g scale???

[Anonymous]

how is G scale? is it cool? i was looking at some and it looks awesome. just wondering how it was. thankyoo for the help

[Anonymous]

It is great stuff. I have a small collection of LGB G scale models - all Swiss and German metre gauge prototypes though they do offer US-outline models too. If you want to go into European G LGB are the only mass-market manufacturer, though the products are excellent. For US G scale you have LGB, Aristocraft, and USA Trains, all of which have good reputations. I'd say the best buys would be either one of the Aristo starter sets or the LGB ones, depending on what you want to model - LGB have a very nice freelance 0-4-0 tender loco with sound and MTS (their DCC equivelent - it's "just about" compatible in that you can control an MTS loco with a DCC command station but you don't have access to all the programming and MTS only supports 23 addresses - you can retro-fit a DCC decoder though if the limitations become a problem). I've been very tempted to buy one of the GN versions of this but it doesn't suit the rest of my collection. Hope this is of help!

PS. LGB web site: www.lgb.de - click on the UK/US flags to get the English-language version, they have photos and technical data on the range.

[Anonymous]

G gauge can be a lot of work but the rewards are fantastic. I run an Aristo Doodlebug (DCC) , a couple of box cars and a heavy weight standard 75 ft. R.P.O. The great thing about G is that it is a scratch builders "dream come true." DCC gives you the "feel" of prototype movement (inertia, momentum, acceleration, braking, etc.). A guy could start with a motor brick and perhaps build a diesel switcher around it as a first challenge. My first effort was a 68 ft. Interurban Car (Cincinnati Car Co.) which turned out pretty well. G gauge doesn't have to be "beyond the means" for most modelers. Patience and enthusiasm for a lot of outdoor work is the key. Happy rails to you.

[cefinkjr]

I have a friend who is in both G and HO scales. G looks nice and is fun but I just can't afford to air condition my back yard. 100 degree days with 95% humidity just somehow take the fun out of playing with trains.

Chuck

[tatans]

At the LHS I looked (LOOKED) at a G scale engine, after my heart attack I slowly and carefully put it back, wow-sticker shock, yikes ! !

[Train 284]

G scale is very cool. I have a small 20 by 8 railroad in my backyard and run a Bachamnn 4-6-0, boxcar,flatcar,combine,and caboose on Aristo-Craft code 332 track. They are neat and a lot of fun and also the biggest models on the toy train market, although most locomotives are at least $100 or more, that is if you want a good quality loco. A couple good sites to research garden railroads would be

www.gardenrailways.com

www.mylargescale.com

Hope that was enough info!

Matt

[Anonymous]

I just removed a reply I made about the price of G scale stuff. What I've seen at hoppy shops is incredibly expensive - modern locomotives in the $1000 range.

Maybe the stuff I've seen at the hobby shop and suffered the same heart attack as Tatans was brass or something.

However, after going to Matt's links above (specifically mylargescale.com), I saw modern diesel locomotives in the $200 range. Wow!!! I did not know they could be purchased so cheaply.

Interesting!

[Anonymous]

GARR and tatan, yes G gauge can be terribly expensive if you choose to buy "off the shelf." I found there was more work bringing "out of the box" stuff to a scale appearance than if I had started from "scratch" instead. Internetrains.com has a good sampling of retail prices and Garden Railways Forums at this Site has helpful articles for making decisions. We have a moderate winter climate in Florida, so maintenance isn't nearly the problem here as it would be farther north. That can be a discouraging aspect of outdoor R.R.ing, especially in seasonal extremes. I don't think I would "take it on" in Fairbanks, Al. Happy rails. T.D.K.