scale choices

[Geb]

Can someone point me to a source or web site that will relate the different Garden RR scales with popularity/availability, manufacturer and possibly quality of manufacture? I have held off developing a lot of rolling stock until the track is all laid. All I have now for motive power are two 0-4-0s; Bachman (1:22.5), and Aristo-Craft (1:29) both via gift or raffle, not by informed choice. I did put Airwire in the Aristo. I have no particular desire model any particular RR, or count rivets. Just want to keep it simple and have a little fun with the grand kids.

Geb

[Snoq. Pass RR]

Bachmann - 1:22.5 and 1:20.3

Accucraft - 1:20.3

Aristo-Craft - 1:29

LGB - 1:22.5

USA Trains - 1:24 (I think)

That is all I really know about the different scales.  They all look pretty good with each other, so I would just pick and choose depending on what era/style equipment you are looking for.

[altterrain]

http://www.lsceverything.com/index.php?title=Who_makes_which_scale

http://www.btcomm.com/trains/primer/whyscale/whyscal.htm#scalegauge

-Brian 

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Brian, good info!  I gleaned some hitherto unknown facts from it too!

[Geb]

Brian, very comprehensive and helpful. Thanks. Geb

[vsmith]

For the major brands: 

Bachmann

Big Hauler line: 1/22.5

Spectrum line: 1/20.3

Aristocraft

Modern line:1/29

Classic line: 1/24 (ex-Delton steam era stock)

USA Trains

Ultimate series: 1/29 (modern rolling stock)

American series; 1/24 (ex-Delton narrow gauge stock)

Hartland Locomotive Works - HLW

All: 1/24

Accucraft is scale dependant, check their website for specific scales but in a nutshell

Narrow Gauge products: 1/20.3

Standard Gauge products: 1/32 (1/29 is being introduced)

LGB is all over the board, but again in a generaliized nutshell

Narrow Gauge products: 1/22.5 including US and European profile stock

Standard Gauge products: 1//29 compatable

 

The Wiki is a little short on specifics, hope this helps clear it up in general.

(ammended, see below)

[FJ and G]

16mm scale and 7/8n2 and 7/8n18 scale; the last 2 scales DIY (1:13.7).

 

Also, a few modelers in 1:12 and hardy modelers in 1:10, both mostly use 45mm track and model narrow gauge. Not sure if anything bigger than 1:10 but wouldn't be surprised.

 

 

[altterrain]

USA Trains

ALL: 1/29 (no 1/24 in their line up)

Wrong, wrong, wrong (its all very confusing). USA trains American series (my favorite boxcars) and work trains are 1:24. It even says so on their website - http://www.usatrains.com/

 -Brian

[vsmith]

You are correct sir! Forgot about those, I beleive they are ex-Delton molds.