Can O gauge...

[Anonymous]

I was just wondering. with the right track. could you use o gauge for the outdoors? Like Lionel or somthing? But deffinatly standard o, i belive I have heard of it though. just my 2 cents[2c]
Monto

[John Busby]

Hi monto
Yes with a weather proof track, it has been done before many times even as far back
as the days when your choice of loco was clock work or it was clock work.
The proviso is that your trains must always be taken in doors after use and preferably
fully fitted with coarse "O" scale metal wheels even on fine scale stock.
They are the wheels with big wheel flanges very similar in profile to tin plate wheels
More care must also be taken with track set up and inspections but other than that
I cannot see any reason not to do it if thats what you want to do.
You will have to make or paint in exterior paint any buildings you plan on leaving out side.
regards John

[tangerine-jack]

Hello Monto!

Yes, just as John said, O scale can be used outdoors effectively with the right track. There are some forum members that do outdoor O scale, perhaps they can give you more insight into what's involved in making the transition.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

It can be done, and very successfully. The Editor of "Model Rail" magazine has an O scale layout in his garden using finescale equipment, which makes occasional appearances in the magazine. Peco track is probably your best bet as it's nickel-silver and therefore won't rust, and you will have to do a little more groundwork than for G (you'll need a more solid base - G track can be laid on gravel as per prototype but O will need a concrete base to provide better support). Hope this is of use!

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys!