The home of 45mm Garden Railways

G scale is essentially the modelling of narrow gauge railways on track 45mm wide, representing, in the scale of 1:22.5, continental metre gauge, though in recent years this has been enhanced by the introduction of a number of propriety items representing 3 foot gauge to the scale 1:20.3; the scales make little difference as visually both can be run together.

That said, it is possible to run any scale and prototype, albeit gauged to 45mm. At open days and meets all will be seen, though members do tend to run prototypical locomotive and stock (most of the time!)

The German firm of Lehmann started the scale in the 1960s, with a trade name of LGB (which translated means Lehmann Big Railway). Whilst you will still see these items as their quality is legendary, as a result of their success, many other ready to run manufacturers have entered the hobby, including Playmobil, Bachmann and Accucraft to mention a few.

Trains can be controlled in a number of ways from the track (analogue or digital) or locomotives can carry their own power from steam or battery. Various methods of controlling the trains are available, from a simple track controller to a remote track controller and various radio control units, digital control and radio giving multi-train operation.

G Scale products are long lasting and reliable, and generally weatherproof making them ideal for outdoor operation.

Starter sets are available from manufacturers, which make a cost effective entry into the hobby. To start off it is simply a case of laying the track on a flat area, connecting the power and start running. There are also a number of child friendly systems available; we have members that entered the hobby with children as young as six.

Some modellers run their stock straight from the box; others make simple modifications like fitting lights or changing couplings, whilst others assemble kits or scratch build models.

You can find a wide variety of suppliers and manufacturers by using the Web Links icon on the home page.

The choice is yours - we operate a broad church, and especially welcome families to join. You won’t find any ‘rivet counters’, just a good day out with like-minded members.

The Society supports members and Area Groups with advice, facilities and practical assistance such as insurance when running a Society Sponsored event.

Vaughan Gallois' Sharcott Railway

Accucraft Baguley Drewery 0-6-0 diesel on Mel Turbutt's Wetton Gooey Light Railway

LGB DR Spreewald 2-6-0 on Mel Turbutt's Wetton Gooey Light Railway

LGB Cambrai 0-6-0 on Mel Turbutt's Wetton Gooey Light Railway

Bachmann Percy 0-4-0 with Troublesome Trucks on the Sandwell Valley Railway