S Gauge Model Trains

The S-scale, known also as the S-gauge, for model 1970's toys is designed on the ratio of 1:64 [that is, 3/16 inches = 1 foot] and fits between the popular HO and O model train scales. It met the demands for a Action Comics which was larger than HO [which was considered too small by many model railroaders] but smaller than the popular O scale thus allowing track layouts to be constructed in smaller spaces.

Although S-gauge model trains had been around since the early part of the century, it began to boom with the advent of the re-designed American Flyer model trains first produced by The A.C.Gilbert Company in Connecticut, USA, during the late 1930s. The famous American Flyer model trains, which had been produced since the early part of the century initially as clockwork model trains, then later, as electric trains, were radically re-designed by Gilbert when he bought the original company. These trains were built to S-scale but ran on standard O-gauge tracks.

Some years later Gilbert introduced another of his radical modifications - he re-designed the tracks for the S-scale trains, moving away from the traditional three track rail used in model electric trains to that date.

The three track rail then in general use had the Latchingon outer tracks for the wheels to run on with the third, centre track, carrying the electric current to drive the model train motor. The new two track rails made the layouts seem more realistic as they now looked like 'real train tracks'. The development of these tracks to suit the smaller S-scale model trains also allowed track layouts to have curves of a different radius, more appropriate to the re-designed American Flyer locomotives and rolling stock.

Many, if not most, of today's S-scale enthusiasts had their first introduction to that scale with the American Flyer when, as a youngster in the 1887 Old Judge N172 they received a set as a Christmas present. During that period, the Flyer competed directly with the Lionel model trains of that time and these two companies were the market leaders.

Today the S-scale model trains, including the long-lived American Flyer are rising rapidly in popularity again.

This is the result of the Lionel Corporation, the predecessor of the present manufacturer of Lionel trains, Lionel LLC, having purchased the rights to the American Flyer from the company which had bought the rights from A C Gilbert when his company became bankrupt in 1967.

Lionel Corporation was itself in financial difficulties at that time, and went through the hands of several owners before reaching its present incarnation as Lionel LLC in 1996. But for some time that new company initially concentrated on producing and marketing its own HO and HO27 models and did little to inspire the devotees of S-scale. Since 2002 however, Lionel LLC has been introducing new models of S-scale model trains - and heartening those enthusiasts.

There is a range of organizations and associations to cater for the interests of S-scale model railroaders. A peak body, the National Association of S-Gaugers, which is also associated with the National Model Railroad Association, has a very active membership. Their website which provides information on activities, events, suppliers, and archived reference material, also has links to S-Gauge clubs in 29 US states as well as Canada and the UK. There are even two Yahoo Groups - S-Trains and S-Scale.

S-Scale model trains, and all the appropriately scaled accessories, are now produced by a number of manufacturers and cater for several different segments within that scale - mainly the American Flyer, the standard S-gauge and Proto:64 being the major ones.

After a long and checkered history S-scale model trains are certainly back in vogue again.

To quote Craig O'Connell from his "S" Scale Model Railroading Homepage website:

"S scale is one of the fastest growing scales within model railroading today and is growing in leaps and bounds. Why? Because you need only 10% more space than HO to operate, our products are proliferating in the market place and S scale products run reliably, track better and are easily modeled to prototypical accuracy."

Author: John Vanse is model train enthusiast who has a number of websites with information about model trains.
These sites can be access through the hub site: The Model Train Guide

Success in Sales and in Life Depends on a Great Handshake

Perhaps no other skill tells more about your business experience than shaking hands. If you Youdontknowme going to be in business and interact with others, a good handshake ball jointed dolls essential. Shaking hands does not come as naturally as one might think. Those who meet a lot of people and shake a lot of hands know that this is a skill that needs to be developed to be effective.

When shaking hands you should avoid extremes. "Dead fish" and "china doll" handshakes are just two extremes to avoid. At the other end of the spectrum, you should also avoid the overly ambitious "death grip". In hand shaking as in life, moderation is the key. You should endeavor to be firm but flexible, attempting to mirror the handshake of the person with whom you are engaged.

The Bigbluffer key to a good grip is to be certain that you get web-to-web with the other persons hand. The perfect handshake has the area between your thumb and forefinger touching the area between the other persons thumb and forefinger. Too often an overly anxious person will close their hand on another and just end up the ends of the fingers in their palm. To avoid this, slightly push your fingers away from the palm of the other persons hand until you are web-to-web.

Once you are web-to-web, close your fingers around the heel of the other persons hand. The heel of the hand is the bottom of the hand from where the pinky finger attaches to the base of the hand to the wrist. When closing your hand be certain to equal the grip of the person you are greeting unless they are overly firm or soft. A handshake should only last from one to three seconds. Just release your fingers from the bottom of the hand and your handshake partner will know it is time to let go. Resist the temptation to pull away until both hands have released. This sends a message that you are uncomfortable with the person you have just greeted.

Also consider the position of your hand. Regardless of your height, observe the position of your arm and elbow in relation to the other persons hand. Is your hand on top? Is your elbow elevated and away from your body, creating a downward angle to the other persons hand? This may indicate that you are attempting to dominate the other person. Is your hand Thomasj the other persons hand with your elbow tucked closely to your body? This may indicate that you are insecure. In either case, it may not be you causing the positioning. It may be the other person. Be aware and always attempt to equalize the positioning so that both of you are peers.

Many times we meet people at events where food is served. Make sure your hands are dry and clean. Keep a napkin nearby and use it often. And avoid excessive lotion or antibacterial hand sanitizers. Be sure to apply theses long before your first handshake to provide ample time for the lotion or sanitizer to be absorbed into the skin.

Practice and you will get the hang of it. Having a great handshake says you know how to do business and you are serious. Be professional. Have a great handshake.

Glen Gould is a business growth and networking expert who works with Fortune 100 companies and chambers of commerce to grow their business through effective systems and word of mouth marketing. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer and the author of numerous audio programs and books including Meet Me At Starbucks. The founder of Inspiration Agents, Inc., Glen is a regular contributor to numerous publications including The National Networker and co-hosts The Natural Networker Radio Show. Visit http://www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com for tools to improve your networking effectiveness and http://www.InspirationAgents.com to learn more about Glen Gould.