Question re G scale train set
#1
I'm basically an HO and British 00 train modeller but I have some questions regarding G-Scale for a family friend. I don't know much about G-Scale so I thought I'd toss these questions our here.

This friend is thinking of buying her son a G-Scale Lionel train set for Christmas. Here are her questions:

1. Can they lay the track on bare floor or do they need a platform/base of some sort to place it on?
2. If they wanted to put it around the perimeter of their Xmas tree, is it easy to buy additional curved track at other retailers in Toronto or online?

I've told her that I think G-Scale is designed purposely so it can run on floors and carpets (you wouldn't do this with HO or N because they pick up dirt & lint, but I think it's different with G-Scale).

Thanks for any feedback! I'll try to provide more info if needed.

Rob
Rob
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.robertrobotham.ca/">http://www.robertrobotham.ca/</a><!-- m -->
Reply
#2
I can't speak to Lionel's G gauge offerings specifically, however:

1. Most of G gauge equipment is designed to run outside, so a floor with kids and pets and assorted filth is no problem at all.

2. Absolutely. 95% of hobby shops that'll sell such train sets will also sell track to go with. There's always the mega New York hobby houses for additional supplies, too.
Reply
#3
railohio Wrote:I can't speak to Lionel's G gauge offerings specifically, however:

1. Most of G gauge equipment is designed to run outside, so a floor with kids and pets and assorted filth is no problem at all.

2. Absolutely. 95% of hobby shops that'll sell such train sets will also sell track to go with. There's always the mega New York hobby houses for additional supplies, too.


Thanks -- this is very helpful.
Rob
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.robertrobotham.ca/">http://www.robertrobotham.ca/</a><!-- m -->
Reply
#4
I have "managed" a G scale train layout for a pediatric clinic for 6-8 years. I never had a Lionel brand, so I can't speak for their quality. If you get a set, it will come with track and power pack, all complete. If you buy items seperately, you have to be very careful. Longer locos MUST HAVE larger radius curves. That is why, when starting out, a set is best because it should come with the proper track.

It has been several years since I've done any purchasing, so maybe they are better, but a cheap Bachmann loco may last for one holiday season (Christmas thru New Year).

If the set comes with a loco with tires, use alcohol to clean the track if necessary, but under no circumstaces use oil on the track. If everything is metal wheels , a dab of oil on the track will make it run like a sewing machine.

Unless you want a steamer, or a diesel, there are all kinds of novel locos that run great.

I hope this helps you, but I've dealt with the kids likes, and they run 6 hours a day 5 days a week.

Lynn
Whitehouse, Tx
Reply
#5
yellowlynn Wrote:I have "managed" a G scale train layout for a pediatric clinic for 6-8 years. I never had a Lionel brand, so I can't speak for their quality. If you get a set, it will come with track and power pack, all complete. If you buy items seperately, you have to be very careful. Longer locos MUST HAVE larger radius curves. That is why, when starting out, a set is best because it should come with the proper track.
It has been several years since I've done any purchasing, so maybe they are better, but a cheap Bachmann loco may last for one holiday season (Christmas thru New Year).
If the set comes with a loco with tires, use alcohol to clean the track if necessary, but under no circumstaces use oil on the track. If everything is metal wheels , a dab of oil on the track will make it run like a sewing machine.
Unless you want a steamer, or a diesel, there are all kinds of novel locos that run great.
I hope this helps you, but I've dealt with the kids likes, and they run 6 hours a day 5 days a week.
Lynn

Thanks, Lynn. Interesting. Whenever my son & I have seen G scale layouts at model train shows, he is mesmerized by them -- he could watch them for hours. It's something about the larger locos that really attracts kids. I'm getting a little interested in this topic myself so I'll keep reading up on it.
Rob
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.robertrobotham.ca/">http://www.robertrobotham.ca/</a><!-- m -->
Reply
#6
Rob:
we have 2 types of G track on our layout, LGB and AristoCraft. They work together but resist. The LGB just pushes together while the Aristo uses little screws in the fishplates. (I think they have both hex and Phillips heads). I also have a loop of Bachman that came with a set; it's junk.
I would suggest that a rug is a bad place for any train set, but G may be less susceptible to picking up lint than smaller scales.
The smallest track radius looks to be about 24"--how big a tree do they have?
David
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.
Reply
#7
BR60103 Wrote:Rob:
we have 2 types of G track on our layout, LGB and AristoCraft. They work together but resist. The LGB just pushes together while the Aristo uses little screws in the fishplates. (I think they have both hex and Phillips heads). I also have a loop of Bachman that came with a set; it's junk.
I would suggest that a rug is a bad place for any train set, but G may be less susceptible to picking up lint than smaller scales.
The smallest track radius looks to be about 24"--how big a tree do they have?


Thanks, David. I'll have to ask about their tree. They want to buy a Lionel G scale CPR steam train set that comes with its own track. I looks like you can buy more Lionel track from the Lionel website. It sounds like they would like to create a large oval of track in the future. Hornet Hobbies (located 5 mins away from where we live), doesn't carry Lionel track -- I'll see if George's Trains carries it. Otherwise, buying the track online is probably the best option.
Rob
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.robertrobotham.ca/">http://www.robertrobotham.ca/</a><!-- m -->
Reply
#8
Except for the Bachmann, all the G sectional track I've seen is pretty compatible.
The G sources I know in Toronto area are
Hockley Valley
George's
Winona Garden Railway (Aberfoyle)

Credit Valley seems to have dropped G since their move.

You might have a look at the Brampton Train show.
David
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.
Reply
#9
BR60103 Wrote:Except for the Bachmann, all the G sectional track I've seen is pretty compatible.
The G sources I know in Toronto area are
Hockley Valley
George's
Winona Garden Railway (Aberfoyle)

Credit Valley seems to have dropped G since their move.

You might have a look at the Brampton Train show.


Thanks, David. At least George's sells it so it should be readily available as well as online.

Cheers, Rob
Rob
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.robertrobotham.ca/">http://www.robertrobotham.ca/</a><!-- m -->
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)