The G scale scene

Hello Paul,

G scale is unique in the fact that multitude of scales share the same track.  I personally prefer equipment of the same scale used in the same train, but others like to run different scales in the same train.

I find that 1/32 looks a bit small with 1/29.

In addition to the 70MAC and 70Ace, Aristocraft produced the Dash 9. The Dash 9 is very coveted by us G scalers. They often go for $700+ on Ebay. Bachmann has plans to re-introduce the Dash 9, but that will take some time to materialize. USA has also produced GP38s in modern schemes.

Hope this helps.

"G scale is unique in the

No, it's not unique. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_scale

Let's disregard for the moment various narrow gauge systems using a smaller "scale" track. (O on HO track, HO on N, N on Z...)

 In "standard" N "scale", American standard  gauge is 1:160. Japanese bullet trains are also 1:160. However Japanese cargo trains are 1:150, and British prototype N is 1:148, or 1:152. All of these are "N (Nine mm) GAUGE".

A couple of graphics used

A couple of graphics used with my multi-scale layout.

1:32

If you're using 45 mm track (typical G scale), then the proper ratio of US Standard Gauge (1,435 mm) comes out to be 1:31.9, so the 1:32 is prototypically closer. Not saying it's the right way to go, one way or another, just that it will be better proportioned to the track.

availability

Are there many modern freight cars available?  I found some autoracks and 50' boxcars but no 60' hi-cubes or big covered hoppers.

@ Paul

Paul,

I'm a life long large scale modeler, and I choose 1/29 over 1/32 for the terms of product availability. USA Trains is really the only the active 1/29 company at the moment. MTH is no longer, and is 1/32. Aristocraft is 1/29, but they are now gone, with Bachmann/Kader holding the tooling it might be possible to see some rereleases of old product.

Locomotives;

USAT SD40-2, SD70MAC, GP38-2, GP7/9, F3, S4

Aristo Dash 9, SD45, GP35

Rolling stock (modernish)

40', 50' box, 50' mechanical refeers, intermodal (hard to find) single and 5 packs, auto racks, LGB made a 3 bay covered hopper, AML made a 4470 covered hopper (out of production), USAT made a 4 bay plastic pellet hopper, 3 bay coal hoppers

AML has produced some Hi cube boxcars, but I don't know the current status as they are too new for my 70's era modeling. AML has also hinted for 10+ years now about a GP60, but have yet to see a preproduction model.

I tend to think of 1/29 as a scratch builders paradise. With enough time and energy the world awaits your creativity... I've got plans to eventually build (and potentially offer for sale) a Thrall all door boxcar, 72' centerbeam flat, GN Snow Dozer (all brass, currently working on the design). Friends of mine are also working on similar scratch building projects. 

There is a company that just released a resin/steel 89' intermodal flat car. The first run was only like 8 cars or something and they got snatched up in a matter of hours even at the $200+ price per car. 

My buddy of mine Burl has produced some custom resin kits. 

http://burlrice.com/_LS_PS5077/

Oley Valley 89' Flats

https://www.ovrailcar.com/?fbclid=IwAR0BYFJyo-6HZGakAA8eHZLNT0fh7VfCkui-ym-PNxIoa15tVDhHixOVSI4

AML Models

http://www.accucraft.com/modelc/1menu_29_rs.htm

http://www.accucraft.com/modelc/G801-01.htm#page=page-2

Craig

Thanks for the info.  How hard is it to convert the cars to body mount couplers instead of truck mount.  At least that's what I think I'm seeing there.

I sent you a PM.

Paul

@Paul REM

Thanks for letting me know. I had to search the spam folder. I send out a regular email so we can chat.

Craig