Page 10 - March April 2015

Plans for S-scale layouts
With my increasing interest in S-scale, I have started to look at plans for a possible layout. Now most published plans are for O, HO or N, though occasionally S-scale can be found, but there is no reason not to use a likeable plan in another scale and convert it to S-scale (or any scale of your preference). My article published in the October 2014 “Roundhouse” described an old design of mine, the “Bludie and Tiscuston” (BAT), for a “minimum” layout using the HO NMRA Average Recommended Practice (RP) of 24" radius and including some features that I still like. I sat down to see how it would work in S-scale.
If I ever built a layout to this plan, I would use the “Tomalco” track system,* using Code 100 or smaller flexible track and their NMRA/NASG standards turnouts together with the NMRA Average RP of 36" minimum radius. Other track systems include that available from MTH Electric Trains who took over the former SHS “S-Trax” range with quite realistic sectional track, using built-in plastic “ballasted” bases aimed at the “hi-rail” AF market. Unfortunately, these have only unsatisfactory very sharp turnouts (less than #3), though there was a promise that a #5 was in the pipeline, and 20", 25" and 30" radius curves with a good range of various straight pieces.** Lionel, who now own the hi-rail “American Flyer” (AF) brand, have similar track but no turnouts yet, other than the traditional AF type, distinctly toylike!
American Models (AM), on the other hand, offer “universal” track with plastic ties using code 148 rail suitable for scale or AF standard wheels, 27" radius curved set track, #5 turnouts modifiable for “scale” use, crossings and matching flexible track. Before ballasting, this track is more economical than the Lionel or MTH offerings. I decided to base the plan on the AM system, in case anyone preferred that, remembering that Brooks Stover, a prominent, highly acclaimed modeller in S-gauge, does just this. It is not of course to NMRA standards, but that is his choice, and it is tempting to avoid having to change wheels with, say, Lionel products. Of course surely no scale-minded modeller would retain the AF couplers. Fortunately this is the easiest of any conversion. Brooks had a recent article in the NMRA Magazine describing how he converted a Bachmann On30 Climax to S-scale. This or possibly a similarly converted 2-6-0 or such, would be a useful steam loco for use on an S-scale BAT. Regrettably, no other small steamers are available, since the demise of the SHS 2-8-0, other than expensive brass, though some may be available from some dealers or secondhand. Diesels are the easy option and AM have lots to offer!***
To convert an HO plan to S, it would seem simple to just use the multiplier of 1.36, based on 87 (HO scale) ÷ 64 (S-scale) and of course this would work well, with the NMRA Average RP of 36" radius and turnout sizes remaining the same. This, however, would not take advantage of
the smaller minimum radius possible with large proprietary S locomotives, eg 27" (AM set track) ÷ 24" = 1.125. Track separation of 2" in HO would still have to be 2.72" in S, wider on curves, and clearance of tracks crossing over each other would still have to comply, about 51/2", giving steeper gradients, possibly 4%, not impossible provided chan- ges to levels were gradual. Capacity of spurs would still need to allow for the 1.36 times longer equivalent cars! So to convert the BAT plan, the way to go is to start with the inner track, at the bottom of the plan, rising from Tiscuston to Bludie. The inner edge of the layout would have to be at least 3" from the centre line of
Des Browne
the 27" radius track, giving an access space of 24" radius, 48" diameter, which should be enough room for one operator. (This space in the HO version was 42" diameter – OK, but not as comfortable as in S-scale!) The next track out is the first of the three of the level yard from Bludie to the turnouts at the top of the gradient down again. This would be 33" radius to allow room for the scenery between the inner gradient and first yard track. The next two tracks would be 36" and 39" radius. The outer track would be 42" radius allowing for the double-sided backdrop. The outer edge of the layout would be a minimum of another 3" from the centre line of the track. That makes the size of the layout 90" or 7' 6" overall width. In practice a room 12' 0" wide would be needed to allow access round the outside and perhaps a length of 14' 0" or longer would allow Pamelton to be a practical length, not that much bigger than in HO!
Sadly, my roof space does not have this sort of shape available, so my emerging ideas are along the lines of a town with switching capabilities built on modules, attached to a five-track fiddle yard, and capable of taking to exhibitions. For home use, there is enough space below my HO layout, which I could operate from a chair!
Notes:
* I can provide a 2" sample to drool over! Two × 1st Class stamps
with address. Otherwise check out their website at www. tomalcotrack.com
** SHS had a comprehensive book – “The S-Trax® Primer and Track Planning Guide” which I used to offer at £7; I have one copy left. I am not sure if this is otherwise still available.
*** AM have a comprehensive catalogue. See their website at www.americanmodels.com.
If you like “S”, consider joining the National Association of S-Gaugers, only $25 per year. It does cover both scale and hi-rail/ AF trains. The accompanying magazine is very good value as there is no extra charge, at present, for overseas members. See www.nasg.org. Also note British S Scale Model Railway Society, www.s-scale.org.uk.
I have a small amount of AM, SHS and Tomalco stock left, of which I can e-mail a list on request, so any one interested can investigate without making a large commitment. TTT in Cornwall got most of my S-scale stock and catalogues. I cannot find out what has happened to any balance of their S-scale stocks, but hopefully some other dealer will take up importing these attractive products. In the meantime I will happily provide advice.
A scene on Nigel Bowyer’s S scale home layout Photo taken by Des Browne
10 ROUNDHOUSE