LGB G Scale Trains

LGB G scale trains are a great choice for model railroading. These large scale model trains have a number of advantages over smaller, indoor sets when considering one’s options. With a few landscaping and gardening skills, one can build impressive outdoor layout. If fact, an outdoor layout is as much a demonstration of one’s landscape and gardening skills as model train skills. Some model railroaders add an outdoor garden railroad in addition to their indoor layouts.

Why Outdoor Garden Railroading?

  • Outdoor LGB G scale trains add a dramatic enhancement to your backyard landscaping. The layout isn’t hidden in a basement.
  • Garden railroading such as LGB model trains can be much more than laying track at ground level. One has many more landscaping and scenery options than an indoor layout. Add exciting and real features such as water, landscaping, rock, and gardens.
  • The larger 1:22.5 scale of garden model trains requires more space than smaller scale trains for intriguing layouts.

Why LGB Model Trains?

  • Larger scale equipment is often easier to work with. G scale trains are 1:22.5 scale, versus HO scale model trains which are 1:87 scale.
  • LGB equipment is recognized as a leader in overall quality. LGB often provides more proven quality and reliable operation.
  • LGB G scale trains are designed for the rougher conditions of outdoor layouts.
  • LGB locomotives can include sound, smoke, and lights for greater realism.

Indoors Versus Outdoors

  • While LGB and garden G scale trains may be designed for the outdoors, most people bring their trains indoors when not running. Weather, particularly the sun’s ultraviolet light, contributes to wear on the equipment. Of course the infrastructure, including track and buildings, are intended to remain outdoors.
  • Snow in Northern latitudes adds to the realism of an LGB G Scale Trains. Remove snow from the tracks by hand, or consider using the train with a plow or wedge.
  • Consider running LGB model trains through an opening so they can be parked indoors when not in use.

Landscaping and Scenery

  • Raise the roadbed above ground level to simplify maintenance and make your layout more pleasing to view.
  • A popular way to raise the roadbed is to use retaining wall blocks and backfill with dirt and gravel. Or instead of blocks, consider pressure treated landscape timbers.
  • Low maintenance plastic lumber as commonly used for decks is ideal for outdoor layouts. It’s strong, flexible, weather resistant, and safer than chemically treated wood. Yet you can cut it and build structures such as ramps and bridges.
  • Don’t forget to plan the garden around your layout.
  • Consider using a rock garden for a portion of your scenery.
  • Use crushed gravel instead of round pea gravel to minimize shifting of roadbed.
  • Use landscape fabric under the gravel or dirt to block weeds.
  • There are lots of options for creating inexpensive scenery. For example, consider converting birdfeeders to model buildings.
  • Add lighting to the layout with solar garden lights or a string of outdoor lights for a great evening effect.
  • Use dwarf or miniature plant species to complement the railroad scale.

LGB G scale trains offer a compelling option for outdoor, garden trains. Instead of hiding the layout in a basement, LGB model trains add a considerable attraction to one’s backyard space.