What scale is G scale?

[Rob2112]

I'm doing A project and I really need that info.. is it 1/24th?  If so what doest that equal in inches?  1/2"? 

 

Thanks!

[FJ and G]

I think 1:24 scale represents meter gauge track (either that or 1:22 is meter track, I forget which). To measure 1:24 scale in inches, take an inch ruler. Every half inch equals one foot. So a 12 inch ruler would represent 24 feet of real train, structure, tree height, and so on.

To answer the title of this post, which differs from the post question, G scale is a selling device used by advertisers who want you to buy their products but don't want to specify a scale, which might limit their sales.

There's no such thing as G scale. There's G gauge, which is 45 mm wide track (rail to rail), which can accommodate any scale practically, the most common ranging from 7/8" scale (1:13.7) all the way down to the small 1:32 scale, representing standard gauge track. There are some who even run larger than 7/8" scale on their G-scale track. I've never heard of a smaller scale than 1:32 but I suppose if you're trying to run wide-gauge trains, you could certainly do that and have a smaller scale.

I suppose the most common scales for G gauge track are 1:20.3, 1:24, 1:29 and 1:32. I think there's even a 1:22 or thereabouts that's used. These common scales represent 3 foot track, meter track and 4' 8.5" track, although 1:29 represents nothing used (or rare). 

[ttrigg]

Rob:

David summed it up pretty well except one small point that has a whole bunch of "scalers" continually scratching their heads.  Within each "scale" (especially true with LGB at 1:22.5) when one dimension (height, width, or length) is in scale, the other two dimensions are going to be "off scale".  As an example I have one passenger car that when properly measured as scale is computed here is what I find.  The "Retail scale is 1:22.5", the length scales out to 1:23.2, the width scales out to 1:21.8 and the height scales out to 1:24.2.  There are some of the large scale manufactures that stay true to their published scale.  Others, well that's why several members of this forum use the "Gummi-ruler"  (that's a German rubber ruler)

[kstrong]

Okay...

The term "G scale" was coined in the late 60s by LGB, when they introduced their line of indoor/outdoor model trains. "G" stood for both "Garten" (German for "garden), and "Gross" (german for "large"). They stated their scale to be 1:22.5, at which the 45mm track on which they ran (historically referred to as "Gauge 1") scaled out to 1 meter. As others have stated above, there was some definite playing with proportions with LGB's models, but they stated that their scale was 1:22.5.

Fast forward about 15 years, to the early 80s. Other manufacturers are beginning to enter the garden railroad market. Some (Delton, Kalamazoo) chose the scale of 1:24, since it worked out to 1/2" to the foot, and was easy to work with. Dollhouse accessories, die-cast cars, and other things were already plentiful, and the models were more or less the same size as LGB's so-called "G scale" offerings. Most of these manufacturers did not designate their products to any lettered scale, referring to them by their scale ratio, or "compatible with LGB." Others chose other scales (Aristo at 1:29, Bachmann at 1:22.5, USA Trains at both 1:24 for their early stuff and 1:29 for their later standard gauge stuff.) Again, none of these manufacturers identified their products by any singular letter. Most stated a scale, or at least acknowledged that they used a single scale for their products.

What has since happened is that the term originally used to "identify" LGB"s 1:22.5 models has taken on a generic label for all trains designed to be run in the garden on 45mm (Gauge 1) track. So now, when one says "G scale," they're no longer referring to any one specific scale, they are referring to outdoor trains in general. The track gauge itself has also taken on a dual identity, being called both "G gauge" and "Gauge 1". Historians and purists cringe and cry foul (and I include myself in this group to an extent), but you can't stop the adaptation of language. We best get used to working with the "new" definition.

So, historically, "G scale" was a marketing term singularly identifying a scale ratio of 1:22.5, at which the 45mm track measures out to 1 meter. If you're going to use 1:24 (1/2" to the foot,) then the track scales out to 42". If you want the track to measure out to the common 3' gauge used for narrow gauge lines in the US (D&RGW, EBT, etc) then your scale is 1:20.3. (15mm to the foot.) There's a slow push to identify this scale specifically as "F scale," though it hasn't really caught on, and most manufacturers still use the scale ratio as the identifier.

Later,

K

[Rob2112]

Thanks for the info guys!  Didnt know there was so much involved in that scale!  I'm into HO myself.  I did the math and thought it would be close to 1/2" to the 1/24th scale foot.  Thanks again!

[kstrong]

Yeah, for those familiar with the smaller scales where one letter equals one singular scale ratio, the whole scale/gauge thing as it applies to large scale is about as clear the Mississippi River after a rain storm. Don't worry about being confused--it's quite commonplace.

Later,

K

[Camaro1967]

Kevin,

Thanks a lot for your excellent explanation of G scale.  I had assumed that it referred to Garden in some way, but you add much more to my understanding.  Not knowing much more than that, can I appear to know something more by saying that the distance between the rails for all the G sizes is the same, 45mm?  I am not even sure about that now.

Thanks

Paul 

[GearDrivenSteam]

As usual, Kevin is really sharp. If you're not careful, you might learn something from reading his posts. The only possible thing I can add here is what I keep saying all along. There are so many different scale within G scale itself, the rule I use is, if it looks right, I use it. I know there are some purists out there who'll just hate me for sayint that, but when was the last time you saw people all the same size? I would hate to limit myself to one particular G scale size, when there are so many cool things in other sizes. If it's pretty close, it's ok by me. Here's a good example. The Bachmann 45 tonner on the left is 1:20.3 scale. The Aristo Craft Lil Critter on the right is 1:29 scale. The Critter is supposed to immitate a critter of about a 25 ton proportion. Since the Bachmann is a 45 tonner, the size difference is pretty close.

 

...and from the top:

Lastly, here is the real thing. A 45 tonner with a 25 tonner in tow. I am trying to get with the photographer to get a side shot, but I think you will agree that the sizes of the prototype appear rather close to that of the above models, regardless of scale.

 

Certainly, there is an apparent scale difference. But since everything isn't available in every single scale, it becomes a question of how important scale is to you and how far you will go to run what you want. With me, the scale difference in the two above is not enough that I cannot run them both on the same layout. I'm just not that picky. I think they will run together and look fine. Just remember in the end it's your railroad. Do it the way you want to.

[kstrong]

To build on Robert's theme, here's a photo I took a few months ago



All three locomotives are built to the same scale (1:20.3).

I'm rather a fan of not paying much attention to what scale is written on the box, and more attention to what my chosen scale ruler measures it out to be. Robert's photo of the 1:29 "Li'l Critter" and the subsequent prototype photo illustrates that point rather nicely. Sure, the cab may be a bit cramped for a 1:20 scale person, but if that's really an issue for you, it's easily fixed with a bit of styrene.

Later,

K

[GearDrivenSteam]

Yeah, that's a great shot, Kevin. It just further shows that it's more important to choose what LOOKS right, rather than just stick with one scale.