I’ve been researching and trying to understand what scale G scale really is. It’s pretty interesting how it’s one track gauge, but several scales.
I’ve been thinking it might be neat to do some G scale outdoors, but with standard gauge equipment. I was surprised to discover that most manufacturers’ standar gauge stuff is 1:29, as opposed to 1:32. Using G gauge track, 1:32 would be the correct scale for standard gauge. So all the 1:29 stuff is just a compromise. I read on the Garden Railways page this was a marketing ploy so that the 1:32 stuff doesn’t look so small compared to the Narrow Gauge G scale stuff.
In short, I was dissapointed to learn that there’s no mainstream “scale” standard gauge stuff for G-gauge track.
Oh well, this prevents me from going off on a G scale tangent anyway. Back to planning my HO layout…
(Interestingly, throughout this process, I’ve realized only HO, N, S, and possibly Z are the only “true scale” scales for standard gauge, since G is really narrow-gauge based, and O is “wide gauge” with the rails at a scale 5ft apart).
If O wasn’t so expensive, I might have ventured down the O-scale outdoors route…
There is some 1/32 scale modeling going on. You might do a search on “Gauge One” or “Gauge 1” as it is often called. Some of the finest model locomotives ever made are available in 1/32 from Fine Art. They cost around $7000 to $15,000. Never the less they sell out quick.
Its a shame that the powers that be did not go with 1/32 scale for standard gauge models. 1/32 is a beautiful scale and a lot of non railroading 1/32 model items are available that could still be useful. That odd ball 1/29 scale does not seem to be much of an issue with the G gauge guys though. The G narrow gaugers however are well catered to with the numerous 1/20.3 models and supplies.
In general true, but then one starts getting into the scales like Proto:48 and it really gets confusing!
Having had G-gauge (20.x:1 scale) for many years (about 23 now), I understand people’s confusion. At least my spouse now understands that there are at least 4 different scales, represented in the g-gauge shelves of our hobby store.
Now I understand what I’m seeing in the hobby shop when there’s some gargantuan sized steam loco in the $7500 price range, making me choke on my own tongue.
The larger scales fascinate me, butthey seem to be uber-expensive if you want to go the standard-gauge route.
HO and N seem to be the only gauges where you could truly amass a “fleet” of locos at an affordable price.
Especially since some of the really old (1930s?) “Ives” brand was that size.
Or even worse, many G-gauge guys, even some of my friends, will mix the 1:20.x, 1:22, 1:24, 1:25, 1:29, and 1:32 stuff all together. And not just scenery and track they will have them mixed even in the same train. Makes my skin crawl, but it is “their railroad and they will do what they @&^$##+@ please.”
Actually you’ve got a couple of things wrong, but you are on the right track (no pun intended). G scale isn’t really a scale at all although many use the letter loosely to describe the mostly toy scale (meaning not really related to any specific prototype) LGB equipment. The G was actually meant to describe the track gauge and therefore the term G gauge should be used. The reason for the G gauge trackage was to match the European narrow gauge lines which LGB first built equipment for. This required a track spacing of 45mm. It just so happens that 45mm track spacing also roughly represents US 4’8.5"standard gauge trackage in 1:32 scale, and 3’ narrow gauge trackage in 1:20.3 scale. With that in mind…
There are only two scales where US prototype equipment and trackage match the European standard, 1:32 and 1:20.3. While 1:32 scale is a little tougher to find inexpensive plastic rolling stock and motive power in, MTH does have an entire product line in this scale that’s quite complete and growing all the time. There are also many other companies including Accucraft/AMS who make very high quality rolling stock and locmotives, but at a premium mind you. 1:20.3 scale is the complete opposite of this as there are literally hundreds of companies making RTR and kit based equipme
jnichols has it right. The NMRA is slowly trying to sort it out . 1-20.3 is now called F. Using the LGB G guage track gives you Fn3. There is a maufacture making F standard guage track which is wider. I have seen it at the NMRA national convention only. A couple of manufactures were talking about making equipment in F using this track. It would be bigger than the existing F scale stuff. Its really big. I have Fn3 and On30 layouts. The Fn3 is outside and a folded loop , no opreation, I just want to sit back with a cold beer and watch the trains run.
So, guys, who are these online sources with inexpensive 1:29 stuff?
Tony Koester mentioned in his recent MR project layout that you could buy 1:29 stuff, change the wheelsets to 1:32, and handlay your own track and have a nice 1:32 layout. That almost seems tempting.
While I have no idea why you would change the 1:29 wheelsets for 1:32 (or even what the point would be), I’m sure it can be done. Both Aristocraft and USA trains typically use wheelsets that are scale for the cars size, and match prototype practice i.e. if the car has 33" wheels, the wheels would be 33" scale inches in 1:29. As far as hand laying track, again that is your choice but there are at least half a dozen track manufacturers making very nice trackage in 1:32.
Either way, here are a couple of links for you to try for good prices on locomotives and rolling stock:
I’m sure he was referring to changing the 1:29 wheelsets/trucks, track, etc. to change the gauge from a narrow gauge hybrid to a 4ft,8-1/2" gauge. This way they would appear to be standard gauge, instead of slightly narrow gauge.
Wow, some of that true 1:32 stuff is crazy expensive. I think I might crawl back into my hole with my HO stuff…