a basic question: I've read a bit about G scale track, enough to get confused. is there a difference between the various brands (different scale) of track? Not 2 rail vs 3 rail, but will an LGB run on Aristocraft track or will a Bachmann run on LGB track? Can I mix and match the various brands together or must I commit to one manufacturer and scale of track? is there a universal gauge which all G scale locos will operate correctly on? I am familiar with track via my N gauge involvement. Just not this big stuff! thanks!
mostly same guage, but differnt scales Most large scale trains run on 45mm gauge track. LGB, Aristocraft, Bachmann, etc all run on 45mm track. What does change is the scale of the trains, if they adhere to a scale. LGB generally uses 1:22.5, making 45mm track equal to meter gauge on the prototype. Other manufactures use 1:32 making 45mm track equal to US standard gauge on the prototype. 1:29 is a compromise "scale" to look good, in between those two scales. There is many scales.
Most G & F Scale Trains run on 45mm track. That would the gauge. Because of this, narrow gauge and standard gauge trains are rated based off their scales. LGB Equipment can run on any 45mm track so long as it's electric and those shoes can pick it up (Or in my case eliminate the pickup shoes and use overhead wires for my electric loco). The thing about track is you need to becareful about where it's made. Metal Standards in China are not up to the same high quality standards as Europe. But the look you see is overall based on scale. Scale can range from 1:20.3 to 1:32. 1:32, 1:29 tend to represent US Standard Gauge, even though 1:29 is used to bridge the gap between 1:24 and 1:32. 1:29 has become US Standard Scale now, despite the fact that realistically 1:32 is more accurate. 1:20.3 represents "F" Scale which a handfull of manufacturers make and is supposed to be American Narrow Gauge. 1:22.5 is what LGB is. Most of that is European Narrow Gauge. But all in all, they all use 45mm standard track. You can mix track. I myself run LGB & Aristocraft track. Track breaks down into 2 types. European and American. Don't let this fool you. All it means is the tie type. American style has narrower ties on the curves (like my aristocraft) and European has wider ties on the curves. But there is one final thing you need to know about track selection: LENGTH. LGB Track and Piko Track for that matter are exactly 1 foot. When you mix that with say Aristocraft track, then you are off by a couple centimeters. Aristocraft track stops just shy of one foot. I found that out and had to purchase some of LGB's short connector tracks just to fix what is still a dilapitated layout.
Track While LGB and Aristocraft track are very compatible and durable for outdoor use as well as indoor, Bachman track is not compatible and is intended for indoor use only.
Quick Answer to your G scale confusion As to your first statement, yes G scale is confusing since how nothing is standard, G scale can range from 1:22.5 scale ratio all the way to 1:32 scale ratio and everything in between. Now for your second question, ALL G scale trains will run on the same track which is 45mm and is called Gauge #1 track. So whether you buy Aristocraft track, USA Trains track, LGB track etc. it's all 45 mm. Now here is where it gets tricky, some brands of track will not match properly with others. For example LGB track is made by metric lengths and Aristicraft is made by standard American measurements, so mix and match of track may not work. You can however mix and match manufacturers of trains with no problems, but here is the catch, you must use hook and loop couplers if thats what you want to do since how hook and loop couplers is the ONLY standard coupler in the G scale world period. Most manufacturers offer both hook and loop couplers and knuckle couplers. Knuckle couplers will not interchange between manufacturers and so a Aristocraft car with a knuckle coupler will not couple to a USA Trains with a kncukle coupler. If you wanted to run knuckle couplers you would have to convert everything to a kadee coupler since you want to run a variety of manufacturer trains. Another point of running different manufacturer trains is that since there is so many scale ratios, a USA Ultimate series 40ft box car which is 1:29 scale ratio looks kinda funny coupled to a MTH Trains 40ft box car which is 1:32 scale ratio, if that doesn't bother you, than yes you can run them together. When it comes to running locomotives correctly on Gauge #1 track or as many people mistakenly call it G gauge track, there is only one thing you have to worry about which is curves. All Locomotives have a minimum diameter curve that they will run on, any less and you risk damage and many derails. I actually have a chart in the G scale section of what locomotive will run on what diameter curve. Now here is where it gets a little more confusing. LGB makes 2 different types of profile track which is code 332 and code 250. Be careful if and when chosing LGB track, especially used. All USA Trains, Aristocraft and Piko Track are code 332 only. If you choose code 250 track, beware you will have interence problems when running USA Trains and Aristocraft trains on such a low profile track since the wheels are meant to be run on code 332 profile There is alot of information in the G scale section that me and many others have put in over that past year, be sure to read up on it by opening the pats threads to 1 year old Good Luck, any other questions need answering, we can help
I keep forgetting to post the different G-Scale Rail Codes. yes G-Scale has different codes as EMD stated above.
I have gathered up a bunch of information for you and all new comers to G scale and put it all in one post. This hopefully will help those getting into the hobby. The post is called Intro into G scale and has alot of info to read, hopefully it will help more than it will confuse you and others.
Hey, thanks everyone! This now makes perfect sense to me. Well, as much as 'it' makes sense. I just wanted to make sure before I started buying track, and good to know on the code 332 and code 250. I picked up a used Bachmann (new in the) box set cheap to operate some G scale and the simple loop is not going to cut it. Thanks again!
Bachmann track is okay, but I would reccomend replacing it somewhere down the road. But let me just tell you that Lionel G-Scale track is the WORST to purchase. I see it for sale at the local train show all the time but no one buys it. Enjoy your new set~ Bachmann sets aren't all that known for quality but they are very inexpensive and most of us here have at one pointed owned one. I have a Big Hauler set that needs to have her drive gears replaced. Barry's Big Trains is the sole manufacturer of aftermarket Drive gears. so if yours dies, you know where to go.
