Dear JRJ,
Your e-mail is very insightful. I am not sure at what level of
model railroading you want to become involved. You mention that you are
not a model builder, but I cannot think of any scale that does not
require some degree of model building. I mention this as scenery in any
scale needs to be built as well as bench work for your track. In S
scale, two routes for equipment can be purchased. The most common is
American Flyer and American Flyer compatible. These have the larger
flanged wheels and usually come with the much larger couplers, but for
most items, these can be removed and a smaller "KD" style "S" coupler
can be applied. The other is referred to as "scale" although the
relative size of both types are the same, they have code 110 wheels and
use only the KD or "scale" type couplers. Which route you want to take
would make a more exacting answer easier.
Now, on to your questions, answers in red:
1. Are there other places on-line that I can buy ready made
structures and accessories for S-scale without having to model
everything by hand? I am not sure if you have visited Craig
O'Connel's website, but it is a great resource for "S" scale. His
website is: http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/sscale.html
Remember, scenery like trees, bushes, grass, etc. are not scale
specific. Large HO trees become medium sized "S" trees (or small
"O" trees). Another items that could be used in cities is the MTH
farm, country or row houses. These are S scale and do not cost
very much. I know you wanted to stay away from this, but a new
coat of paint does wonder for the roof, siding and foundation.
2. In your opinion, is O-scale declining and is S-scale expanding? I
think they are both growing. I base this on the number of steam
engines that have or will become available. If you look at a 180
day period, 5 new steam engines have or will be released from
three different mfgs. To me, that is real growth.
3. How does the DCC sounds from Soundtraxx in your locomotives
compare with the Lionel RailSounds 4.0 or 5.0? If you go to our
website and click on the 2-8-0, we have a film clip of the DCC.
We like DCC better.
4. Is Lionel O-scale equipment better or more detailed than what is
available in S-scale? The S Gauge 2-8-2 that Lionel produced last
year is an example of what should be the minimum of detail on S
scale products. I think that our products are as detailed as
anything available from Lionel in any scale.
5. How would you compare the Lenz DCC with the Lionel TMCC? (ease of
operation, capabilities, etc). I think there is another way to
look at DCC vs. TMCC in "S". First, DCC is open source, any
company can have RTR DCC, TMCC is licensed and "L" has made it
known that they are the only ones who can offer this is "S". So
for other products, TMCC must be custom installed. TMCC with
sound requires more space that just about all S gauge motive power
has available.
6. What do you think is the future of S-scale? Will more companies
jump on the bandwagon? I do not think that anyone can answer this
one. But, over the last few years the number of S gauge products
has increased rather dramatically.
7. What is the long term future of S-Helper Service? We are
continuing to plan new products and I have no plans on stopping.
8. If I don't select S-scale, would I be better off long term with HO
or O-scale? I am not sure if you are better off with trains that
are too small or those with an unrealistic 3rd rail in the future.
That is your decision.
I have taken the liberty to post your inquiry on one of my favorite
"S" e-group. I will forward you any pertinent comments to your request.
Best regards,
Don Thompson
S Helper Service Inc.
JRJ wrote:
> Don,
>
> I have spent many hours reading information on your web site as well
> as other sites. I am totally new to model railroading and want to get
> started soon, but I am having extreme difficulty selecting which scale
> I want to use. HO-scale seems too small for my desires, but they have
> everything readily available to purchase for that scale. O-scale
> also has plenty of equipment available, but I don't particularly like
> the 3-rail track, and the size would require a much larger and
> expensive layout. (I have an entire basement for construction of a
> layout so space is not a problem. The expense and work needed for
> landscaping such a large layout might be a problem). S-scale seems
> about the right size for me and I would jump on it in a heartbeat if
> scenery, structures, accessories, etc. were readily available. I am
> not a model builder and don't really want to build structures and
> paint everything. I honestly don't understand why more companies have
> not offered more S-scale equipment. You seem to have the best
> information and equipment available, but I don't see any buildings,
> trees, people, cars, or working accessories available.
>
> Can you comment on the following questions?
>
> 1. Are there other places on-line that I can buy ready made
> structures and accessories for S-scale without having to model
> everything by hand?
> 2. In your opinion, is O-scale declining and is S-scale expanding?
> 3. How does the DCC sounds from Soundtraxx in your locomotives
> compare with the Lionel RailSounds 4.0 or 5.0?
> 4. Is Lionel O-scale equipment better or more detailed than what is
> available in S-scale?
> 5. How would you compare the Lenz DCC with the Lionel TMCC? (ease
> of operation, capabilities, etc)
> 6. What do you think is the future of S-scale? Will more companies
> jump on the bandwagon?
> 7. What is the long term future of S-Helper Service?
> 8. If I don't select S-scale, would I be better off long term with
> HO or O-scale?
>
> It's a lot of money, time, and effort to be spent and I don't want to
> pick a scale that I may later regret or one that equipment won't be
> available in the future.
>
> I recently ordered your S-Trax Planning Guide (order# 1914-6180-1833)
> and wanted to get a catalog, but your 2005 catalog was sold out and
> you have no 2006 catalog. What is the status of my order? Are you
> planning a 2006 catalog? If I do eventually select S-scale, I may
> need your assistance in selecting a train set and track.
>
> I know I am asking a lot from you but your opinion and advice will be
> most appreciated. Thanks.
>
> <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
>
>
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