Live Steam G Scale
History Of G-Scale Trains - How This Scale Got Started And Why People Choose It
Early "garden trains" were built to a 1:24 scale in Europe, but didn't catch on in the US until the 1920's. True G Scale Trains, also known as Garden railways, were first sold by the Ernst Paul Lehmann Petentwerk company (sold to Hermann Schontag in 2006) under the name of “Lehmann Gross Bahn” (Lehmann Big Train) in 1968. The company produced G scale trains in both Europe and the US including steam, electric, and diesel prototypes as well as rolling stock and accessories. Since LGB originally only made European trains in this scale, they did not catch on in the US until 1972 when Model Railroader Magazine ran an article on LGB.
A garden train built to the earlier 1:24 scale was erected at the Los Angeles Fair in 1924 at the Fairplex Gardens where it remains today although in 1972, it was swapped out to it's more correct scale of 1:22.5. G scale trains have a scale of 1:22.5 or measure approximately ½ inch to the foot of full scale trains. The track used for G scale trains is Gauge 1 (for standard gauge railways)and is 45mm wide (about 1 3/4 inches). The track is consistent among different manufacturer’s, however the train scale actually varies slightly from country to country.
Because these trains originated from Germany, you might imagine that the origin of the G comes from Germany as well. The word groß in German means “big” hence the G designation. These trains are larger than most Model Trains, although they are not the largest scale, they are the most popular large scale trains. Because of their ruggedness, they are often used in outdoor layouts, so are also known as garden railways.
One problem with outdoor Model Railways is the weather which can cause corrosion. To address this issue, LGB and several other manufacturers produce track made of brass which can remain outside in any weather. Track can also be obtained in less expensive aluminum and oxidation-resistant, though more expensive, stainless steel.
The longest G scale train trestle in the world was built and is displayed at the Living Desert in Palm Desert California. This trestle is over 202 feet long and is built entirely of redwood with glued and stapled joints. Trestles are built to span riverbeds or gulches and this one is no different. It slopes approximately 1% (1 inch drop for every 100 inches in length) to allow the train to traverse from one side of the gulch to the other.
Another gauge called Gn15 has sprung up and uses 1:24 scale parts, but H0 scale track which is very narrow at 16.5mm (just over ½ an inch). This scale was designed to model 15 inch track railroads otherwise known as minimum gauge.
There are numerous manufacturers of G scale trains and a varied selection of locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories to choose from. These modelers even have their own society here in the US. If you want to build a model railway that is impressive in its size and robust enough to be displayed outside, you should consider G- Scale Model Trains.
About the Author
Henry Michael is a Model Train enthusiast who enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with others to help them get the most out of this exciting hobby. For more information on G-scale model trains, visit my website at http://www.modeltrainenthusiast.com/ and learn how easy it is for you to get involved with model railroading. It will help you to avoid mistakes that most beginners make. If you are more experienced, it will give you a different perspective on things you maybe doing or would like to do.
G Scale Live Steam Garden Railway Fun
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