from scratch. The articles also provides a parts list, construction diagrams, and a photo of the finished model.

Kadee Couplers and Steel Wheels

Various answers are provided to how to deal with Kadee's under-the-track uncouplers and American Models' steel wheels.

Kansas City '89 Convention Overview

The author reviews the 1989 NASG Convention.

Kansas City '89 Manufacturer News

A listing of what was new at the Convention.

Kansas City '89 NASG National Convention Model Contest Winners

Photos of the model contests winners.

Kansas City 2015

The author shares his experience attending the NASG convention for the first time. Includes many photos of the vendors, local layouts, and clinics.

Kansas City S Scale National Model Contest and Display

Photos and description of the contest room's entries.

Kanuck Valley Models Heavy Sawmill Kit

The author shares his experience with the 3D-printed and wood parts kit. Includes several construction photos.

Kaw Valley Line

This prototype-based layout built by Mike Fyten features 145 feet of main line running, with DCC and operations in mind. Most of the track is hand-laid, and the layout is about 85% finished.

Kaw Valley Railroad

The author describes how he switched from HO- to S-scale, a brief history of the prototype Kansas City, Kaw Valley & Western Railroad upon which his layout is based, and how he operates his layout. Includes several photos and a track plan.

Keegan's Mountain

The author visits Tom Keegan and his layout. The layout measures 30'x60' and features over 1000 feet of A.F. track.

Keep Them Doors Open

The author examines the prototype devices that keep roundhouse doors open while engines go in and out of the facility. Prototype and model photos are included, as well as some design diagrams.

Keep Your Legacy System Software Updated

The author describes how to obtain and apply the software upgrade for the Lionel Legacy base station and CAB2.

Kentucky Road

Detailed information, track plans, and photos of the author's now 18-year-old layout.

Kids are All Aboard

Trains can now be found in libraries, to help them draw people to their facilities.

Kit Bashing an Unusual Gondola

Using a two-bay American Models hopper, the author describes how he modeled the L&M gondola/hopper car that appeared in the Spring 1983 issue of the North West Lines magazine (published by the Chicago and Northwestern Historical Society). Includes many detailed construction photos.

Kit Bashing The Rio Grande Model's WSLCO Flat Car Kit

The author builds two models from the kits, one a heavy-equipment-carrying car and a sand-and-gravel car. Includes completed-model photos.

Kitbash a 65ft Gondola

The author took two A.F. gondolas and modified them to build this one car. Includes construction, prototype, and final photos.

Kitbash That Tombstone Courthouse

The author describes how he kitbashed the HO-scale Heljan/ConCor courthouse kit into an S-scale version. Includes photos of the completed model.

Kitbasher's Korner

Using a 2x4 stud board to create a six-portal arch bridge.

Kitbashing 'Big John' from an American Models PS-2

The author built his model from two AM PS-2 models. Includes a prototype and model photo, a scaled drawing, and a bit of prototype information.

Kitbashing a Bachmann HO Bus Station to S

Step-by-step instructions, a final-model photo, and drawings are included in this article about how to make the S-scale version.

Kitbashing a GM&O Doodlebug

The author describes how he took an S-Helper Service RPO passenger car and modified it to become a self-powered doodlebug.

Kitbashing a Mail-storage Car Part I

The author builds a UP baggage car from American Models cars. The article describes how he did it, and includes construction photos and drawings, as well as a parts list.

Kitbashing A Mail-storage Car Part II

This installment covers the underbody detailing, installing diaphragms, and painting and lettering the model. Includes detail diagrams for the underbody piping and parts installation, the making of several detail parts, and a few photos.

Kitbashing a Plasticville Retail Coal Tower

Using two Plasticville coaling towers, this coal dealer structure can be built using the authors step-by-step instructions and accompanying photos.

Kitbashing an NYC Class DEf 2-D-2 Locomotive

The model, which took Best in Show at the 2000 National Association of S Gaugers Convention, is based on the NYC's first diesel locomotive purchase. The author built it using two spliced-together Precision Scale On3 Forney locomotive frames and brass shapes.

Kitbashing Harriman coaches

After explaining the history behind the "Harriman" name, the author describes how he modeled the car using an S-Helper Service passenger cafe car kit as a starter. Includes prototype and model photos, cut diagrams, and a description of the Harriman cars owned by the SP.

Kitbashing River City Welding

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