G gauge outdoor layout

There is something special about running trains outside. Expanding your layout would bring you much pleasure, although it is nice the way it is. Trains running in a garden is quite enjoyable and brings a new element to model railroading that indoor layouts just can’t match.

Artie,

Very nice!

Per your comment on the "Brawl in the Great White North: CN vs CP for KCS" thread (it was removed while I was writing you a response)
The PGMRRS does not have a permanent club layout. Pre-COVID, members would invite the club to their personal layout for a BBQ and train running. We also did some train shows and local events with our modular layouts (East Coast Large Scale Train Show and our Holiday setup at Camp Jefferson, NJ are the big two). We just had a COVID-compliant event at "The Shoppes at Lafayette"  and the next event will also be there on May 15 &16 (10:00am - 4:00pm).

Bryce

" I may expand its little bit." 

Bryce, thanks for the info. I might get down to the Shoppes at Lafayette, as it’s only about 45 minutes from me. I’m near Lake Wallenpaupack.

Engineer-Joe, that layout is spectacular!

Thanks, trainbob. Yes, and last year I added a spur for an engine house, and also just ordered an Alco S4 from Charles Ro. I’ll post more as I expand.

@Artie-DL&W posted:

Bryce, thanks for the info. I might get down to the Shoppes at Lafayette, as it’s only about 45 minutes from me. I’m near Lake Wallenpaupack.

Artie,
Look forward to hopefully seeing you there!
Bryce

@Artie-DL&W posted:

In addition to my primarily O gauge three rail layouts, I have a HO layou, and this G gauge layout. It’s nice to sit on my porch and watch the trains on a summer evening. I may expand its little bit.

This is marvelous and I'm glad I found this sub forum. I've recently re-started a garden railroad after many years. I have a nice brick patio that will support some track, potted plants and buildings.

It's been years since my son had a Playmobile G scale train in the 80s. I recently bought a LGB starter. Can you tell me--is that a Piko engine you have running? Is it a starter set?

Does anyone have a Bachmann set? What do you think?

My new LGB is the Hungarian manufactured variety. I'm wondering how robust this new line is.

What radius G track are you using? Is it R1, the 4', or the 5' curves? My track is the starter set that has the R1 curves, but I'd like to add a 5' radius (maybe a double loop) so I can run some bigger engines.

Hi, pdxtrains, yes that’s a Piko starter set engine, and I’ve added some cars to the set, including a Aristocraft Trains (out of business, but can still be found) tank car, and LGB gondola, and a lighted drovers caboose from Piko. I’m happy with the Piko engine, and it seems well built, although it won’t pull a long train (about five cars), which is not a problem on my small layout. I’ve just ordered a USA Trains Alco S4, which should arrive in June. So far, I’m using the R1 radius, which seems fine for this modest layout, which may expand into the garden a bit. I’ve already added a short spur for an engine house. The brass Piko track is very robust for outdoor use. Someone gave me a Bachmann Emmit Kelly Circus Train, and it seems to run fine, although I don’t think it will be as robust. This came with indoor track. It’s also slightly larger than the Piko, which is around 1:29, whereas, I think the Bachmann is 1:22, as is LGB, I think. The USA trains run about 1:29, too, as did the Aristocraft. I’m not worried about scale differences so much, but I like the 1:29. If you plan on using larger engines and cars, I would go with the larger radius curves, R2 and higher.

As I’ve said, my main focus is my O gauge layout, but I do want to expand this a bit, add more buildings and track, maybe a tunnel, and sit out on a warm evening with a nice vodka/tonic!

Good luck, and let’s see some photos!

If you want to get into G scale, I swear by PIKO. Their products are bulletproof, and everything is made in their German factory.

Bachmann isn't very good. They use steel alloy track in their sets (which will rust with the slightest bit of moisture), and the quality is lacking. I've had Bachmann engines strip gears right out of the box.

@JML posted:

If you want to get into G scale, I swear by PIKO. Their products are bulletproof, and everything is made in their German factory.

Bachmann isn't very good. They use steel alloy track in their sets (which will rust with the slightest bit of moisture), and the quality is lacking. I've had Bachmann engines strip gears right out of the box.

Thanks for that tip. I'm enjoying the little starter LGB set, it got me going, but I'd like some american proto trains.

I also like that it looks like most Piko trains run on the 4' track (R1). This is a very small layout and I don't really need gigantic engines for this.

What starter sets/engines do you like from Piko?

I enjoy the 25 ton diesel and the 0-6-0 Saddletank. The 25 Ton is available either track or battery powered.

I, too, am using the 0-6-0 saddle tank, and it came with a starter set, as I mentioned. The tank car is Aristocraft.

For anyone considering G Scale Outdoors, try Sunset Valley Stainless Track.  I have over 300ft that has endured 115 degree Vegas heat for over 5 years with no apparent degradation.  If you stagger the joints on the rails you can get the curves really smooth.  6ft rails are really easy to bend and slide right into the 12" tie sections.  I use Splitjaw Stainless Railclamps on all, great conductivity, I lose only 0.5v over 70ft of track, means fewer track power jumpers.  Email me for more info, email is in my profile.  Pic attached.

Chris S.