When planning your landscape for your yard, consider incorporating G scale model trains into your design. G scale trains are fun to build and operate. They also make a great backyard conversation piece. Although other scales are used as garden railroads the most popular is the G scale. The first G scale trains were produced by LGB in 1968. The G in G scale does not stand for garden, but comes from a German word grob (meaning "Big"). Although they are called G scale the train has no real gauge. The only preset standard for G scale is the track gauge, so maybe we should call the G gauge. The track gauge for G scale is 45 mm (1.772 in). This track gauge is called (Gauge 1).
The G scale train is also probably the most popular size train for use around the Christmas tree. You can find this gauge boxed in sets decorated in Christmas attire to enhance the beauty of the tree. Some manufacturers of G scale make animated rolling stock with elves making toys or Santa in his work shop. You can even find these sets manufactured with specially made cars for each year of production, allowing you to purchase the new car each year adding to the length of your train. These manufacturers even make scale building for your train with them all being decorated for the Christmas season.
You can find G scale locomotive in representing almost any era you would like to model. Although most G scale trains are steam trains representing the late 1800 and early 1900. The majority of the rolling stock is old time wooden stock cars, logging cars, wooden gondolas, and wooden side box cars. You can also find a variety of circuit cars, but not all rolling stock represents the early years of railroading. Although not as plentiful you can also find a large variety of modern diesel locomotives and rolling stock. The shay locomotive is probably the most used locomotive in G scale.
Now lets get back to the garden railroad. When modeling in the garden you are not restricted to the size room you have. You have you entire yard as a layout. When you are building your garden railroad you will need to use the same principles as the prototype trains. You will need to build you train on a road bed to keep water off of the track. Also you need to make sure you have the proper drainage. Remember that modeling a layout indoors you do not have to worry about the weather, whereas in a garden railroad you will have real sun, rain, snow, sleet, hail, and wind to deal with. These elements can take a toll on you track, structures, and other parts of your layout. The train itself can be brought indoors and run only when you are there to watch them. Some modelers have solved the problem of bring the train indoors, by allowing the track to run inside a shed or even the house. Another thing to watch out for when you have a garden railroad, are animals. Make sure you check out your track to make sure it is in perfect operating condition before running you train.
Hope you enjoy my articles,
Steve Barnett
Steve Barnett is a model train expert. For more information on G scale model trains, visit http://www.trainmodelingbook.com/modeling-with-g-scale-model-trains/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Barnett
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Monday, 30 November 2009
A Railway in Your Garden!
Did you see that? A steam locomotive whistling it's way through the garden? Yes, that's right - you are talking about my 'G' scale model train! Yes, you got that right - garden railroading, in the 'G' scale, is here to stay. These are some of the largest model trains produced, and though many of these models are out of doors, originally the 'G' had nothing to do with the garden. Oh, for the good old days!
Actually the 'G' is short for the German word "grob", which means "big." These trains were made popular by a German company, Lehmann Gross Bahn (LGB). G scale model trains and model railroads actually vary in size from country to country and system to system. What is consistent is the gauge of the tracks, which is 45mm (about 1.75"). This is Gauge 1 track size.
Gauge 1 track came about in the early 1900s to model narrow gauge (1000mm) European railroads. The resulting scale (of model to prototype track gauge) is 1:22.5. Using 45mm gauge rails to model US narrow gauge, which is 3 feet, gives a scale of 1:20.3, which the NMRA calls 'F' scale. The majority of American G scale manufacturers use this scale for their models.
These model trains are quite durable, which makes them popular - kids can play with these trains. Their size makes them easy to work with for those of us with poorer eyesight, or perhaps with arthritis. An outdoor layout brings into play many variables, like plants that grow, leaves that fall, pets, neighbors... The track materials are usually brass, aluminum or stainless steel (none of which rust). Many components can be found in brass. The variety of model trains gives great possibilities to railroad layouts, indoor and out. If you want to take a step up in size and scope, consider G scale model trains.
Scott Watkins is a model railroad enthusiast, and he can help you to get started quickly in this great hobby. He's written a 12 part mini course on getting started with model trains, you can get it right now at his website. Find out how you can begin having fun today with G scale trains at his website: http://model-train-info.com/g-scale-model-trains.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Watkins
Actually the 'G' is short for the German word "grob", which means "big." These trains were made popular by a German company, Lehmann Gross Bahn (LGB). G scale model trains and model railroads actually vary in size from country to country and system to system. What is consistent is the gauge of the tracks, which is 45mm (about 1.75"). This is Gauge 1 track size.
Gauge 1 track came about in the early 1900s to model narrow gauge (1000mm) European railroads. The resulting scale (of model to prototype track gauge) is 1:22.5. Using 45mm gauge rails to model US narrow gauge, which is 3 feet, gives a scale of 1:20.3, which the NMRA calls 'F' scale. The majority of American G scale manufacturers use this scale for their models.
These model trains are quite durable, which makes them popular - kids can play with these trains. Their size makes them easy to work with for those of us with poorer eyesight, or perhaps with arthritis. An outdoor layout brings into play many variables, like plants that grow, leaves that fall, pets, neighbors... The track materials are usually brass, aluminum or stainless steel (none of which rust). Many components can be found in brass. The variety of model trains gives great possibilities to railroad layouts, indoor and out. If you want to take a step up in size and scope, consider G scale model trains.
Scott Watkins is a model railroad enthusiast, and he can help you to get started quickly in this great hobby. He's written a 12 part mini course on getting started with model trains, you can get it right now at his website. Find out how you can begin having fun today with G scale trains at his website: http://model-train-info.com/g-scale-model-trains.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Watkins
Some Great Benefits of G Scale Model Trains
G scale model trains are very popular and have been for some time. There are a number of reasons why the G scale has grown in popularity. This is generally down to the many benefits of this model train scale, which I am going to discuss here. The G scale model trains are known as garden railroad trains and the letter G comes from this description of them.
They are some of the largest model trains that you can find on the market today. Their size is actually 1:22 of the real life trains, which makes them a great scale to use. They resemble the real trains and give more of a realistic feel than many of the other replica train scales.
There is something much more exciting about having a large scale train than you can get from the smaller one. Oftentimes, you will feel like you are watching real trains on the track because of the size of them.
The benefits of the G scale are that they are easy to work with. They are large and therefore don't have many intricate pieces attached to them. If you have small children then the G scale is probably a good choice. Small children often have accidents and break the smaller model trains. This is less likely to happen with the G scale.
The G scale track is also far more robust and durable than all of the other train tracks. The reason for this is because the tracks are made from brass. This gives them the strength and makes them perfect for running outside in the garden. You don't have to use these trains in the garden, but most people tend to do so.
Another great place for G scale trains is in a large garage or spaced room. They can look incredible when you have a number of trains running at once, and include some great scenery.
When using the G scale train track you will need to clean it occasionally. The great thing about the brass tracks is that you only need to have some wire wool on hand to deal with the cleaning procedure. Just rub the track to remove any dirt and ensure it has a smooth surface for the model trains to run on. This does not take very long and is actually much easier that cleaning the smaller train tracks.
Another great benefit of the G scale model train track is that they are incredibly easy to set up and expand. Almost anyone with a small amount of experience can set up a decent model railroad layout from the G scale.
The section of the large track fits together very easily and they don't take long to build. You can also create many layouts and themed designs when using the G scale model.
If you are considering which model train scale to use, then I would certainly recommend the G scale. It will last for many years and will produce a great amount of enjoyment for you.
Philip Redfearn is a passionate model train enthusiast, with many informative articles written about this exciting hobby. For more great information on model trains, and to sign up for a free Ultimate Model Railway Secrets 11 lesson mini-course, visit http://www.ultimatemodelrailway.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Redfearn
They are some of the largest model trains that you can find on the market today. Their size is actually 1:22 of the real life trains, which makes them a great scale to use. They resemble the real trains and give more of a realistic feel than many of the other replica train scales.
There is something much more exciting about having a large scale train than you can get from the smaller one. Oftentimes, you will feel like you are watching real trains on the track because of the size of them.
The benefits of the G scale are that they are easy to work with. They are large and therefore don't have many intricate pieces attached to them. If you have small children then the G scale is probably a good choice. Small children often have accidents and break the smaller model trains. This is less likely to happen with the G scale.
The G scale track is also far more robust and durable than all of the other train tracks. The reason for this is because the tracks are made from brass. This gives them the strength and makes them perfect for running outside in the garden. You don't have to use these trains in the garden, but most people tend to do so.
Another great place for G scale trains is in a large garage or spaced room. They can look incredible when you have a number of trains running at once, and include some great scenery.
When using the G scale train track you will need to clean it occasionally. The great thing about the brass tracks is that you only need to have some wire wool on hand to deal with the cleaning procedure. Just rub the track to remove any dirt and ensure it has a smooth surface for the model trains to run on. This does not take very long and is actually much easier that cleaning the smaller train tracks.
Another great benefit of the G scale model train track is that they are incredibly easy to set up and expand. Almost anyone with a small amount of experience can set up a decent model railroad layout from the G scale.
The section of the large track fits together very easily and they don't take long to build. You can also create many layouts and themed designs when using the G scale model.
If you are considering which model train scale to use, then I would certainly recommend the G scale. It will last for many years and will produce a great amount of enjoyment for you.
Philip Redfearn is a passionate model train enthusiast, with many informative articles written about this exciting hobby. For more great information on model trains, and to sign up for a free Ultimate Model Railway Secrets 11 lesson mini-course, visit http://www.ultimatemodelrailway.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Redfearn
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