Welcome to Trainboards New G scale look

EMD trainman Nov 3, 2008

  1. EMD trainman

    EMD trainman TrainBoard Member

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    Hi to all G scale people, you will notice that train Board has changed the sub title in the G scale section. The sub title used to be 1:22.5 scale ratio. I thought this sub title to be uninviting to those who don't model in the 1:22.5 scale ratio and everyone would think the G scale section here was for LGB people only. I wanted this section to look like it was for all G scale people no matter what scale ratio they model as long as they modeled for 45mm track. What better way to do this than to change the sub title to Gauge #1 scale since all G scale trains and 45 mm track is considered gauge #1 also, but doesn't discriminate towards any specific scale ratio modeled or manufacturer. It covers both mainline and narrow gauge G scale model railroads. I hope all of you like the new look and sub title because it was my idea to change this section heading.
     
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    There have been some questions about this in our past. I'm glad to see it's now been changed.

    Boxcab E50
     
  3. EMD trainman

    EMD trainman TrainBoard Member

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    BoxcabE50, I'm glad you like the new change and I find it really refreshing. I felt as though we just invited the whole world of G scalers to come and visit and I hope they do with this new change.
     
  4. SteamDonkey74

    SteamDonkey74 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Good work, Shawn!
     
  5. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Yea, great to see a little less confusion on the large scale forum. Many scales, one gauge.;)
     
  6. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I look forward to seeing the G forum move into action here, which I feel it will under your tutelage Shawn.

    I've been excited about G Scale for several years - ever since I saw a large shelf-type of layout.

    I'm hoping to build something like that indoors someday soon.

    All I would need is one locomotive, a few boxcars and a caboose. I think it would be exciting and I'll be watching the G forum to learn. :)

    Charlie
     
  7. Lownen

    Lownen TrainBoard Member

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    I hope this doesn't re-muddy the waters, but all my research indicates that G scale is indeed 1:22.5 scale. It was introduced by the recently defunct LGB back in 1968. Its original intent was to model narrow gauge trains on #1 gauge (1.75" or 45mm) track. #1 Scale, which almost disappeared after WWII was 1:32 scale. #1 scale is making a comeback however. There was a nice layout running #1 scale trains with some modern diesel engines at the convention in Anaheim last July.

    Manufacturing of LGB trains was taken over by Marklin earlier this year. I have heard that Marklin is about to begin U.S. distribution of new Marklin/LGB products, but I haven't seen any details yet.
     
  8. EMD trainman

    EMD trainman TrainBoard Member

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    Lownen

    Although your research does indicate that G scale originally started out as 1:22.5 scale, it has now evolved to many scale ratios. The most popular today being 1:32, 1:29 and 1:24 scale ratios. But as you well may know no matter what scale ratio G scale train you run , it is all considered Gauge #1. USA Trains for example started to manufacturer G scale trains in 1:24 scale ratio 22 years ago then in 1998 went to a Ultimate series in 1:29 scale ratio, which 1:29 scale ratio is taking off so well, other manufacturers are following along. Aristocraft is also 1:29 scale ratio, but their Delton series is 1:24 scale ratio. We can go on, but the bottom straight foward line is there are more scale ratios in G scale than ever before, if we want to welcome everyone and every manufacturer, the most appropiate way to do so is to have a Gauge #1 heading, this way no one is left out. The only flaw I see which I already mentioned to the board is Fn3 scale also runs on Gauge #1 which I really don't see a problem with allowing those threads here either. I happen to like for example Accucraft trains which are marketed as 1:20.3 scale ratio F scale, they are neat I have seen them perform up close and personal.

    As for Marklin, they are already here, I wrote about them in my main thread. they are being sold already by Silvergate Distributors as a Piko brand train, but is really a Marklin.

    Thanx for your opinion
     
  9. EMD trainman

    EMD trainman TrainBoard Member

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    Here is my 1st post, the thread that started it alll

    Here is a copy of my 1st post, the original thread that started the arguement that there was more than just one scale ratio of G scale than 1:22.5 scale and here it is >>>>

    Hi, I thought I would start a new section just for thoughts, reviews and opinions about different products. I've been into G scale modeling since 1999. I started off with a small Bachman big hauler Rio grande set and that was it, I couldn't stop buying. Today I own 16 G scale locomotives and 85 rolling stock in which I operate indoors on 300 ft of track. Of course all of these trains won't fit at the same time on this little amount of track, so I divided my trains into 6 sets in which I can run 3 sets at the same time without incidents. I just couldn't bring myself to spend all of this money only to have them outdoors, especially on the Atlantic Coast side of NJ.

    Let me start with my first thought to start the thread, I noticed there was a 1:22.5 next to the G scale sign in the heading. I have to say I must argue with that since how there isn't any standard G scale size like there is in O scale. For example USA and Aristocraft trains are 1:29 size but still considered G scale, Marklin, MTH and some Accucraft are 1:32 scale and are G scale. Accucraft and Bachman uses 1.20.3 scale for all the narrow gauge trains, but are still G scale, Hartland Locomotive works uses 1:24 scale for G scale. So it's important to figure out what equipment you want to run and what brand name you like if you are going to buy commercial products so you don't have mismatched sizes on your layout. Remember, just because it says G scale, it doesn't mean it's all the same size scale ratio wise. The 1/32 scale has grown in popularity due to it's "fine" scale or "museum" scale. Out of all the scales, 1/32 is the most accurate scale ratio you can get which is why it's called a "fine" scale, take a 1/32 scale model and blow it up 32 times and it will be just about dead accurate on measurements. I chose 1/29 scale, although not as accurate, I liked that fact there was many commercial models available I liked in that scale. I'm not in any way a craftsman, so I don't build my own models
     
  10. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Wow, what a transformation, Shawn! Great work! My wife wants a #1 scale layout in our yard when I retire.
     
  11. EMD trainman

    EMD trainman TrainBoard Member

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    Outside gauge #1 layouts are very nice, but alot of hard work to 1st prepare. These outside layouts definately have to be pre-planned. I live in New Jeresy which frost is a big factor here, I could build a outside layout, but have to plan on different things than someone in Forida lets say. I would need alot of Hillmans expansion track in my layout, not to mention quite a bit of drainage due to rains, so running under ground piping would be necessary, alot of ballast if I were not to elevate it, sometimes even outside you can't lay track directly on the ground in some areas, being forced to put it on a elevated track system, such as a retaining wall which is what on person did in a hurricane state, the entire railroad is built on elevated gardens with retaining walls circleling the gardens, the train goes from garden to garden by trestle. Some people have actually made the mistake without researching of putting a G scale layout directly on the ground with a disaterous end to there layout in time. I have also seen people build a retaining wall type elevated garden to run a train on without proper drainage. One G scale club learned this the hard way, after 3 days of steady rain, they came back to the club only to find out the main retaining wall collapsed, no one was there to get hurt as this was a 4ft high block retaining wall. Although we do have to do a trail and error in some circumstances, but sometimes it's costly.
     
  12. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I generally like the northern tier states, so I would have to do some considerable planning for frost heave, drainage, and all that. I really don't even want to get started on anything now, as I might get hoooked, and have no permanent place for it. I move every 3-4 years, so it's not a good idea to set up a permanent outdoor layout.
     
  13. traindude109

    traindude109 TrainBoard Member

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    Looks good. As a G scaler, I think I will be posting in this section more often. I love to build my own models and kitbash as well so I am sure I may be posting threads on those.
     
  14. EMD trainman

    EMD trainman TrainBoard Member

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    Traindude109, that is great I'm glad you like the new look, I look foward to seeing your projects that you kitbashed. That is the main reason why I wanted to change the board heading, it's seems more inviting and friendlier to all G scalers. Please make sure you invite all of you G scale friends here, the more the better. I just love looking at other peoples projects, I spend all day at the East Coast Lareg Scale Train Show just looking at the layouts, the kitbashed projects and veiwing the model contest there. Although I'm a mainline G scaler, I also love looking at Narrow gauge trains, especially if it's kitbashed, you have to really appreciate that kind of talent.
     
  15. Route 66

    Route 66 TrainBoard Member

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    new look

    My only problem with the new look is it seems the default if that is the right term has been changed so when I click on #1 gauge topics it is set that I only can see the last 2 popular threads I have do do my own sort to view all the pages,I think for a new person viewing will think "is That all there is" and move on, can you reset so all pages and threads can be viewed? I'm lazy and get tired of having to set my views everytime I check and only see 2 threads listed!!
     
  16. EMD trainman

    EMD trainman TrainBoard Member

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    Route66, wow I thought is was me and my computer somehow, but now you mention it, the default page does only show 1 days worth of postings, I think it should show at least 1 weeks worth. Thanx for you input
     
  17. Route 66

    Route 66 TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks!!

    It seems to be set properly now,A big thanks to the mystery computer god who reset page. I am again a happy old complaining fart:tb-biggrin:
     
  18. EMD trainman

    EMD trainman TrainBoard Member

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    How to set options in G scale to show all posts

    Hi to all, Route66 seems to have brought a good subject, how to show the lastest threads without constantly going down to the bottom of the screen and picking them out manually each time.

    Step#1) Click on the "My trainboard" tab at the top of the screen
    Step#2) Clcik on "Edit opitions" tab in the left column when it appears after step #1
    Step#3) Look for the "Threads Display options" in the new screen that pops up
    Step#4) Look for "Default Thread Age Cut Off" option, there is where you can change how the postings will show by age, you can choose by the days or weeks there.
     
  19. Lownen

    Lownen TrainBoard Member

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    Of course Gauge #1 is scaled to be standard gauge for 1:32 scale trains, which was what #1 Scale was defined as. As it was already an old standard when LGB introduced G scale in 1968 it saved them from having to come up with new gauge track for their narrow gauge 1:22.5 offerings. But, as you've observed, most manufacturers don't like to adhere to standards... especially when they haven't been adopted by the NMRA. They'd rather make them up.

    Nice to see Silvergate has gotten their act together. The few train shops I've asked in recently haven't gotten any LGB/Marklin product yet, but at least you can order from the Silvergate website.

    Best!
     
  20. EMD trainman

    EMD trainman TrainBoard Member

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    Lownen has made one good point in the on going dispute in the G scale world when it comes to scale ratios in which I see what he is tring to say. The NMRA has only approved two scale ratios in G scale which are 1:32 for mainline and 1:20.3 for narrow gauge. Accucraft is the biggest Manufacturer who makes these NMRA approved models within these scale ratio specifications. The other scale ratios as Lownen has mention are not NMRA approved due to they are not as accurate to scale as 1:32 and 1:20.3 scale ratios.

    I can respect and understand what Lownen is saying, but I will continue to stick to 1:29 scale ratio G scale trains due to the reasonable pricing and the vast amount of choices of rolling stock and locomotives available in this scale ratio. Accucraft has even noticed this trend in sale and has come out with a AML product line up or short for American Mainline in 1:29 scale ratio. You can visit my article on this product in EMD Trainmans news & reviews

    In retrospect I will still continue the support for all scale ratio modelers who run on Gauge #1 track, no matter what scale ratio they run, no matter whether or not if it's NMRA approved, no matter what scale it's considered because I'm for everyone and with everyone who wants to model trains in Gauge #1. The people should not be subdivded due to thier income to what scale or brand they can afford, but all should come together to learn something from each other from the ranks of those who choose to make their own home made, to those who buy New Bright all the way to those who can afford those wonderful live steam Berlyn locomotives

    Thats right, if you have a New Bright G scale train, post it, if you have a home made train, I want to see it. As long as it runs on Gauge #1 track, you can post away here. Don't be afraid, I have seen some people make 7/8 scale trains from new bright products to run on Gauge #1 track and they are neat.
     

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