| You may have heard model train enthusiasts | | | | large scale model trains run on #1 gauge track, |
| discussing large scale model trains, but you may | | | | which measures forty-five millimeters from rail to |
| not know what that refers to. These people are | | | | rail. |
| actually talking about several different scales of | | | | These tracks are made from corrosion resistant |
| bigger trains, but the most popular of them is | | | | brass, which is simple to maintain - all it needs is a |
| probably the G scale. Much bigger than the more | | | | periodic wipedown with a soft cloth. That's all that |
| common O and HO scales, these trains are made | | | | required to keep the tracks ready for use by a |
| at a 1:22 ratio to full size trains. That means that | | | | train. You can also use these large scale trains |
| they're about a twentieth the size of a real train. | | | | indoors, but you need a lot more space. |
| O scale model trains, also on the large side, but | | | | The most popular G scale trains in the US are |
| nowhere near the size of G scale model trains, | | | | Aristocraft and Bachmann brands, which are |
| are made at a ration of 1:48. That makes them a | | | | preferred by parents for their durability. Many |
| little less than half the size of trains in G scale, | | | | older trains are still in operation, since unlike smaller |
| which are usually about six inches tall and more | | | | scaled trains, they can stand up to rough handling |
| than two feet long. This is one of the older scales, | | | | by younger children. |
| and was first made by Ernst Paul Lehmann | | | | Model trains have now been around for more |
| Patentwerk, a German company, in the late | | | | than a hundred years. During this period, train |
| nineteenth century. Now, this company is popularly | | | | manufacturers have produced a huge variety of |
| known as Lehman Gross Bahn, or Lehman Big | | | | sizes and styles. There's one out there that'll work |
| Train. | | | | for just about everyone, no matter what your |
| The name of the G scale model train is derived | | | | preferences may be. The versatility that model |
| from the hobby of Garden Railroading - a popular | | | | trains offer means that this is a popular and |
| outdoor hobby activity of the time. These big, | | | | appealing hobby to almost anyone. |
| durable model trains are great for use outside. All | | | | |