Scale Locomotive
Scale Locomotive
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.
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N Scale Atlas E 7 Diesel Locomotive 4071 Lot SC16 |  |
14 Bids | US $43.00 | 15m |
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N Scale Con Cor New York Central Locomotive Engine 4210 Lot SC17 | |
17 Bids | US $37.66 | 19m |
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2 TRACTION RINGS TIRES FOR TYCO TRAIN MADE IN HONG KONG | |
1 Bid | US $2.99 | 20m |
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ATHEARN HO SOUTHERN PACIFIC SP VERSION H24 66 TRAINMASTER POWERED LOCOMOTIVE | |
1 Bid | US $32.00 | 22m |
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Lot of 7 Vintage Athearn HO scale trains Baltimore Ohio railroad | |
11 Bids | US $45.44 | 24m |
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Vintage Santa Fe 4015 Model Train Athearn F 7A diesel unit in HO scale | |
1 Bid | US $.99 | 24m |
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N Scale Con Cor New York Central B Unit goes with 4210 Locomotive Lot SC18 | |
8 Bids | US $13.50 | 24m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT BABY RUTH BOXCAR ROLLING STOCK M98002 | |
5 Bids | US $3.53 | 28m |
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5 Precision Scale Company Detailing Locomotive Parts Packets Mixed Lot HO NIB | |
1 Bid | US $3.99 | 32m |
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Lionel 763E PreWar HUDSON 4 6 4 2263W TENDER | |
14 Bids | US $770.00 | 34m |
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Life Like N Scale SD 7 Locomotive Rio Grande | |
11 Bids | US $17.50 | 38m |
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Lot of six vintage Athearn HO scale trains Chessie system Engines inculded | |
25 Bids | US $47.00 | 41m |
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Canadian National HO scale Locomotive | |
2 Bids | US $15.00 | 42m |
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Hornby EDL17 Locomotive Tin Plate Train Carriages | |
4 Bids | US $33.17 | 43m |
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Life Like N Scale PA 1 AB Locomotive Rio Grande | |
9 Bids | US $31.00 | 45m |
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2 x Scale Model Light Green Mesh Material HO FREE SHIP | |
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US $8.99 | 47m |
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2 x Scale Model Light Green Mesh Material O FREE SHIP | |
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US $8.99 | 47m |
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2 x Scale Model Light Green Mesh Material S FREE SHIP | |
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US $8.99 | 47m |
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ATLAS DCC Ready GP 9 Norther Pacific N | |
0 Bid | US $45.00 | 51m |
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NORTHERN PACIFIC NP STEAM LOCOMOTIVE HO SCALE DECALS EH 8 | |
0 Bid | US $6.50 | 53m |
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LGB 26630 WHITE PASS YUKON DIESEL SWITCHER W LIGHTSNEW IN ORIGINAL BOX | |
4 Bids | US $193.05 | 55m |
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Bachman 2 8 0 HO scale steam locomotive | |
1 Bid | US $25.00 | 58m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT BORAXO COVERED HOPPER ROLLING STOCK M98087 | |
12 Bids | US $8.00 | 58m |
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GREAT NORTHERN GN FF GOAT STEAM LOCOMOTIVE HO SCALE DECALS EH 4 | |
1 Bid | US $5.50 | 58m |
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IHC Freedom Express SD 24 Locomotive HO scale | |
1 Bid | US $35.99 | 58m |
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Bachmann 64254 N ALCO RS 3 SOUTH 2137 W dcc NEW | |
5 Bids | US $38.55 | 1h 1m |
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BALTIMORE OHIO BO ALCO CAB ROAD DIESEL HO SCALE DECALS EH 149 | |
0 Bid | US $5.50 | 1h 3m |
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LIONEL RAILWAY EXPRESS AGENCY MILKCAR ITEM 6 17334 CAR 1741 | |
0 Bid | US $39.99 | 1h 3m |
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LIONEL RAILWAY EXPRESS AGENCY MILKCAR ITEM 6 17365 CAR 1743 | |
0 Bid | US $39.99 | 1h 6m |
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PENNSYLVANIA PRR STEAM LOCOMOTIVE LD TENDER HO SCALE DECALS EH 9L | |
0 Bid | US $6.50 | 1h 6m |
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Kato Powered DCC Ready Milwaukee Road EMD NW2 N Scale 176 4364 | |
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US $65.00 | 1h 9m |
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LIONEL AMERICAN RAILWAY EXPRESS MILKCAR ITEM 6 17377 CAR 302 | |
0 Bid | US $39.99 | 1h 11m |
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Microscale O 48 288 Texas Pacific EMD GP Loco Decals | |
0 Bid | US $14.00 | 1h 16m |
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Microscale O 48 289 Texas Pacific GP Locos | |
0 Bid | US $14.00 | 1h 16m |
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Rivarossi 1544 President Polk Locomotive Tender BO Baltimore Ohio HO Scale | |
13 Bids | US $69.00 | 1h 17m |
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Lg Scale 4 6 0 Locomotive with Tender Head Light Smoke and Sound | |
2 Bids | US $99.00 | 1h 18m |
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SCARCE TRIX N GAUGE 9F LOCOMOTIVE | |
9 Bids | US $37.62 | 1h 24m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT CANADIAN NATIONAL BOXCAR FREIGHT M98004 | |
5 Bids | US $6.38 | 1h 28m |
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ATLAS HO SCALE GP40 DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE L N | |
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US $44.00 | 1h 42m |
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STATESVILLE SHOPS ACWR Aberdeen Carolina Western SD40 2 SD40 3 6907 Kato | |
11 Bids | US $179.26 | 1h 44m |
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129 Scale Diesel Locomotive GE U25 B | |
12 Bids | US $184.25 | 1h 45m |
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STATESVILLE SHOPS ACWR Aberdeen Carolina Western SD40 2 SD40 3 6925 Kato | |
10 Bids | US $179.26 | 1h 45m |
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LGB 2063 DRGW 50 Switcher Loco Engine Mint in BOX | |
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US $499.99 | 1h 46m |
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Delton 2225 Denver Rio Grande 2 8 0 Steam Locomotive | |
12 Bids | US $128.50 | 1h 51m |
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Hornby R866 00 gauge LNER class B12 3 4 6 0 Locomotive with smoke unit | |
10 Bids | US $42.51 | 1h 55m |
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LIONEL Train Service and Repair Parts Manual 3 CD Set Newr 2011 2012 Season | |
0 Bid | US $17.99 | 1h 55m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT CANADIAN PACIFIC 40 FREIGHT BOXCAR M97952 | |
5 Bids | US $3.77 | 1h 58m |
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KATO AMTRAK LOCOMOTIVE 22 and 3 PASSENGER CARS N SCALE | |
10 Bids | US $52.51 | 2h |
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New York Central Hudson 4 6 4 Rivarossi R5447 | |
3 Bids | US $99.99 | 2h 3m |
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Union Pacific 838 4 8 4 FEF 3 Rivarossi 5428 | |
7 Bids | US $153.50 | 2h 4m |
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HORNBY DUBLO 3232 CO CO DIESEL ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE BOXED | |
4 Bids | US $144.92 | 2h 4m |
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ATHEARN HO VIRGINIAN H24 66 TRAINMASTER POWERED LOCOMOTIVE | |
2 Bids | US $36.99 | 2h 4m |
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MTH HO SCALE SD70ACE DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE BNSF | |
10 Bids | US $69.00 | 2h 8m |
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Superb Tyco H O Scale CP Rail 979 Dummy Diesel Locomotive | |
3 Bids | US $23.99 | 2h 9m |
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Fairfield Farms Milk Car 6 17358 | |
0 Bid | US $45.00 | 2h 13m |
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Union Pacific Big Boy 4002 Rivarossi 5415 | |
16 Bids | US $208.05 | 2h 20m |
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Bachmann Spectrum On30 Painted Unlettered 0 4 2 Porter | |
0 Bid | US $210.70 | 2h 27m |
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Union Pacific Big Boy 4008 DCC Rivarossi 54398 | |
7 Bids | US $212.50 | 2h 27m |
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HO Proto 2000 Series GP9 II Locomotive PRR 7020 No 23618 | |
11 Bids | US $56.00 | 2h 28m |
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N SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT BACHMANN EZ TRACK LOT OF 6 10 STRAIGHTS | |
8 Bids | US $12.51 | 2h 29m |
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Misc Lionel O Scale Locomotive 242 8040 8300 9448 Parts Tenders Parts | |
0 Bid | US $22.95 | 2h 30m |
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Santa Fe 4 6 2 Heavy Pacific 3423 Rivarossi 5407 | |
7 Bids | US $66.00 | 2h 30m |
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Tyco Ho Trains Building Track Animals Much More Huge Lot Must See | |
1 Bid | US $49.00 | 2h 30m |
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HO Proto 2000 Series E7 Locomotive PRR 5841 No 23061 A Unit w o Mars Light | |
13 Bids | US $112.50 | 2h 39m |
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OO SCALE HORNBY EX LMS 0 4 0T ‘PUG’ STEAM LO0COMOTIVE WEATHERED | |
0 Bid | US $49.99 | 2h 39m |
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TYCO Diesel Locomotive HO Scale Santa Fe 4015 | |
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US $15.90 | 2h 48m |
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