G scale
G scale is a scale for model railways, and because of its size and durability, G scale is often used outdoors. Such installations are known as garden railways.
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[edit] LGB
G scale was introduced by Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk under their brand name of LGB, meant for indoor/outdoor use. The major European manufacturer of G scale trains, and considered the one that really made garden railways popular. Their trains are sold as the Lehmann Gross Bahn (or "Lehmann Big Railroad"). Lehman Patentwerk was founded in 1881 and started producing LGB in 1968. The remains of the company, subject to seemingly endless litigation, have been bought by Märklin, and production of certain items seems to be continuing. The US side of the company, known formerly as LGB of America [LGBoA], has somewhat less clear position in the newly arranged company under the Märklin aegis. LGB produces models of European and US originals, of steam, diesel and electric prototypes as well as a large range of coaches, trucks and accessories.
[edit] 'G Scale' versus 'G Gauge'
The term "scale" is a misnomer, as the actual scale of the trains that run on it vary from system to system, country to country. G scale is more correctly called "G Gauge", as the gauge of the track, 45 mm (1.772 in), is the one consistency.
The name comes from the German groß (meaning "big"). Traditionally, G scale is the use of 45 mm (1.772 in) gauge track, as used for standard gauge (Gauge 1) models, for modelling 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in) narrow gauge railways, using the correct scale of 1:22.5. Metre gauge is the most common narrow gauge in Europe, where it is known as IIm.
Some people think that the "G" in G Scale stands for Garden Scale. This is also a misnomer, but the term Garden Trains has picked up usage over the last several years in the media to describe G Scale Trains.
In the United States, the commonly used narrow gauge is 3 ft (914 mm); modelling this correctly with a 45 mm (1.772 in) track gauge gives a scale of 1:20.3, which is commonly used by American manufacturers. These products are labelled G Scale, even though in reality they are not. Some modellers and train producers call 1:20.3 narrow gauge "Fn3 scale".
Other scales are used to model other narrow gauges.
Gn15 modellers use 1:24 scale parts and details along with H0/00 scale track (16.5 mm/0.650 in gauge) to model 15 in (381 mm) gauge railroads, otherwise known as minimum gauge.
Although some call models of standard gauge equipment to 45 mm (1.772 in) track gauge 'G scale', these models are more correctly referred to as Gauge 1, I Scale (NEM Standard 010), or 3/8" scale (NMRA S-1).
[edit] Manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada and their scale products
- Wrightway Rolling Stock 1:32 and 10mm scale custom built British North American and European passenger stock.[1] [Ontario, Canada]
- Northern Fine Scale Stock in 10mm scale British only freight stock in kit form [2]
- Accucraft has five scales - Fn3 is 1:20.3, Gauge 1 is 1:32, their ½" scale is 1:24. They also build 1:29 scale North American models in live steam and electric under the AML brand, as well as British live steam and electric models in 1:19th scale [also called 16mm] and Isle of Man live steam and electric models in 1:20.3 scale - the Isle of Man uses three foot gauge track, the same width as the dominant US Colorado narrow gauge.
- Aristo-Craft is 1:29, “Classic” series is 1:24
- Aster is 1:32, 1:30 for Japanese prototypes and 1:22.5 for European and Japanese narrow gauge.
- Bachmann's "Big Haulers" series is to 1:22.5, while their "Spectrum" Series is to 1:20.3 scale
- Hartland Locomotive Works products are engineered to fit with 1:24 scale Narrow Gauge equipment and 1:29 Standard Gauge equipment.
- LGB is 1:22.5
- Märklin "MAXI" is 1:32
- MTH Rail-King is 1:32
- Piko is 1:27-1:29
- USA Trains “Ultimate” Series is 1:29, “American” Series is 1:24
LGB and numerous other manufacturers [Train-Li, PIKO, Peco] produce track made of brass which can remain outside in all weathers – a quick wipe and it is ready for use. Track can also be obtained in less expensive aluminium as well as oxidation-resistant, though more expensive, stainless steel.
[edit] See also
- Gn15 - G Scale models of 15 in (381 mm) gauge trains on 16.5 mm (0.650 in) gauge track
- Rail transport modelling scales
- Model railway scales
- SE scale
- Gauge 1
- Garden railway
