S Scale layout

I'm new here, and I model S Scale with a small shelf type switching layout - it's in the building process right now. NYC circa 1963 with all ALCO power by American Models and one brass S-4 switcher. Since it's a switching layout, am using Kadee 802 couplers.
I'm running a mix of Shinohara and Tomalco track and turnouts, preferring the Tomalco products. In the process of converting the engines to DCC w/sound - some QSI and some Soundtraxx, I'm liking the QSI's better as they have different sounds for the 539 and 244 engines. Also have a small collection of 1/64 diecast trucks for support of the railroad, but they are all models of a much newer era.

Would like to communicate with others modeling in S Scale...

 

Thanks, Greg!
I've only seen pictures of Ed L's great layout, and I sure enjoyed his 1/64 S Scale magazine while he was publishing it.
Modeling NYC because it was nearby where I grew up in New England, and engines were offered as decorated in NYC thru American Models. I've been collecting S scale rolling stock for 25 years!
Started out using Shinohara turnouts, but found out the weren't so DCC friendly and didn't have any specialty sized turnouts other than #6's, so switched over to Tomalco turnouts.
I'm making the change to DCC mainly for the sound offered - found that QSI offers sound boards for the three different ALCO engines.

 

Greg,
The layout is 11 ft x 9 ft x 11 ft, mostly a 2-2.5 ft shelf around 3 sides of a room, based loosely on the NYC (ex- Boston and Albany) Webster Mass. branch.
The leg going down the wall that is 'behind' you as you operate the layout is for a 3 train stage yard, so that trains can enter and exit the layout area.

I'm working on incorporating my Maine 2 ft. narrow gauge equipment into the layout as a Tourist RR. In S Scale, 2 ft narrow gauge runs on HOn3 track. (although the tie size is not in proportion) The main yard/station/shops area will be in front of the stage yard.

Decals for NYC are hit or miss - try Des Plains Hobbies, Champ, CDS dry transfers, or Hoquat Hobbies.

Thanks anyway, but I'm not interested in the GP-9 - I run an all ALCO RR
What are you going to kitbash? a low short hood GP-9?

Yes, the Shinohara's require a LOT of work to perform satisfactory. Tomalco offers several different size radius curved turnouts, and several different sized diamonds, and 3 way turnouts - all come in handy for packing more track into a switching layout.

The speaker is a QSI 'bass' type about 1 inch round. I want to fit 2 of them into an American Models RS-3, but the enclosure for the speaker makes them too large to fit inside the hood. The FA's will be no problem installing them into.

 

It's still a work in progress, track is down and running, some basic buildings set up, but basically it's still a plywood central layout. I'll get some pics up later on...

 

Hey, neat handle. How did you come up with the handle "Roadranger". I'm a truck mechanic and when I think of the name Road Ranger, I think of those old bullet proof 10 speed truck transmission back from the day. I seen American Models S scale trains at a all scales train show and was very impressed by thier quality. I don't much about S scale however other than remembering it back from my Lionel Days as I remembered the American Flyer stuff.

 

I drive a tractor-trailer, my 42nd year, now. Back in the day when CB's first came out, my handle was "roadranger", for the transmission - a 13 speed. Been carrying that handle over to modern day computer forums.

S scale is great in my book because it has more 'heft' and is just as detailed as HO stuff, and MUCH easier to see and work with!

Right now the S layout has taken a back seat to 1/14 size Radio Control model trucks, mostly made by Tamiya. These hobbies can be addicting!

 

Yep, you are correct!