LGB Trains Make Perfect G Scale Model Trains
G scale model trains are part of a group of scaled trains that belong to what’s known as “Large Scale Model Railroad Trains” which by the way includes more than just G scale trains. There’s an understandable and striking difference in trains when you compare a G scale model train to an HO scale model train and that obvious difference is the size of the two scales, the G scale being larger than HO scale. In the United States you’ll find that the G scale model trains are the largest scales available model train for purchase. It’s been credited to the German company of Lehman Gross Bahn translated to English “Lehmann Big Train”, known as “LGB” to be the first to manufacture G Scale Model Trains and accessories. Lehman Gross Bahn started producing trains around 1881 and not too soon afterward started “LGB of America”.
Scale is the universal term and method of describing universal sizes of model trains and G Scale Trains have a ratio of 1:22. The ratio is a comparative method of describing train sizes, for instance, a G scale model train is one twenty-second of the actual size of a real life modern day train. After some research and becoming familiar with model trains you’ll discover that the G scale and ratio is the largest of model trains available because all the other scales are lower than the G scale. The O scale train fits in the larger train category having a ratio of 1:48 the O scale trains are approximately one half the size of a G scale train. Sometimes it’s helpful to use actual numbers for the sizes to the 2 different scales to compare them and get a visual idea of how these sizes compare.
1. Let’s say you have a G scale model train with a height of 6 inches and 26 3/4 inches long.
2. That same size train in an O scale would be about 3 & 1/2 inches tall and around 16 inches in length.
Garden Railroading is a relatively new term and refers primarily to G scale model trains and because of their toughness LGB trains have been used outside in the rain, snow, hot or cold and really opens up doors when it comes to track layouts. There’s a German word “groz” which is assumed to come from the “G” in the G scale and interestingly the translation from German translates to “Big”….thus the large scale trains. All of the LGB and other large scale trains need a number 1 gauge track to run on. Remember that #1 gauge track is identified by have a distance of 45 millimeters in-between the rails of the railroad tracks.
If you want to run your train outdoors, then you will need something that is very durable and LGB trains along with other G scale model trains will meet your specifications perfectly for outdoor trains. An important fact is that the tracks are made of brass. Brass is the perfect substance for running these trains because it conducts electricity very well and needs very little maintenance. Since I’ve owned several LGB mode train setups, I found the only thing needed to keep the train running was keeping the track clean with a soft dry cloth every now and then, occasionally you might need to rub it down with some steel wool. While the majority of G scale owners set up their trains indoors because of the ease of setting up layouts, you’ll find yourself dreaming of how you might run the train around the house or the big tree outside…..don’t forget to ask you wife before you cut the hole in your house!
Aristocraft and Bachmann are the best brands when considering purchasing G scale trains and accessories. You’ll get your money’s worth because these trains are so durable, strong enough to run outside or to start your kids in the model train hobby. Young children always get such a kick from model trains and your investment will pay off handsomely if you start the young ones off with a G scale train set, don’t be surprised to see it chugging around 20or 30 years latter. I started by young boys off with a LGB set, every Christmas they set the train up and cars would carry a pet bird, lizard, turtle or even a small kitten and although that old train has some bruises and bumps, 27 years latter it works like a champ bringing back many irreplaceable memories. The nice part about G scale trains is that it is big enough for even the smallest child to learn how to align a train on the tracks, add cars, pack on the livestock and start chugging down the tracks, something that would be impossible if you tried using a HO scale train set….that would be a big disaster!
In our minds, everybody has a different use for their train set ups, we want large trains, small trains, we have a large area to lay out track, some have a tiny space almost big enough for one and LGB is a big beast but not too big or complicated for the kids while at the same time allowing Dad or Grandpa to think up and create the biggest layout the world has seen! The G scale model trains have much to offer for everyone and make a great family investment that will result in years of memories and I’m sure will be passed from one generation to the next!
Free e-book for model train enthusiast, http://www.GuideForModelTrains.com, sign-up for a free 11-part “Secrets to Successful Model Railroading” email course. Learn everything you need to know about setting up ultra cool G scale model trains layout that will bring joy to the life of yourself and your family for years to come! Learn more about LGB trains, layouts and parts at the above links. Do you know the one thing every locomotive must have to attain full power? If not, the free class will tell you that and much more!
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