Lgb Trains
Like a lot of people, if you're reading this article, chances are you like garden trains or are planning to install one. They're one of the most beautiful and amazing toys there are. They are so interesting that some cities have even set up garden trains as an attraction. For example, in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, in England, there is the largest model city in the world, called Bekonscot, and it features one of the oldest, longest, and most famous garden trains in the world.
It was LGB Trains that made garden trains so popular. LGB is the abbreviation of Lehmann Gross Bahn, which in German means “Lehmann Big Train.”
If you are new to the concept of garden trains, they are very much what they sound; trains that run in tracks set out in gardens, or in outdoors areas. However, unlike indoor trains, garden trains can withstand most weather conditions, so they never really have to be stored away. However, a lot of people keep the train indoors when it's not running. While it's not really necessary except in the worst of weathers, it can avoid theft.
Regarding garden trains, LGB Trains are the most famous name there is. Not only because LGB Trains single handedly made garden trains the hobby it is now, but also because LGB Trains introduced the concept of G scale.
LGB Trains' G scale refers to the scale of the track, not the scale of the train. Actually, it's a misnomer, since it refers to the gauge of the track, not the scale. The gauge is 45 millimeters and it doesn't correspond to a scale related to real tracks, for example 1:22. It's the trains that fit to a scale, and that scale may vary from train to train.
When setting a garden railroad for your LBG Trains, there are two main factors you should consider.
- Levelness of the terrain. Even thought LGB Trains will pull way much heavier loads in relationship with their size than their real counterparts, unevenness in the terrain is still a factor. This is because their pull does have a limit and also because it might be difficult to install the track in very hilly terrains. On the other hand, you might want to use parts of that terrain as mountains or maybe even for building tunnels. In any case, you have to consider the topography of your garden before you design the railway, just like real engineers would.
- Real sized objects. While plants can become trees and rocks can become hills, LGB Trains can't look realistic next to a swimming pool or a yard gnome. Of course, it all depends on the level of realism you want and the practical issues of your garden. Some people have their LGB Trains pass through their houses via a hole in the wall. Other people make the track go through their garages, so they can keep their LGB Trains safely there at night or when not working.
You may find that installing a track for LGB Trains is not as easy as it seems. However, like all good things in life, the result pays off.