G Scale - Pretty to look at but not going anywhere.....

That depends on whether you want to look at them, or whatever money you could get by selling them.

I have a small G gauge layout in front of my house, and it’s a hit with my granddaughters, and just about any youngster that visits. It’s also relaxing to sit out in the evening and watch the headlights and caboose markers light up the tracks.

Keep both, G outside and O inside the home.

I plan to do that at my new retirement/vacation home in California.

There was too much property crime in my old urban neighborhood for any outside trains.

My new neighbors are loaded, in more ways than one.

And, it depends on what make of G you have. In general, LGB is primo whereas Bachmann is MUCH less so.

Tinplate Art is right, but another outside possibility is Piko, which is what I run. Very favorably priced as well.

PIKO is also a quality German brand. The original made in Germany LGB can be had in like new condition for reasonable prices. Unfortunately, the newer Marklin LGB (made in Hungary) is digital with few, if any, analog options. The quality is excellent but the prices are HIGH! :-(

My recommendation is do not give up on G! :-)

Thank you all for the words of wisdom and encouragement.

We would like to see some pics of those G-gauge loco and cars.

    My wife has LGB, and loves the Tram - especially the overhead power system. "Look! See the little sparks?"

    LGB was incredibly affordable back in the 80's and 90's, and lasts FOREVER. Don't give up on it. Even just using it under a Christmas tree, or a small oval where you can find the room is worth it just for the relaxation it can provide while watching it, as Artie DL&W does.

I came to 1:48 from #1 and G gauge.  Much more practical indoors with 0 scale and family.

While single, my large scale ran through holes in most of the walls of the house which was fine.  I'll never forget one early morning a lady friend called me and during our conversation an LGB Mogel came running down the hallway blasting it's whistle at my bedroom door for my morning wake up.  There was this loud silence on the other end of the phone followed by the inquiry "WHERE do you live anyway?"

GREAT story! :-)

@Michael Hokkanen posted:

I moved from my old house in the Endless Mountains of PA after 40 years to SE PA. I though I would trying switching scales from O to G for my new layout.

After starting on my third O scale layout I now realize that, despite the beautiful detail of G, it will be impractical for me to use. People here warned me and I didn't listen. For indoor layouts you get more "bang for the buck" in O.

Now, I have to figure out what to do with my 5 car G train.............

Sell, trade, or display?????

There are a handful of beautiful G gauge indoor layouts throughout the country.  Most are in large basements or purpose built buildings.  Most G gauge layouts are outdoors.  

There is probably a garden railroad club or society in your area that would be happy to give you advice on how to build outdoors or indoors.  It may be helpful for you to tour some other G gauge layouts.  G gauge is also wonderful for around a Christmas tree.  

Best wishes on whatever you decide.   NH Joe

@Michael Hokkanen posted:

I moved from my old house in the Endless Mountains of PA after 40 years to SE PA. I though I would trying switching scales from O to G for my new layout.

After starting on my third O scale layout I now realize that, despite the beautiful detail of G, it will be impractical for me to use. People here warned me and I didn't listen. For indoor layouts you get more "bang for the buck" in O.

Now, I have to figure out what to do with my 5 car G train.............

Sell, trade, or display?????

Sell the train.  Last year I liquidated my LGB, Aristocraft, and USA Trains.  That money paid for my Mianne benchwork, the table top, and most of my track…all o gauge.

I have O Gauge, G Gauge and Standard Gauge all on the same layout indoors. The G Gauge train runs on the outside while the Standard and O Gauge trains run in the middle. It does not bother me that the scales are different I enjoy them all. My Kiss G Gauge K-36 Durango & Silverton locomotive is incredible. Very high quality and beautiful. All the details are easy to see since the unit is so big. I also have a G Gauge Bachman Climax which is a much cheaper engine but the quality for the money is outstanding. I really enjoy watching the G Gauge trains run and don't regret having them on my layout.......Maybe try combining O and G you may be surprised and like it.

I have mostly had multiple gauges: O, Standard and G and the variety helped stave off boredom! Presently, I run Standard, G and 2" battery/RC on the same layout. It is all good! :-)

I kind of wish I had the drive to do a backyard G scale layout.  I thought about it thirty years ago living in Florida but I couldn't see myself working in the backyard with 90 deg 100% humidity or the bugs.   Where I live now my money goes to the basement layout. 

I would display on a wall what you have.

Some of the G is so cool. However, just too big for me. No way I want to deal with the summer heat or the winter cold for an outdoor G layout.

IF I ever purchased a G scale piece, it would be one of those Bachmann 19th century Denver & Rio Grande narrow gauge 2-6-0's for the mantle. BUT, I can say with 99.99% certainty that spending $400-$500 for one won't happen.

Andre

Put a loop outside, crack the throttle and grab a cold beer.