G Scale Model Trains and Train Layouts

When model train hobbyists refer to large-scale model trains, part of the scales grouped into the large-scale trains is the G scale. When you look at a G scale train next to an HO scale train the first thing you notice is it's large size. In the United States you'll find that the G scale model trains are the largest scales available model train for purchase. It's been credited to the German company of Lehman Gross Bahn translated to English "Lehmann Big Train", known as "LGB" to be the first to manufacture G Scale Model Trains and accessories.

Scale is the universal term and method of describing universal sizes of model trains and G Scale Trains have a ratio of 1:22. The ratio is a comparative method of describing train sizes, for instance, a G scale model train is one twenty-second of the actual size of a real life modern day train. After some research and becoming familiar with model trains you'll discover that the G scale and ratio is the largest of model trains available because all the other scales are lower than the G scale. The O scale which is also considered part of the larger-scale trains is only 1:48 to the actual size which is roughly half the size of the G scale model trains. 2. That same size train in an O scale would be about 3 & 1/2 inches tall and around 16 inches in length.

You may have heard of the term Garden Railroading, the G scale model trains are almost always used in garden railroading which refers to the indoor outdoor use of model trains. The letter "G" is also short for the German word groß which literally means "big" which coincides with its German history. All of the LGB and other large scale trains need a number 1 gauge track to run on. Remember that #1 gauge track is identified by have a distance of 45 millimeters inbetween the rails of the railroad tracks.

It is their durability that makes them the perfect choice to be used in the garden or the outdoors. Brass is unique in that it is almost maintenance free except for a little wipe down and occasional steel wool. They require almost no maintenance from the owner. After having G scale trains set up with small children I learned that the only thing I needed to do to keep the train running was to keep the track clean, as mentioned this only takes dry cloth and sometimes steel wool. Most train enthusiasts will use their G scale model trains indoors and provided you have the room, G scale is perfect for the indoors because of the easy set up!

If you are considering purchasing a G scale train setup I consider Aristocraft and Bachmann to be amongst the best. Already mentioned is the extreme durability of the G scale trains but it is an important factor to consider when investing your hard earned dollars. If you have children and they are at a young age you can be confident that your investment will pay off and your train will be around as your children grow old and leave the home. I have 3 boys and the youngest could barely walk when our first LGB was set up for Christmas, 27 years latter we still have it and it still works great! The nice part about G scale trains is that it is big enough for even the smallest child to learn how to align a train on the tracks, add cars, pack on the livestock and start chugging down the tracks, something that would be impossible if you tried using a HO scale train set....that would be a big disaster!

In our minds, everybody has a different use for their train set ups, we want large trains, small trains, we have a large area to lay out track, some have a tiny space almost big enough for one and LGB is a big beast but not too big or complicated for the kids while at the same time allowing Dad or Grandpa to think up and create the biggest layout the world has seen! This includes the G scale model trains.

Free e-book for model train enthusiast, http://www.GuideForModelTrains.com, sign-up for a free 11-part "Secrets to Successful Model Railroading" email course. Read all about model train set ups and G scale model trains layout that will bring joy to the life of yourself and your family for years to come! You'll learn all about LBG trains, layouts and parts at the above links. I bet you don't know the most important aspect about a locomotive that's needed to get full power. Find out what I'm talking about by reading the free e-class offered above!