G scale

G scale is a scale for model railways, and because of its size and durability, G scale is often used outdoors. Such installations are known as garden railways.

G scale was introduced by Ernst Paul Lehman Patentwerk under their brand name of LGB, meant for indoor/outdoor use. Lehman is the major European manufacturer of G scale trains, and considered the one that really made garden railways popular. Their trains are sold as the Lehmann Grosse Bahn (or "Lehmann Big Train"). Lehman Patentwerk was founded in 1881 and started producing LGB in 1968. Today it produces models of European and US originals, of steam, diesel and electric prototypes as well as a large range of coaches, trucks and accessories.

The term "scale" is a misnomer, as the actual scale of the trains that run on it vary from system to system, country to country. G scale is more correctly called "G Gauge", as the gauge of the track is the one consistency.

The name comes from the German gross (meaning "big"). Traditionally, G scale is the use of 45 mm gauge track, as used for standard gauge (Gauge 1) models, for modelling metre gauge narrow gauge railways, using the correct scale of 1:22.5. Metre gauge is the most common narrow gauge in Europe.

In the United States, the commonly used narrow gauge is 3 feet; modelling this correctly with a 45 mm track gauge gives a scale of 1:20.3, which is commonly used by American manufacturers. In actuality, these are called G Scale, even though in reality they are not. Some modellers and train producers call 1:20.3 "F scale".

Other scales are used to model other narrow gauges.

Although some call models of standard gauge equipment to 45 mm track gauge 'G scale', these models are more correctly referred to as Gauge 1, I Scale (NEM Standard 010), or 3/8" scale (NMRA S-1).

LGB track is made of brass and so can remain outside in all weathers - a quick wipe and it is ready for use. Track can also be obtained in equally durable stainless steel, but it is significantly more expensive.