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As an aside, just as 16.5mm track is used by On30 to take advantage of the availability of mechanisms and track, so 4mm scale trains can be converted by using S-scale track to more closely model “Iberian” and “Indian” 5’6” gauge. “Irish” 5’3” is, sadly, not so accurate, and the other way Om is even more accurate!
two flywheels. 6-wheel trucks have centre axles sprung to improve tracking.
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Photo 5 AM Northern & Baldwin S12 Locos, Kit Box Car, AM Tank Car
AM offer several types of Passenger Cars. Their first series were of 80’ heavy weight (H/W) cars, some of which are still available, lovely detailing with sprung 6-wheel trucks but no lighting or interior details. Early 80’ streamlined cars are no longer available from AM. Both these series were unsuitable for the HI-Rail market, so AM produced a series of 70’ H/W cars, sold as sets of baggage, RPO, Combine, Coach and Observation with extra single Coaches available. With lighting, but instead of interior detail, toy like silhouetted passengers. Next offered were award winning 70’ Budd streamlined cars. The detailing on these are excellent with lighting and interior details. Sold as sets of Baggage, Coach, Diner and Observation with single extra Coaches available. Recently a matching dome car has been offered separately, also well received by the market.
Photo 4 Tomalco RH #6 with AM LH #5 Turnouts
Locomotives & Rolling Stock
As in all scales it is possible to buy models in RTR Brass, Die- cast Metal, mixed Metal and Plastic, Kits, Detailing Parts and of course other models can be scratch built. In all cases, variety is much less than with other scales. As with all larger scales, S-scale Locomotives have a higher current draw, varying with size. For both DCC and straight DC, 2 Amps minimum draw should be expected, Gaugemaster, for one source, offer their 14.5 volt #100MO unit, rated at 2.5 amps aimed at O gauge. For DCC, the rating of the decoder is the important feature, while the calculation for the power requirement should be upgraded accordingly.
American Models have offered several steam outline Locos, currently being revised. A USRA Pacific in 12 road schemes, a PRR Streamlined K4 Pacific in green and bronze, an NYC Empire State Express streamlined Hudson and a Baldwin Northern in 10 road schemes, some with long distant oil tenders and others with a short coal tender. Recently the Pacific has been improved and a” Vanderbilt” tender added. Hi-Rail versions have their centre drivers flangeless and AC or DC power. All have a mechanical smoke unit which includes a “chuff” sound but only the AC units have bell and whistle sounds as an extra. Scale wheeled units are DC.
Their Diesel range is much wider, Alco RS-3 in 4 schemes, RS-11 in 6 schemes and FA & B in 6 schemes, a Baldwin S12 in 14 road schemes, EMD FP-7 A&B in 8 schemes, F7 A&B in 6 schemes, E-8 in 9 schemes, GP9/18 in 10 schemes, GP-35 in 12 schemes, SD-60 in 8 schemes, FM “Trainmaster” H-24- 66 in 8 schemes, GE U25B in 7 schemes. A Baldwin GG1 in three PRR colours, each with two striping versions complete the non-steam range. All have hefty can motors with one or
Photo 6 AM Budd Cars with an SHS Box Car. The “visible” staging yard has a photo background of Phoenix AZ
AM also offer a wide range of freight cars AAR 50’ Box Cars and Reefers, 2 bay and 3 bay open Hoppers, PS-2 CD 3 bay Grain Hoppers, 46’ Flat cars,52’ Mill Gondolas, 50’ Ribbed Box Cars, Whale-belly Tank Cars and Bay window and wood
December 2019 - ROUNDHOUSE 17