I wi***o make an outdoors test track

[FJ and G]

I'm planning on building an outdoor test track. I'd like to keep it up for a year and see how it holds up before expanding the O scale toy trains outdoors.

I'd like to use nickle/silver rails and make my own ties using treated lumber. The roadbed as well will be treated lumber. Does anyone know where I can get n/s rails sans ties?

I'll be constructing it on the permanently shady side of the house where U/V will not be a factor and planning to take the trains indoors.

However, I'm also thinking of making an underground PVC pipe storage where a short train can be stored. The pipe will be layed so that it runs uphill slightly so moisture cannot get in.

[Anonymous]

What if the train gets stuck or derails in the tube

[dougdagrump]

Dave, Instead of treated lumber why not use the recycled materials like "Trex". They last forever and you don't have to be concerned with any chemicals leaching out or the sawdust from the treated lumber when you cut it.
With the PVC pipe storage what about condensation, seems like that would be a great place for moisture to hide a place for lots of flora and fauna to take up residence.

[Jim Duda]

OK...I'll be the heretic here - if I were going to run anything outside, I'd go G-scale and use Stainless track and stuff designed for outdoor use...and not look back. Might actually be less expensive than the O gauge approach...

Ask Buckeye or any of the Big Stuff operators...

[underworld]

One of the hobby shops here in town used to sell individual rail in HO and N. I think there is a place that might have it or could get it, Jim's in Maumee, Ohio. I'll try to get there tomorrow to see. Jackie's Trains in Erie Michigan can probably get it for you, they ship everywhere. They aren't open Sunday or Monday. If you want to call their phone is 734 848 2068. I don't know if you are looking for exact scale but you could try using G gauge rail....I think it comes in smaller code sizes. Jackie's can definately get that for you. I'm not sure about using plastic pipe....like others have said because of condensation. If you do use that or some other material train shed, you might try putting in some silica gel. That's the stuff you find in little paper or plastic packs in electronic equipment packages and sometimes in little plastic capsules in some medicine bottles. Silica gel absorbs moisture, it is available at most chemical supply houses. If you can't find it let me know, I think I have about 2 pounds of it.

Good luck!

underworld

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[FJ and G]

I'll have to look up "trex" to see what that is.

OK, PVC tube bad idea; take trains indoors.

I thought this over and I'm going to lay down a test loop of MTH Realtrax. The roadbed already is made. I'm going to solder the rails together and run a loop around my outside heater motor unit and see what happens after a year.

G scale track uses brass outdoors (some of it does) and the Realtrax brass we'll see how it holds up. If it doesn't no loss. And, it will be fun to report on how it went periodically.

[dougdagrump]

Dave, There are several brands available, I believe Trex is the the most well known. Essentially it is a composit using recycled wood products and plastic products. They are sold just like standard dimensional lumber, although somewhat more limited size choices, and they are workable with standard woodworking tools. The only drawback is that they are not suitable for a load bearing situation. I believe they were initially created as an alternative for decking applications especially in wet environments.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Dave, one of the big differences in O Scale and G Scale is the power supply. The DC power supply works great out of doors in the rain or snow. With my LGB trains, they tell me the actual molding process for the car bodies have been treated to protect against UV radiation from the sun.

[jimhaleyscomet]

You can eliminate moisture in a PVC tube. Add a light or resister that is constantly on. This will warm up the air above ambient and dry out any moisture. Put the light on the bottom near the entry. Then have a covered exit hole at the top. Natural convection will warm and dry out the tube (think hair dryer). Resister wire is available from telescope and astronomy stores. It is used to keep dew off optics.

As for critters, removable screen mesh might work.

Jim H.

[Boyd]

What about using Gargraves stainless steel flex track with plastic ties, or with wood ties and you can treat them. If the track has wood ties it might make them last longer if the track isn't sitting on something flat that would allow moisture to cling to the bottom of the ties.

[selector]

Hey, a fellow stargazer out there! Good to hear from you, Jim!

Dave, it all sounds like a worthwhile venture, but it will present some serious challenges, as you are beginning to see. Warmed chamber to resist moisture = nice comfy home for vermin, arachnids, and something else I can't imagine...yet.

Track will need daily pre-cleaning due to bird droppings, sap-mist from deciduous trees, fur-balls from She Who Must be Obeyed, and something else I can't yet imagine.

Electrical....hooo, boy....it can be done, but if you are near salt water (as I am), think corrosion. Rain and moisture will play havoc with your system. Wet leaves will short you and leave you wondering why that loco is taking soooo long to come around the bend at this throttle setting.

And, so it goes.

Not much of a help, am I?.

[:-,]

-Crandell

[Anonymous]

Hello Dave: Here is something I saw a few years ago, the gentleman had a G scale C.N. steamer (DCV), he was using the nicad baterries (the type the remot control cars use) don't know how long they will last, but it sure makes sense no wiring, no worry about electrical problems, just lay the track & your running. Has anyone else seen this done? Kind regards Steve

[jimhaleyscomet]

How about K-line's new battery operated loco? Only $40 with track. I think the track might be plastic.

Jim H

[FJ and G]

OK, I'm going to put the outdoor track plan to a test this week and settle the matter once and for all.

I'm going to build a loop of RealTrax, soldering all rail joints together, then leave it outside for one year and once a month, test trains on it and report the results month by month until one year is up.