I would never tell you how wrong you are.
Illustration courtesy of Kalmnach Publishing
S scale (sometimes called S gauge) is modeling in 3/16th to the foot or a proportion of 1:64 to the real full size model.
The earliest recorded 1/64th models were in England before the turn of the century, a larger scale common at the time known as #1 (1/32nd) became too large for some modellers, so they decided to make locomotives and rolling stock 1/2 this model size. They called it H-1 which is one half of #1 scale trains. The designation "S" was not in use until "CD Models" marketed S scale train sets in the 1930s, naming it "American Flyer Trains." However, they ran on 3 rail track similar to Lionel trains. A.C. Gilbert bought and expanded the line to include die cast steam locomotives and tin sided rolling stock, also running on 3 rail track. Following World War II, the AC Gilbert Co. made and mass marketed American Flyer S scale trains with 2 rail S gauge track.
These trains (High Rail most often 3 rail) are still popular amongst a dedicated group of collectors. In addition there is a group of scratch builders who run exact scale S Scale trains, many of which are made of brass. These people scratch build pretty much everything and have a aura as the rivet counters of all rivet counters. Most RTRs do not meet their standards without additional modifications and detailing.
