What is G-Scale?

The term “gauge” versus a “scale”?

Railroad “gauge” refers to track size whereas “scale” measures the size relationship between a model train and its real-world train prototype. i.e. A model locomotive that is 1/24th the size of real train is called 1:24 scale.
Often you’ll see the terms “gauge” and “scale” used interchangeably even though, technically, they’re different.

G-Scale

Large Scale model railroading includes several different commercially available scales ranging from 1:20 to 1:32.

G Gauge Track is 1.77” (45mm) which is the distance from rail to rail and all G Scales trains run on G Gauge track.

G scale emerged from a German company Lehmann Gross Bahn (LGB) in 1968 allowing for an ‘outdoor’ garden railway brand which included steam, electric, and diesel prototypes.
Today, major manufacturers include USA Trains, PIKO, Bachmann and LGB.

Garden Railroads

G-Scale or “Garden Scale” is one of the largest scales in model railroading.
Its size and durability make it well suited to withstand the elements for outdoor layouts.
Garden Railroad layouts usually wind through backyard landscaping and is often described as the marriage of two fun hobbies; model railroading and gardening.
Click below to see what our San Diego members have done with their impressive layouts.