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
Tuesday, 1 December 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
Garden Railroading
The scale of a model train refers to its size in comparison the real thing. There is a category for the bigger models called large scale trains. A component of that category is the G scale model with a ratio of 1:22. That simply means it is one twenty second to the actual size of a real train prototype. Typically, but not always, this size is too large for inside your home and is setup outside. Combine model railroading with the outdoors and you get what is coined garden railroading or G scale model train. It is a very appealing size the whole family can enjoy all year long and takes on a whole new sense of realism.
Now, G scale model trains do not have to be limited to the outdoors. It is also an ideal choice for running around your Christmas tree. The train is very easy for young children to operate without fear of knocking off the tracks due to the large size. The smaller scale trains may not fare as well especially if the children are young. The engines, track and rolling stock are of very high quality but tend to get a little expensive. So you will pay more for the initial setup but, because of the quality and durability, the investment should last for years to come. The smaller scales are much more fragile especially if young children are involved. Be careful before purchasing from multiple manufacturers, the G scale trains have not been standardized as well as other scales. Accessories are also limited and may require extra research to obtain.
Usually made of brass, G scale trains are quite durable and a perfect choice to be used outdoors or in the garden. The outdoors brings you even closer to real life. Mountains made of dirt, rocks, ponds, and streams can all bring your train to a whole new level. Downsides are erosion and other damages that Mother Nature may bring to the setup. These little problems are easy to fix and should not deter you. The joy of the outdoors, with the changing of the seasons, is priceless. Always be certain to check the tracks for debris before each use. Move the large debris off to the side and wipe the tracks with a clean cloth and you will be ready to go.
Of course your choice of scale depends on what you want the railroad to be. For an outdoor setup, the G scale model trains are a perfect choice. All you need is a mighty locomotive and three or four pieces of rolling stock. Then let the natural beauty of the outdoors provide the scenery for you and your family to enjoy.
Shaun Sparrow is an experienced model railroader that enjoys sharing his knowledge about the world's greatest hobby. To find more great information about G scale model trains, please visit his website http://www.model-train-station.com/Niche-Profit-Press-Pro-V.2.0/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaun_Sparrow
Now, G scale model trains do not have to be limited to the outdoors. It is also an ideal choice for running around your Christmas tree. The train is very easy for young children to operate without fear of knocking off the tracks due to the large size. The smaller scale trains may not fare as well especially if the children are young. The engines, track and rolling stock are of very high quality but tend to get a little expensive. So you will pay more for the initial setup but, because of the quality and durability, the investment should last for years to come. The smaller scales are much more fragile especially if young children are involved. Be careful before purchasing from multiple manufacturers, the G scale trains have not been standardized as well as other scales. Accessories are also limited and may require extra research to obtain.
Usually made of brass, G scale trains are quite durable and a perfect choice to be used outdoors or in the garden. The outdoors brings you even closer to real life. Mountains made of dirt, rocks, ponds, and streams can all bring your train to a whole new level. Downsides are erosion and other damages that Mother Nature may bring to the setup. These little problems are easy to fix and should not deter you. The joy of the outdoors, with the changing of the seasons, is priceless. Always be certain to check the tracks for debris before each use. Move the large debris off to the side and wipe the tracks with a clean cloth and you will be ready to go.
Of course your choice of scale depends on what you want the railroad to be. For an outdoor setup, the G scale model trains are a perfect choice. All you need is a mighty locomotive and three or four pieces of rolling stock. Then let the natural beauty of the outdoors provide the scenery for you and your family to enjoy.
Shaun Sparrow is an experienced model railroader that enjoys sharing his knowledge about the world's greatest hobby. To find more great information about G scale model trains, please visit his website http://www.model-train-station.com/Niche-Profit-Press-Pro-V.2.0/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaun_Sparrow
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