Ken,
I am a recent convert to S Scale myself. I have only been in S for the
past 2 years, coming over from HO scale. I am modeling the Milwaukee
Road in the 1978 to 1981 era. I too have found it difficult to find era
appropriate equipment. However, after just this short time, I feel I am
knowledgeable enough to share with you what I know.
Locomotives:
Well if you are looking to model today's world, then your only option is
Lionel's SD70ACe. Also, for 2013, Lionel has come out with the GE
ES44AC in the NS Heritage Series. I haven't seen one yet, or even heard
if anyone has one. They look pretty good in the catalog, but how close
to scale accuracy they are I don't know. Lionel has also produced a GE
U33C, and it looks good, but needs a little work to actually make it
scale (attaching pilots, coupler boxes, etc.). Otherwise, the next most
modern engine is American Model's SD60. Those look good as well, but
availability might be an issue. The next most modern locomotive is
American Models GP35. So there is a HUGE gap that is in desperate need
of filling. They do make a F40PH for Amtrak, if you are into that, but
no other real modern locomotives.
There was talk and limited progress on a GP38 and GP38-2 being produced
by Smokey Mountain Model Works, however a major problem with
availability of 40" wheels has all but put this project on the shelf for
a long time. Overland did produce some SD40-2's and GP38-2's a long
time ago. Good luck trying to find one, I've been trying for 2 years
and have had no luck.
MTH is now in the S Scale market, but has only come out with a F3A/B so
far. These aren't even out yet, so time will tell with these guys as to
whether or not they will begin to fill the void that is there in S Scale.
American Models: http://www.americanmodels.com/
Lionel: http://www.lionel.com/
MTH: http://www.mthtrains.com/
Freight Cars:
Well the American Models car is now that only "modern" gondola that is
on the market. There was a great gondola kit of the Evans 100 ton
Gondola, produced by BTS, but for some insane reason he decided to pull
the plug on the project and they are no longer available. I for one
could use about 3 more of these, so if anyone has one they want to sell,
let me know!
The only Center Flow covered hopper available is the ACF 3 bay Center
Flow covered hopper. It now produced by Des Plaines Hobbies, S scale
America RTR line. It is of a design from the late 60's early 70's.
There are no modern covered hoppers at all. Trinities 5161 cars are a
long way away, if ever. There isn't even a PS4750 covered hopper
available. Only American Models PS2CD 4427 car in a 4-3-4 rib
arrangement, with low sides. Not exactly a car you see a lot of
anymore. again a GIANT gap that is need to be filled. There are some
Kaslo Shops NSC Cylindrical covered hopper kits out there (i have 5).
The main problem with these is availability of decals.
Center Beam Flat Car:
No. Nothing, and unless MTH comes out with one, most likely will not
see one at all. There is only 1 bulkhead flatcar available and that was
by SHS and it is of a late 60's design. I'll say it again. A gap that
needs to be filled.
Tank Cars:
American Models makes a semi modern tank car, but it is from a design
that is from the early 70's at best. There were some really great
modern tank cars being made by Iron Rail Models, but they have ceased
production and as far as I know they have no plans on starting back up.
Also, if you can find them, Downs Model Road Company, made two different
Corn Syrup cars. I found one of each and they look great. There are no
LPG cars at all available or any other "modern" tanks.
Boxcars:
American Models makes a 50' car, but it's based on an ACF design that is
from the early 70's. Des Plaines Hobbies S Scale America line has a few
boxcars for more modern modeling. PS 5344, FMC 5347 and Evans double
plug door boxcar. These are all ready to run, and are really nice.
Smokey Mountain Model Works made in the past a Southern 50'6" Waffle
Side car kit that looks pretty good. I have 1 and am looking forward to
getting around to building it. There are also a lot of kits from
Pacific Rail Shops. These are all kits and the molds are now owned by
Des Plaines Hobbies. Ebay is a good place to find these.
Other than that there are a few other things you should know, that I
have found after being in the scale. First, being in "scale" and being
"modern" tends to put you in a very lonely category. There aren't a lot
of "modern" modelers in S Scale. There are a lot of guys that model the
30's to 60's, but not a lot of 70's to present guys. The attitude of
the scale and the industry reflects that. The future and survival of S
Scale is going to be dependent on modern modeling, but it falls on deaf
ears most of the time. You will find that the "modern scale" guys in
here tend to stick together. I am hopeful that more modern equipment
will be available soon. This scale needs an "ATHEARN" type of
manufacture to stimulate more modelers coming to the scale through
regular availability of product.
There are very few diesel detail parts available. BTS has some, but
most are for early diesels and also most are outdated designs, that have
limited usage applications. They are great looking details, but only if
you are modeling a GP9 or older. Other than that most every detail
parts manufacturer has gone out of business. Southwind mad some great
detail as will as sunrise Enterprises. both gone now, and it seams that
no body is will to part with anything they might have.
Decals are almost non exsistant. I am making my own using HO scale
decals and a laser printer, but making white is impossible unless you
want to pay 300.00 or more to have a run produced. There are a few
decal companies that make S Scale, but they are limited production
things. Microscale used to make S scale, but no longer does.
It seems as if the S scale manufacturers are ok with NOT making anything
new. American Models hasn't made anything new for a while. I think
they are stuck in that China production issue and need to bring the
production back to the USA and start making models again! Des Plaines
is in the same boat, except they have an exclusive company making their
product. However Des Plaines hasn't come out with even new road names
that they could be making a lot of money with, but for some reason, they
aren't doing it. The scale is not HO. The attitude is not HO either.
That's too bad, because if it were, then S could be the scale to model
and not HO. I know it sounds bleak and like I'm bashing the scale, but
I'm just being honest with you about availability and where the scale is
right now. I am loving modeling in S and have no immediate plans on
returning to HO.
I hope this helps
Michael Ostertag
Green Bay, WI
[email protected]
