16mm (45mm)/G Scale - A Matter of Clarification

SpudUk · Post by **SpudUk** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 11:20 am

So, I just need something clarified for me as I'm not overly confident I've got the right answer (yet).

G Scale (LGB, for example) runs on 45mm to a scale of 1:22.5, yes? Giving a vague representation of metre gauge?

16mm models on 45mm track are at a scale of 1:19.5, representing 2' 6" and upwards?

So, by extension, hypothetically speaking an Accucraft RTR W&L coach, at 45mm gauge, is incompatible with an LGB 45mm G Scale locomotive?

Is that all right?

MDLR · Post by **MDLR** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:06 pm

SpudUk:97640 wrote:So, by extension, hypothetically speaking an Accucraft RTR W&L coach, at 45mm gauge, is incompatible with an LGB 45mm G Scale locomotive?

That's correct.

16mm scale on 32mm track = 2' gauge or thereabouts prototypes

15mm scale on 45mm track = 3' / metre gauge prototypes

Snailrail · Post by **Snailrail** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:12 pm

Yes, I think that's broadly correct but incompatible is a strong word to use in connection with garden railways. I don't think you will find many on here who are that strict about scale. There is such a huge variation in sizes of narrow gauge stock anyway, you could find a two foot gauge coach as big as one running on metre gauge.

I think most would say it's your railway and if a loco and coach look ok together to you, even if they're technically different scales, that's all that matters.

Brian

SpudUk · Post by **SpudUk** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:20 pm

Just considering whether G Scale, 45mm or some strange and out of scale combination of the two might be:

a) More cost effective
b) More child friendly
c) More durable
d) More time efficient

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:56 pm

Personally I think the biggest consideration is the type of railway (and therefore atmosphere) you're trying to produce. In many instances 2' and 3' lines served different purposes and had a very different "feel". The oft-used LGB track emphasizes the differences because of its very substantial nature, not at all like your average British pre-preservation NG line. So, as you've said you're after a WDLR vibe, to me that means 2' gauge lightly laid track - so personally I'd go for 32mil...

Andrew.

kandnwlr · Post by **kandnwlr** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 1:24 pm

Of course, if you can´t make up your mind, or if you want the best of both worlds - you could simply go for both, or dual gauge track :D

Oh, and please ignore the Gn15 track you can see in the middle of pic. :roll:

andymctractor · Post by **andymctractor** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 1:34 pm

Hi,
16mm/ft (1.19 ,ish scale) is usually modelled on 32 mm gauge track but some 16 millers model on 45 mm gauge track because it suits them and what they are trying to achieve.
G scale is really a range of scales round about 1.24 and most G scalers model their trains on 45 mm gauge track. Also, most G scale railways tend to be track powered whereas 16 millers are more likely to use live steam or battery power.

Whilst G scalers can get away with using some 16mm/ft stuff also 16 millers use some G scale stuff with little problem.
Simply, there are distinct differences between 16 millers and G scale but there are also some overlaps. The less pedantic you are about exact scale etc. the larger the overlap is for you.
An example of this is models like the Accucraft Countess and the mass of rtr rolling stock. You will find this stuff running on 45mm axles on G scale layouts and 32mm axle on 16 mm/ft scale. Note that these products are supplied with wheels for both 32mm and 45mm gauge track.
Where the difference is more obvious is when you have a train consisting of rolling stock from both scales OR when the wider available range of figures in G are used too close to a scalish 16mm/ft figure.
Good luck

SpudUk · Post by **SpudUk** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 1:59 pm

The only reasons I am considering it, regardless of my original prototype idea are:

Cost wise - A ready to run locomotive in G scale seems to be the same as a 16mm kit. Plus I can run steam outline rather the live steam, which saves a lot of money

Kid friendly - It seems much more durable and child friendly which is important in a garden with both a resident small person and a large number of young visitors

Easier - No kit building (I haven't built a kit in a long time), more scale buildings and figures

Now 15" modelling, that's an idea....

JMORG · Post by **JMORG** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 3:48 pm

In our group, many users use G scale stock and it looks perfectly fine with 16mm engines.
Just to add, I am currently finishing off 2 Playmobile "scale" (if you can call it scale) locomotive conversions. With suitable details and new Essel derived chassis, they look perfectly presentable I think (they're similar sort of Width and Height to a Lady Anne)!
The 3 foot rule applies with us!

SpudUk · Post by **SpudUk** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 4:00 pm

That's another thing, I can use all my Playmobil men up, could even have an Native American assault on a US fort in my garden!

kandnwlr · Post by **kandnwlr** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 4:39 pm

SpudUk:97674 wrote:That's another thing, I can use all my Playmobil men up, could even have an Native American assault on a US fort in my garden!

Thanks for reminding us that it´s a hobby and it´s supposed to be fun

In the spirit of comprise, I ended doing my buildings to 1:20, but discover that it tends to be the overall size of the building that makes it look right or not. My guess is that it is equally true ot locomotives and rolling stock.

Keith S · Post by **Keith S** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 11:14 pm

I wound up with a bit of a mish-mash because, when I was on the telephone with Roundhouse ordering my locomotive kit, I asked their advice about gauge. They suggested 45mm because in their opinion, I would stand more of a chance of finding somewhere to run it in North America because most garden railways here are "gauge 1" or "G scale".

All but one of my wagons are 16mm scale, and I suppose my "Billy" could be said to be 16mm scale although it's a "generic" engine without any real prototype I suppose it could be anything.

I have ONE wagon which is nominally 15mm scale, that is a model of an Isle of Man 3ft gauge box van. It looks a little large compared to the 16mm engine, wagons and coaches, but not outlandishly so. It certainly doesn't bother me.

If my train was scaled up to "real" size, the tracks would be 2ft, 9in. apart, which is unusual but it doesn't bother me.

When I eventually do build permanent rails in the garden, I am going to use a very light code rail and have the sleepers quite far apart. I find that this gives the look of a "narrower" gauge with 45mm track.

SpudUk · Post by **SpudUk** » Thu Mar 13, 2014 4:39 pm

I think if I could find something in 16mm that has made of solid plastic and that kids could kick over and not damage I'd be much less worried about the scale/gauge.

That and a battery powered steam outline loco, I think live steam is a long way off for me yet!

bazzer42 · Post by **bazzer42** » Thu Mar 13, 2014 9:04 pm

I started years ago (about 1996) witha playmobil set. I still have them and they run as sweet as a nut and take whatever kids are here at the time can throw at them. I drifted into 45mm because of that and sometimes wished I had moved to 32mm. However I am safe in the knowledge that I can offer kids freedom to do their worse.

I'm not a proud man and run on a Piko, aristo, lgb, trainline 45 and tenmille combination of track. The playmobil is totally reliable on this combo which is more than can be said for some of my 16mm stock. Buildings are built to 16mm plans for ease of ideas but as others have said, if it looks right.......who cares.

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16mm (45mm)/G Scale - A Matter of Clarification

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