Scale questions

[IRB Souther Engineer]

I was wondering what scale LGB uses (or used!)?

Also what scale are the Bachmann "Big Haulers," and the "Spectrum series"? I know there is a difference.

[wjstix]

The scale of "Large Scale" trains can get pretty confusing, seems likes there are many variations.

The track LGB trains use are "No.1 guage", which would be 1:32 scale for standard gauge trains. LGB used that gauge to represent German-European meter gauge, which worked out to 1:22.5 scale IIRC.

In the US many folks rounded that off to 1:24 scale, or 1/2" = 1 foot and modelled US 3' gauge trains, but the scale and gauge weren't correct.

In recent years, US modellers have used 1:20.3 scale, which works out to the correct scale if you using No.1 gauge track to represent 3' gauge track. Recent Bachmann / Spectrum and other manufacturer's trains have generally been to that scale when making US models. Bachmann in the past used the 1/2" scale, not sure if some of the "Big Hauler" trains are still to that scale or not??
 

[altterrain]

 Bachmann Big Haulers are the same scale as most LGB 1:22.5

The Spectrum line is 1:20.3

LGB did/does make some US standard gauge trains, like 40 foot box cars and Amtrak Genesis locos and LCE passenger cars. These are about 1:29 scale.

-Brian

[DennisB]

Not all LGB  cars are 1:22. Their Genesis and Acela engines are closer to 1:29. This discrepancy has been noted in the past in other forums. Even Piko buildings use a visual trick. Their 1:32 buildings use a 1:32 scale door, everything else is to a larger scale. Go figure.

[IRB Souther Engineer]

Hi, I have another question: Would it be unresonable to run a LGB Porter with some Bachmann V- dump ore cars? I think the two may be a different scale.

[altterrain]

 The Bachmann tippers are a bit oversized for G scale or even 1:20. I use them for 7/8s scale.The figure is 4 3/4 inches tall -

 

A few guys have cut the bucket down to make it a more reasonable size for G. There is an article by Del Tapparo on it. I'll have to see if I can find it.

Hartland mini car tippers are another option - 

 

-Brian

 

 

[ttrigg]

IRB Souther Engineer

Hi, I have another question: Would it be unreasonable to run a LGB Porter with some Bachmann V- dump ore cars? I think the two may be a different scale.

I firmly believe that NOTHING used in the garden is unreasonable. I have multiple sizes running together which is just fine for a branch line. If on the other hand you are a "rivet counter" running a major mainline operation it might not be for you. Remember one thing above all, This is our hobby and we all enjoy it differently, and so we respect each other’s choice of how to enjoy it as well. That said, now get out there and start playing in the dirt.

[IRB Souther Engineer]

I'm not much of a rivet counter, but it does bother me when things don't look right. For example: I once watched a video on youtube of a guy running a Bachmann porter with a Aristocraft slope- back tender, (the one made for their 0-4-0 or the 2-4-0 Rodgers). No offence to that person, but it looked pretty bad.