Opposite end of the spectrum

BALOU LINE Dec 28, 2003

  1. BALOU LINE

    BALOU LINE TrainBoard Member

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    I've always thought I was a dedicated N scaler and that would never change. After running my cheapy New Bright around the Christmas tree, I am intrigued by G scale. I did some poking around the net and discovered that not all G is the same size; from 1:20 to 1:28 and everything in between. :confused:
    1- Do you have to stay with one manufacture, or is this not noticeable?
    2- Do they all run on the same track?
    3- What would you recomend as a good starter set?
    I must admit the price difference is staggering, but then you probably don't run 20 car trains with 6 engines. [​IMG]
    Thanx in advance.
     
  2. Phil at Toenail Ridge

    Phil at Toenail Ridge E-Mail Bounces

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    John,
    1: Most models look OK with most other models within certain restraints. eg in your N-scale you wouldn't have pulled a string of streamliners with a Jupiter, same applies in LargeScale.
    2: Yup, all run on 45mm track, shop around for the best buy or roll your own, lots of info on how at the LS web sites
    3: Bachmann. The quality has improved out of sight and the prices can't be beat. Or don't buy a set, buy individual pieces from Trainworld or similar. Get an issue of Garden Railways mag and check the ads.
    Incidentally, it's hardly ever called G-scale anymore, that is/was the original LGB designation. Most modellers prefer LargeScale.
    LS29 means 1:29 Aristo and USA models representing standard gauge trains (they should be 1:32 but the scale discrepancy was an early attempt to make them visually compatible with the LGB ng stuff)
    LS24 is 1:24 scale, so the 45mm track represents 3'6" ng. Unknown in USA but very common here in Oz, also in Sth Africa and NZ
    LS22.5 the original LGB size, represents meter gauge European ng
    LS20.3 (or Fn3) 1:20.3 scale, correct for 3ft gauge. Bachmann and Accucraft are making brilliant models in this scale.
    LS13.7 =7/8th inch to the foot so the track represents 2ft gauge, usually for mining shortlines altho' the Maine modellers have taking this scale/gauge combination to heart

    Check out http://www.mylargescale.com http://www.largescalecentral.com http://www.bachmann.com for a heap of information.

    You might like to peruse my website, too, for a bunch of info and hints aimed at the do-it-yourselfer.

    Best Regards,
    Phil Creer
    Adelaide, Sth Australia
    The Toenail Ridge Shortline
    http://www.trainweb.org/toenailridge
     
  3. squirrelrun

    squirrelrun TrainBoard Member

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    John.........N Scale was my entire layout and home all DDC operated. I walked talked and ate the thing. Until I statred reading some G Scale stuff and visited some small layouts. Now I have stared my own around our our outdoor pond () I use LGB for pulling power and most anything else that looks OK. I have converted all rolling stock to knuckle couplers and am just getting into remote control. I would like to convert my engines to DCC, but I don't think I can handle it yet.

    I copied and printed out the discourse Phil has on the different sizes and can abide by it. The pix of that part of "Toenail Ridge" sure looks good. Phil, thanks for sharing.

    Carl
     
  4. BALOU LINE

    BALOU LINE TrainBoard Member

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    The level of detail obtainable in large scale is just incredible. I don't have a space outdoors and my inside space is commited, so I figure I have a few years to reserch what I want to do. By then my eyes probably won't let me do N scale anyway :eek: :rolleyes: I guess there is always room for change.
     
  5. sandro schaer

    sandro schaer TrainBoard Member

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    john

    as already mentioned check out www.mylargescale.com probably the best largescale forum. lots of friendly and helpful guys.

    now let me (try to) answer your questions.

    1a) yes, if you're not distracted to see a 1:20 boxcar followed by a 1:29 boxcar.
    1b) if it comes to couplers it's a no. except if you stay with the hook-and-loop design. but all the major manufacturers have their own coupler desing. kadees are available and really worth the money.
    2) if you're talking about regular lgb/aristo/usa track then yes. if you're talking about code 215 or even smaller rail then you might need to go for prototypical wheels as the flanges might be too large.
    3) both usa and aristo have fairly good starter sets at reasonable prices. check their homepages www.aristocraft.com www.usa-trains.com

    a cheap and good source for largescale stuff is gary lantz at www.wholesaletrains.com


    hope this was of help
     
  6. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks for the info guys, I'm really tempted to build a garden railway myself hmmm maybe once the N scale layout is finished and the kids are finished from school then I might have the additional funds :D
     
  7. Dave Winter

    Dave Winter TrainBoard Member

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    Funny. I was into N scale for over 25 years....and tghen I saw an Aristo RS3 in a dealers front window. Wow!

    But don't give up on indoor layouts. Even small ones. There is soooo much you can do while just building a display 'shelf' layout.

    With more room see www.wvrr.ca
     

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