Authored by noted hobby historian Keith Wills, who wrote the “Collector’s Consist” column in Railroad Model Craftsman for a remarkable 32 years, American O Scale 1927-1965 tells the story of O scale from its tinplate roots through its divergence into scale trains.

Printed on high-quality coated paper, this perfect-bound softcover publication chronicles O scale from the early pioneers like Alexander, Icken and Cronkite through the more familiar Lobaugh, All-Nation, Kemtron and Central Locomotive Works, to the most obscure like Acme, Hines, Hawk and many more!

This comprehensive volume follows all the O scale manufacturers, their locomotives and rolling stock from the beginning of scale quarter-inch trains in the late 1920s through the decline of the 1960s. Included is a chapter on the Wm. K Walthers O Scale catalogs; a vital resource for the O scale modeler from the beginnings of the Great Depression through the present.

With the resurgence of O scale and its continued popularity, no current O scale modeler, or any modeler with an interest in hobby history will want to miss this inclusive new book. Profusely illustrated with vintage catalog pages, magazine ads and model photos.

O scale standard and narrow gauge modeling continues to be the scale of choice for thousands of US and Canadian modelers and American O Scale 1927-1965 traces the history of both familiar and long-forgotten O scale model lines.

8.5 x 11 Softcover, 64 Pages

By Keith Wills

Contents:

Chapter 1: 1927-1941, The Heady Pioneer Years

Chapter 2: The Beginning of Dynamic Growth

Chapter 3: 1946 - 1950: Early Postwar Years: Renewed Energy

Chapter 4: 1950-1965: The Declining Years

Chapter 5: 1927-1941: Early Rolling Stock

Chapter 6: 1950-1965: Postwar Rolling Stock

Chapter 7: Electric Traction

Chapter 8: Post 1965 Walthers O Scale Catalogs