LGB/Aster Garratt on my indoor layout

The Garratt design solves a difficult problem: how do you build a powerful steam locomotive with a big boiler that can negotiate tight curves. The answer: put the boiler between, not over, the wheels. Then put the fuel and water supplies over the articulated drive units.

In 1927, Hanomag in Germany built twelve Garratt locos for the 2-foot gauge line of the South African Railways. They were a great success: they could haul trains weighing 180 tons up 3% grades, while running at up to 40 mph on level track.

Far from South Africa, NGG 13 Number 60 now resides on the Schinznacher Baumschulbahn (SchBB) in Switzerland after a complete restoration over a ten-year period.

Initially, I displayed this wonderful LGB/Aster model statically on the Engineer's Desk. However, since it so interesting to watch and listen to when in motion, I wanted it to run. So, I built a section of trackwork on each side of the desk, connected it to the display track on the desk - a total of only fourteen feet - and powered it with an auto-reversing unit. Thanks to this unit, the Garratt moves slowly from one end of the short run to the other hauling just one log car, rests a while, and then heads in the other direction.

Please go to http://www.StansTrains.com for more information

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Garratt
• LGB
• Aster
• model
• train
• locomotive
• indoor
• layout
• large-scale

[MrDorfmann]

only TWO exhaust beats per wheel rev should be 8 or at least 4 when the front and back unit are running synchron. However this is the swiss version from the Baumschulbahn so it was probably converted by DLM to run only on one cylinder to save money haha !

[SilvermanStan]

@MrDorfmann Yes, the Swiss are thrifty! I've noticed that many chuff sounds in model locomotives have only two beats per rev. However, a few give you a choice of two or four.

[ELECTRICOTION]

absolutely stunning, striking even!!!!!!!! one of the most beautifull engine's on youtube!

[SilvermanStan]

@ELECTRICOTION Thanks! Unfortunately I'm now taking my layout down, and all rolling stock - including the Garratt - has been sold. I still have my photos and videos to remind me of the "good old days".

[Chris9017]

Me too. The problem is the engine is over $5K which is way too high.

If Bachmann made one it would probably be $1.5K which is more in my price range. So lets hope that Bachmann does make one.

[SilvermanStan]

@Chris9017 Reasons for the price: Brass body, hand-built by Aster. Limited quantity; only 600 were built. LGB digital sound, LGB mechanics including two seven-pole Bühler motors, 12 power pick-ups, very detailed, etc.

[heypachuco1991]

I made a video with the same Garratt in this one.

This is definitely one of my favourites!

[ELECTRICOTION]

@SilvermanStan really???? that's such a shame my friend. did you get a good deal for the garratt? i'm just getting into the larger scale, and it seem's you have just left. i used to have a OO/HO layout, but G was the way i'v alway's wanted to go.

[Chris9017]

@SilvermanStan True, and on top of that, those 600 units were not from LGB's assembly plant, people of Aster had to make every last external piece by hand. It is a very beautiful engine no doubt.

[gmscms1]

I really want to get one!