Well, in the past some Sn3 modelers have modified the Kadee cars for Sn3,
but things are much better today.
For logging modeling in S (mostly narrow) you need to check out BTS, PBL,
Rio Grande Models and Wiseman Model Services.
Most logging modeling (but not all) in S seems to be done in Sn3, and thus
you have more products available.
In regards to geared steam locomotives:
Shay - PBL included some standard gauge Shays with their first run of Shays
they made (1980's). There were only a few produced, so they are hard to
find. They have produced several different sizes and variations of Shays in
Sn3 in brass, mostly of West Side Lumber prototypes. They are taking
reservations and deposits for another Shay run at this time and are planning
to include some standard gauge ones in the mix. So if you want one, now is
the time to ante up. Overland also produced a brass model of Mich-Cal #5 in
Sn3. The other option has been the MDC HO Shay kit. Wiseman sells
conversion kits (updated from the V&T kits) for these. I've personally
narrowed one to Sn3 and one to Sn2 years ago. I don't know about widening
one to S. These wind up being small Shays in S (25 ton max).
Climax - The only option is the (now discontinued) etched brass Backwoods
Miniature kit of a 20-ton Climax. There was an aborted attempt at a larger
brass Climax a few years ago, but the deposits were returned.
Heisler - PBL imported models of West Side Lumber Co. #2 & #3. Some of
these were available with standard gauge trucks, but again, most are Sn3.
Wiseman has a conversion kit for the AHM HO Heisler. I converted one of
these to Sn3 awhile ago without using the conversion kit.
Donkey Engines - If you are modeling in the steam era, you need some donkey
engines. Wiseman has AH&D and Willamette kits. Rio Grande has Dolbeer
kits. Turner Model Works also has a 2-spool donkey kit.
Disconnect Trucks - Rio Grande Models and Wiseman both have kits for these
in Sn3.
Skeleton cars - PBL, RGM, and Wiseman all have kits for these in Sn3
Logging flats - BTS, RGM, and Wiseman all have kits for these in Sn3.
PBL has produced models of cabooses and other logging cars in brass in Sn3.
BTS has log camp car kits that suitable for standard gauge, so you could
build a camp train. They are too big to be moved on a narrow gauge
railroad.
RGM has several kits for cabooses and other unique logging railroad cars,
mostly of WSLCo prototype.
Backwoods Miniature also had some kits for some funky stuff suitable for a
logging railroad, like a vertical-boilered locomotive and some disconnects.
Unfortunately for us, they have discontinued all their S scale stuff, so
you're in the used kit market for these.
BTS has a sawmill (with interior detail options) and other structures
suitable for a logging theme in S.
Ragg's...to riches? has some nice resin castings of large logs for loads,
etc.
If you are modeling in standard gauge, all you really need for log cars are
a bunch of old flat cars with side stakes to hold the logs in place. Many
of the logging railroad equipment was home built, so adding a tank to a flat
car gives you a water car, etc. You could also do like Bill Lane did and
start with some O narrow gauge equipment.
The WSLCo skeleton cars are kits are about 38' long, although you might want
longer bunks on them if you were to adapt them to standard gauge.
Hope this helps,
Dave Heine
Easton, PA
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