News: Recent News
This page shows a listing of news entries from the past month or so. Click photos to visit the web sites.
Container Gantry Crane
New to this web site is an eBay store called "turktrucker" that is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They manufacture 3D-printed kits for various loads for 18-wheelers (tractor-trailers, big-rigs). Their newest addition is a large container gantry crane. When built, the gantry will be approximately 8-5/8" wide, 15-1/4" long, and 13-1/2" tall. The model can be operated by hand; it's not motorized. It comes with the container cradle and one container. It does not include the vehicle shown in the photos.
Be sure to check out their various loads, if you have large trucks on your layout (https://www.ebay.com/usr/turktrucker).
(ignore their product descriptions which indicate things like the wrong scale and being flagged as "used"; these are custom-designed models by turktrucker and printed in-house).
November/December 2025, 2026 Dispatch PDFs Available
The public version of the November/December 2025 issue of the NASG's Dispatch is now available. Also, the members-only issue of the November/December 2026 Dispatch PDF can now be downloaded via the "Members Only" portal.
NASG Dues Increase
This notice was provided by NASG President, Jim Whipple.
At the NASG's General Membership meeting at the NASG Convention in August, it was moved and approved to increase the annual dues of the NASG, due to significant cost increases over the past several years, despite some effective efforts at reducing costs.
Effective November 1, the dues structure now is as follows:
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP: 1-year $40, 2-years $80, 3-years $120, 4-years $160
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP: 1-year $50, 2-years $100, 3-years $150, 4-years $200
CONTRIBUTING MEMBERSHIP: 1-year $60, 2-years $120, 3-years $180, 4-years $240
BUSINESS / CLUB: 1-year $60, 2-years $120, 3-years $180, 4-years $240
TRIAL MEMBERSHIP (first-time applicants only): 6 months for $24
3D-printer Files for Passenger Car Parts
Michael Eldridge has graciously provided five STL files for anyone to download and use (noncommercial only!). These are designed to be used for Kinsman Scale Models' passenger cars, but might find use in other heavyweight passenger cars as well. Three files are for the passenger seats, and two files are for the brake system.
STL files are source files for use with 3D-printers, so if you own a 3D-printer or have access to one, these might be of interest to you.
We now have 18 STL files that S modelers have shared with us. If you don't want or need financial compensation for your STL files, feel free to contact the webmaster to share them on this web site. If you wish to be compensated for the many hours of design work these take, we fully understand and appreciate that, and we encourage you to share them via commercial sites set up to handle that.
New Tracks Zoom - New S Products
Once a month Jamie Bothwell presents the S-scale segment on the New Tracks weekly Zoom meeting. This is then later made available via their YouTube channel. For the October edition, Jamie covers Lines West Products' and Ridgeway Models' recent products.
New Built Structures by Frisco Factory
These are fully-built models, 3D-printed on demand.
November 2026 Narrow Gauge & Short Line Gazette
The current issue has an article by Dale Smith about how to convert a classic Tomalco kit into Sn3 rail and tie car #06084.
Introducing QCarLab
QCarLab is based in Japan, but they are geared to ship to the U.S. All of the models they produce are 1:64. The structures are made of a combination of fiberboard, resin, and plastic. These are fully-built models/mini-dioramas, not kits. Not only that, they also have built-in LEDs. The two underground garages have built-in mirrors, to make the model appear much larger. The photos may include vehicles and figures, but those are not part of the model. The company requires purchasing two products before they ship (they also produce figure sets). They do have free-shipping offers from time to time and other discounts. The company also offers various unique 1:64 vehicle display cases.
Introducing QCarLab's Figures
QCarLab is based in Japan, but they are geared to ship to the U.S. All of the models they produce are 1:64. The figures are fully painted, ready for use. The photos may include vehicles, but those are not part of the set. The company requires purchasing two products before they ship (they also produce fully-built structures). They do have free-shipping offers from time to time and other discounts. The company also offers various unique 1:64 vehicle display cases.
NASG BOT Meeting Notes
Andy Malette, the NASG Secretary, has made available the September 2026 NASG BOT meeting notes. The PDF file can be viewed by active NASG members via the "Members Only" portal.
NASG Elections
From Jamie Bothwell, the NASG's Election Chairman:
2027 is again an election year for the NASG. We are seeking candidates for the offices of Executive Vice President, Secretary, and the three Regional Vice Presidents. This is your chance to step up and serve the NASG by helping to run the organization. You can nominate yourself. Anyone interested in running can start the nomination process by sending Jamie an e-mail with your intentions. Please do so by November 15th (to allow time to post the ballots in the NASG Dispatch)
Start an e-mail message (election@nasg.org).
Announcing the 2027 Annual Member Car
The 2027 NASG Annual Member Car can now be pre-ordered by active NASG members. The opportunity to buy these is one of the perks of being an NASG member. Only 100 of these cars will be produced, so the earlier you place your pre-order, the greater your chance at getting your order (in recent years, we have sold out of the cars before they were even produced!).
The 2027 edition is a Delaware & Hudson 40-foot, steel-sheathed box car, which will be produced for us by American Models. There will be two road numbers produced. As is customary, the cars will be available with hi-rail wheels and couplers, or scale wheels and couplers. The prototype photo, courtesy of the Delaware & Hudson Railway Historical Society, shows a car with no roofwalk and 8-foot doors, but the NASG cars will have a roofwalk and 6-foot Commonwealth doors. The D&H ORER shows these cars being on their January 1953 roster.
You can pre-order and pay via this web site, starting today (click on the photo, below).
If you prefer to pay by check, you can postal-mail your check as follows:
make check or money order payable to "NASG, Inc."
Mailing address:
NASG Company Store
c/o Chris Crnich
3243 West 2600 North
Arco, Idaho 83213
Placerville Texaco Bulk Fuel Kit by McCarville Studios
McCarville Studios announces their latest S-scale kit, the Placerville, Colorado Texaco facility. The main building is a laser-cut wood structure, and the two tanks are 3D-printed items. Other details shown in the photo are not included with the kit. The main building, when completed as intended, has a foot print of 6" x 12". There is no online ordering available, so click on the "Contact Us" link at the top of their web site to start the request. S-scale kits are produced on-demand only.
2025 NASG Convention Car Set Sale!
Chris Crnich, the NASG Company Store Manager, has announced the special sale for the few remaining 2025 NASG Convention Cars, the Eastern States refrigerator cars. Normally $65 each, if you order the set (two different road numbers), you'll get the pair for $120, which includes shipping (within the continental U.S.). NASG membership is not required. Important: we only have one pair of the scale version remaining in stock. We have a handful of the hi-rail version still in stock. Order online, or contact Chris if you prefer to send him a check (so he can set a pair aside for you). Supplies limited. First come, first serve. If in doubt, e-mail Chris to see what he still has available.
Start an e-mail message (companystore@nasg.org).
Naperville RPM Meet Photos
Eric Hansmann has made photos available that he took at the Naperville RPM Meet on October 16 and 17 in Naperville, Illinois. You can see photos of two S-scale modelers. Jim Kindraka was able to attend the show and found 7 other S-scale modelers there, including Matt Gaudynski (Scale America). Our own Earl Tuson presented a clinic on "1903 to 1930 Milk Cars".
Port Lines Hobby Supplies
Doug Peck has announced that he has sold the AF repair and restoration parts of his business. The new owner, to be announced in early November with a new location, will continue to use the same company name, i.e. Port Lines Hobby Supplies. The non-parts portion of Doug's business will continue to be owned by Doug and will operate under a new name. Doug will be set up at the Greenberg Train Show in Wilmington, MA, November 21 & 22, offering lots of liquidation items.
Scott Eastburn of Characters Count Miniatures
Scott Eastburn of Characters Count Miniatures did a presentation on the Narrow Gauge Off the Beaten Track YouTube channel. The company (i.e. Scott) produces 3D-printed figure sets in most scales, including S. He fully explains how he got started and how he creates the various sets.
Rock Island 40' Stock Car by All-Nation Line
The company has available a resin kit of the S-scale Rock Island 40-foot stock car. It's unclear if this is a one-off set, or more kits can be produced.
Two-bay Hopper Coal Load
John Griffin has available a coal load for two-bay hoppers, specifically the American Models and the S-Helper Service ones. These plastic loads are available at $10 each plus $5 shipping to the lower 48.
Start an e-mail message (rxman46321@aol.com).
A K Machine Shop by Mine Mount Models
Mine Mount Models has released their latest laser-cut wood kit in S-scale. The kit includes the main building, the shed, and the hoist and raised fuel tank (both 3D-printed resin kits). When built, the footprint of the main building measures 4-1/4" x 6" and the shed is 2" x 3-1/4". The photo shows the HO-scale version. While on their site, be sure to take a look at their large collection of scenery details they have available in S.
New Trucks by Die Cast Promotions
3000toys.com announces these models. Note that these are highly-detailed models. They feature an opening hood with authentic engine detail, accurately-detailed cab interior, poseable front wheels, pivoting fifth-wheel for trailer attachment, rolling wheels, working suspension, working landing gear, and a detailed chassis and undercarriage.
Stephen Hatch
It is with a heavy heart that we report that Steve Hatch, of Dewey, Arizona, passed away on October 10, 2026 at the age of 85. There was no service and so no obituary was posted. He was well-known for his company Railway Engineering. He custom-built track in all gauges, and had a beautiful S/Sn3 layout at home. Steve had his own YouTube channel on which he posted videos of his last layout under construction until about 4 years ago. There is also a video on Vimeo which covers his layout as it was in 2019 (starts at about the 19:25 minute mark). Steve was an NASG member for a good number of his last years. Our condolences to his family for their loss.
Fire Station #4 Austin, Texas by HDCustomDesign
This 3D-printed kit is based on a real fire station found in Austin, Texas. The model is available in the actual long version, or in the short version (to better fit a layout). The kit consists of several parts that need to be glued together (the company recommends superglue). You can paint some or all of the parts before or after assembly.
Fire Station #4 is the oldest, still-operating fire station in Austin. When built, fires were still being fought with horse-drawn carriages. It is rumored to be haunted.
Robert Hartzell
We have recently learned that Robert (Bob) Hartzell Jr., of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, passed away on April 15, 2026. He was a long-time member of the NASG. We offer our belated condolences to Bob's family and friends.
Several New Scenery Items by Ridgeway Models
While the company is relatively new to S, they are rapidly expanding their S-scale product line. These are all 3D-printed items. Some are printed with colored filament, but they arrive unpainted.
Vehicles and Support Items by Ridgeway Models
These are 3D-printed, unpainted farm and construction related equipment. Note that some are kits, making it easier to paint the various parts before assembly.
Photos of Wayne Tomsic's Layout
John Henning visited Wayne Tomsic's layout and was able to take some photos. This 11' x 30' layout features all American Models track and a large amount of AM equipment.
Ron Inscho
We have been notified that NASG member Ron L. Inscho, of Bucyrus, Ohio, passed away on September 18, 2026. He retired as a conductor for CSX. Our sincere condolences to his family.
More Scenery Details by Whistle Stop Models
Whistle Stop Models has not only added more S-scale items to their product line, but they now have a dedicated S-scale page on their web site. These are 3D-printed, unpainted items. Most will require some careful removal from the sprue (to protect the item during shipping).
New Vehicles by Johnny Lightning
3000toys.com announces these models. The six packs each has one of each of these:
1996 Dodge Viper GTS
2005 Ford GT
2004 Subaru WRX STI
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
1958 Chevrolet Impala
1961 Chevrolet Impala
New Vehicles with Lifts by M2 Machines
3000toys.com announces these models.
Visit and Tour of Newly-merged Lionel Brands Group
The owner of the "All Trains Considered" YouTube channel recently visited with Lionel, post their merger. Not about S, specifically, but it does give an insight into Lionel's new marketing direction.
Box Car and Stock Car Kits by Lines West Products
Lines West Products announces Milwaukee Road insulated box cars, Nickel Plate double-sheathed box cars, Western Pacific outside-braced box cars, and Western Pacific stock cars. All cars are 40-foot ones. These are 3D-printed kits that come with the full brake details and the appropriate decals (for some, with additional rebuilt road names). The kit does not include add-on weights, brass wire, couplers, nor trucks. The holes for the grab irons are in the model itself, so all you may have to do is drill out the hole a bit deeper. As the company states, no more crooked grab irons! PDF files of their kits' instructions are available on their web site. The instructions are based on HO-scale pre-production kits, but it does give you a good idea of what the kit will be like. Their web site does not indicate when they are available, and all are marked as "in stock (can be backordered)". Considering they have been producing these kits in other scales for almost a year now, they are probably printing them on demand (speculation).
DSDX = Dairy Shippers Despatch Co. They were a leasing company that operated insulated box cars, and, despite their name, they primarily transported beer. All of these cars offered here were operated by the Milwaukee Road. The cars were built starting in 1951 with small 4-foot doors. These were later replaced with plug doors. In 1966 the cars were remarked as "URTX", and again in 1975 to "MILW". These cars were found moving beer from Wisconsin to Massachusetts.
Note that the NKP cars, in the real world, were 14'7" tall, primarily designed for post-WWI automobile transport, so these are taller than your typical 1920s box cars. These cars rode on Bettendorf trucks.
The 1916 version of the WP outside-braced box cars used archbar trucks and KC brakes. Note that the model photos for the WP cars are likely not S-scale examples.
NASG BOT Meeting Notes
Andy Malette, the NASG Secretary, has made available the July and August 2026 NASG BOT meeting notes. The PDF files can be viewed by active NASG members via the "Members Only" portal.
New Loads for Gondolas by Cohn's Custom
The company announces the availability of two new loads for A.C. Gilbert, Lionel, and other 40-foot gondolas. Note that the cars shown in the photo are not included.
New Billboard Replacements by Cohn's Custom
The company has released 12 new billboard designs. These are designed to fit the A.C. Gilbert and Lionel trackside billboards. Each of these are available in three formats: sticker (5-1/2" x 2-3/4"), paper (5-1/2" x 2-3/4"), and large paper (6-1/2" x 3-1/8").
Trackside Warehouse by Gozoda
The company has released a new 3D-printed, unpainted kit for a team-track-style of warehouse.
Large Number of New Figures by Characters Count Miniatures
Characters Count Miniatures, owned and operated by Scott Eastburn, has released a large collection of, well, collections of figures. These are 3D-printed figures that arrive fully assembled and unpainted. Be sure to select S-scale when ordering. They are printed on-demand, so allow some time before delivery.
American Flyer America 250 by Lionel
Today, Lionel released their digital-only 2026 Volume 2 catalog, and, surprise, it contains new S-scale products. This is, however, an important message. Lionel needs to see an unspecified number of pre-orders, otherwise the items will not be produced, and it may also make them think twice about releasing anything new again in S. So, if at all possible, consider ordering one of these items. All of the regular Lionel dealers are able to take your pre-order, many of whom will offer a pre-order discount. Dealers will likely require a small deposit (which is refundable if the ordered item is canceled by Lionel), with the remainder of the payment due when the item arrives at the dealer's and is ready to be shipped. The deadline for the pre-orders is November 17, 2026, so don't wait too long. Delivery is expected to be in the second quarter of 2027.
Why so late in announcing these products? (speculation) BNSF announced their final paint scheme on May 14, 2026, so, presumably, Lionel couldn't get the wheels in motion until all the railroads had announced their final paint scheme and road numbers.
Most of the models are decorated to celebrate the U.S.A.'s 250th Anniversary. The powered models feature two motors, the Legacy Control System, are DCC-enabled, and come with sound and ElectroCouplers.
General Electric ES44(AC or DC) was introduced in 2005. Do a search for the Lionel product number, below, to see which dealers are offering pre-orders.
#2721010 CN ES44 #1776 - powered.
#2721019 CN ES44 #1776 - non-powered.
#2721020 CN ES44 #2026 - powered.
#2721029 CN ES44 #2026 - non-powered.
#2721031 BNSF ES44 #1776 - powered.
#2721032 BNSF ES44 #2026 - powered.
#2721039 BNSF ES44 #250 - non-powered.
#2721040 NS ES44 #8096 - powered.
#2721049 NS ES44 #8096 - non-powered.
#2721050 NS ES44 #8118 - powered.
#2721059 NS ES44 #8118 - non-powered.
#2721060 NS ES44 #8143 - powered.
#2721069 NS ES44 #8143 - non-powered.
#2721071 NS ES44 #8183 "Chicago" - powered.
#2721072 NS ES44 #8184 "Altoona" - powered.
#2721080 UP / Donald Trump ES44 #4547 - powered.
#2721089 UP / Donald Trump ES44 #4547 - non-powered.
EMD SD70ACe was introduced in 2004. Do a search for the Lionel product number, below, to see which dealers are offering pre-orders.
#2721090 NS SD70ACe #1776 (as used in the Big Boy tour) - powered.
#2721091 NS SD70ACe #1776 (has NS logo on fan housing) - powered.
#2721099 NS SD70ACe #1776 - non-powered.
#2721100 NS SD70ACe #2026 - powered.
#2721109 NS SD70ACe #2026 - non-powered.
#2721110 NS SD70ACe #250 - powered.
#2721119 NS SD70ACe #250 - non-powered.
#2721121 NS SD70ACe #1230 "Birmingham" - powered.
#2721122 NS SD70ACe #1231 "Atlanta" - powered.
#2721130 NS / D&H SD70ACe #1080 - powered.
#2721139 NS / D&H SD70ACe #1080 - non-powered.
American Flyer America 250 by Lionel
Along with the America 250 locomotives, Lionel announces this America 250 Celebration Caboose. The Lionel product number is 2719030. Contact your preferred Lionel dealer to place a pre-order for this car.
1944 GMC CCKW Truck by Greenlight
3000toys.com announces this model, based on brand-new tooling.
New Vehicles by Majorette
3000toys.com announces these models. These are flagged as "true 1:64".
Be sure to see all, or other, products announced over the past year via the main News page.