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? Lionel outside layout ?

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  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Jelloway Creek, OH - Elv. 1100
  • 7,578 posts
Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 12:11 PM
It is not only the UV rays one needs to consider when going outside. My G scale train tracks have been hit with rain, ice, snow, tree limbs, leaves, bird droppings and I think a squirrel used the roadbed one day to eat his lunch.

The engines and cars are stored inside when not being run or else the birds use them for bombing practise. [:D]

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR

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  • From: US
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Posted by overall on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 11:26 AM
I think atlas track will stand up to UV rays also. There used to be a newsletter called the garden hi-railer but I don't know if it is still around or not. If you are going to do O gauge outdoors, it woulf seem to me that you would have to put all the engines and rolling stock back inside after the day is done.

George
  • Member since
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  • From: Willoughby, Ohio
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Posted by spankybird on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 5:54 AM
Daan - just an FYI, GG does make a stainless steel track with plastic ties for outside use.

I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com 

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  • From: Holland
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Posted by daan on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 4:29 AM
Outdoor could be done, as long as you use track able to deal with the harmfull environment.. Gargraves would be a bad choice, since it uses wood ties, and wood is not a lasting material if used outside.
You should use stainless with plastic ties or run on completely plastic track using batteries for power. Also the engines and cars are not made for outside.
Apart from moisture damage, direct sunlight is also very harmfull, since it breakes down the weakeners in plastic. The plastic gets very "dried out" and brakes easily after a few months in the sun. LGB uses very strong and durable plastics able to handle the ultraviolet light and moisture hazards..
Daan. I'm Dutch, but only by country...
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? Lionel outside layout ?
Posted by Boyd on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 1:40 AM
I have one article on an outdoor layout. I forgot what magazine it was. The article was ran only about 2-4 years ago. I have heard of another guy that runs his outdoors. Track would have to be Gargraves Stainless in order to last. Running power to the trains would be another challenge. It sure would give more room for loooooonnnng trains.

Modeling the "Fargo Area Rapid Transit" in O scale 3 rail.

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