Hello, first time posting in G-Scale. The wifey bought a Bachmann G-Scale set the other day, and we've decided to build a small (is there such a thing) layout on two ping-pong tables in our basement. The LHS doesn't stock Bachmann G track, but does stock Aristo-Craft. I was wondering if the two brands are compatible, and just for information purposes, is LGB compatible with either? Also, what about the couplers between the brands? Conversion kits? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I will post pics as the layout progresses.
Bachmann track is lightweight pressed steel track. Its ONLY good for indoors and in a basement it needs to be watched as it rusts quite quickly. Bachmann track does not mate easily, some say at all, with any of the other brands. Its certainly cheap enough if you can find it at a discounted rate. Otherwise you can buy Aristo/USA or LGB brass from an online discount place. The Aristo can probably be purchased from them for the same or less than the LHS will charge you for the Bachmann track. Brass track made by LGB, USA Trains or Aristo-Craft are all the same size (Code 332). They are all interchangeable but LGB uses a differnt type of joiner. Its just a matter of removing or replacing one when mating the different types. If you ever intend to try moving outside you'll need brass or the newer stainless steel track. Andre'
There's a can of worms!!!! Take a look at this: http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips3/coupler_tips.html Andre'
I have standardised on the Bachmann Knuckle Coupler, it is the only coupling (that I know of) which will retrofit any Aristocraft, USA Trains, LGB USA stock. Recently, I purchased two LGB locomotives, a Sumpter Valley Mallet and a D&RGW Forney, the Bachmann Knuckle Coupler drops in as if designed for this job. Cheap to buy in bags, easy to fit, quite efficient in use.
I made a serious mistake when I got into G scale about 6 years ago. I decided that Kadee couplers were to costly so I changed everything over to Aristo couplers as I bought new cars etc. They were cheep and everyone had some to give away. Later I found out that I wasn't buying Aristo products any more and that all my working engines, and newer cars, were USAT products. Aristo couplers became a real problem. I finally jumped in and switched everything to Kadee all at once. It took two weeks and cost me the equivalent of two engines but it was the best thing I ever did. Running trains is fun again. Dave
