Opinion and info on Aristocraft trains?

Garden Railroading
1

I have an opportunity to purchase an Aristocraft train set, assuming that it is in working order:

  1. What is the overall quality of Aristocraft?
  2. Is the track the standard G-scale track that LGB uses?
  3. Would an LGB train be compatible with an Aristocraft train?

Thank you in advance,
gpharo

2

I have 4 Aristocraft engines, my Critter has been working for 4 years with no problems other than I have to clean the wheels. Same for my FA unit which I purchased used and is the old style with the axles protruding into the side frames.

  1. Aristo, LGB and USA track is all the same except USA and Aristo use small screws to join the rails. Best method is remove the joiners and use rail clamps.

  2. Trains with hook and loop couplers are 100 per cent compatible. Scale is different, but not a problem. If you want to mu engines, that is difficult as engines by different manufacturers are not compatible in trying to match their speed.

So, hook and lops are compatible between Aristocraft, Bachmann, Hartland, LGB, MDC, USA, and even Playmobil, and the older REA. I do not have NTH, I assume tthey would match. New Bright is not compatible, AC power and their own couplers.

3

The quality is good and they run well, although some of the start sets are a little dubious on realistic liveries and have shorty locos. There is a freelance diesel using the short hood of the RS3 and the steam switcher a bunker instead of a tender.
Track is compatible with LGB, Aristo offer a much wider range of set track.
Aristo is 1/29 and LGB standard gauge stuff is approx 1/26 but looks fine together. You may need to change couplers as Aristo come with buckeyes and LGB come with hook and loop couplers but it’s easy to change or have some cars with one of each. Both makes use same power supply but be careful doubleheading as there can be quite a speed difference. Look at USA trains as well they do some nice stuff.
Good luck
Paul

4

I double head my Lttle Critters with 20 ft. cars and they are good around sharp curves. I have had no problem with Aristocraft trains. They have a good service department…

5

I recently got the 0-4-0 Pennsylvania freight starter set (everyone was sold out until like September for the passenger set) and I love it. I haven’t planted it yet, but it seems like a decent train and tracks.

6

gpharo
I have 12 different ARISTOCRAFT engines , i run 2 RS-3’S TOGETHER or an RS-3 AND U25 B together . I only ever had 1 problem with an ARISTOCRAFT engine in over 6 years of running , Ben

7

Thank you for your help. So it seems that Aristocraft will run with LGB.

8

How did you get “Aristo will run with LGB” out of that?
I personally would not run the two companies locos together in a lash up.
They run together on the same track .

9

What I meant about “Aristocraft (AC) will run with LGB”

That both manufacture’s loco’s can run on AC track, that LGB rolling stock and track can be compatiable with AC.

I did not mean that I would have an AC loco with an LGB loco pulling together one consist.