I am interested in G-scale trains because they can go outside and out of the way. I have some Lionel O-scale trains, but they are collectibles not to be played with.
1. How technically sophisticated is the G-scale hobby nowadays?
2. I know there is DCC, but can layout operations be made fully automated with the right technology/technique/equipment? Can trains be set up to start, stop, slow down, speed up, maintain steady speed on grades, switch tracks, travel prescribed routes making prescribed stops at precise positions on the track, couple, uncouple, operate on locomotive turntables, blow whistles, ring bells, dispatch engines from engine houses, have railroad crew voice simulations all by themselves? Can I set up my backyard pike to virtually do everything human hands-off?
3. Who does a bang-up job of customizing the paint/livery on engines and rolling stock for G trains? My trains would have my own livery called "Bailey Garden Express". I would also need custom letters/numbers put on to my specs.
4. I want to have a consist of Pullman heavyweight coaches. What steam locomotive models are a good match for these in the correct real-life gauge? I don't want to mix standard-guage and narrow-gauge rolling stock on my line. The heavyweights were standard-gauge and they need the proper steam engine model likewise.
5. I also want a pair of diesel-electric engines to double-head this consist also. Sometimes I am in a mood to let of "steam"; other times I love the smell of diesel oil in the morning!! I was thinking something similar to GE Uboats or EMD SD-40's would look neat with these heavyweights since those freight/general-use mainline locomotives look rugged and old-fashioned, not streamlined. I want B-B axle arrangements, though, C-C axles are overkill for passenger trains. EMD F40ph Amtrak engines would look out of place on heavyweights as would more modern engines. EMD Geeps would work well too, but I like locomotives with long, graceful lines and wheelbases.
Of course, I want all the classic realistic engine sounds: chugging, diesel lope, turbines, and so on and smoke in sync with the drivers. My passenger cars and landscape lighting need to be lit at a constant brightness regardless of engine speed. I also want the locomotive headlights to burn at a steady brightness at all speeds and when stopped. The trailing locomotive should have its lights off when in a doubleheader.
1. How technically sophisticated is the G-scale hobby nowadays?
2. I know there is DCC, but can layout operations be made fully automated with the right technology/technique/equipment? Can trains be set up to start, stop, slow down, speed up, maintain steady speed on grades, switch tracks, travel prescribed routes making prescribed stops at precise positions on the track, couple, uncouple, operate on locomotive turntables, blow whistles, ring bells, dispatch engines from engine houses, have railroad crew voice simulations all by themselves? Can I set up my backyard pike to virtually do everything human hands-off?
3. Who does a bang-up job of customizing the paint/livery on engines and rolling stock for G trains? My trains would have my own livery called "Bailey Garden Express". I would also need custom letters/numbers put on to my specs.
4. I want to have a consist of Pullman heavyweight coaches. What steam locomotive models are a good match for these in the correct real-life gauge? I don't want to mix standard-guage and narrow-gauge rolling stock on my line. The heavyweights were standard-gauge and they need the proper steam engine model likewise.
5. I also want a pair of diesel-electric engines to double-head this consist also. Sometimes I am in a mood to let of "steam"; other times I love the smell of diesel oil in the morning!! I was thinking something similar to GE Uboats or EMD SD-40's would look neat with these heavyweights since those freight/general-use mainline locomotives look rugged and old-fashioned, not streamlined. I want B-B axle arrangements, though, C-C axles are overkill for passenger trains. EMD F40ph Amtrak engines would look out of place on heavyweights as would more modern engines. EMD Geeps would work well too, but I like locomotives with long, graceful lines and wheelbases.
Of course, I want all the classic realistic engine sounds: chugging, diesel lope, turbines, and so on and smoke in sync with the drivers. My passenger cars and landscape lighting need to be lit at a constant brightness regardless of engine speed. I also want the locomotive headlights to burn at a steady brightness at all speeds and when stopped. The trailing locomotive should have its lights off when in a doubleheader.