G scale also known as garden scale is the largest model railroad scale available. It’s 1:22.5 and utilizes a 1.75 inch gauge. Due to its size, G scale train layout plans are ideal for outdoor garden railroads and can also be built for indoors as well.
Another useful aspect of G scale is the level of durability for both trackwork and locomotives alike. It’s also more expensive than some of the smaller scales such as O scale, HO scale and N scale. The top locomotives for G scale layouts include LGB and Bachmann brands G scale model trains.
The three outdoor G scale track plans below contain the most popular types of track designs including dog bone, figure eight and a track plan specifically for LGB trains.
Dog Bone G Scale Train Layout Plan
This dog bone shaped G scale train layout plan contains a double main line along with a small station for the locomotives. It’s a closed route layout type with double line branches that are perfect for freight and passenger trains.
It also is built using PIKO trackage, which requires a 30 degree turnout angle and radius of 23.6 inches. The layout is powered by either DC or DCC and also provides shunting and switching.
| Scale: | G Scale (1/22.5) |
| Size: | Large |
| Dimensions: | 15.7 ft x 5.7 ft; 189 inches x 60 inches; 480 centimeters x 175 centimeters |
Top Rated Track Plans for
Model Train Beginners
Including continuous running loop to loop, oval, figure eight and dog bone track plans
Figure Eight G Scale Train Layout Plan
Here’s an enjoyable figure eight G scale track plan that requires a more compact design to allow it to form the figure “8” shape. It’s built using LGB track and can run short passenger and freight trains. This single line track plan requires 23.6 inch minimum turning radius and a turnout angle of 30 degrees.
| Scale: | G Scale (1/22.5) |
| Size: | Large |
| Dimensions: | 14 ft x 5.5 ft; 168 inches x 66 inches; 427 centimeters x 168 centimeters |
LGB G Scale Oval Layout Plan
This basic oval shape LGB G gauge track plan is versatile in terms of being able to run trains from any era. It utilizes the same minimum turning radius and turnout angles as the layout plans above. The closed route single line track plan also runs both DC or DCC electrical wiring.
| Scale: | G Scale (1/22.5) |
| Size: | Large |
| Dimensions: | 10.5 ft x 5.2 ft; 126 inches x 63 inches; 320 centimeters x 160 centimeters |
When did indoor G Scale train layouts become popular?
When the LGB trains were introduced in 1968, they introduced indoor G scale layouts as a suitable option for indoor use as well.
Here’s a list of indoor G Scale layouts designs. These garden railways are built indoors and can usually be transported for display.
Oval Double Loop Indoor G Scale Train Layout
This oval G-scale layout features a double main line with a main station at the front and a cargo area at the back. This is a large layout with a dimension of 480 cm x 175 cm. It covers an area of 84 square meters (10.05 square yards).
This closed route, G scale layout is designed for passenger and freight trains. The double main line also features branches and a minimum radius of 600 mm (23.6 inches). It comes with a 30-degree turnout angle.
The scenery in this layout inspiration is plain. However, you can build your own scenery featuring an open field or green landscape.
Figure-8 G Scale Layout Track Plan
This Figure-8 track plan is one of the best indoor G scale train layouts for LGB trains. There are limitless options to customize this toy train G scale layout based on the theme and the location. It is a large indoor layout with a dimension of 427 cm x 168 cm. It covers an area of 7.15 square meters (8.56 square yards).
This closed-route type track plan features a single line and forms a figure 8. It is suited for short passenger and freight trains. The minimum radius is 600mm (23.6 inches) with a 4.5% max grade. The turnout angle is 30 degrees.
Small Indoor G Scale Layout Track Plan
This small indoor G scale layout is a great idea for those looking for a track idea for their limited indoor space. The theme for this layout is winter or the Christmas season. This is one of the best indoor G scale train layouts with a dimension of 147cm x 179 cm. It only takes 2.63 square meters of area (3.15 square yards).
This small indoor G scale layout is designed for PIKO trackage. It features a closed route circuit type and a single line. The minimum radius is 600mm and the turnout angle is 30 degrees. We recommend this indoor G scale layout for small passenger or freight trains.
Top Rated Track Plans for
Model Train Beginners
Including continuous running loop to loop, oval, figure eight and dog bone track plans