Okay if I use 3 rail O gauge outside How do I avoid a short circut when it rains or track is wet?

[Anonymous]

The germans say that can run G all year round in all kinds of weather. So How can I do this in O?

[Rastun]

The track being wet shouldn't really be a problem for the short circuit end of things but if you actually have standing water that can't get away from the tracks that can cause the problem. Secondly unless I'm mistaken O scale doesn't have sealed drive trains and such so running in wet conditions could be little more than the planned early demise of your rolling stock.

Later,
Jack

[vsmith]

G operates on low voltage DC kinda like garden walk lights, the lower voltage means that we can operate in wet conditions even snow with worrying about shorting out, something to due with a much lower level of resistance. 3 rail A/C used for O is trickier, its generaly more dangerous outdoor due to the A/C current and likes to short out a higher voltage flow. I'm not an electrician and I am going off memory, but outdoor O is doable, just takes more planning and like Rastun states, your O guage doesnt have the designed in weather protection sealed bearings like G trains do. So you have to be more dillegent is keeping the track clear of debris and dirt. this is why most Brits who do outdoor O or HO use raised concrete roadbeds and dont use ballasted track like G does. it helps to keep the dirt buildup to a minimum.

Also remeber, your O stuff IS NOT DESIGNED FOR WET CONDITIONS. which means at the end of each running session you will need to clean each car of dirt , and moisture, Particularly if they are metal bodied or wheeled. I know from experience Lionel stuff will rust SEVERLY if not taken care of in a moist environment. Hope this is helpfull.

Look for the post by Wild Bill on your other topic, he's doing exactly what you want to, he's the man for outdoor O.[8D]

[emipapa]

Dunkin,
You need to read your own post. You state that the German's say "G" gauge can operate outside all year, then you ask how to do it with "0" Gauge. The Message I get from what the Germen's state is "it is made for outdoor year-round use". The "0" gauge is NOT made for the same environmental conditions as the "G" gauge. To make your "0" gauge work outside and operate in the same environmental conditions as the "G" gause you would have to completely seal the unit or unit's so there is no moisture or water and dirt intrusion. Another thing you will have to investigate is weather or not the components are made for the exterior environment or will they rust, I am sure that the hollow metal track will rust very quickly. I am almost positive that if you only set up your track on sunny days and run your trains under those conditions you should be OK .
Good Luck,
Ron
[:)]

[Anonymous]

the brits have been running O guage outside for years.But they make their own track and run live steam!

[Curmudgeon]

Here's the deal:
You're in deep poo if you try.
Stock Lionel track (3-rail) has a cardboard insulator on the third rail to the metal tie, and will become water-soaked rapidly, pass current, and deteriorate.
Wood -tie GarGraves will suck up water so fast it will make your head spin.
Plastic-tie GarGraves is EX-pensive.
Lionel and wood GarGraves will rust/discolor/corrode.
Even the stainless stuff.
There is Atlas, as long as it's UV protected plastic tie and rust-resistant stainless, yer okay.
TOC

[ben10ben]

Atlas is UV protected and has nickel silver rails. It's the only track that's adviseable to use outdoors for three rail O.

[Anonymous]

I was thinking of using wood ties to avoid the UV problem with the plastic ties but you say thats a bad idea?

[vsmith]

I think the problem is that wet or moist wood will still conduct electricity thru the moisture, IOW a short!

Sound like the Atlas UV track is the best bet.

[Wild Bill]

As I said on the other post, Atlas is the only one that makes outdoor compatable track.
On my layout, I used 40" sections of Atlas's Nickle-Silver track. The neet thing about it is that you can bend it without having to use a rail bender, with the track still in the ties. Just bend it around your waist as you stand over the curve of the roadbed you've made, untill its where you want it!
As for the weather resistance of the rolling stock, these other fine gentlemen are right.
You dont want to get it wet! As for dirt and dust, I've found a roadbed material that is non-conductive, has no metals in it, and will not cause a short when wet. Out here its called " Sierra Pacific Power company Sand" Its a 1/8 Fine sarp cornered grit. The power Company uses it for ground cover for their sub stations. It helps keep their employees from becoming a Ground source as they work on equipment. Its almost entirely made of a mineral called Barrite. It is a Ignazised volcanic ash. Very hard and heavey for its size. it makes a very stable roadbed, and will not contaminate the innards of the rolling stock with metal fines, or dirt. It cost me about $8.00 a ton, which is good for about 800 feet of mainline 2" deep, and 6" wide
So far I have bringing all the rolling stock in at night, and water the lawn, and grounds at night. I'm currently building a train shed out of cedar, that will look like a small train station. A siding will take the trains into it through a cat door at the bottom rear onto a shelf with rails at ground level. The shelf will then be brought up to bench level on a conveyor powered by a garage door opener, the trains then rolled out on sidings on the bench, and stored that way, every night.
I hope this answers a few questions. If you have any moor, let me know.

[Anonymous]

Wild Bill, would love to see your finished storage Idea in pictures when your finished!