3 Rail Outdoor Layout

[jqhyde]

I want to build an outdoor layout for my O'gauge 3 rail trains.  I would bring my loco's and rolling stock inside each night, but want to leave the rails outside.

What system of 3 rail tracks is weather resistant?

Any recommendations?

Thanks,

[JamesP]

Atlas 21st Century is advertised as having UV resistant plastic ties that are suitable for outdoor use.  Gargraves track with plastic ties and stainless steel rails are also OK for outdoor use, according to their website, although they recommend only using their manual turnouts outdoors.

Perhaps some of the other forum members will know of some other brands, as well.

One last thing - when you start building the layout, please post pictures!

 - James

[dougdagrump]

Here's some info that can be helpful;

http://personalweb.donet.com/~paulrace/trains/primer/o_gauge_outside/o_gauge_outside.htm

[lion88roar]

I would be very cautious of using Atlas 21st Century turnouts outside.

They use plastic for just about everything other than the wires and track. All of the connection pieces between the throwing mechanism and the track are plastic components that I would suspect would degrade quite rapidly outside.

[Hudson#685]

Doug, Thanks for posting that link. Good info.

Brent, That is a good point about the Atlas Switches. Ray and I have been kicking that around.

[dougdagrump]

All the track and turnouts use the same uv resistant plastics, the biggest problem with the turnouts would be the electric components getting wet. There are other weatherized units switch motors that can be utilized or converting to pneumatic is what some folks do. If memory serves me correctly, but than again sometimes I have difficulty remembering lunch, the gentleman who built and runs the Anozira RR runs in early evenings and keeps the turnouts covered when not in use.