Hello from Sarnia

[TTaannggss]

Hey I have been in ho for many years. Around 10 years ago I just lost interest but now interested in a garden railway. I bought a NYC f Alco engine yesterday and now looking for track. So from what I can gather the track to get is Aristo or LGB. I would like to run it year round in my beautiful garden. Here it can go from minus to plus 30 c so need something very durable. Is Alie express track any good? Has anyone just used brass or stainless steal cable for track? I was thinking of using the cable stretched on a 2 by 4 by 8...using nails and glue to secure...Can I use the transformers from my ho set up on my new G set up? Thanks for your help

 

[Greg Elmassian]

OK. welcome!

is your loco an LGB or Aristo-Craft or USA Trains?
LGB - F7
USAT - F3
Aristo - FA

In general the HO transformer will be too low a voltage for most diesel locos (might be ok with slow running steamers)

Also, in general HO transformer does not have enough amperage.

So, you also need to be specific on make and model of your transformer.


Greg

 

[ge_rik]

I've just looked on Ali Express and can't find 45mm gauge track. The nearest I can find is plastic track compatible with Lego train systems. Have you found another type of track on Ali Express?

I'm not sure about using cable as rails. I know a couple of modellers on here have successfully used aluminium bar and wooden or 3D printed sleepers (ties). That might prove to be a cost effective solution if you are wanting to use track power.

Rik
PS. You could use your HO controller provided it can deliver the amps required and you're happy to run your locos at half maximum speed. G Scale locos generally run on 24v rather than 12v usually used for H0 trains

 

[phils2um]

I know a couple of modellers on here have successfully used aluminium bar and wooden or 3D printed sleepers (ties). That might prove to be a cost effective solution if you are wanting to use track power.

? - Didn't you mean to say "if you are not wanting to use track power"? I can't recommend aluminum track for anybody using track power.

 

[TTaannggss]

I got a New York Central f unit. I think I can paint it like this CN eventually. Thanks for the info.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

So, to answer your question, wanted to know who makes your loco.

That picture is not an F unit, but even with a picture of the actual loco, it would not tell what your loco is.

The current draw is dependent on what you have, and then can answer your question.

Greg

 

[TTaannggss]

So, to answer your question, wanted to know who makes your loco.

That picture is not an F unit, but even with a picture of the actual loco, it would not tell what your loco is.

The current draw is dependent on what you have, and then can answer your question.

Greg

Ya I had to charge my phone. I am retired so I can go at a slow pace.

So, to answer your question, wanted to know who makes your loco.

That picture is not an F unit, but even with a picture of the actual loco, it would not tell what your loco is.

The current draw is dependent on what you have, and then can answer your question.

Greg

It is a Aristo Craft 22001 NYC Alco F A1,Diesel.

 

[TTaannggss]

On Ali Express it said the track is metal. It looked brass from the picture.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

OK, so the Aristo FA-1 is pretty efficient so you might be able to get away with a 2 amp unit, and you don't need the full 24 volt standard to get it to run at a reasonable speed.

There are a couple of versions of the motor block, but they run pretty much the same.

If you need to work on it, I have a number of pages on it, modifications, and lowering to look better and the dissection of the motor blocks.

Greg

 

[TTaannggss]

OK, so the Aristo FA-1 is pretty efficient so you might be able to get away with a 2 amp unit, and you don't need the full 24 volt standard to get it to run at a reasonable speed.

There are a couple of versions of the motor block, but they run pretty much the same.

If you need to work on it, I have a number of pages on it, modifications, and lowering to look better and the dissection of the motor blocks.

Greg

Thanks Greg and others that offered to help me out.

 

[TTaannggss]

Thanks Greg and others that offered to help me out.

And have been to San Diego in 08. I went with a buddy on a 8 day Malibu to Tiawanna trip.

 

[TTaannggss]

This is what I saw on Ali Express

 

[TTaannggss]

Only modification would to change it from NYC to cn. I think I could do it myself with the CN look I put up. I tried to put up the AliExpress page with the metal track but no luck yet.

 

[TTaannggss]

In Sarnia Dogs are into G scale trains as well

 

[dunnyrail]

Welcome to the forum, dogs are into them in uk too. Friends dog checking out my line.

 

[TTaannggss]

Welcome to the forum, dogs are into them in uk too. Friends dog checking out my line.
View attachment 294856

This is my back yard. It has fish ponds to build a g scale sturdy squirrel proof bridge over. A mound of earth for a shale waterfall to build a rail tunnel through. Next step to to find or build stainless steel track. If you click the picture it comes out clearer. Jim

 

[TTaannggss]

 

[TTaannggss]

Under 5 dollars can per foot would be nice used. This is around 9 new. It just says metal. I can not use hollow in my climate. The palm tree is out from April 1 to some time in Nov. Can not go below 25 f

 

[TTaannggss]

Even if I can make my own track. It will be for straight. No way I can make curves. I did find a deal on. LGB 1100 Aristo Craft curved brass. Can I use this track outside in below freezing conditions. I can bring it in during winter but would rather not. Ya

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Curves are easy, it's the ties you have to work out... you can mill slots in wooden ties for a aluminum strap, etc.

You should do more reading to see examples, look at Igor's posts on track.