Advice Needed G- Scale Outdoor Layout

John Z Aug 12, 2006

  1. John Z

    John Z E-Mail Bounces

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    Hello,

    I am brand new to G - Scale and became interested in building a small outdoor garden G - Scale layout on my front lawn for christmas. I live in NJ and the weather can be extreme: rain, ice, snow in December. I have seen a few G Scale Christmas layouts before here, but I dont know where to start with the right controller/transformer combo or a seperate controller & transformer? What LGB model tranformer will suit my needs? Will it be ok outdoors? Also any ideas on lighting for outdoor model buildings? Where do you buy buildings? Should I buy LGB Track and connectors? And how does the transformer wire connect to the track - is there a fitting of some sort? ANY SUGGESTIONS? Please fire away.

    Thanks,

    John
     
  2. Fred

    Fred TrainBoard Member

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    LGB equiment is made for outdoor use from Alaska to Florida. Judging by your statement your knowledge is limited so I would suggest either purchasing a LGB Starter Set ( there are other sets made by other mfgrs as well such as Aristocraft or USA Trains) that would include everything you need to get going. While this Forum is good, I would also suggest you check out www.mylargescale.com for additional view points on the matter. That website deals exclusively with "G Scale" with members from your area as well that might help you out with a local hobby shop or mail order house to purchase what you want/need.
     
  3. JCater

    JCater TrainBoard Member

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    WELCOME

    First, welcome to Trainboard. I think you will find this the most open and friendly place on the web, full of folk with lots of knowledge and helpful suggestions!! It seems to me the LGB or even Bachmann G materials would work ok for you (don't try to use bachmann track out side, you need the LGB or similar brand stuff). Because the equipment is all built to be run outdoors I think your weather may not be as big a problem as it seems. I do recommend a rigid track base that can be kept dry if possible. I agree that you should talk with your local hobby shop (LHS :) )and see if they have adivise for your particular neck of the woods. Also any local clubs that could give you tips. AND keep checking back here for more info ;)
    John
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    John Z-

    Welcome to TrainBoard!

    :D

    Boxcab E50
     
  5. Dave

    Dave Permanently dispatched

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    Welcome to Trainboard John...I live in Nebraska and have built a small G-scale layout outdoors. I did quite a bit of research on trains, track, etc. before starting and here is what I have found based on other's opinions, research, etc.

    For outdoor use, I would strongly suggest using Aristocraft Stainless Steel track. It requires much less maintenance (cleaning) than brass track. Don't get me wrong; I have heard that LGB brass track is a great quality track; I just didn't want to spend the time cleaning it.

    For a transformer, I chose a Bridgewerks 15 AMP unit. I truly believe these are, hands down, the best transformers on the market. LGB makes a good transformer, but their Jumbo 10 amp unit costs $500+. As far as you question on how the wires connect to the track, there is a small section of track that has connectors.

    As far as trains go, I started with the LGB Santa Fe starter set, which has a 2-4-0 steam loco with tender, a small tank car, a caboose, a circle of R1 track (about 4' diameter) and a 1 amp transformer. That track and trasformer are now used at Christmas for going around the tree and works great. That 2-4-0 had steam, but no sound, so I bought an LGB UP 2-4-0 that had a sound tender and swapped tender bodies so my Santa Fe has sound now. To me, sound makes a big difference. Since I am a Santa Fe fan, I started collecting the LGB Santa Fe freight cars and now I have most that I know of. A few months ago, I bought an LGB F7 AB set in the blue and yellow Santa Fe freight scheme (the A unit is powered and the B unit gas the digital sound). These are awesome locos and a make a great looking freight train.

    I only have LGB trains except for an Aristocraft snowplow and here is why I chose to go that route. Any and all LGB locos will negotiate an R1 curve (4' diameter); most other brands (Aristocraft, USA Trains, etc.) locos require an 8' diameter curve. Since I have a relatively small space, I had to use 5' diameter curves. Second, LGB locos are virtually weatherproof, so you can run them in the rain or even snow. The main disadvantage to LGB is that are not as detailed as most other brands, but I was looking for durability.

    My next garden layout will have 10' diameter curves, so my options for other locos will greatly expand, but I am happy with what I have now. These are only my opinions and nothing more. Good luck in your garden railroading.
     

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