Rare Treasures | Fine Crafts | | Art | Collectibles

| Home | Collectibles | G Scale Trains |

G Scale Trains

The Largest Scale Model Trains Commonly Available

Collecting Large Gauge Toy Trains: What You Should Know

If you are new to model train collecting, you probably have a lot of questions.

G 4-6-0 Anniversary Edition, South Pacific Coast

One of the most basic questions is “What size trains should I collect?” In order to accurately answer this question for yourself, it is important to understand a bit about model train sizes and availability.

What Are the Large Gauge Toy Train Sizes?

Arguably the most popular model railroad size in the world is HO. This scale is 1/87 the size of a real train. The next size up is OO scale. This is a metric scale that is extremely popular in the United Kingdom, but not as popular in the United States.

The next size is S scale, which is 1/64 the size of a real train. Popular at one time, this scale is not commonly manufactured today.

The most popular large gauge trains in the United States are O scale.

This scale is 1/48 the size of a real train and based on the formula of ¼ inch equals one foot. This scale was created in Germany around the turn of the 20th century.

G Scale Crossing Gate

It was selected because it mirrors the scale of traditional dollhouses.

O scale dominated the market until after World War II and is still popular today.

G scale is the largest common scale for consumer model railroads. The formula is ½ inch to one foot, or a scale of 1/22.5.

This scale is usually used in outdoor train layouts, but is also sometimes used for Christmas tree circling holiday trains.

You will find that on quality large scale trains the details will be finer and more visible. This is because of the greater area the designer has to work with.

Working With Large Gauge Toy Trains

Working with large gauge toy trains offers both special challenges and unique benefits.

Larger trains need more room to turn, for example.

You will also need to decide between two rail and three rail layouts. Three rail layouts provide a center rail that powers the train, while two rail layouts are powered the same way as other railroad scales.

The third rail can cause the tracks to look less realistic, although some tracks use black rails that camouflage the center rail.

Deluxe Electric Christmas Train - G Scale

However, a third rail allows the trains to turn around in a reverse loop and return in the opposite direction on the same piece of track. In a two rail layout, this is possible only through computer control.

If you plan to attempt a large gauge toy train layout, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of model railroad experts.

You can find a model railroader group online or through your local hobby shop. There are numerous factors to take into consideration, from weight to turning radius, which can cause confusion for the new hobbyist.

The train scale that you select will be based on several factors including available space, track design and personal preference.

If you are new to model railroading, you may wish to begin your large gauge experimentation with O scale trains, which are more readily available at traditional outlets, before moving up to G scale trains.

This will allow you to experiment with layouts and learn to meet the unique challenges of dealing with larger scale toy trains.