LGB, the world's first "G-scale" train, was born in 1968. However, the family history of LGB goes back to
1881, when Ernst Paul Lehmann founded a small toy-making company in Brandenburg, Germany. Lehmann had
a keen eye for new ideas and his "patent" toys, like the honking Tut Tut auto and flying Ikarus airplane,
soon gave "Ernest Paul Lehmann Patentwerk" a worldwide reputation for toy innovation. Ernst Paul Lehmann's
cousin, Johannes Richter, joined the company in 1921 and built on Lehmann's reputation with patented toys like
the ingenious Skirolf skier.
After the East German government seized the company in 1948, Richter moved his
family and the firm to Nurnberg in the West. Then, 20 years later, Richter's sons, Eberhard and Wolfgang,
introduced the family's boldest invention: LGB- The Big Train. Today, Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk is still
family owned with Eberhard and Wolfgang's sons, Johannes and Rolf, at the helm. The LGB family also includes
the many dedicated employees at the Lehmann's home in Nurnberg and at LGB of America in San Diego, California.
They craft LGB trains using the latest in computer aided design, precision machining processes and robotic
production techniques. Together, the LGB family has over 100 years of experience creating innovative
products and serving demanding customers. LGB trains are one of the best selling big trains in the world.
The first loco made under the LGB brand was a model of a small Austrian 0-4-0 named "Stainz". This loco
appears in the LGB logo and is still in production today, although it now has a sound system and other
mechanical differences to the original 1968 model. Most garden railway enthusiasts have at least one
example of a Stainz in their collection as it tends to be a robust loco with good pulling power. LGB's
tooling is of great interest due to its design. For example, on the standard 4-wheel coach they have a
choice of four roof designs and three body designs, all using the same chassis and end walkway mouldings.
Such careful planning allows common parts to be used keeping costs down. Two very different-looking
vehicles can share all but one or two components. LGB's engineering is also of similar interest. Starter
sets typically include a circle of track with a 4 foot diameter and a smaller two-axle locomotive,
like the Stainz mentioned above.
In 1984 LGB released the first model of an American prototype train, the Mogul steam loco. In 1987, LGB opened
its American branch in San Diego to provide warranty and repair service to LGB customers in North America. In
1995 the company introduced the “LGB Multi-Train System,” which is a digital system allowing multiple
trains to operate on the same track at the same time. In 1997 LGB of America opened a distribution facility
in New Jersey.
The letters "LGB" stand for Lehmann Gross Bahn or Lehmann's Big Train. "G" scale, which is approximately ½
inch to the foot or 1:22.5 inches is about twice the size of Lionel 'O' gauge trains.
Other G-scale (and Gauge 1) manufacturers produce products that range from 1:20.3 to 1:32, and for the most
part, all use the same track and are compatible with one another. Although not the largest model scale
train, it is the most popular "large scale" train. LGB made the world's first model railroad for indoors
and outdoors. One of the most prominent aspects of LGB trains over other model railroad models is their
durability. All locomotives, track, and accessories of the main product line function in rain and
snow allowing nearly anyone to have an outdoor garden railroad. LGB is the most popular garden railway model
in Europe, although there are also many models of U.S. and Canadian prototypes. It is also a leading brand
of garden model railroad in the United States. LGB is sold in the United States under the outfit
"LGB of America". Many of the new LGBoA products are now manufactured in China instead of Germany.
2006 marked the 125th anniversary of LGB. LGB, Nuremberg, Germany, celebrated 125 years in the
business with more than 200 products released. The celebratory trains included a complete line of
nickel-plated “Ni” track sections; new Amtrak locomotives, passenger coaches and freight
cars; Disney, Coca-Cola, Peanuts and Wild West-themed rolling stock; a classic LGB Mogul loco
featuring a new Vanderbilt-style tender; special models to celebrate the 125th anniversary
of Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk; models exclusively for LGB Club members; and an easier-to-install
model catenary system.
LGB's mass-produced offerings for the US market are slightly off-scale and occasionally have adjusted
lengths to help the product handle tight curves, but they are built very solid and have an excellent
reputation for reliability. LGB has occasionally teamed with Aster or other "boutique" manufacturers
to create collector-quality models in scales that are more suited to US standard gauge (such as 1:32,
1:30 and 1:29).
On September 18, 2006, only a few short months after LGB of America (LGBoA) was spun off into its own company, Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk OHG (EPL) in Nürnberg, the maker of LGB trains, requested bankruptcy protection. LGBoA was one of the companies that bid on the purchase of Lehmann's remaining assets, but lost to Märklin, another German model train manufacturer. Märklin took control of Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk in 2007. Shipping and production resumed in fall 2007, with the LGB brand intact. On September 21st, 2007, an agreement was signed between LGBoA and Märklin that gave LGBoA exclusive distribution and service rights in North America.
As of June 1st 2008, in place of LGBoA a new company named Silvergate Distributors, took over. According to a company release, the company is moving to a new location in San Diego with "enhanced infrastructure" that will allow it to better serve customers. Silvergate's New Jersey warehouse facility will remain in its current location.
LGB of America will continue to exist, but "distribution of existing inventory, current lines, and new product lines will transfer to Silvergate Distributing," the release said.
The new company will distribute PIKO G- and HO-scale trains and accessories including the line of UV-resistant PIKO G-Track. New product lines include Motorart die-cast vehicles and the newly acquired line of Hillman's RailClamps. Other products are in the works. More information is available at the company's Web site at http://www.silvergatedistributors.com.
