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For those of you running Large Scale trains, does anyone use Gargraves track?  They used to sell a 2 rail 'G gauge' track which looked a whole lot better than the customary heavy brass 'narrow gauge' stuff made by several mfgs.

 

By using their regular rails and ties, the height and tie spacing appears much more prototypical for regular American prototype trains than the brass track.

 

Here is our Santa Fe SD70 to give you an idea. One of these days I am going to weather and ballast a section for full effect.

 

 

 

DSC04163

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Originally Posted by eddie g:

What's the difference between Large scale, standard gauge, 1 gauge & G gauge?

Large Scale, 1 Gauge, and G Gauge are all more or less the same. Standard Gauge is a bit larger (I think), tinplate trains from Lionel. 

 

I've got a circle of Brass Aristocraft track I've been thinking of selling. Worked great last I used it, just needs a good cleaning. Never been outside, just used "around the tree" for a few years. If anyone wants to buy it, let me know. 

Originally Posted by eddie g:

What's the difference between Large scale, standard gauge, 1 gauge & G gauge?

Standard Gauge, as in Lionel or MTH Standard Gauge today or in the past, is in a league of its own with 3-rail track that, at 2-1/8" between the outer railheads, is not the same as track used for the Large Scale categories.

 

Large Scale is an umbrella term for anything that operates on 45mm track, and that includes, but is not limited to, 1:20.3, 1:22.5, 1:24, 1:29, and 1:32 scale--generally the most popular Large Scale scales.  Again, the track gauge for all is 45mm.

 

The term 1 Gauge also applies to a 45mm track gauge, and is commonly used throughout Europe and Great Britain.  Marklin originated the term since they once had #1 Gauge, #2 Gauge, and #3 Gauge systems.

 

G Gauge is a term that was initially applied (somewhat wrongly) to LGB trains when they were initially introduced to the U.S. market.  They were commonly referred to as "G Gauge trains" even though the true scale of most LGB equipment was 1:22.5 or thereabouts.  Early on, the term came to be applied to nearly all trains operating on 45mm track, I suppose because it was easy to associate with LGB.

 

With the multiple scales that all operate on 45mm (#1 gauge) track, there's quite a bit of confusion in understanding the various Large Scale offerings and how they relate to each other.

 

Dave, What would you use for American prototype equipment to approximate the tie spacing and size?  Admittedly, I'm very UNfamiliar with the state of Large Scale today but there were 4 operating layouts at the last local show here and all used what appeared to be 'regular' brass track with the big spaced ties.

One group was running live steamers and a scale Berkshire looked rather odd on it as did the handsome Aristo NS Dash 9(?)  on another...

 Well ,my 2c. I ordered a case of Gargraves stainless and it's still in the box. Even as I was talking with Gargraves about their product, they mentioned that it's not as durable as others and you can't step on it. Most guys are outside and the track takes a beating. If it survives from the sun and weather, it still has to hold up being walked on, kicked and even driven over.

 So if you're putting it in a protected area, I think you'd be fine. I run DCS and have been told that the signal strays a bit with the hollow stainless rail. I want to test that still. I think it will at least save money on sidings in a shed. I may have to seal the ties with something. I noticed it's gauged tighter than any of my other track. That may lead to some issues too.

 Now send that silver Warbonnet over this way and we'll run her!!! She's a beaut!

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