Embedded Files
Bill and Craig O'Connell taken by club member Norm Rieger at Charlie Bettinger's house.
Bill Krause
Bill Krause
This page is dedicated in memory of Bill Krause, the founder of the Connecticut S Gaugers.
Bill and Craig O'Connell at Craig's home at a club meeting in May of 1995.
Bill is pictured here at Craig O'Connell's layout speaking with club member Joe Voerman. At left is fellow club member Herb Wasserman with an unidentified individual. Photo by Norm Rieger, May 1995.
Here's Bill with Norm Rieger, the photographer in the photos above. Craig O'Connell took this photo at a club meeting at Charlie Bettinger's on July 20, 1996.
Here's a prize winning passenger car that was scratchbuilt by Bill. It bears his freelanced "Lester Central Railroad" lettering and color scheme.
The case was created by club member Bob LaRiviere for the Krause family.
Photo by Craig O'Connell
The four photos below were taken by Pieter Roos. They show the various modules that Bill Krause had built. Bill, along with club member Don DeWitt, was responsible for writing the NASG S-MOD Standards which allow any one module to be matched up with another. Note the handpainted backdrops reflecting the city of Pittsburgh, PA where Bill once lived.
The four photos below were taken by Pieter Roos. They show the various modules that Bill Krause had built. Bill, along with club member Don DeWitt, was responsible for writing the NASG S-MOD Standards which allow any one module to be matched up with another. Note the handpainted backdrops reflecting the city of Pittsburgh, PA where Bill once lived.
LAST RUN - BILL KRAUSE
LAST RUN - BILL KRAUSE
"S" LOSES A PIONEER
"S" LOSES A PIONEER
Bill Krause And The Connecticut S Gaugers
Bill Krause And The Connecticut S Gaugers
by Craig S. O'Connell
by Craig S. O'Connell
from the NASG "Dispatch", December 1999
from the NASG "Dispatch", December 1999
In 1981 Bill Krause created the Connecticut S Gaugers. By placing ads in S gauge magazines and by reaching out to fellow modelers, Bill created a strong and diverse club that grew from 4 to 50 strong. But the story begins before that.
In 1981 Bill Krause created the Connecticut S Gaugers. By placing ads in S gauge magazines and by reaching out to fellow modelers, Bill created a strong and diverse club that grew from 4 to 50 strong. But the story begins before that.
In the early 1960s Bill Krause, like so many other S gaugers, was an American Flyer enthusiast. At that time the A.C. Gilbert Co., the New Haven based manufacturer of AF trains, was on the decline and many S gaugers were looking for other options and ways to maintain and expand their S gauge empires. In 1964, in the days before the NASG had much presence, Bill placed what was known as a "booster ad" in the S Gauge Herald, a resourceful magazine edited by Frank Titman, that often contained articles on how modelers could add more detail and realism to their Flyer equipment. Booster ads networked folks from around the country who would then communicate and share their ideas with one another in what were known as "circuit letters."
In the early 1960s Bill Krause, like so many other S gaugers, was an American Flyer enthusiast. At that time the A.C. Gilbert Co., the New Haven based manufacturer of AF trains, was on the decline and many S gaugers were looking for other options and ways to maintain and expand their S gauge empires. In 1964, in the days before the NASG had much presence, Bill placed what was known as a "booster ad" in the S Gauge Herald, a resourceful magazine edited by Frank Titman, that often contained articles on how modelers could add more detail and realism to their Flyer equipment. Booster ads networked folks from around the country who would then communicate and share their ideas with one another in what were known as "circuit letters."
A circuit letter was appropriately titled and might take the following form: one person on a circuit of perhaps a dozen people would write up an idea about how to modify let's say an AF depressed center flat car. That person would send the letter onto the next person who might add comments while forwarding it to the next in the chain until the letters completed the circuit. Bill Krause belonged to no less that four circuits at the time.
A circuit letter was appropriately titled and might take the following form: one person on a circuit of perhaps a dozen people would write up an idea about how to modify let's say an AF depressed center flat car. That person would send the letter onto the next person who might add comments while forwarding it to the next in the chain until the letters completed the circuit. Bill Krause belonged to no less that four circuits at the time.
Responding to Bill's booster ad was a highly skilled machinist named Joe Scales, who was living at the time in nearby Monroe, CT. Joe belonged to the Bridgeport Society of Model Engineers, a club of primarily HOers, but he was modeling in S finescale. Joe had also built one of the early line of scale locomotive kits on the market at the time, a Mogul by Rex, but his primary initiative was to create a Berkshire. It was at this point that Bill Krause met Joe Scales. Joe was to have an enormous influence on Bill.
Responding to Bill's booster ad was a highly skilled machinist named Joe Scales, who was living at the time in nearby Monroe, CT. Joe belonged to the Bridgeport Society of Model Engineers, a club of primarily HOers, but he was modeling in S finescale. Joe had also built one of the early line of scale locomotive kits on the market at the time, a Mogul by Rex, but his primary initiative was to create a Berkshire. It was at this point that Bill Krause met Joe Scales. Joe was to have an enormous influence on Bill.
Realizing that his American Flyer trains were incompatible with Joe Scales's layout, Bill set out to create a new dogbone layout with closed frog turnouts that would accommodate scale and Flyer equipment. This one layouy set the stage for some of the basic tenets of operation that would eventually become the core of the Connecticut S Gaugers' modular layouts with the capacity to run everything ever made in S gauge.
Realizing that his American Flyer trains were incompatible with Joe Scales's layout, Bill set out to create a new dogbone layout with closed frog turnouts that would accommodate scale and Flyer equipment. This one layouy set the stage for some of the basic tenets of operation that would eventually become the core of the Connecticut S Gaugers' modular layouts with the capacity to run everything ever made in S gauge.
By 1981 Joe Scales had returned to his childhood home in Virginia, and Bill Krause embarked on a plan to put these principles of operation into action by bringing a modular club layout to area train shows for the enjoyment of the public. Among the earliest members were some familiar names including our current CSG Treasurer Dave Pool and Don Ross, a student of the Joe Scales Berkshire project, who had met Bill 15 years earlier.
By 1981 Joe Scales had returned to his childhood home in Virginia, and Bill Krause embarked on a plan to put these principles of operation into action by bringing a modular club layout to area train shows for the enjoyment of the public. Among the earliest members were some familiar names including our current CSG Treasurer Dave Pool and Don Ross, a student of the Joe Scales Berkshire project, who had met Bill 15 years earlier.
Dave Pool remembers the club's first formal meeting at Bill's house in the spring of 1983. "Almost from the beginning Bill was talking about building his own home modular layout but was saddled with the dogbone layout he had from years before," recalls Don Ross. As things happen, around '85-'86, a newcomer to the club named Bill Fuhrman offered to buy the layout from Bill, thus providing him with the opportunity to go modular, and allow him to create a layout that could be removed table by table and rebuilt anywhere in any other configuration.
Dave Pool remembers the club's first formal meeting at Bill's house in the spring of 1983. "Almost from the beginning Bill was talking about building his own home modular layout but was saddled with the dogbone layout he had from years before," recalls Don Ross. As things happen, around '85-'86, a newcomer to the club named Bill Fuhrman offered to buy the layout from Bill, thus providing him with the opportunity to go modular, and allow him to create a layout that could be removed table by table and rebuilt anywhere in any other configuration.
Modular layouts owned by many individuals, unlike sectional portable ones, Bill reasoned, could be pieced together in any fashion provided that the members all followed the same set of rules. Along with Don DeWitt, Bill engaged in the task of creating a set of rules for modular operation which became known as the NASG S-MOD Standards, thus allowing any S gauger around the country to mate his module with one belonging to another.
Modular layouts owned by many individuals, unlike sectional portable ones, Bill reasoned, could be pieced together in any fashion provided that the members all followed the same set of rules. Along with Don DeWitt, Bill engaged in the task of creating a set of rules for modular operation which became known as the NASG S-MOD Standards, thus allowing any S gauger around the country to mate his module with one belonging to another.
Thus began the CT S Gaugers public presentations of its traveling layout with members building individual modules and matching them up at area train shows, a tradition that this club has continued ever since. Pete Prizzi first became acquainted with the club at such a show in Guilford in the late '80s. It was Pete's first contact with modular layouts. Now an important contributor with modules of his own, Pete recalls, "Bill was always there to greet me with a warm handshake. He was that kind of guy who just made you feel welcome." In the years to come the Connecticut S Gaugers became regular participants at train shows around the state. Bill used these opportunities to appeal to families and children, and soon the CSG layout became a drawing card. "Showtimes" were set aside to give children a hand at the throttle while Bill delightfully recounted the story of "The Little Engine That Could." As Larry Hally has pointed out, this is what makes the CT S Gaugers so special.
Thus began the CT S Gaugers public presentations of its traveling layout with members building individual modules and matching them up at area train shows, a tradition that this club has continued ever since. Pete Prizzi first became acquainted with the club at such a show in Guilford in the late '80s. It was Pete's first contact with modular layouts. Now an important contributor with modules of his own, Pete recalls, "Bill was always there to greet me with a warm handshake. He was that kind of guy who just made you feel welcome." In the years to come the Connecticut S Gaugers became regular participants at train shows around the state. Bill used these opportunities to appeal to families and children, and soon the CSG layout became a drawing card. "Showtimes" were set aside to give children a hand at the throttle while Bill delightfully recounted the story of "The Little Engine That Could." As Larry Hally has pointed out, this is what makes the CT S Gaugers so special.
In 1990 Bill was honored by the NASG, receiving the coveted Bernie Thomas Award for his long and dedicated service to the S Gauge community. It was an award well deserved. As Bill Fuhrman recently reflected, "I personally have never met nor do I know anyone who had anything bad to say about Bill. He was truly 'loved' by all the members of the CT S Gaugers. If ever there was an ambassador for "S" gauge and model railroading in general, Bill was that person."
In 1990 Bill was honored by the NASG, receiving the coveted Bernie Thomas Award for his long and dedicated service to the S Gauge community. It was an award well deserved. As Bill Fuhrman recently reflected, "I personally have never met nor do I know anyone who had anything bad to say about Bill. He was truly 'loved' by all the members of the CT S Gaugers. If ever there was an ambassador for "S" gauge and model railroading in general, Bill was that person."
And now, as difficult as it is to believe, Bill Krause is gone. His legacy, however, is strong and enduring. The train shows continue, our club modules are on display and the kids are still at the throttle operating our trains - S gauge trains! We learned a great deal from Bill and his Lester Central Railroad. He seemed to know everything there was to know about model railroad operations without ever a hint of pretension or superiority. He taught us about everything from trackwork to the electrical and even the soldering. Many of us are far better model railroaders today than we were years ago before our introduction to Bill Krause. But aside from all the technical knowledge there were the intangibles - the warmth, camaraderie, selfless dedication and sincerity. These are what truly made Bill Krause a giant among men. "Everyone looked up to Bill, but he never looked down on anyone," said Norm Rieger. "Bill always made you feel like your questions were important."
And now, as difficult as it is to believe, Bill Krause is gone. His legacy, however, is strong and enduring. The train shows continue, our club modules are on display and the kids are still at the throttle operating our trains - S gauge trains! We learned a great deal from Bill and his Lester Central Railroad. He seemed to know everything there was to know about model railroad operations without ever a hint of pretension or superiority. He taught us about everything from trackwork to the electrical and even the soldering. Many of us are far better model railroaders today than we were years ago before our introduction to Bill Krause. But aside from all the technical knowledge there were the intangibles - the warmth, camaraderie, selfless dedication and sincerity. These are what truly made Bill Krause a giant among men. "Everyone looked up to Bill, but he never looked down on anyone," said Norm Rieger. "Bill always made you feel like your questions were important."
Today I turn on my computer to read the latest thoughts from many an S gauger on the internet, and I am distressed by the rancor and acrimony that persists within our minority gauge. There are some scale folks turning up their noses at the Flyer guys. There are some Flyer adherents zealously impugning the work of the "rivet counters." It is distressing. We can all take comfort, however, in knowing that the CT S Gaugers have never been a safe haven for this sort of bitter divisiveness. Bill Krause would not have it that way. We are a club that encourages tolerance. The legacy of Bill Krause was that our modular layout should incorporate all aspects of S gauge model railroading where the Flyer tinplate trains run side by side with finescale highly detailed models - where nostalgia and modern craftsmanship flourish together - where the novice and the expert work hand in hand.
Today I turn on my computer to read the latest thoughts from many an S gauger on the internet, and I am distressed by the rancor and acrimony that persists within our minority gauge. There are some scale folks turning up their noses at the Flyer guys. There are some Flyer adherents zealously impugning the work of the "rivet counters." It is distressing. We can all take comfort, however, in knowing that the CT S Gaugers have never been a safe haven for this sort of bitter divisiveness. Bill Krause would not have it that way. We are a club that encourages tolerance. The legacy of Bill Krause was that our modular layout should incorporate all aspects of S gauge model railroading where the Flyer tinplate trains run side by side with finescale highly detailed models - where nostalgia and modern craftsmanship flourish together - where the novice and the expert work hand in hand.
As I look back on my fist communication with Bill dated March 7, 1990, there is a handwritten letter in which he describes this club..."We have no experts," he wrote, "...just some that have made many mistakes that others shouldn't make." Amen.
As I look back on my fist communication with Bill dated March 7, 1990, there is a handwritten letter in which he describes this club..."We have no experts," he wrote, "...just some that have made many mistakes that others shouldn't make." Amen.
To Joe Scales whom I had the pleasure of meeting just once, my apologies for any inaccuracies. To Don Ross who provided much of the background for this report, my heartfelt thanks, for this piece could not have been written without you. And to Bill Krause - thank you for being our friend, our leader and our mentor.
To Joe Scales whom I had the pleasure of meeting just once, my apologies for any inaccuracies. To Don Ross who provided much of the background for this report, my heartfelt thanks, for this piece could not have been written without you. And to Bill Krause - thank you for being our friend, our leader and our mentor.
--Craig S. O'Connell, November, 1999.
--Craig S. O'Connell, November, 1999.
LETTER FROM BILL KRAUSE TO AL MAROTTA, JR.
LETTER FROM BILL KRAUSE TO AL MAROTTA, JR.
February 18, 1993
February 18, 1993
Dear Al,
Dear Al,
I guess you thought that I had forgotten all about those questions you raised in your Jan. 15th letter. Well, things have been moving along so fast since the first of the year that I'm just getting around to answering all the letters I have received since New Years.
I guess you thought that I had forgotten all about those questions you raised in your Jan. 15th letter. Well, things have been moving along so fast since the first of the year that I'm just getting around to answering all the letters I have received since New Years.
First off, thanks for the $5 as you make our job much easier to deal with the clerical details. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough space, or time, to get into all the S Helper Service car problems in the latest newsletter. I know you have it by now. We had a big discussion of these at my house, on Jan. 23. Yes, the cars are too light but not as much as some would believe. As stated in my Jan. letter, NMRA has a recommended practice. However, as I again emphasized at the meeting at my home: Your S Helper car should weigh about the same as the other cars you have in your train--everything is relative. That's the most important thing!
First off, thanks for the $5 as you make our job much easier to deal with the clerical details. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough space, or time, to get into all the S Helper Service car problems in the latest newsletter. I know you have it by now. We had a big discussion of these at my house, on Jan. 23. Yes, the cars are too light but not as much as some would believe. As stated in my Jan. letter, NMRA has a recommended practice. However, as I again emphasized at the meeting at my home: Your S Helper car should weigh about the same as the other cars you have in your train--everything is relative. That's the most important thing!
Now about those Hi-rail couplers. I think you just have to decide if the knuckles themselves are dropping or not. One indication would be if the coupler shank is binding downward, or not. If they are, then you might try your hairdryer. If they are not, then I would decide how to adjust the uncoupling pad so that it clears rail tops by 1/32". That's what new NASG Hi-rail Coupler/Clearance gauge will call for. We discussed all this at the meeting at great length. Sorry you missed that one!
Now about those Hi-rail couplers. I think you just have to decide if the knuckles themselves are dropping or not. One indication would be if the coupler shank is binding downward, or not. If they are, then you might try your hairdryer. If they are not, then I would decide how to adjust the uncoupling pad so that it clears rail tops by 1/32". That's what new NASG Hi-rail Coupler/Clearance gauge will call for. We discussed all this at the meeting at great length. Sorry you missed that one!
Some other items about S Helper cars:
Some other items about S Helper cars:
1. Hi-rail, because deeper wheel flanges should track better than Scale ones even in their light weight condition. (Remember what I said above.)
1. Hi-rail, because deeper wheel flanges should track better than Scale ones even in their light weight condition. (Remember what I said above.)
2. The Hi-rail couplers are a good design, except they should have been made to clear the rail tops. Unfortunately Ron Bashista didn't appreciate this point until everybody started complaining. Here's
2. The Hi-rail couplers are a good design, except they should have been made to clear the rail tops. Unfortunately Ron Bashista didn't appreciate this point until everybody started complaining. Here's
another letter that I should write to Ron and NASG for the good of "S" Gauge.
another letter that I should write to Ron and NASG for the good of "S" Gauge.
3. Generally, it is best to keep the kingpin of one truck fairly tight and the other a bit looser.
3. Generally, it is best to keep the kingpin of one truck fairly tight and the other a bit looser.
What you raise in your letter seems to be a good subject for a newsletter. Big problem is it all takes time. Oh yes, I agree that a lighting kit will come in the market. Dallee already has it. Problem, the spring brass wires (brushes) tend to twist the axles and truck frame a bit, thus ruining the tracking qualities.
What you raise in your letter seems to be a good subject for a newsletter. Big problem is it all takes time. Oh yes, I agree that a lighting kit will come in the market. Dallee already has it. Problem, the spring brass wires (brushes) tend to twist the axles and truck frame a bit, thus ruining the tracking qualities.
I fully expect these cars will attract many new products on the market, just as they do in the HO market. I was ready to order Dallee lighting scheme for mine - until I saw what effect the contacts (on the axles) had on the S Helper wheels and trucks. Probably a contact device that puts equal pressure on both sides of each axle etc..
I fully expect these cars will attract many new products on the market, just as they do in the HO market. I was ready to order Dallee lighting scheme for mine - until I saw what effect the contacts (on the axles) had on the S Helper wheels and trucks. Probably a contact device that puts equal pressure on both sides of each axle etc..
No to your question on HO trains. On second thought, realizing that you are not asking about our club, I would say maybe but at a price that is very attractive. That's the problem many of us have. It depends on how much, or how little you are willing to part with. I'm trying to dispose of all my Model Railroaders, Trains and Model Craftsman magazines. At my age, I realize I am never going to re-read them even if I am retired. I'm just too busy.
No to your question on HO trains. On second thought, realizing that you are not asking about our club, I would say maybe but at a price that is very attractive. That's the problem many of us have. It depends on how much, or how little you are willing to part with. I'm trying to dispose of all my Model Railroaders, Trains and Model Craftsman magazines. At my age, I realize I am never going to re-read them even if I am retired. I'm just too busy.
Finally, I do want sometime in the near future to receive a drawing of the North Jersey, Hudson and Hopewell RR track plan. Please note my comments in the last letter. Based on what I said, I would like to know more about where your pike travels. Does it connect with other big roads? As Hank states: Let's get a map of the USA and plot out all the mythical places our roads touch. Based on what I already know, the states of Connecticut, Mass, NY and NJ have too much "S" trackage to interchange. I still think it would be an interesting project for us to pursue sometime.
Finally, I do want sometime in the near future to receive a drawing of the North Jersey, Hudson and Hopewell RR track plan. Please note my comments in the last letter. Based on what I said, I would like to know more about where your pike travels. Does it connect with other big roads? As Hank states: Let's get a map of the USA and plot out all the mythical places our roads touch. Based on what I already know, the states of Connecticut, Mass, NY and NJ have too much "S" trackage to interchange. I still think it would be an interesting project for us to pursue sometime.
On that barrel loader, I had to refer to one of my old AF catalogs to be sure what they called it--for this last newsletter. I almost flipped when I found they were selling it for $14.95 in the late fifties. Yes, I think it is one of the best action toys. Moreover, it seems to hold up well after all these years.
On that barrel loader, I had to refer to one of my old AF catalogs to be sure what they called it--for this last newsletter. I almost flipped when I found they were selling it for $14.95 in the late fifties. Yes, I think it is one of the best action toys. Moreover, it seems to hold up well after all these years.
Well, that's it. If there is anything that I failed to answer please feel free to call me.
Well, that's it. If there is anything that I failed to answer please feel free to call me.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Bill
Bill
P.S. On adjusting the uncoupling pads please note, in my last newsletter, that the Bristol member uses the Kadee's new tool. A needle nose plier can do about the same.
P.S. On adjusting the uncoupling pads please note, in my last newsletter, that the Bristol member uses the Kadee's new tool. A needle nose plier can do about the same.
Building A Corner Module by Bill Krause
Building A Corner Module by Bill Krause
Corner Module Enhancements by Bill Krause
Corner Module Enhancements by Bill Krause
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