Archive for August, 2011
Discount G Scale Model Trains
August 3rd, 2011 
dwalton 
Learning About G Scale Model Trains
Author: Jason R. Dodson
G scale trains belong to the larger-scale models category of model trains. The G scale is one of the largest train replicas in the model train and railroading world. It is even the biggest of the most popular model trains. The G scale model ratio is 1:22. This means that the replica is only twenty two times smaller than its real-life cousin. If you think about it, other models and scales are a whole lot smaller. The O scale, for instance, also belongs to the larger scale models but is just about half the size of G scale model trains – only 1:48 in ratio. To compare, O scale model trains are 16.1 inches long and 3.6 tall; while G scale models are 26.7 inches long and about half a foot high. G scale model trains were developed by Paul Lehmann Patetnwerk, head of the German company Lehmann Gross Bahn – also known by two other names: LGB, or as known in English, Lehmann Big Train. LGB has manufactured model trains since 1881 and has an American branch called LGB America.
Due to its considerable size, most model train and railroaders affectionately refer to the G scale model trains as if it stands for "garden". The letter actually stands for groß, which in German means "big". For G scale model trains, No.1 tracks are used – so do other larger scale trains. The gauge, or the width of the No.1 track, is about 45 millimeters.
G scale model trains are durable ones, so if you're planning on having a railroad track in your backyard, it would be a great scale to choose. The tracks of G scale models are made of brass. These won't require you to do a lot of maintenance. You can simply wipe it with a clean cloth, and the track will be good for plenty of runs. If you have some space in your home, you can put your G scale model train indoors.
Two of the best G scale model train and track manufacturers are Bachmann and Aristocraft. The durability that G scale mode trains are well known for can be put to good use. For instance, it can be introduced to kids by their parents who are model train enthusiasts as well – without the worry for the train getting broken. This makes for a good medium for the family to bond. Smaller scales like the 4.8 inch high 1.1 inch tall N scale models will easily get destroyed by kids, who do not know gentleness towards toys, as opposed to the sturdy G scale – so the latter is a getter choice overall.
Model train and railroading has been around for a long time and manufacturers have created different scales for you to choose which one you like best. This includes the G scale model trains.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/learning-about-g-scale-model-trains-2099689.html
About the Author
Jason R. Dodson is a toy enthusiast and a miniature piece collector with a special interest in locomotives. He pays special attention to hismodel trains and has built the website www.ultimatemodeltraincenter.com to help model railroaders get started with the hobby.
G Scale Model Trains Amtrak
August 2nd, 2011 dwalton 
Florida Train Service: Five Tips to Travel to Florida by Amtrak
Author: Charles Self
Florida is an ideal vacation location. It has many major metropolitan areas and thousands of miles of oceanfront beauty. Of course, Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens provide fun and adventure for the whole family.
Fortunately, you can travel to most of the major Florida vacation areas by Amtrak. Three daily trains travel to and through the state from the east coast. As a relaxing and affordable method for travel to Florida, the train is preeminent. Given the rising cost and hassle of air travel, a land alternative may be the most enjoyable way to get to the Sunshine State.
Here are five tips/hints for effectively traveling to/from Florida by Amtrak:
One: You must decide which long-distance train you wish to take to Florida. If you wish to stay in the Jacksonville-Orlando-Miami corridor, the Silver Meteor that originates in New York (with great connections from Boston) will be your train of choice. You can leave New York or Washington in the afternoon and arrive in Orlando or Miami the next afternoon. If you wish to go Florida’s Gulf Coast, you will be best served on the Silver Star. At Tampa, there is connecting Thruway Motorcoach service to Sarasota and Fort Myers. Finally, if you wish to bring your car along for the ride, the Auto Train runs from Lorton, Virginia (outside of Washington, DC) to Sanford, FL (45 minutes from Orlando.)
Two: Most Florida Amtrak cities have connecting local transportation from Amtrak stations. Miami International Airport can be reached from the Miami train station by Miami Metrobus and the Hollywood train station by the Tri-Rail commuter trains. Connecting taxi service from DeLand to Daytona Beach can be reserved with your Amtrak ticket. If you are going to Walt Disney World, you may wish to miss the crowds at the Orlando station and go on to the next stop, which is Kissimmee. At Kissimmee, there is complete baggage service, taxi cabs and pre-arranged van service available. Although there is no good public transportation options at either Orlando or Kissimmee, you are actually closer to the park (and thus you will incur lower transportation costs) from Kissimmee.
Three: For many people, having the flexibility of a rental car allows them to easily take advantage of all that their Florida destination offers. At Jacksonville, you can pick up your Hertz car right at the train station daily except Sundays. At most other stations, you can pre-arrange for Enterprise or other major car rental company to pick you up or reimburse you for taxi fare to their offices. Before you leave home, talk to the local rental office (not the toll-free reservation agents) and confirm their hours of operation and the best method to reach the office.
Four: The Auto Train is one of the most unique experiences Amtrak offers. You and your vehicle (it can be a car, motorcycle or trailer camper of limited size) board the train at Lorton, Virginia or Sanford, Florida in the afternoon and travel nonstop 800 miles to the other location, arriving the next morning. Your vehicle travels in specially-made carriers in the back of the train. You can either stretch out in a reclining coach seat or reserve private Superliner sleeping accommodations. All passengers receive a complimentary sit-down dinner with wine and continental breakfast. There is also a lounge car that features movies for family entertainment.
Five: It is extremely important to make advanced reservations for transportation to and within Florida. By buying your tickets in advance for both Amtrak and local transportation services, you may be able to receive discounted advance purchase fares or special fares for students and seniors.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/florida-train-service-five-tips-to-travel-to-florida-by-amtrak-1488251.html
About the Author
Charles Self is the editor of the Amtrak Train Stations Across America website. At http://www.passengertraininfo.com/florida.aspx you will find additional information on traveling to Florida and Amtrak train stations.
G Scale Model Trains Lgb
August 2nd, 2011 dwalton 
Posted in Uncategorized 
Tags: g scale model trains, g scale model trains lgb, scale Model Trains 
No Comments »Usa G Scale Model Trains
August 2nd, 2011 dwalton 
Posted in Uncategorized Tags: g scale model trains, scale Model Trains, usa g scale model trains No Comments »Aristo Craft G Scale Model Trains
August 1st, 2011 dwalton 
Modeling G Scale Trains Sometimes Called Garden Trains
Author: Steve Barnett
The G scale train is probably the most popular outdoor or garden railroad train. Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk introduced the G scale in 1968 under the LGB name. They were considered to be top manufacture of G scale in Europe. The LGB trains were considered to be the company that made garden railroads popular. The company is now part of the Marklin Company now, after Lehmann went bankrupt. But, maybe we should not use the term G scale because there is really not a set scale for G, although there is a set track gauge. The track gauge used by G gauge is 45mm also called gauge 1. The scale of G gage can range from 1:32 to 1:20.3.
Modeling G gauge in your back yard is a great hobby. You usually have plenty of room and model a large layout. The garden railroad can run through your flower beds and cross over you're your back yard water feature on a tussle bridge. Some modelers with a steep bank in there yard have tunnels looping through the hill side to get to the bottom without the grade getting to steep. You can model small town with a western look or a modern town. The G gauge trains seem to stay on the track better than smaller gauges.
When modeling a garden railroad you need to consider the possibility that you will need to have access to the track without having to destroy your flower garden. Always leave enough room on one side of the track so you can walk. This will allow you to get to a derailment no matter where it is located. Also the track being subjected to all types of weather you will need to clean it on a regular basis. You will need the roadbed higher than the surrounding soil to keep water away from the rails. To have a smooth running train you will need to keep the track free of sticks, leaves, and grass.
The G scale can be modeled indoors but, you will need a large area for your layout. Most G scale trains used indoors are set up once a year around the Christmas tree. You can buy a large assortment of G scale trains made just for Christmas. The locomotives are decorated with tinsel, and the cars will have Christmas themes. You can also buy villages with the houses being decorated with Christmas decorations. Some locomotive even play Christmas carols while traveling around the tree.
The G scale trains and there accessories are relative easy to find. Most hobby shop will have a good quantity of trains and accessories. When looking for G scale trains you will find that there are a great number of manufacturers from which to choose. You can find Bechmann, LGB, Marklin, Aristo-Craft, and many more. Just remember that there is no set scale only a set gauge. So when purchasing your locomotive and rolling stock you may want to make sure they are of the same ratio. Please have fun modeling your garden railroad and if you need more information go to http://www.trainmodelingbook.com/modeling-with-g-scale-model-trains/
Thank you,
Steve Barnett
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/modeling-g-scale-trains-sometimes-called-garden-trains-2868357.html
About the Author
Steve Barnett is a model train expert. For more information on G scale model trains, visit http://www.trainmodelingbook.com/modeling-with-g-scale-model-trains/
G Scale Model Trains Videos
August 1st, 2011 dwalton 
Utilizing G Scale Model Trains
Author: iris bell
G scale model trains are an amazing piece of engineering. Not only are they the largest of the model trains, they are also the easiest to work with. In case you are not up to date with model train terminology we will talk a bit about the different scales. The first thing you need to know is that model trains are standardized to a point that everyone can use the same equipment.
There was a time when this simply was not so. In the beginning of the model train hobby trains were made of different sizes, shapes, and orientations. If you bought track for one train there was a chance that it would simply fail to work with a different brand. It wasn't long before someone determined there was indeed a need to standardize both the trains and the tracks, making it necessary to assign scales to the trains.
There are many scales, but the G scale stands for Garden Variety. In other words it is very common and it is very large. This type of train is so large in fact that you will rarely see a full scale scenery for it and it is commonly used in outdoor gardens. Something to note about the G scale model trains is that they are nearly impossible to break. This includes exposure to the elements and even children.
If the G scale model train does happen to break you will find that the parts within are extremely large and easy to work with. You can replace the parts or you can repair them if the situation happens to permit. In addition to that, the large size of the train makes it much easier to add DCC control if you so desire.
While there is not much you can do in the way of scenery, you can certainly get creative with your G scale model trains. For instance it would be a good idea to run a track through your house either at floor level or at ceiling level. Many people have actually tried running track through their walls and into the backyard. With elevated tracks and plexiglass barriers to keep the train from falling, these make a great addition to a property for virtually train lover.
As we've stated though, the G scale is very large and should only be used by those who happen to have quite a bit of room. In addition to that the G scale will rarely be seen with a benchwork of it's own. Rather an entire room will become the benchwork for the train, and if that is something you can live with, you might just have a winner.
If you're ready to discover the joys of owning a G scale model train, then now is the time to start looking for the perfect train with the perfect theme. Like any other model train, these can be logging trains, passenger trains, or even cargo trains. The sky is the limit when it comes to G scale model trains.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/utilizing-g-scale-model-trains-3021010.html
About the Author
Want more valuable tips on setting up your own G Scale Model Railroads. Grab your copy of our free mini-course on model railway train secrets today at http://modelrailroadtraintips.com right now.
