Where & how to buy G scale trains?

Overview

Large scale trains can often last 20 years or more if properly handled and maintained. A number of manufacturers have gone out of business after the "golden age" of Large Scale, but many NOS (new old stock) and used items are available.

The following will provide  a basic list of manufacturers, and some suggestions on how to buy, followed by a section on large scale places to buy.

Who makes what? 

Accucraft Trains

Though ranging from On3 up to 7 1⁄2 inch gauge equipment, Accucraft is primarily in large scale. The offerings are more highly detailed electric and live-steam locomotives, rolling stock, and track (primarily 1:32 scale/gauge 1). Accucraft also owns American Mainline, a subsidiary specializing in 1:29 scale locomotives and rolling stock, along with outdoor-compatible tracks for all large scale trains; and recently the accquisition of Aster Hobby Co., the renowned Japanese manufacturer of expensive, super detailed locomotive mostly live steam .

Bachmann Industries

Bachmann is wholly owned by Kadar, the largest manufacturer of large scale trains. Kader bought the #2 manufacturer some time ago, Sanda Kan. Kader/Sanda Kan makes/made many different brands of large scale, notably Aristo Craft, and USA Trains. Bachman sAs a major manufacturer across nearly every gauge, Bachmann’s presence in G gauge is no surprise. Their lineup includes train sets, locomotives, rolling stock, track, and accessories like parts and lubrication. While their Big Haulers and Thomas the Tank Engine brands often target beginners and younger enthusiasts, seasoned modelers and garden railroaders can find higher-end 1:29, 1:22.5, and 1:20.3 scale locomotives and rolling stock.

LGB Model Railways

Not much has changed for this German manufacturer since its introduction to the large scale industry in 1968. LGB continues to produce locomotives, rolling stock, train sets, tracks, DCC, power supplies, and accessories for both new and veteran hobbyists. With a primary focus on 1:22.5 scale, LGB offers both American and European-based prototypes and remains a frontrunner, especially for garden railroading. LGB’s parent company, Märklin, also participates with its gauge 1 lineup of European locomotives, rolling stock, train sets, tracks, power supplies, and accessories.

Piko

Piko, another German-based manufacturer, offers a similar range of products to LGB: locomotives, rolling stock, train sets, tracks, DCC, power supplies, and accessories. The company does have an advantage by offering structures. While they have some North American-inspired prototypes, most Piko models are European-based and around 1:25 scale.

USA Trains

Starting as a Lionel Trains retailer in the 1970s, Charles Ro’s company, USA Trains, has grown significantly in both its size and product offerings. As its name suggests, the company produces North American locomotives and rolling stock, along with track and power supplies. Of course, all in large scale. Their high-end Prestige and Ultimate series are 1:29 scale, while their American, Work Train, and other themed series are 1:24.

Specific products

Busch Gmbh & Co Kg - https://www.busch-model.com/english.htm – Scenery, structures, electronics, and accessories
Digitrax – https://www.digitrax.com/https://www.digitrax.com/ - DCC and electronics
Electronic Solutions Ulm GmbH & Co. KG – https://www.esu.eu/en/start/ - DCC and speakers
G-Scale Graphics – Custom vinyl lettering and electronics
Grand Central Scenery – Scenery and structures
Grandt Line Products – Structures, minifigures, parts, and accessories
Herpa Models – Vehicles
Isle Laboratories – Tunnels and rock formations
JT’s Mega-Steam – Smoke fluid and lubricants
JTT Scenery – Scenery
Kadee – Scale couplers and tools
Llagas Creek – Tracks and accessories
Lionel Trains – Train sets, tracks, electronics, and accessories
Micro Engineering – Track and accessories
Microscale Industries – Decals
Model Rectifier Corporation – DCC, power supplies, and electronics
MTH Electric Trains – Locomotives and rolling stock (Gauge 1)
NCE DCC – DCC and electronics
New Bright Industrial Co. – Train sets, tracks, and accessories
NOCH – Scenery and minifigures
Plastruct – Structures and detail parts
Pola – Structures and minifigures
Preiser Kg – Minifigures
Regner Dampftechnik – Locomotives (Live steam)
Roundhouse Engineering – Locomotives (Live steam) and rolling stock
SoundTraxx – DCC and electronics
Sunset Valley Railroad – Track and accessories
Tam Valley Depot – DCC and electronics
Tomar Industries – Drumheads, parts, and accessories
Train Control Systems – DCC and electronics
Train Line 45 – Locomotives and rolling stock
Vollmer Gmbh – Structures and accessories
Woodland Scenics – Scenery, structures, and roadbed

How to buy trains:

First, you need a bit of help to understand what to look for, whether you are in person, or buying by "mail order".

New trains:

• research the seller. If it is one that is mentioned often on forums, that's a good thing.
• If it's a brick and mortar store, try to ascertain if it is really new, and how long it has been in stock, research if there were several versions of the loco/car and you might be buying an old version at a new version price.

Used trains:

• parts availability is paramount, look for 3rd party companies that produce replacement parts
• research ebay and other sources for parts availability
• find a way to check the common wear items/problems in person or remotely

Used or new:

• if you see the loco/car in person, look for signs of wear on the wheel, power pickups, removable or moveable parts, if mail order, get photos.
• were there 2 or more versions of the loco/car? If so, find out the differences and spotting clues
• manual? box? (boxes are over-rated except for shipping locos the foam inserts really prevent shipping damage)
• research the loco/car and look for common problems/issues. a simple Google search "USA Trains F3 problems" will tell you a lot.
• if there are common problems, it is not a strike out, are there common and easily available solutions?
• parts availability?
• what is the return policy?

Places to buy:

The following is a list compiled from contributions by others. I'm not responsible for the content or comments.

If you do find errors, or have a different experience, please feel free to contact me to correct or update

Special for parts:

There are companies that specialize in replacement parts, many of these are 3d printed. See this page CLICK HERE

First: online auction sites

ebay

next, 3 different facebook sites, search for "G scale swap and shop"

Next: the major online sellers

RLD hobbies www.rldhobbies.com

Finally: brick and mortar

• Jacksonville - Rail and Sprue Hobbies - http://www.railandsprue.com/

• Burbank - Train Shack - http://www.trainshack.com
• Concord - Just trains - https://just-trains.com/ - 5650 Imhoff Dr, Suite H, Concord, CA 94520 (925) 685-6566 
• Costa Mesa - The Train Crossing - http://www.thetraincrossing.com/
• La Habra - Narrow Gauge Junction -250 West Whittier Boulevard, La Habra, CA 90631-3852 562-694-0598
• La Mesa (San Diego) - Reeds Hobby Shop - mostly trains, all scales - http://www.reeds-hobbies.com/
• Los Angeles - Allied Trains
• Novato - Dollhouses Trains and More -Good selection of LS & the smaller scales. Great general hobby shop with everything from plastic kits to dollhouses. http://www.dollhousestrainsandmore.com/
• Pasadens - The original whistle stop - https://www.thewhistlestop.com/
• Placentia - Bridgemasters - https://www.bridge-masters.com/
• Roseville - Railroad Hobbies, 119 Vermon St. Roseville - Fair stock - http://www.rrhobbies.com/Railroad_Hobbies/Home.html
  
• Sacramento - R/C Country Hobbbies, 6011 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento - Best stock in Sacramento area - http://www.rccountryhobbies.com/
• San Rafael - Dollhouses Trains and More - 1295 Northgate Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 499-3576 Good selection of LS and other scales. A very wide variety of all kinds of hobby items from plastic kits to dollhouses.  http://www.dollhousestrainsandmore.com/
• Santa Clara - The Train Shop, 1829 Pruneridge Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 296-1050 Good selection of LS and other scales. A great RR book section.
• Upland - Upland Trains - https://uplandtrains.com/ 1531 W. 13th St. Suite G, Upland, CA 91786, Tuesday-Friday 11am-4:30pm, Saturday 11am-4pm, (909) 985-1246
  
• Ventura - Gold Coast Station Trains - http://goldcoaststation.net/
• Westminster - Arnies - http://www.arniesmodeltrains.com/
• Westminster - Milepost 38 - http://milepost38modeltrains.com/

• Caboose Hobbies - only online https://www.ebay.com/str/trainswest

Delaware

• Claymont - Doug's Trains, Toys & Hobbies - Trains, Toys & Hobbies - model trains, planes, rockets, cars, railroads and books 2907 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 - All around hobby shop: trains, paint, rocket kits, scenery supplies, etc... They advertise that they carry LGB products. The store hours are a bit all over the place depending on the season, check website for the particulars.
• Newark - Just Trains -  Just Trains of Delaware, Supplying all your Model Railroading needs - They sell mostly O scale stuff, but you will find occasional G scale stuff as it is traded in or sold to the store. They also carry the typical range of Woodland Scenics products, repro paints, and K&S metal products.

Florida

• East Orlando - Ray's Garden Railroad - 904-854-2799 - Rob's Hobby World, 8602 SW State Road 200, Ocala, FL 32674
• Orlando - Colonial Photo and Hobby - http://www.cphfun.com/
• Pinellas Park - H&R Trains - http://www.hrtrains.com
• Orlando The Hobby Spot - 6013 E Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32807

• Duxbury - Duxbury Green
• Hanson - The Brass Caboose
  
• Malden - Charles Ro Supply Co.
• Orleans - Snows Home & Garden
• Piano Works - Sandwich
• Rockland  - Bill's Friendly Train Shoppe
• Wareham - Hogie's Hobbies - 3103 Cranberry Hwy, Wareham, MA 02571  (Mainly on consignment.)
• West Springfield  - Pioneer Valley Hobbies 
• Worcester - The train Place

• Reno - Train-Li - https://www.trainli.com/

New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico

• Lancaster - Smoke Stack Hobby Shop in Lancaster, OH. OK selection of large scale amongst other scales. One of the few "old timey" train shops left.Newark - G Scale Junction, Newark (Granville)
• Newark - G Scale Junction,  Newark

• West Chester - EnterTRAINment Junction - http://www.entertrainmentjunction.com/

•  Owasso - Reindeer Pass Railroad  http://www.reindeerpass.com/ Reindeer Pass RR, 10919 N. 173rd East Ave, Owasso, OK 74055

• Beaverton - Tammie's Hobbies,503-644-4535,12024 SW Canyon Rd Beaverton, OR 97005 Great Customer Service and flexible on pricing as much as they can be.

• Raleigh - Nick's Trains 919-881-1010  https://www.nicks-trains.com/

South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas