I'm considering making an out door layout

[smokey1]

I'm moving and will have plenty of room for an outdoor layout. 

I know not to use Bachman steel track. 

Do Piko/Aristocraft/LGB and Lionel brass all mate up or not? 

I have Bachmann's big hauler train set also Lionel's holiday/Christmas set But no track to it. So trying to think what is the best and most economical way to go. I'm thinking more of a garden railroad setup. Will build the garden up about 8". 

Thanks for any help

[Postwar Paul]

Hi Smokey,

 the three brands you mentioned all mate up, some differences in rail joiners, but you can swap them out. I am partial to LGB products, which stand the test of time, but there are many variables. Such as climate, and the intensity of the sun in your area. LGB holds up in So Cal sunshine, but if it is less intense in your area, the others may work well too.

 A lot is trial and error, and finding what works best in your environment.

Paul

 jump in and get started, you'll learn along the way!

[smokey1]

Spartanburg, S.C.

[PVT Kanaka]

Smokey,

 

LGB and PIKO are 100% compatible. LGB is widely available on e-Bay, too. You'll note that track is about $/foot new, otherwise.

In the "grand do over," I'd've invested in so-called flex track and a railbender, as I've had the dickens in a couple areas where commercially available sectional track is ALMOST good enough.

Something I leared the hard way in terms of expense was that rail joiners will foul, crud up electrical flow, and always just before guest arrive.  There are things called rail clamps which are pure magic, but about $4 per track.   Depending upon the size of your planned layout, your money might be better spent considering battery power for your trains.   My layout is quite small, so rail clamps proved more economical for the time being.

Eric

[smokey1]

Thanks for the info.

[PVT Kanaka]

No problem. BTW, I can't quite make out the rating badge. Are those crossed keys?

[smokey1]

That is the old Mess Specialist rating a book with keys, ( the keys had to do with our jack of the dust, the one who brought the food up from our store rooms and reefers)

 

[smokey1]

At present, I don't plan on a big layout, but then I didn't plan to have the collection of O gauge trains I have also. The G scale is just more or less something new to do, lol. I bought a USATrains B&M GP-9 loco from trainz.com but the strange thing is it's coming from USATrains so trainz must have some deal with them going on. Otherwise, I have a Bachman 4-6-0 and a Lionel 0-4-0, and a few misc. cars ( like 4 LOL) 

 

[PVT Kanaka]

Thanks! It has been a while since I've seen the MS badge...I thought maybe they re-invented the old SK rating badge. Ever since the end of dungarees, it got hard to keep up with things. - eric

[smokey1]

Another question, is there a list somewhere telling how many curve peaces for a circle of different makes and sizes?

[PVT Kanaka]

PIKO has some diagrams here:  G-Scale Track & Accessories | PIKO America (piko-america.com)  I think they expand that more completely if you download their catalog.  Same, I am pretty sure, with LGB LGB Model Railways | For Beginners, Professionals & Collectors.  There are some templates and plannning software available, though, I've never bought or tried either one.

- Eric