O Guage v.s. G Guage

[Anonymous]

what is your opnion on using a o guage train and using it for a outdoor garden layout??? are they made for these conditions? can you run them in snow?

im asking this because i have wanted a g scale GRR but the $$$$ is making it look like a little too much wating and adding too the train list in my head!!!(too much $$$)

what type of grades can they pull?? Loaded, Unloaded?? how much of a tighter curves can they go around?

I think that o scale fits my budget a little better but will this last outside??
any other comments or questions that you think i should know feel free too say them

Thanks
Super Chicken

[FJ and G]

O is not made for outdoors. G gauge is, with some type of UV blocker and the gears are sealed. That said, it would be wise to take precautions with both types of gauge trains outdoors.

O scale will hold up very well outdoors if precautions are taken.

I happen to use O for 2 reasons:

1. Already have the trains and cannot afford another collection of them

2. I can fit more train into my approx. 30X70 backyard

If I had money and a big yard, I'd definitely go G gauge, as my philosophy is bigger is always better; matter of fact, if I had that much money, I'd buy a shortline and run picnic speeders and handcars all day on it with my beer buddies.

[Bucksco]

Believe it or not G equipment tends to be less expensive than O scale!

[FJ and G]

Jack,

Yep. O gauge banks on nostalgia and guys with fat wallets.

For instance Atlas 3 ft sections of track are about $12. Even locomotives are as a rule more expensive than G

[vsmith]

Its hard to beleive that the toylike Lionel stuff is more expensive than the larger more detailed G stuff isnt it? The more detailed model train like stuff in O makes LGB look downright cheap pricewise!

[cabbage]

Errrmmm....

Excuse me! But I model in 16mm scale on 32mm track AKA SM32. I also use the 32mm track for my collection of 'O' scale locomotives. There is no problem running them provided it is not raining and I have sprayed the springs with WD40 beforehand. It takes a slow but gentle hand to wind them up and then let them go.

The PECO SM32 track is quite suitable for narrow gauge 16mm scale or coarse 'O' scale.

regards

ralph

[Anonymous]

ok ill stick too the large scale dream and save a little bit of $$$.. i think it will be worth it. and like you said FJ and G "bigger is better"

thanks everyone
Super Chicken

[on30francisco]

What Bucksco and vsmith said is true. I recently started Large Scale modeling in addition to On30. I built some pieces of rolling stock for a small indoor logging line I plan to model. I used Ozark Miniatures detail parts and they were MUCH cheaper and of a higher quality than anything I've used in either O or HO scales. Even a lot of the RTR locos, rolling stock and trucks are cheaper and more detailed than some items in the smaller scales. I found there as many or more detail parts available for LS as there is for O. I found that for myself Large Scale is a pleasure to work with compared to working on some equipment in On30 - and at least I can really see the details. Although I'm modeling LS from a model railroader's point of view and am building to the ratio of 1:20.3, I use parts from 1:22.5 and other scales. If they're available and look right, they're good enough for me. Because of the limited amount of space, I have a shelf-style L-shaped layout against two walls built above my On30 layout. I mostly concentrate on scratchbuilding and superdetailing individual scenes, small structures, and rolling stock.
Although I enjoy working in Large Scale, I still model in On30 because I like having scenic effects such as trestles, structures, valleys, trees, wider curves, a good track plan and I like the availability and quality of the equipment. These concepts would require a space the size of a gymnasium to accomplish in Large Scale. No one scale can satisfy my every desire in model railroading so I model in multiple scales and gauges and have the best of both worlds. Despite the fact I can only model so much in the limited space I have available, the more I work in LS the more I like it and I am discovering I don't enjoy working with On30 .

[Anonymous]

Greetings from Japan. [:)]

I too I model in 16mm scale on 32mm track, which we call SM32. [8D]

My garden railway is a mix of Japanese and British narrow guage nostalgia. The PECO track is great outdoors. In my garden it soon lost the initial shine and now looks as if it has been there a good long time. This is just what I wanted, for the rails to blend in to the surroundings. Fine as long as you don't want to put power into the rails.

With 32mm track I can model a typical narrow guage line and build what I need from scratch. Lacking shops close enough (i.e. in the same country) to nip out and buy things I decided at the beginning to research and make what I need. This is an extremely satisfying way to go as one learns all sorts of things along the way.

You will learn a great deal if you read what and how others have done. Go to their websites and enjoy taking your time. Once you start off you can change your mind but only at the expense of your wallet.

All the best, Matthew [bow]

[FJ and G]

Quote: "Excuse me! But I model in 16mm scale on 32mm track AKA SM32. I also use the 32mm track for my collection of 'O' scale locomotives. There is no problem running them provided it is not raining"

-------------

You're excused![:D]

(I failed to consider "largescale" O gauge).

Mathew, used to ride Japanese narrow gauge; even switchback; several decades ago when I lived there.

[underworld]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G

Jack,

Yep. O gauge banks on nostalgia and guys with fat wallets.

For instance Atlas 3 ft sections of track are about $12. Even locomotives are as a rule more expensive than G

Dave,

I get GarGraves 37 inch sections for $4.95. Not much more than what you would pay for HO flex track.

underworld

aka The Violet

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[spodwo]

O Gauge Steam engines are metal - most of LS trains are plastic and plastic injection molding is cheaper. You want to price compare Ogauge Steamers - price compare USA Trains all metal engines to the all metal engines of Ogauge. And all Ogauge metal steamers are NOT less detailed...it depends on what "grade" of engine you are buying....

The intro level is berift of details but the scale versions are extremely detailed.

Then there is the Ogauge Brass engines which are priced like the brass engines of Large Scale.

Ogauge has it's advantages - one of them being that OGauge starter sets for example - have tremendouse bang for the buck - specifically the MTH starter sets...you get wonderful detailed engines with the full enchilda command control system [smoke, lights, sounds - many of the feature can be accessed with the conventional power pack that is also included] along with track for about $280.00. Nothing comes close in Large scale for the price point, quality and details.

Plus - Ogauge is still going through a glut on the market. It has been noted that there was so much manufacturered in the last 10 years - you can find some fantastive details...I just found 3 or 4 highly detailed Ogauge engines in my favorite road name with full sound/smoke for around $225.00 or less ["buy it now" prices].

The Diesel engines are made of plastic in Ogauge - and I can find my favorite road name diesels at or near the price point of the LS diesels. And again - they have better smoke and sound already included....and their details [if you buy the higher end scale lines] are comparable to what you find in Large Scale.

Ogauge - as a whole - is more expensive but the deals are out there aplenty....

[Anonymous]

Mathew matre;

I am very intersted in your life in Japan; my wife and i are house swappers but we have had not had much luck in Japan. Been to Northern Germany, UK, France and now we are off to irelend, but no Japan, would you have any idea why?

Are you an American, you sound more like a Pom.

Rgards Ian

[Anonymous]

Hey Ian.

Yes I do consider myself as a pom, sometimes a brit but almost never a limey. By the way, what is the slang term for a garden railway person? Or a british one?

Japan is not at all like Europe, sorry, that doesn't sound very intelligent. For me Japan is the most interesting place in the world, from so many perspectives. It is welcoming and comfortable and at the same time demands a strenuous effort. Not just the language or thr three alphabets, but the readjustment of one's way of thinking.

Oh bugger! My wife and daughter (now 6 yrs old) want me to build a cabinet for them. They know I can't resist a building project. Just as I was getting to what I wanted to say...well I'll get back here later on.

More later then.

Matthew [bow]

[Anonymous]

There seems to be a huge number of people over here in the uk modelling in 16mm scale, on both o gauge track and 45mm, but i think in 16mm o gauge track is more popular......[;)]

[stemrt]

I have both G scale & Lionel O gauge. I started in G in 1989. Back then there was no real practical alternative for outdoor o gauge track. The stainless gargraves had wooden ties that wouldn't do very well out side. If I were to start outside today I would stay with O gauge. The sound systems and integrated remote systems are far ahead of g scale and the stainless track with plastic ties is more weather proof than in the past. And besides then I would only have to but new track and not all the trains.

[dwbeckett]

I was going to suggest On30, BUT i think I wiil stay out of this one.[soapbox]. PS if On30 would have been avalable in 1988 like it is now, I would deffinitly be in it

[John Busby]

QUOTE: Originally posted by daniel white

There seems to be a huge number of people over here in the uk modelling in 16mm scale, on both o gauge track and 45mm, but i think in 16mm o gauge track is more popular......[;)]

Hi Daniel
The little trains of Wales have a lot to answer for[:D] the 32mm represents two foot gauge.
NMRA doesn't even acknowledge the scales existence hardly surprising though
given the predominatly UK following the scale has.
regards John

[FJ and G]

John or Daniel,

NMRA has its head in the sand when it comes to 16mm scale. Do you guys have to scratchbuild your stuff or is it sold ready to use? Also, do you predominantly do track power, live steam, R/C or all 3?

[John Busby]

Hi FG&J
Most sm32 stock seems to be kit or scratch built with some kit bashing.
RTR live steam (NOT cheap) and battery power are popular in both RC and manual operation.
Track power is rare and clockwork sometimes makes an apearance.
I think the collectors would have an attack of the vapeours if you put a 16mm scale body on a Lionel clockwork mechanism.
Ready to run stock is only just coming on to the market and is made by Acucraft
and it seems that all sm32 stock has to be ordered from the UK.
The track standard is coarse "O" WETI
I am one of the odd ones in that I use 45mm gauge track.
Thinking of the Maine (spelling) two footers or similar are you??[:D]
regards John

[cabbage]

David,

speaking as a devout 16mm scale modeller I went into it simply because I would be able to build what I knew and liked. I never expected to have the same as anyone else.... I grew up in a land (now long gone) where Cape gauge was the Std and 2 foot was narrow gauge.

Yes there is now quite a lot of 16mm stuff that "could" be classed as production line -but the majority of it are kits. I am fortunate to belong to a Garden Railway club where there are at least three "16mm Manufacturers" as members.

You would find the typical 16mm scale system very strange to your American eyes as there is (I feel) a very definate "16mm mind set". In this world a £1,200 Brass Model of K1 holds equal rank alongside a copy of Toby the Tram Engine made from lollipop sticks costing -not a lot!!!

It is very definately a "Very British" scale and as anachic and fun loving as anything I know. The only rivit counters to be found in a 16mm loco are probably the ones been bent into wagon couplings -because the owner has run out of paper clips to mangle...

Consult the web ring that both I and Matthew belong to and here are a couple of places to investigate:

www.brandbright.co.uk
www.ipengineering.co.uk

Have a go at 16mm scale David -forget everything you thought you ever knew about fun. With 16mm scale you can really HAVE it!!!!

regards

ralph

[FJ and G]

thanks, guys for the links and the info. I've often gazed at photos of 16mm stuff and have always thought it to be the coolest stuff in the garden; perhaps b/c so much is scratchbuilt and looks more realistic and RTR boxed stuff.

John,

Modeling 2-foot gauge in 45mm track must have MASSIVE looking trains. I don't believe I've ever seen that; except for a short article in GRR one time, about a guy who designed a track cleaning car in Germany. I believe he was modeling on 45 mm track at 1:6 scale so that he could use popularly sized large R/C trucks and cars. He called it a "field" railway; a light industrial RR found in Europe.

And in GRR there was a cool article about a guy in the UK with a point to point RR using 32mm track, modeling in 1/16. I can't recall the details but he had a raised type layout outside and had cats and he was up in years.

[Anonymous]

I use 45mm gauge, and i model g-gauge, not 16mm, but at the weekend i was tempted by accucraft live steam![:D] I am now selling my lgb 22261 frank s and getting an accucraft edrig! [:D]
My personal view is that 16mm railways are so popular in britian because of the relatively small space they take up, compared to g-gauge..........

[John Busby]

Hi FG&J
My 2 foot gauge stuff is of similar finished size to LGB stock so doesn't look silly on 45mm
Most two foot stock is very small so would look a bit odd on 45mm.
A classic for that is LGB field railway stock it looks very odd but they are built using an elastic ruler.
The FR bug box coaches are so small the sides can be made from CD cases
with card overlays though the curved ends could be a problem to make..
You could always try making something to see if you like the size you are looking at approx 96mm to 100mm wide rolling stock though some is wider.
a pair of arch bar trucks with an ore car built from Ice cream sticks would look good
and if you don't like it you have a set of spare trucks for your RR
regards John

[Anonymous]

Its pretty simple real men are into "G" gauge; the rest don't really count in the outdoor or garden scheme of things. They are a class best left to themselves and their small ideas.

Rgds Ian

[FJ and G]

QUOTE: Originally posted by iandor

Its pretty simple real men are into "G" gauge; the rest don't really count in the outdoor or garden scheme of things. They are a class best left to themselves and their small ideas.

Rgds Ian

oooK ... mate; so it follows that if you don't model 1:1, your are just tooling with toys and are, shall we say, girly boys.