Useful Links

Here are some links to other sites that you may find useful.  I have done business with a few of these, but not all. 

Please be patient as I construct this page and try to make it as helpful as possible to you.  Obviously, it started out as a simple list, but I wasn't happy with it that way.

Places to get lots of information and ideas, see other peoples' layouts, etc.

     trainweb.org     Comprehensive is the word that comes to mind.  Whatever you're looking
                                       for, start here.
     trainweb FAQs    Frequently Asked Questions about S Gauge and American Flyer
     S-Scale Model Railroading    A part of the trainweb site, but this is an award-
                                        winning site in its own right. You've got to see this one!  American
                                        Flyer is only one section of this great site.
     S-Scale.org        Host of the S-Ring and lots of galleries, including mine.  Also, a great links page.
     Tinplate FAQs            Frequently Asked Questions about tinplate model railroading in general.
                                       It applies to all gauges, not only S.  Especially good tips on buying.
     Portlines Hobby Supplies    Wiring diagrams and lots of how-to tips, and a good place to buy stuff
     Tom Jarcho's Folded Figure Eights     Some terrific track layouts based on stretching and
                                       folding the classic Figure Eight.
     The Penn Western     Not only a fabulous layout, but includes an Operations Guide
                                       that models the operation of a real railroad.
     Carl's S Gauge Empire     One of my favorite layouts, plus a lot of great hints and tips.

Places to buy trains and things

      americanflyertrains.com
      Portlines Hobby Supplies   
      SnS Trains     
     American Models
      Lionel Trains     Recent catalogs, including their American Flyer line
      classicamericanflyertrains.com   
      Marty's Trains   
      AFSTrains - The Train Collector   
      Nicks Trains   
      The DAKOTApaul Gallery  
      trainz.com   
      classictrains.com   
       Smoky Mountain Model Works     highly detailed, prototypically accurate S scale craftsman kits

Parts Suppliers

     Portlines Hobby Supplies   
      SnS Trains     
     Triple-S Supplies
     Guru Brands   
     RFG (R.F. Giardina)
     trainweb.org   
     Hobbysurplus.com   
     Frenchs Trains   
    
Landscaping, Accessories, and Other Stuff

      Woodland Scenics - landscaping materials and information
      TrainMinder - the software I use to inventory my trains for insurance
      Berkshire Junction - streetlights, crossing signals, turntable, ...  
     
Clubs, Associations, and Other Organizations

      National Association of S Gaugers   
      The Train Collectors Association   
      San Diego S-Gaugers  
      All-Gauge Toy Train Association  
      Modeling Guide   
      All Aboard Sets Club  
      San Diego Model Railroad Museum  
     
Places To Sell Your Trains

If it's American Flyer, why go elsewhere?  Email me theupstairstrain@gmail.com.  But if I'm not interested, I'll send you to one of the following:

      trainz.com   
      americanflyertrains.com   

If you or your friends have some American Flyer trains and would like them to go to a nice home where they'll be loved and cared for, this is the place!  Email me: theupstairstrain@gmail.com.

Now show me:                                                                                                                                    
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