S scale refers to model trains built to 1:64 ratio with 3/16" equals 1 foot. S Scale was always considered easier to work with than HO but not requiring as much overall space as O. Even though it is a minority scale in popularity, S modelers find it to be an ideal scale. It is big enough to be durable and reliable but small enough to allow modeling in a modest space. During the Post WWII era, toy maker AC Gilbert popularly marketed S Scale as American Flyer and offered a full line of locomotives, rolling stock and track. Lionel owns the American Flyer line today with a limited line of locomotives and rolling stock. A great deal of equipment is available from other companies and on the secondary market.
Many beginners to the hobby start with a basic ready-to-run train set that includes track, power supply and a train all in one packaged box. Everything you need to be up-and-running is in that starter set. Build the set on a flat sheet of plywood for a simple and satisfying display, or layout and build up from there one or more pieces at a time.
