Bachmann - LGB Track Compatibility

[FeatherbedRailroad]

Greetings, one and all. We are looking to put a G-scale train around the room of our dining hall (we have a caboose-themed bed & breakfast, it just makes sense) and I'm finding a lot of track on eBay from Bachmann. I just bought an LGB starter train set but need about 150 feet of track. Is the LGB and Bachmann track at all compatible, aside from width between rails? I've seen that the Bachmann track doesn't last outdoors, but this would be inside anyway. Any other good sources of track? I need four electric switches and about 150' of track. Also, can LGB's older locomotives or ANY G-scale locomotives be programmed with any form of digital control? I'm hoping to put three locomotives on one loop with two sidings so that they "rotate duty" and I don't kill locomotives too quickly. Thank you, in advance, for your reply and patience. And, woo hoo, I get to buy TRAINS! I love that part.

[two tone]

Hi  I would go with LGB track(brass) it will give you years of trouble free running  Bachmann track is only for demo not for long use         Hope this helps

[dwbeckett]

Since you are wall mounting your track I would go with Aristo Stainless Its a low maintinance track

Dave

 

[kstrong]

Also, can LGB's older locomotives or ANY G-scale locomotives be programmed with any form of digital control? I'm hoping to put three locomotives on one loop with two sidings so that they "rotate duty" and I don't kill locomotives too quickly.

The short answer is yes. All electrically powered G-scale trains can be wired for digital control. As for what to use, how to install it, and how to make it do what you want it to do, I'd suggest asking in the "Battery Power-R/C" forum. You've got lots of options in large scale, from standard DCC-protocol systems to proprietary control systems like LocoLink, Aristo's new "Revolution," MTH's DCS system, etc. If you're looking to throw switches via the controller, I'd probably look at the full DCC-protocol systems. Right now, they seem best geared to handle that level of functionality. Greg Elmassian is a DCC guru who hangs out there. He'll be able to help you out.

BTW, I recently reviewed a few DCC-controlled switch motors that would work very well for you. I think the current issue has one review (from Train-Li) and another one, a few issues back, whose manufacturer escapes me right now.

Later,

K

[altterrain]

 Sorry no the Bachmann track is hollow tin plate and connecting the two is difficult. I would stick brass track all around - LGB, Piko or AristoCraft are the primary sources.

Just about any loco can be set up some type of digital or RC control - MTS, DCC, the new Aristo Revolution. All it takes is know how and money (or just money to have someone set it up for you).

-Brian

[FeatherbedRailroad]

Wow - didn't even know about Aristo. As mentioned, I'm a newbie to this but I'm now going to focus on the Aristo track - they have a great web site and catalog and the stainless steel stuff looks good. Also, thanks for the DCC info. This is a great place.

[g. gage]

Howdy and welcome aboard. As mentioned before I wouldn’t use Bachmann track. It’s not compatible with any other brands and it is limited. I use Aristo and USA Trains Brass track, the sections screws together. Aristo offers a variety of track curvatures and switches. I like wider curves and use a minimum of 10’ dia. I would go with 8’ if you can. By the way I retied from Pacific Bell in Sacramento. Years ago they sent me to do a couple of jobs up at Clear Lake. When I got there I asked, “Where’s Nice.” I was quickly admonished and learned it’s pronounced like the French City. However Nice is a nice town.  Have fun, Rob

 

[FeatherbedRailroad]

...looking at Aristo, it appears that they make a ceiling mount for their track, which is exactly what I'm looking to do. Now I just have to find a good supplier/retailer/eBay resource and get to drawing things up. I know what the layout's going to look like, but I have ideas about automation so that I alternate between three locomotives so I don't kill any one too quickly.

[CED137]

Look at Aristo Consumer Sales and Special Offer section of there web site. They have a buy 4 get one free offer. Check out the mail/ internet sites (St. Aubin etc.) for the best price and order any 4 boxes. You might want to get longer settions to keep the number of joints to a minimum.

Go to Aristo and look up MSRP for each and average the price of what you have bought and order the 5th box of equal or less value from Aristo ($25.00 Shipping fee).

If you are running around the ceiling with all curves the same way I would turn the trains around evey few months to equal out the wear on the wheels.

[FeatherbedRailroad]

Hey, this is some GOOD advice! THANKS! I found one of our guests has a friend who's got a great hobby shop in Utah so I'll order the track and such from him and then take advantage of Aristo Craft's offer. I'll also flip my trains 'round every month, this will also give me the chance to take them down, drool a bit and dust 'em at the same time. Thanks for that tip, too.