I see and hear about alot of people who want to try or get into G scale trains. I figured I would write and explain just the bare basics of getting started and touch some of the G scale subjects that can be confusing. If you just want a small inexpensive set to try out and see if you like G scale I would recommend Bachmans Large Scale Big Haulers set. It's cheap and you will get a feel of how G scale trains operate. They make a nice starter set. Now for those who want to seriously dive into the hobby. First you have to understand that even though you want to get into G scale that there are many diffent scale ratios of train manufacturers out there. Next decide what type of train or what era of trains you want to buy. this will pretty much dictate what scale ratios available to you and what manufacturers that make them. For example if you want to run more modern trains you most likely choice will be USA Trains which is 1:29 scale ratio. Another manufacturer of modern rolling stock is also Aristocraft. Even Accucraft has luanched products into the modern 1:29 scale ratio. The only down fall is that 1:29 scale ratio is hard to find certain scale models or diecast cars so you have to pick something close. Most models in 1:29 scale ratio are very reasonable. The scale ratio also dictates how much money you will spend. For example MTH Rail King Gauge 1 is 1:32 scale ratio which is not too bad in price, but them you have Accycraft AMS and Museum pieces which are very expensive. Now for the track, the most expensive thing you can buy for G scale. The track that all G scale trains run on is called "Gauge 1" track and not G scale track. I know this makes things confusing for those first timers. Just remember all G scale trains run on 45mm track and all Gauge #1 track = 45mm. The type of equipment you want to run also dictates how much money you will spend. FFor example for those who like big diesel and big steam engines will pay more for track due to they have to run 10ft to 20ft diameter curves which are very expensive. For those running small or medium sized equipment can get away with running 8ft to 5ft diameter curves which is cheaper to buy. Switches, don't go out ad buy those big diesels and try to make them run thru a standard Aristocraft switch as these switches are only 4ft diameter switches. Aristocraft only has a couple of locomotives that will run thru those tight switches. Aristocraft also offers a X-Wide switch which is a 10ft diameter switch and is pretty reasonable. For those who want the best and are outside, the Aristocraft #6 switches are the best but also the most expensive but you can run any locomotive thru that. Power, decide whether you want to go Battery, DCC or Transformer power. Be advised going both battery and DCC are quite expensive and some systems can be time consuming installing. When going transformer power always buy the system that fits what you will be running. For example if you want to run a USA SD40-2 locomotive triple header lash up you will need something like a Bridgewerks 15 amp 24 volt transformer. If you just want to run small single locomotives then perhaps going with a 10amp MRC will be better suited to your budget. Where is your layout going to be placed is also important. If you are going inside there is not much to worry about, but you will be limited to only 8ft diameter curves which is the biggest curve I found to fit indoors, some can only run 5ft dameter curves. If you want to go outside, make sure yoiu survey properly and not start to put a layout in a low spot. Proper drainage is also important such as making french drains under your tracks, proper roacks and ballast must be placed for proper drainage. Running proper under ground conduit for electircal work must all be pre-planned as well as investigating what type plants will survive in your garden in your area. Remember this is just a quick G scale guide of how to get started and how to pick out trains that will fit what you want to run. There are many other posts with more in depth information in the G scale section for those who want to do more research. Anyone else want to add to this please feel free.
I'd like to add that the same voltage system rules apply to any heavy or large locomotive. I've seen the USA Big Boy eat up voltage before in a double header. I once watched an SD40-2 and 2 Dash-9's fry a transformer at the local show simply because they didn't use the right transformer for the job. And always take into account DCC. If you want to go wireless but use track power, make sure you have enough for your big locomotives and the wireless system's transmitters. This is why people, even in smaller scales, who use multiple DCC Equipped engines, start putting amp packs onto the layouts as they expand. Bridgewerks is one such company who makes 10amp addon packs that wire into the main receiver. If you choose to play or experiment with say a Big Hauler set, and you want to continue in G-Scale... Transformers will be your first big investment. A Good transformer can grow and expand with your layout.
