00559 Interim PDF Edition - Champex-Linden

LGB Q&A
Switzerland's modern
Rhätische Bahn (above) and
America's tiny Grizzly Flats
(below) are just two of the
fascinating narrow-gauge
railways around the world.
What is G scale?
LGB trains are "G-scale" trains. When Eberhard and Wolfgang Richter
introduced LGB in 1968, they defined G scale as a model-to-prototype
ratio of 1:22.5.
In other words, a G-scale model train is 22.5 times smaller than the real
train it represents. By comparison, an HO-scale model train is 87 times
smaller than the real train it represents, and a Z-scale train is 220 times
smaller than the real train.
Although 1:22.5 sounds like an odd figure, it really makes sense. 1:22.5
is the proportion required to model real "prototype" meter gauge trains
using 45 mm "Gauge 1" model track. The math is simple:
Distance between the rails
of real-life meter gauge track .................... 1,000 mm
Divided by the G-scale proportion ................ ÷ 22.5 ≈
Equals the distance between the model rails ... 45 mm
Why is it called "G" scale? The Richters chose the letter "G" because it
describes LGB in many different languages. In German, G means "gross"
or "garten." In English, G stands for "garden." In French, G is "grande."
And around the world, G is "growing."
Indeed, modeling meter gauge has many advantages for LGB fans.
About one-third of the world’s railways are meter gauge or other narrow
gauges, and those unique lines offer some of the world’s best modeling
opportunities.
For example, Switzerland’s famous Glacier Express features spectacular
scenery and modern equipment. Germany's classic Harzquerbahn offers
breathtaking steam operations. In North America, narrow gauge is enjoying
a renaissance, and narrow gauge lines can be found across the continent
from Alaska (White Pass & Yukon) to Colorado (Durango &
Silverton) and Pennsylvania (East Broad Top). Additional narrow gauge
railways are active in South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
These lines are modelers' delights with scenic views, unique settings and
interesting equipment rarely found on standard gauge railroads.
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