I finally got to go to a train store that has more than an Xmas set on display. Now I understand the bit about scale: 1:20.3, 1:24, 1:29 & LGB. (Numbers are approximate, and probably wrong). Since G gauge is Euro narrow gauge, 45mm, the difference, in actuality, is the size of the rolling stock in terms of scale (1:20 etc) in comparison to that gauge of track. No wonder the warnings about trying to settle on a particular ‘scale’, if possible. There’s this huge LGB diesel switcher out there, and a little tiny Mack (Heartland). Both run on 45mm track. Let’s ignore the differences in prototypical size, because I saw several different brands which were, lo, different sizes. Regrettably the nice salesperson didn’t know as much as I do–which is nothing–but was very helpful. I got to hear sounds of steam, a really annoying shrieky whistle as this LGB 0-2-0 trundled chuffing 'round & 'round in a circle–much more smoothly than I’d ever seen. Yep, I got an education, I did. And I bought a box of Aristo track for about twenty cents less/piece than the comparable item sells for/has been selling on eBay. Go figure.
Gotta go, more later. I want to amaze you all with what you already know!
That’s it now Les, you have bought track and that is the top of the slippery slope. From now on anything you look at will be through railway eyes, visualising whether you can use it or not. Every waking (and for most of us sleeping) hour will find you thinking about your railway and what will go where. That mega expensive loco that would have non railway people crying at the cost will seem like nothing after a while. But apart from that it gets the garden done as well…enjoy!!
First things first WELCOME to the real world of large scale railroading[#welcome] I see you have been a busy person since you joined this forum But would you mind updating your profile so we know where you at ,0 gmt is the UK. GR and these fourms are the best place to glean info about this rewarding hobby. A word of warnig there a few members that have a hard time saying “good job”, but the majority are excelent refernce points. so far it appers as thougt you are grasping some of the most confusing parts of this hobby, JUST KEEP PLUGGING AWAY you will find you have started something you and your family will enjoy for a long time to come.
I don’t drink, but after being into G Scale for over 10 years, I’m willing to learn. One thing that’s great, is there’s always something new and friends to help with any problems that pop up.
See Les, I told you!! Gail is responsible for making me do all the little bits, lights in buildings etc. I just received a consignment from Ozark miniatures of train bits, she looked at the catalogue and now it’s a shed load of bits to detail all the buildings. If you don’t know Ozark have a look at www.ozarkminiatures.com great stuff.
“Regrettably the nice salesperson didn’t know as much as I do–which is nothing–but was very helpful.”
The other day I ordered some motors from a very large company that advertises in GRR. I also wanted spikes and spent about 5 minutes explaining to the saleslady what a spike is and how it holds rails to ties. Apparently, most folks who call for orders don’t handlay track.
To amplify–I did go fill in my profile–think of me as living right where the Missouri River runs into the Mississippi, on the south bank of the Missouri. It’s about a mile away from my house.