need help

[Bubba]

Hi im new to the g scale thing always collected o scale anyway any help from you guys would be great. Will any g gauge track work with aristocraft trains ?  What do i need for a transformer ?   thanks in advance bubba.

[altterrain]

Yes, sort of. All "G gauge" track is 45 mm wide but different locomotives have different diameter (we use diameter and not radii in large scale for some unknown reason) requirements. Aristo locos are not power hogs but I would recommend a pack with at least 3 amps but that also depends on the loco. Watcha' got?

-Brian 

[Bubba]

Hi brian i have a FA-1 with daul motors and a FB-1 with daul motors they will be pulling 5 cars also they are alcos . I am green to this g gauge thing so any help is great

[two tone]

Hi to G gauge when running locos always use R3 curves or above for large engines it cuts down wear and tear on the wheels and stops screems from the wheels binding on tight curves As you dont show where you are people near you can not give advice or call for a chat to help out.  Also think of how you are going to control your loco and turnouts, I`ve found the train engineer very good for that and turnout control.    Hope this helps

[vsmith]

Bubba

Aristo, USA, PIKO, LGB code 332 (the most common size) brass and stainless steel rail are all interchangable and can be mixed.

Bachmann steel track is not, New Bright brass plated rail and Lionel G gauge hollow brass rail are also not interchangable and only really work on their own.

The FA1 can work on the smallest radius curves, 4' diameter, also known as R1, but only with the hook and loop couplers, using the Aristo knuckle couplers 5' diameter will be necessary, 6.5' diameter is best yet depending on how much space you are planning to occupy.

 

[g. gage]

The above info is all good. I want to add that I use Aristo because I like the way it screws together and selection of curves. Tip, always use the biggest curves you can. I also have LGB track from a previous railroad. I mix it with Aristo without problems. I drill and tap (2-56) the LGB track and use Aristo track joiners.

I currently use track power and crimp spade tip connectors on wire ends. I then put a dab of anti-oxidant compound on the connector tips (same as used on all outdoor electrical connections) and slide an X-acto knife between rail base and plastic tie strip and slide the connector in place. I bend the protruding spade tips over the rail base.

I've been using this system for several years without problems.

  

[Bubba]

Thanks very much. Like i said im new to this so it is great to get the info from people that know. The spade connector is a good idea. what power pack are you using?

[g. gage]

Bubba;

I use an Aristo 10 amp Maxima power supply connected to Aristo Train Engineers with dual control cab system, a carry over from HO. The Train Engineer is radio control to the track rather than onboard radio control. It's an older type setup. I'm an operator and use car forwarding. I like and need walk around control.

I do think about onboard RC systems, I guess I'm like the old SP; if it works don't touch it.

Rob