Hi, and thanks for your time.
I have long collected Lionel, K-Line and MTH O gauge trains (3 engins and about 45 various cars), mostly for under the Christmas tree. I have, for a while, had a desire to have a garden train in my yard. But I am not sure which mfg to buy. I love steam engins, and have had many conversations with my local hobby store, who always turn me to LGB. But thats also what they mostly stock. I am interested in buying the LGB 72442 NYC Freight starter set w/sound, but I also like some of the Aristo Craft and Bachmann models. My biggest concern is LGB claims thier locos will out last everyone else's. SO my main questions are:
I have an area of about 15' x 20 - 25'
Is LGB that much better than the others?
Can I run LGB with Aristo Craft and/or Bachmann on the same line.
Is the Track compatible
And which MTS system should I use.
Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. I have not purchased anything yet, and have only started on analyzing the space I have in the yard.
Thanks,
plm-miamilakes
Have fun with your trains
Bob Nelson
lionelsoni wrote:Actually, all toy-train scales, Reggie..;-) S in particular.
i apologize from all the post on this particular forum all i see is tinplate, and also 3/2 rail o gauge. my fought for only say what i see here on this forum. i guess i better make sure i do my research before i post here.
You can certainly offer your questions here, because this forum does cover toy trains of all scales, but you'll get more responses, and probably find more experienced Large Scale enthusiasts on the "Garden Railways" forum on the www.trains.com site or the www.mylargescale.com forum. Both are free discussion forums.
As for some of your specific questions:
I'm a big fan of LGB equipment myself, and their trains are of very high quality--among the best in the entire model railroading hobby. Nevertheless, there also are a good many followers of trains made by Aristo-Craft, USA Trains, and Bachmann's Spectrum line, along with several other manufacturers who provide U.S.-style locomotives and rolling stock. What you select should be primarily determined by your interests and your budget.
In general, you can operate the various brands together, and they all do operate on the same 45mm-gauge track. Sometimes there are slight differences in couple height and such, but I own and operate all of the brands mentioned above and have never had any reral problems. The main difference that is more apparent in the scale (size) of the trains themselves. Aristo-Craft and USA Trains offer items that are 1:29 scale, and modeled based on U.S. standard gauge prototypes. LGB trains--most of them--are made to 1:20.3 scale, and modeled based on Narrow Gauge prototypes (both European and American). Bachmann's Spectrum line of trains are also 1:20.3, and they, like Aristo, also offer some products in 1:24 scale (as does Hartland Locomotive Works). Again, what you might buy pretty much depends on what type of railroading interests you (narrow gauge or standard gauge; early periods or contemporary; etc.).
If you're new to Large Scale and garden railroading, I would hold off on buying a command control system until you read more about them--their respective advantages and limitations--on the aforementioned forums. You'll find a ton of information there.
Reggie, there weren't anything but toy trains up until around the middle of the twentieth century. Lionel made them at first in 2-rail 2 7/8-inch gauge, then 3-rail standard gauge (2 1/8) and 3-rail O gauge (1 1/4), with some 2- and 3-rail OO (3/4) for a while. American Flyer introduced 2-rail S (7/8) after WWII. The early scale modelers adapted stuff from the toy-train world and gradually developed their own scales and gauges, although they do still model in O and S. The modern G gaugers are actually using the old Maerklin number 1 toy-train gauge for their outdoor trains.
So my point was that, although most toy-trains are on 3-rail O gauge, there are lots of other kinds. Sooner or later, you will see postings from them here on the forum. I wouldn't want them to think that we O gaugers don't consider them part of our community.
I have a Garden Railroad. I've had it for about three years. Even had a big tree fall on it.
LGB is the best from my experiences. Every Bachman motorized engine and trolley that I own has been back to Bachman for repairs or replacement. I will never buy another Bachman Trolley. I bought a used LGB engine and had it refurbished for $50. It runs great. See photo below. Watts Train Shop in Zionsville, IN is one great store for Large Scale. LGB track stays connected. All LGB trains can negotiate four foot diameter curves.
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
Buckeye Riveter wrote: I have a Garden Railroad. I've had it for about three years. Even had a big tree fall on it. LGB is the best from my experiences. Every Bachman motorized engine and trolley that I own has been back to Bachman for repairs or replacement. I will never buy another Bachman Trolley. I bought a used LGB engine and had it refurbished for $50. It runs great. See photo below. Watts Train Shop in Zionsville, IN is one great store for Large Scale. LGB track stays connected. All LGB trains can negotiate four foot diameter curves.
No I don't have a rotary plow. When the snow is light and fluffy, the engine can plow the snow off the track. Again LGB will handle the weather.
Buckeye Riveter wrote: No I don't have a rotary plow. When the snow is light and fluffy, the engine can plow the snow off the track. Again LGB will handle the weather.
that's a nice setup you have there.
thatboy37 wrote: Buckeye Riveter wrote: No I don't have a rotary plow. When the snow is light and fluffy, the engine can plow the snow off the track. Again LGB will handle the weather. that's a nice setup you have there.
Thanks, Reggie. If you are ever up this way, you are more than welcome to run trains and if there is some snow, plow snow.
Here is what it looks like now. The first photo was taken about two years ago.
That sure is a great Railroad, Buckeye. I must visit again, soon.
Chuck
Allan Miller Actually most LGB is 1:22.5 based on European meter gauge....I agree the LGB build quality is great!!!
plm-miamilakes LGB, Aristo, USA Trains all have really great products. Anything that will run on 45mm 2-rail track will be compatible, but like Allan said you may run into some problems with couplers/coupler height and the difference in scale. The G / gauge 1 that really isn't compatible is the pre war stuff from Marklin, Bing, Carrette, Basset Loewke, Hornby, etc. Either because it is 3-rail AC operated or it is clockwork (wind up). Good luck on your new under taking!!!
underworld
Thanks Allen,
Great input. I have also found that height problem in O Gauge with MTH and some Kline and Lionel cars. But I arrange them so they work. I have also had problems with some longer cars derailing on the standard 027 curves specially going in reverse. I hope to get more info from the garden forum.
Regards, Peter
Great pics,
I hope to get there there some day soon. But I doubt I will ever see snow here in South Florida, just lots of sand. Which is why I am concerns about buying a Train that will last. With the heat and the hard rains in the summer I would hate to buy something that I need to keep getting repaired. I noticed on the second picture that you have mulch and the rails are on a bed of small stones. Do you have problems with the stones getting lose or did you some how glue it? Also did you use track from different manufactures? There seems to be a difference in th color of the rails by the catus.
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