SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA S-GAUGERS CLUB
SFestWest

S FEST WEST 2023

Saturday, September 9, 2023


The Southern California S-Gaugers Club hosted its fifth triennial* S FEST WEST on Saturday, September 9th, 2023 at the Knott's Berry Farm Hotel. We engaged a special guest speaker for the evening banquet. In addition to the banquet the Fest featured trading, silent and live auctions, sellers/vendors/exhibitors, a clinic on TMCC installation and repair conducted by Ed "Goldin Hands" Goldin, two valuable door prizes, and a commemorative car.


* A year was skipped in the rotation due to COVID lockdowns.

Special Banquet Guest Speaker

Ed Dickens, Jr., railroad rockstar and Senior Manager, Heritage Operations at Union Pacific was the banquet speaker. Dickens is best known for leading the team that restored both the U.P. 4014 "Big Boy" and U.P. 844 "Northern" to operational condition. An exciting speaker and currently the only engineer licensed to drive the Big Boy, his presentation was replete with inside information about the restoration process. This event was a chance to meet and chat with Dickens one-on-one; something that is not possible due to the size of the crowds at his appearances with the Big Boy.

The Banquet Door Prize was a BNSF GP-35 Deluxe locomotive courtesy of American Models.

In addition to the usual items and memorabilia being offered at the live auction, renowned railroad artist John Winfield donated a color print of his Big Boy 4018 in Wyoming painting. Winfield's paintings typically sell for $45.00 on the internet.

Has your collection of S-Gauge collectibles increased to where storage is now a problem? If so, the live auction had a solution for you. Club member and local American Models dealer Augie Svatek provided a commercial-grade S-gauge train box with three removable trays that hold 18 or more cars for storage, transport, or display. These boxes currently sell for more than $60.

S FEST WEST 2023 Commemorative Car (removable load included)

Car Name: 2023 S FEST WEST Union Pacific 52' Gondola

To order the 2023 Commemorative Car click the button below to download the Order Form in PDF format.

2023 Commemorative Car Order Form


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S FEST WEST 2019
Saturday, May 18, 2019

   The Southern California S-Gaugers Club hosted its fourth triennial S FEST WEST which is the West Coast's largest "S" event for American Flyer, Hi-Rail, and S-Scale enthusiasts.
   If you did not attend, here's what you missed: This Fest featured vendors, trading, silent and live auctions, G.E. U25B door prize, commemorative car, and a banquet.
   For the after dinner speaker Knott's actually provided three operating engineers of the park railroad who presented a slide show of the genesis and history of the historic trains purchased by Walter Knott. This was followed by a description of the extensive procedures used to inspect the trains and bring up the boilers early every morning before any passengers are allowed aboard.
   On Sunday, May 19th, registered attendees and SCSG club members were treated to a private tour of the Knott's Berry Farm railroad maintenance roundhouse where the rolling stock is maintained and refurbished. This was followed by a train ride around the park. A very special thanks to the more than 20 Knott's employees who came to work early to make this all possible before the regular opening of the park to the public.
   After the tour club member Herb Balkind hosted an open house of his extensive layout and collection of American Flyer locomotives and cars. The layout features many operating accessories with everything controlled remotely.
   Click here to transfer to the 'News' page to view photos of the event.

S FEST WEST 2019 Morrell Reefer commemorative car by American Models is now available in limited quantities in S Gauge. Previously, the Morrell Reefer was only produced by Gilbert / American Flyer in HO Gauge. S FEST WEST 2019 is the only time this car is being offered in S Gauge. Price is $70.00 and includes shipping. The reefer is being offered in two original road numbers (9843, and 9955 shown above) and may be ordered in pairs.
SCSGC currently has in stock a limited supply of the Morrell Commemorative Car and purchases will be shipped immediately upon receipt of your order, while supplies last.
To purchase one or more cars click the button below to download an order form in PDF format. Print the form, complete it and mail it with your check to the address shown on the form.
S Fest West 2019 Special Drawing Door Prize - G.E. U25B Diesel Locomotive in S Scale.
This is the first S Scale production General Electric Locomotive. Also it was the first large selling GE road switcher. Introduced in 1960 and production continued until 1966 with 476 models sold. Rated at 2500 HP and late U25B at 2750 HP. The American Models' U25B features a new sprung wheel and drive system with "Gription" traction wheels. All versions include a large 5-pole motor with flywheel and heavy die cast frame. Fine "DX" features front & rear "bright" LED directional headlights.
                                       *** The lucky winner was Scotty Stoddard! ***
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S FEST WEST 2016
At S FEST WEST 2016 the club presented the Single Dome SOHIO tank car in S Gauge as the commemorative show car.  Lionel produced only 300 of these cars in HO Gauge. The club has a limited quantity in stock of the Lionel-manufactured S-Gauge version and is available for $70.00 which includes S&H. To purchase, send a check payable to SCSGC to: Southern California S-Gaugers Club c/o Jeff Kruger, 1865 Nottingham Lane, San Dimas, CA 91773.
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            S FEST WEST 2013 
At S FEST WEST 2013 the club presented the Green Bay & Western reefer in S Gauge as the commemorative show car.
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S FEST WEST 2010
Originally made by A.C. Gilbert in HO gauge but never available in S Gauge. Southern California S-Gaugers Club, by special arrangement with Lionel, produced this commemorative Karo Syrup tank car for the club's first S FEST WEST show in 2010.
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