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Garden Railway · 45 Millimetres · Indoors and Outdoors

G Gauge Model Railways – Garden Railways on 45 mm Track

Robust locomotives, clearly visible details and impressive trains: G gauge brings narrow-gauge, mountain and themed railways into the garden, onto the terrace or into the home as a large model railway.

Explore 30 G Gauge Products Compare Scales Plan a Garden Railway
LGB G gauge freight-train starter set with a steam locomotive, wagons, track and controller
LGB 70403 – a complete introduction to garden railways on 45 mm track
45 mm Common model track gauge
1:22.5 Classic LGB IIm scale
R 600 Compact garden-railway radius
In & Out Garden, terrace or indoor layout
Quick Classification

What does G gauge mean on a model railway?

G gauge is a widely used collective term for robust large-scale and garden railways operating on 45 millimetre track. The LGB system is particularly well known and mainly represents metre-gauge prototypes in nominal size IIm at a scale of 1:22.5. These include Swiss mountain railways, Saxon narrow-gauge railways and freely designed garden-railway trains.

The letter G is often associated with garden railways or large trains, but it does not identify one compulsory scale. Although many LGB models are produced at 1:22.5, PIKO G models may use different proportions depending on the prototype and product, often approximately 1:25. The stated scale, vehicle length and minimum radius should therefore always be checked on the individual product page.

G gauge must also be distinguished from Gauge 1. Gauge 1 also uses 45 mm track but normally represents standard gauge at a scale of 1:32. A Gauge 1 locomotive and a classic IIm garden railway therefore do not necessarily match visually despite using the same track gauge. Wheelsets, couplings, curve radii, electrical systems and rail profiles must also be compatible.

Manufacturer Worlds at Modellbahnshop

Brands for G gauge vehicles, control systems and garden-railway buildings

LGB

Classic IIm garden railways with starter sets, narrow-gauge locomotives, RhB, DR and SDG wagons, brass track and digital models.

Open the LGB brand world →

PIKO

Starter sets, German standard-gauge prototypes, diesel and steam locomotives, wagons, R1 track and large building kits.

Open the PIKO brand world →

Massoth

Digital components, decoders, sound, controllers and accessories for powerful garden-railway layouts.

Open the Massoth brand world →

Pola G

Stations, engine sheds, industrial buildings and accessories for large indoor and outdoor layouts.

Open the Pola brand world →
Nominal Size II and Related Large Scales

Understanding G gauge, IIm, IIe, IIf and Gauge 1

The same model track gauge can represent a different prototype at different scales. The following overview classifies the common variants of nominal size II and the technically related Gauge 1.

Designation Typical scale Model track gauge Represented prototype Typical application
G Gauge / IIm Frequently 1:22.5; sometimes different 45 mm Metre gauge and comparable narrow gauges LGB, RhB, SDG, mountain and garden railways
Gauge II 1:22.5 64 mm Standard gauge Very large scale standard-gauge models
Gauge IIe 1:22.5 32 mm Narrow gauge from approximately 650 to less than 850 mm 750 mm railways, works railways and heritage railways
Gauge IIi / IIf 1:22.5 22.5 mm Industrial and field railways from approximately 400 to less than 650 mm Mines, brickworks, peat and field railways
Gauge IIp 1:22.5 16.5 mm Very small park and specialist railways Park railways and individual scratch-built projects
Gauge 1 1:32 45 mm Standard gauge Large models of main, branch and goods railways

Technical classification follows NEM 010 . G gauge is a widely used commercial and garden-railway designation. The scale, coupling, wheelset dimensions and minimum radius should therefore always be checked for the individual product.

Large-Scale Railways for the Available Space

Garden, terrace or indoors: where can G gauge operate?

Large vehicles are not restricted to one operating location. A level base, suitable radius, safe power supply and good accessibility are the decisive factors.

LGB G gauge Class 251 diesel locomotive for a narrow-gauge garden railway

Permanent Garden Railway

A load-bearing base, effective drainage and generous curves create a stable route between flower beds, bridges and stations.

PIKO G gauge passenger train with a Class 80 steam locomotive

Terrace and Balcony

An R1 circle already requires a track-centre diameter of approximately 1.2 metres. Edge clearance, access, load capacity and weather protection require additional space.

PIKO G gauge Beach and Surf car-transporter wagon for a themed railway

Indoor and Seasonal Layout

Christmas, themed and floor layouts can be assembled temporarily. The track must lie level and be secured against movement.

From Site Selection to the First Train

Plan a G gauge garden railway step by step

Begin with the intended train and available location. These determine the radius, foundation, track length, power supply and sensible size of the station and sidings.

Planning Step 1

Define the Location and Operating Form

Choose between permanent garden operation, seasonal assembly, a terrace railway or an indoor layout. Check paths, plants and accessibility.

Planning Step 2

Prepare the Foundation and Drainage

A compacted, water-permeable ballast bed reduces settlement. Bridges, walls and paving slabs must be frost-resistant and stable.

Planning Step 3

Select the Radius for the Longest Vehicle

R 600 permits compact routes. Long wagons and large locomotives look better and usually run more smoothly on wider curves.

Planning Step 4

Plan Analogue, Digital or Radio Control

Analogue control is often sufficient for one train. Multiple trains, sound and switchable functions favour a digital command station.

Planning Step 5

Provide Maintenance Access and Storage

Turnouts, tunnels and concealed sections must remain accessible. Vehicles should be stored dry and protected from dirt and permanent direct weather exposure.

Selection for 45 mm Garden Railways

30 suitable G gauge starter sets, locomotives, wagons, track products and buildings

The following products are intended for G gauge systems on 45 mm track. Scale, coupling, digital equipment and minimum radius can vary by product and are stated on the relevant product page.

Starter Sets Locomotives and Railcars Passenger and Goods Wagons Track and Buildings LGB PIKO
Reliable Operation in Changing Weather

Clean G gauge track, use digital control and store vehicles safely

A garden railway requires regular but manageable maintenance. Clean rails, unobstructed turnouts and dry vehicles are the foundation for reliable electrical pickup and long-term enjoyment.

Inspect Track and Turnouts

Remove leaves, soil and plant debris. Clean brass rails with suitable products; excessively abrasive tools can roughen the surface unnecessarily.

Build Digital Control Sensibly

A digital command station permits several locomotives, sound and switchable functions. Power, protocol and track voltage must suit the vehicle fleet and layout size.

Store Vehicles in a Protected Location

Continuous rain, frost and strong sunlight affect paintwork, electronics and lubricants. Locomotives and wagons should be stored dry and protected from dust after operation.

Check Before Breaking Ground

Avoid five common G gauge garden-railway mistakes

Treating G Gauge and Gauge 1 as Identical

The track gauge is the same, but the scale and represented prototype gauge are different.

Building an Inadequate Foundation

Loose soil causes settlement, changes in gradient and unreliable operation.

Planning Only with R1

Large locomotives and long wagons often require wider radii.

Forgetting Drainage

Standing water damages the foundation, structures and electrical connections.

Leaving Everything Outdoors Permanently

Weather resistance does not mean that vehicles should remain outdoors without care.

Related Topic Worlds

Suitable guides for garden railways, track construction and digital operation

Plan and Build a Garden Railway Location, foundation, weather and maintenance → Compare Model Railway Gauges Scale, space requirements and applications → Plan a Model Railway Layout Define the area, layout form and track plan → Track Systems and Compatibility Understand rail profiles, radii and turnouts → Digital Model Railways Command stations, decoders, sound and multiple trains → Model Railway Manufacturers Explore brands and product specialisms →
Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about G gauge model railways and garden railways

Which track gauge does G gauge use?

G gauge vehicles use track measuring 45 millimetres between the rails. Gauge 1 also uses this track gauge, although the scale and represented prototype are different.

Which scale does a G gauge garden railway use?

Many LGB models are approximately 1:22.5 and belong to nominal size IIm. Other G products may use different proportions, so the individual product specification is decisive.

What is the difference between G gauge and Gauge 1?

Both use 45 mm track. G gauge mainly represents narrow-gauge railways at approximately 1:22.5, while Gauge 1 represents standard-gauge vehicles at 1:32.

Are LGB and PIKO G products compatible?

Many vehicles can operate on the same 45 mm track. Coupling height, radius, wheelsets, scale and electrical system should nevertheless be checked.

How much space does a G gauge circle require?

With an R 600 radius, the track-centre diameter is approximately 1.2 metres. Vehicle overhang and a safe outer margin require a larger area.

Can G gauge operate on a balcony?

Yes, when the dimensions, load capacity, drainage and fall protection are suitable. A shuttle route requires less width than a complete circle.

Can a garden railway remain outdoors throughout the year?

Track may be designed for outdoor operation. Locomotives, wagons, command stations and power supplies should nevertheless be stored dry and protected.

Is G gauge suitable for children?

The large vehicles are easy to handle. Model railway products can nevertheless contain small parts and, depending on the product, are frequently intended for young people and adults.

Is analogue or digital control better for G gauge?

Analogue control is suitable for simple operation with one train. Digital control is advantageous when several locomotives, sound, lighting and switchable functions are required.

Can a G gauge railway be controlled using a smartphone?

Yes, when the digital command station supports a compatible Wi-Fi, radio or app-based control system. The specific system compatibility must be checked beforehand.

Which gradient is suitable for a garden railway?

Gradients should remain as gentle and even as possible. Train length, vehicle weight, traction tyres, curves and weather conditions affect the achievable gradient.

How should G gauge track be cleaned?

Remove coarse dirt and plant debris first. Then use suitable track-cleaning equipment or gentle cleaning products.

Begin your own garden railway with a suitable starter set

Define the location, radius and control system first. Vehicles, track and buildings can then be combined into a reliable G gauge railway.

Open G Gauge Starter Sets
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Content updated: 19 July 2026