Brief History of S Scale Model Trains
The S scale is one of the oldest scale model railroads dating back to 1896 when it first appeared in England. The popularity of the S scale increased in the 1930s-40s when CD Models produced the 3/16” model train sets under the name American Flyer Trains. Later American Flyer was purchased by A.C. Gilbert Co. then in 1943 the National Model Railroading Association (NMRA) adapted the term S scale to describe the gauge that was half of the #1 gauge (1/32). American Flyer marketed the first trains labelled with the term S scale in the 1930s when the train ran on three-rail track similar to Lionel. In 1946 American Flyer introduced a two-rail track for S scale model trains providing greater realism. American Flyer ended up being sold to a holding company that also owned Lionel in 1967.
In 1979 under the name American Flyer, Lionel re-introduced the S scale trains and accessories. In 1981 another S scale manufacturer entered the market named American Models and S-Helper Service began making locomotives, track, rolling stock and other products in 1989. The biggest brass model supplier of the S scale is River Raisin Models.
