Are there any British style G scale trains?

[craigwrdouglas2]

There's always the Lionel Harry Potter Express. Though, I believe the more recent versions aren't quite 45mm gauge whereas the earlier ones were. Ironically, the only ones I can find on eBay are in the USA. Eg

Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express G Train Passenger Car 99719 C1 7-11080 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express G Train Passenger Car 99719 C1 7-11080 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Rik

I have that set (slightly different packaging) - was going to check if it worked on G45 track before I said anything. I paid £58 for it if I recall correctly.

 

[Martino]

I think this all highlights the problem in using the terms scale and gauge. It’s probably accepted that G is is predominantly 45mm gauge, although the use of 32mm track does creep in. Scale is something quite different.

What sort of British outline trains are you looking for? Narrow gauge or standard gauge (4’ 8.5”). If narrow, then there are quite a few things around although the actual scale still varies. If Standard gauge, then it’s more restricted (I believe). You’d also be into what can be known as Gauge 1 territory. Confused yet?

 

[collectors]

Hi, thanks for the idea. It's unbelievable the P&P they want from the states. I was going to order some bits from the states & the seller wanted about £95.00. So I did some checking & they were sending by FedEx & it was about right at £95:00.
I went online & tried FedEx from the UK to the states with the same weight & insurance. £32:50. nearly 2/3 cheaper. Why ???

 

[Fred2179G]

they were sending by FedEx & it was about right at £95:00.

Probably overnight. You have to find the 'ground' option, though they don't offer that across the seas.

Much better to use DHL or UPS, who have several options besides overnight/expensive!

 

[Fred2179G]

was going to check if it worked on G45 track

The latest version needs 'adjusting' to work on 45mm track. There's an article on Familygardentrains website:
Lionel Hogwarts Comparison: "Ready to Play" to "G Gauge"

 

[Technocrat]

I have that set (slightly different packaging) - was going to check if it worked on G45 track before I said anything. I paid £58 for it if I recall correctly.

The clue is in the labeling on the Lionel sets.
If is says "Ready to Play", it is the 2" gauge. Why Lionel has decided to revive that gauge almost 100 years since the last ones made to that gauge by other makers is beyond me.
Lionel claims these sets are 1:24 scale. My "Polar Express" set measures out closer to 1:28. and the loco is small for that.

Otherwise a good starter set for kids. I am going to need to run a seperate track for my grandson. It does look kind of funny next to my Bachmann stuff. wider rails and much smaller equipment.

 

[dunnyrail]

I have that set (slightly different packaging) - was going to check if it worked on G45 track before I said anything. I paid £58 for it if I recall correctly.

Yes the recent incarnation of the Harry Poter set advertised a G scale was a complete con as it does not run on 45mm gauge rails. Hornby should have known better and they could have got Lionel to build them for 45mm tracks getting a lot of kudos in the process.after all the original ones were 45mm gauge by Lionel.

 

[craigwrdouglas2]

It sounds like this has come up before

The one I have looks like this one. I got it in the UK from Costco on the run up to Christmas.

If I see it this year I'll bump the thread, but that's surely the best way to get it in the UK.

It seems to be positioned as a 'round the tree' train, which would explain making it smaller. (though it's still too big for mine)

 

[john]

The Harry Potter set is currently £69-99 post free here.

Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train Set with Lights and Sound

Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train Set - Harry Potter themed train set with lights & sound.

www.mgdonline.co.uk

John

 

[collectors]

The Harry Potter set is currently £69-99 post free here.

Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train Set with Lights and Sound

Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train Set - Harry Potter themed train set with lights & sound.

www.mgdonline.co.uk

John

Hi, this is not G scale. It says at the bottom of the ad.
Track dimensions oval: 186 x 127 cm.
Not compatible with Lionel G Gauge or other G Gauge track systems.
But at that price, I would have two.

 

[dunnyrail]

Hi, this is not G scale. It says at the bottom of the ad.
Track dimensions oval: 186 x 127 cm.
Not compatible with Lionel G Gauge or other G Gauge track systems.
But at that price, I would have two.

Indeed so, I complained to Hornby when it was first introduced as the adds said G Scale. They have obviously revised their marketing. I still think it is a shame that they did not get the original 45mm version, would have given them a much larger market with the loco being close to Gauge 1 scale. It can be adapted to 45mm gauge and there was a link in here how to plus articles in Garden Railway.

 

[Technocrat]

Hi, this is not G scale. It says at the bottom of the ad.
Track dimensions oval: 186 x 127 cm.
Not compatible with Lionel G Gauge or other G Gauge track systems.
But at that price, I would have two.

As I said, good for grandchildren. Pretty toy like, but could be upgraded.

 

[artfull dodger]

I believe someone offers "kits" of parts to get rid of the faces on the Bachmann Thomas range of models, Accucraft did do some non live steam versions of the W&L Countess. Bachmann Brassworks does gauge 1 locomotives. Aristocraft did the Class 66 diesel a few years ago. The other option is to go the live steam way(which I highly recommend), Roundhouse Engineering over in Doncaster makes a great range of both entry level "Basic series" engines which includes Bertie and Jennie. Then they have the Classic range of engines that have proper valve gear, can be ordered with RC control. These models are known for their rock solid dependability right out of the box due to the processes that Roundhouse puts each model thru prior to deliver to the customer. A Lady Anne or Katie from the classic range has the perfect British look, will run on the tightest of radius track from Peco or LGB ect. A few wagons and you have the beginnings of a narrow gauge railway. There are many upgrades that can be added, from detail parts to an inertia device from SSP called the Slomo to help tame slow speed running, although with a palm size control from RCS, its really not necessary. Good luck in your G scale journey Mike

 

[phils2um]

I noticed today that Bachmann will be adding some new wagons sans faces to their Thomas and friends line for 2022 that may be of interest.

 

[playmofire]

I believe someone offers "kits" of parts to get rid of the faces on the Bachmann Thomas range of model

Here's a link to one such company:

Parts to Convert the 'G' Scale Bachmann 'THOMAS' into a Real Locomotive.

Smoke box door £7.00 Two loco lamps with brilliants £7.00 Chimney cap £4.00 Larger slip on dome £5.00 Safety valve cover £4.00 All available separately or as a complete set at reduced price £25.00 All the parts are vacuum cast in polyurethane resin in house to order.

www.smallbrookstudio.uk

 

[collectors]

Here's a link to one such company:

Parts to Convert the 'G' Scale Bachmann 'THOMAS' into a Real Locomotive.

Smoke box door £7.00 Two loco lamps with brilliants £7.00 Chimney cap £4.00 Larger slip on dome £5.00 Safety valve cover £4.00 All available separately or as a complete set at reduced price £25.00 All the parts are vacuum cast in polyurethane resin in house to order.

www.smallbrookstudio.uk

Ah! Well done, just what I was looking for. Just ordered a Thomas & Percy kit as I am going to an Auction tomorrow to pick up a Thomas I won a few days ago. The Percy I already have.

 

[playmofire]

Ah! Well done, just what I was looking for. Just ordered a Thomas & Percy kit as I am going to an Auction tomorrow to pick up a Thomas I won a few days ago. The Percy I already have.

Glad to help.

 

[Fred2179G]

Here's a link to one such company:

Parts to Convert the 'G' Scale Bachmann 'THOMAS' into a Real Locomotive.

Smoke box door £7.00 Two loco lamps with brilliants £7.00 Chimney cap £4.00 Larger slip on dome £5.00 Safety valve cover £4.00 All available separately or as a complete set at reduced price £25.00 All the parts are vacuum cast in polyurethane resin in house to order.

www.smallbrookstudio.uk

Smallbrook also offer the parts to convert the "Emily" into a sorta-proper Stirling Single. There's a few threads here and on LSC.about it.

 

[tac foley]

I think this all highlights the problem in using the terms scale and gauge. It’s probably accepted that G is is predominantly 45mm gauge, although the use of 32mm track does creep in. Scale is something quite different.

What sort of British outline trains are you looking for? Narrow gauge or standard gauge (4’ 8.5”). If narrow, then there are quite a few things around although the actual scale still varies. If Standard gauge, then it’s more restricted (I believe). You’d also be into what can be known as Gauge 1 territory. Confused yet?

Sir, Gauge 1 models are available ready-to-run in 1/32nd scale, and the slightly more popular 10mm scale in kit form. They are invariably live-steam, fired either by gas or by alcohol.

The nearest thing to so-called 'G' scale [usually accepted as 1/22.5] and replicating standard gauge, is Gauge 3. Again, live-steam ready-to-run, and electrically-driven in kit form from Garden Railway Specialist in Princes Risborough, along with a range of wagon kits. All their locos are kits, BTW. The RAIL-GAUGE for Gauge 3 trains is 64.3mm, and it needs not be emphasised that the corresponding rolling stock is VERY big. The live-steam locos vary from around £3500 to £6000, and are made, ready-to-run, by Kingscale. Passenger coaches are around £1100 - 1500 each.

 

[collectors]

The original post was for somthing simple & somthing we all can afford. The Thomas collection is a great start at just s few hundred pounds with great business like Smallbrook doing conversions @ £25:00 to make them look a little more realistic & simply run on a 45mm track.