S-Fest History

YEAR	S Fest Car (click for larger image)	Host Club	Historical Information
1976 1st	Photo: Glenn Sarlitto	C.A.S.G , B.S.G.	The first S Fest car was a Custom painted AF hopper. Hosted by the C.A.S.G. How did S Fest get started? Pete [Jugle] and I started Fall-S-Fest after C.A.S.G. hosted the N.A.S.G. Annual Meet in 1975. As part of the Fests, an annual car was made for commemorative purposes...and to pay the bills. --- L. Andrew Jugle Most of the early S Fest cars were shells only. The buyer had to add a chassis, trucks, and couplers to complete the car. --- Art Doty
1977 2nd	Photo from Chuck Porter's collection	C.A.S.G , B.S.G.	The 1977 car was an AF shell from Hobby Surplus Sales custom decorated by Ken Hein. Hosted by the C.A.S.G. Who hosted the first S Fest? The C.A.S.G. hosted first meets, then B.S.G. was added. In early 80's ['86] S.L.S.G. was added and in 90's ['95] St. Louis was added to cycle. --- L. Andrew Jugle
1978 3rd	Photo: Glenn Sarlitto	B.S.G., C.A.S.G	The 1978 car was an AF shell from Hobby Surplus Sales custom decorated as a Milwaukee Road bay window caboose. Hosted by the B.S.G. at the Steeplechase Inn at Pewaukee, WI., Oct. 27, 28, and 29. Where do the cars come from? The Original concept was to repaint common cars (bought or donated) using a design generated by members. Currently, manufactured cars with an overstamp are being used. Hobby and business are two different entities. --- L. Andrew Jugle
1979 4th	Photos from Chuck Porter's collection	C.A.S.G., B.S.G.	In 1979 you had a choice of a custom painted AF gondola from Hobby Surplus Sales or single dome tank car. CARLOADS OF SUPERFUN RAILROADING IS FULL OF THRILLING ACTION AND SPECTACULAR DRAMA - SUPERMAN 1948 The inside of the gondola contains a sticker indicating that it was "Custom Painted and Decaled by Ken Hein" There was a receipt packaged with the tank car indicating that the price was $7.00. The $7.00 charge covered the custom paint and decals. The buyer had to provide the tank car shell to have it decorated. --- Art Doty Hosted by the C.A.S.G. Were other cars available? If you have any information please let Rick Wade know.
1980 5th	Photo: Mark Gaddy	C.A.S.G, B.S.G.	The "car" for this year was a custom painted AF tender shell from Hobby Surplus Sales decorated by Ken Hein. "S" GAUGE IS STILL GROWING Buyers could provide their own locomotive shell to be custom decorated by Ken Hein. --- Art Doty Hosted by the C.A.S.G.
1980 5th	Photo: Mark Gaddy	BSG	In 1980 the B.S.G. hosted the 20th annual N.A.S.G convention in Milwaukee. The convention car was a repainted AF gondola from Hobby Surplus Sales. The inside of this car contains a sticker indicating that it was "Custom Painted and Decaled by Ken Hein". The NASG logo marked 20th Anniversary 1960-1980 with NASG and BSG lettering. Look at this car closely. Instead of the "BSG" abbreviation for Badgerland S Gaugers the designers chose to use "BASG". Was this a joint meet or two separate events? If you have any information please let Rick Wade know.
1981 6th	Photo: Mark Gaddy	C.A.S.G , B.S.G.	Custom painted AF shell 35th YEAR OF AMERICAN FLYER S GAUGE AND STILL GROWING The inside of this car contains a sticker indicating that it was "Custom Painted and Decaled by Ken Hein" Hosted by the C.A.S.G.
1982 7th	Photo from Chuck Porter's collection	C.A.S.G , B.S.G.	The convention "car" was a tender from Hobby Surplus Sales repainted for The Milwaukee Road Buyers could provide their own AF Pacific shell for custom painting and decaling. -- Art Doty Hosted by the C.A.S.G.
1983 8th	Photo: Mark Gaddy	C.A.S.G , B.S.G.	AF flat car from Hobby Surplus Sales The bottom of this car contains a sticker indicating that it was "Custom Painted and Decaled by Ken Hein" --- Mark Gaddy Hosted by the C.A.S.G.
1984 9th	Photo from Chuck Porter's collection	C.A.S.G , B.S.G.	AF Flat from Hobby Surplus Sales custom painted and lettered with Erector and AF stamps on containers. The cars came from Hobby Surplus undecorated. The load was made by John Wickland from a block of wood and lettered with a rubber stamp. --- Art Doty Hosted by the C.A.S.G.
1985 10th	Photo from Chuck Porter's collection	B.S.G., C.A.S.G.	AF Gondola with LCL containers The load looks like it was made from a block of wood and lettered with a rubber stamp. Was this made by club members for the car? Hosted by the B.S.G. Was this car made by AF for the show? The sample shell I have doesn't show signs of being a repaint or of ever having trucks attached. If you have any information please let Rick Wade know.
1986 11th	Photo from Chuck Porter's collection	SLSG, C.A.S.G , B.S.G.	AF Gondola from Hobby Surplus Sales w/coal load The sample shell doesn't show signs of being a repaint or of ever having trucks attached so these shells were probably purchased undecorated. The coal load is a Custom Casting by Don's Depot, Monroe Center, Il. It also was packed with an Ace scale truck conversion kit. Hosted by the SLSG in South Beloit. This was the first S Fest hosted by the SLSG.
1987 12th	Photo from Chuck Porter's collection	C.A.S.G , B.S.G., SLSG	K-Line triple dome tanker Hosted by the C.A.S.G. By this time most of the AF shells from Hobby Surplus Sales had been sold or used. The O-27 cars from K-line were found to be closer to "S" scale then "O". Therefore, it was decided to go ahead and use them. --- Art Doty I might mention that when BSG or CASG, John Wickland or Pete Jugle ,respectively, purchased cars it was usually (I think) about double what was going to be used for one S Fest. That way they got a better price & they also had cars for another upcoming S Fest. --- Art Doty
1988 13th	Photo: Mark Gaddy	B.S.G., C.A.S.G., S.L.S.G	Repaint of an AF shell from Hobby Surplus Sales. S GAUGERS UNITE Hosted by the B.S.G.
1989 14th	Photo from Chuck Porter's collection	B.S.G., C.A.S.G., S.L.S.G	K-Line stock car Hosted by the B.S.G. This was an O-27 shell and chassis from K-Line. We figured it was close enough for "S". --- Art Doty
1990 15th	Photo from Chuck Porter's collection	S.L.S.G, C.A.S.G., B.S.G.	K-Line box car Hosted by the S.L.S.G. in South Beloit commemorating the 10th anniversary of the S.L.S.G. club. This was an O-27 shell and chassis from K-Line. We figured it was close enough for "S". --- Art Doty
1991 16th	Car from Brad Nelson's collection. Photo by Jeff Madden.	B.S.G., C.A.S.G., S.L.S.G.	Heavyweight passenger car Hosted by the B.S.G. Whose idea was the Passenger train? After a run of freight cars and an engine, in the late 80's John Wickland proposed using NEW SHELLS from Instrument Design to do a passenger train. Since this would take a helluva lot of cash, John took a poll and and signed up ADVANCE payments forming a Booster Club that would guarantee whole set would be built. This was when heavyweights were unavailable and AF originals were hovering at $100 each. The cars were offered as THE regular Fall-S-Fest cars. --- L. Andrew Jugle
1992 17th	Car from Brad Nelson's collection. Photo by Jeff Madden.	B.S.G., C.A.S.G., S.L.S.G.	Heavyweight passenger car Hosted by the B.S.G. at the Ramada Inn in Milwaukee. What's the Jugle car? About the third year, Pete passed away and John Wickland named the next car after Pete. Confusion has reigned about Fall-S-Fest cars from people not clear on the concept or history and has been further clouded by the local cars made by sponsoring clubs during their hosting of meet. --- L. Andrew Jugle
1993 18th	Car from Brad Nelson's collection. Photo by Jeff Madden.	S.L.S.G., C.A.S.G., B.S.G.	Heavyweight passenger car Hosted by the S.L.S.G. at the Holiday Inn in S. Beloit, WI.
1994 19th	Car from Brad Nelson's collection. Photo by Jeff Madden.	C.A.S.G., S.L.S.G., B.S.G.	Heavyweight passenger car Hosted by the C.A.S.G. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the C.A.S.G.
1995 20th	Photo: Mark Gaddy Photo from Ed Stetzenbach's collection. Car from Brad Nelson's collection. Photo by Jeff Madden.	AFSGSLA	Heavyweight passenger car Monsanto Chemicals Tank Manufactured by AF/Lionel #48495 The rare orange shell variation was a limited run for awards. A few were offered at the S Fest auction. Hosted by the AFSGSLA at the Holiday Inn in Collinsville, MO.
1996 21st	Car from Brad Nelson's collection. Photo by Jeff Madden.	B.S.G., C.A.S.G., S.L.S.G., AFSGSLA	Heavyweight passenger car Hosted by the B.S.G. at the Holiday Inn in Milwaukee, WI.
1997 22nd	Photo from Chuck Porter's collection Car from Brad Nelson's collection. Photo by Jeff Madden.	S.L.S.G., B.S.G., C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA	Heavyweight passenger car Repaint of AF flat car lettered for Illinois Central Gulf with Farmall H tractor load Hosted by the S.L.S.G. at the Holiday Inn in S. Beloit, WI. The tractors were produced by Ertl. There were 3 or 4 different tractor loads available. 1997 Car was a repaint of AF flatcar painted and lettered by Downs Mfg. They were modified with Ace trucks and couplers, special brake wheel, and special chocks for tractors. Farmall H was just one of the 4 loads.
1998 23rd		C.A.S.G., S.L.S.G., B.S.G., AFSGSLA	American Hi-Rail shell to fit Gilbert Flyer Alco frame. Painted in the CNW colors Hosted by the C.A.S.G. at the Holiday Inn in Matteson, IL.
1999 24th	Photo: Mark Gaddy	AFSGSLA	Monsanto Chemicals Hopper Manufactured by AF/Lionel #48215 Hosted by the AFSGSLA at the Holiday Inn in St. Louis, MO.
2000 25th	Photo: Mac McGrath	B.S.G., C.A.S.G., S.L.S.G., AFSGSLA	Milwaukee Road Wooden Sided Reefer Manufactured by Crown Models #25251, 25252, 25253, 25254, 25255, 25256, and 25257 Hosted by the B.S.G. at the Waukesha County Expo Center in Waukesha, WI. October 27-29, 2000. Celebration of the Silver Anniversary of the Fall S Fest and 25 years of the Badgerland S Gaugers.
2001 26th		S.L.S.G., B.S.G., C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA	CGW boxcar manufactured by S-Helper Service Hosted by the S.L.S.G at the Holiday Inn of Greater Beloit Wisconsin.
2002 27th		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	Hosted by the Chicagoland Association of S Gaugers Oct 11-13, 2002 A few Northern refrigerator cars still remaining. If interested click here
2003 28th	Courtesy of: Gary H. Brandenburger, D.Sc	C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	The CN flatcar and the NW trailer apart in the styrofoam holder in which they were shipped. This view also shows the included scale wheels that may be substituted for the Flyer- compatible wheels on the car when shipped. Hosted by AFSGSLA in St Louis
2004 29th		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	Milwaukee Road Blue Ice Reefer Hosted by the Badgerland S-Gaugers on October 29, 30, & 31st A few cars still remaining. If interested click here
2005 30th		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	Union Pacific "Piggyback" Flat Car with Trailer Loads # 2530 Hosted by the S.L.S.G 2005 Car was a repaint of AF flatcar painted and lettered by Doug Peck. Doug also supplied and lettered the trailers to commemorate the opening of Union Pacific’s Global III Intermodal Hub in Rochelle, Illinois. It was hosted by SLSG at the Holiday Inn, Beloit, WI.
2006 31st		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	2006 Box Car 2006 S-Fest semi-trailer trucks made by Tonkin. 1/64 scale die cast. Mack CJ Coe tractor, with bull nose trailer, with S-Fest-logo. A few semi trucks still remaining. If interested click here Hosted by Chicagoland S-gaugers
2007 32nd		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	Car #1: A Union Pacific Railroad “Generator Car,” produced by Lionel, L.L.C. as American Flyer Stock No. 6-48261 Car #2: An MKT “Katy” Railroad TOFC Flatcar with a Campbell Express Trailer, produced in the USA by American Models Hosted by AFSGSLA in St. Louis on November 2 thru 4, 2007, at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel
2008 33rd		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	2008 S-Fest car is a representation of Weber Beer car from the Weber Brewery out of Waukesha WI. Hosted by BSG in at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Convention Center on November 14-16, 2008
2009 34th		S.L.S.G. C.A.S.G., B.S.G. AFSGSLA ,	2009 S-Fest car is a representation of an authentic 40' Rebuilt Steel Boxcar from Chicago - Rock Island - and Pacific by S-Helper Service Hosted by SLSG in at the Clocktower Inn Rockford IL on November 6-8, 2009
2010 35th		CASG SLSG, AFSGSLA BSG	"Around Not Through Chicago" was the slogan for the 2010 event. One with be the all green car with orange lettering and the other will be the orange over green car with the opposite color lettering. Both carry the Chicago’s Outer Belt herald and reference Elgin , Joliet and Eastern Railway Hosted by CASG Oct 22-23, 2010 at Tinley Park IL
2011 36th		CASG SLSG, AFSGSLA BSG	"IT'S JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT...A FAMILY AFFAIR!" was the slogan for the 2011 hosted by AFSGLA at St Louis airport Marriot Hotel on October 28th, 29th & 30th. Chicago & North Western "Safety & Generator Car" and the CB&Q Railroad TOFC Flatcar with Burlington Transportation Company trailer were the cars available for the event
2012 37th		CASG SLSG, AFSGSLA BSG	SOO LINE IN WISCONSIN was the theme for 2012 in memory of Chuck Porter who modeled the line and passed away in 2011. Hosted by the Badgerland S-Gaugers for 2012 the meet was held in Waukesha (Pewaukee) on November 3,4, & 5th of 2012 at the Milwaukee Marriott West Convention Center and Hotel. SOO Line gondola and loads were the commemorative cars available for this event.
2013 38th		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	S-fest 2013 is held in Janesville and hosted by State Line S Gaugers. The location Holiday Inn Express. The 2013 Fall S Fest car is an American Flyer Type Car Produced in 3 prototypic colors by Pikesville Models.
2014 39th		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.
2015 40th		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	S-Fest 2015 was held in the Saint Louis Doubletree Westport Hotel and the Theme was "Just For The Fun of It...A Family Affair". The cars were manufactured by Lionel. Termed as "The Monsanto tank car that AC Gilbert might have produced".
2016 41st		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	S-fest 2016 was held in Oconomowoc WI and hosted by Badgerland S Gaugers. The Location is Olympia Resort and Conference Center
2017 42nd		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	2017 S Fest 2017 was held by SLSG at the Holiday Inn Express, Janesville, WI. 2017 car was a Burlington Reefer made by American Models. The car came in 3 prototypic variations. (Note-National Car Company was a Burlington owned subsidiary and made 765 meat reefers for Burlington. Hence the M.N.X. marking)
2018 43rd		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	The Chicagoland Association of S Gaugers, Inc. hosted the 2018 Fall S Fest
2019 44th		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	S-Fest 2019 was hosted by the St. Louis club, better known as the AFSGSLA. It was held at the Double Tree Hotel in Westport Missouri (St. Louis) on November 2 and 3.
2020- 2021 45th		C.A.S.G., AFSGSLA , B.S.G., S.L.S.G.	S-Fest 2020 was postponed to 2021 due to Covid Pandemic for safety reasons. Location is at Four Points By Sheraton in Milwaukee and hosed by BSG
2022	Show Cancelled
2023			You are invited to join the Chicagoland Association of S Gaugers for the Fall S Fest 2023. This will be an exciting weekend of S gauge, 1:64 scale model railroading! Event to be held at: Georgio's Banquets and Quality Inn and Suites . Located at 8800 West 159th Street, Orland Park , Illinois 60462

A History of S Fest Through The Cars