First, welcome to the forum. I started an indoor On30 layout in my basement this winter and based on my experience so far I would not attempt to do it outside. I've found that the loco's are very fussy about track alignment and cleanliness. The major problem, at least for me, has been power pickup from the rails. Most of these On30 loco's don't have sprung drivers so even a small dip or rise in the track will cause a wheel to lift and lose contact. I've improved performance by putting power pickups on the tender trucks but I still get an occasional stall in a turnout. Another potential problem might be wind. Remember that an On30 car is about 8 times smaller (by volume) than a G scale car, and considerably lighter.
If you're really convinced that you need pain in your life you might consider taking up golf instead of outdoor On30. However if you really, really want to do this, I think Peco makes HO track and turnouts with UV resistant ties, so On30 outside COULD be done. But again, I think it might be more trouble than it's worth.
Good luck - Walt
Tom,
I've read posts before where you mentioned about the Z not holding up outside and I remember seeing the photo from your previous post before. That's why I decided to make mine easily movable. I'm not going to allow it to sit out in the sun and disintegrate before the end of the summer. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Bob
Bob:
My Z scale "backyard layout" will spend most of the time "in storage" with the other specialty buildings and features I get as Christmas presents each year. These specialty structures are NOT UV resistant so they only come out for special occasions, or for filming reasons.
Tom Trigg
I'm in the process of building a Z scale layout on a foam board to use as a garden layout behind a G gauge house. I'll just put the Z layout outside when I have people over. When I get it done I'll post a picture. The Z layout is roughly in the shape of my G gauge.
the North East Rail Modeler Now, How about a Z scale garden railroad? Anyone want to give it a shot?
Now, How about a Z scale garden railroad? Anyone want to give it a shot?
I did it about 5~6 years back. Mr. Douglas Flatbottom President and CEO of Rosebud Falls Scenic Railways hosted a back yard fest for the inaugural run of his backyard layout.
It all worked fine, UNTIL….. rails, cars and people became tangled in dog fur (day 2), then the rails rusted out in about three months, but that was no problem as the ties rotted away in about 6~7 weeks. Still looking for the engine, actually I stopped long ago as I’m sure it would never run again anyway. Sure was fun while it lasted. I do have a replacement in progress. Mounted on a sheet of thick lexan, covered with Z scale grass cloth. Not doing to much good until I find a "steamer" to put in front of the cars.
I hope you enjoy garden railroading!
I have never tried it myself, but I have always wanted to use O-scale outside. It has to be possible, as there was an article awhile back about someone taking their HO-scale trains outside, with the only problems being when it gets very windy or if a major storm happens. Seeing how HO is smaller than O for size (and how both On30 and HO are the same gague) you shouldn't have a problem.
Peter !!!
This site will help a lot ....But.......... I'ts getting wormer over here. so most people are out so responce time ia a little slow!
We also require ( ) lots of pics!!
This is another part of the hobbie you will get better at also!
Good luck
Sean
Thanks for the info on the fitness test but I have already determined to go to an elevated system as my joints ache already and a knee replacement is somewhere down the track,no pun intended. As I already model R/C scale boats I know about the bending bit and have started building launching frames. I hope to have the trains elevated to about 12 inches above ground level. My only problem at present is that we also own the most beautiful Siberian Husky and I don't think Bachmann make Husky proof trains just yet.
Peter Webster
Peco makes a On30 flex track that has UV stabilized ties. I think they make switches too. Bachmann has a fair line of On30 rolling stock.
Personally, I like to upscale both for Gn15 projects -
-Brian
Peter: Read through these pages as there are a few guys out there who do On(?) outside in the garden. There are a couple of Internet vendors where you can get your track and other accessories that are UV rated for outside. Now the question is "ground level" or "elevated system". The test is simple, how much pain is registered when you jump from hands and knees to standing straight continuously for half an hour? The answer there will determine if you build on "ground level" among the plants in the garden, or build a short retaining wall to build up "ground level" to mid thigh level which will keep you off the hands and knees, or do you build a support structure to keep the tracks at about chest level? My G is on ground level and I’m beginning to wish I had built the ground level up, but the Koi pond dictates current level.
Welcome to the forum! I have never seen a On30 outdoor layout, but there always are possibilities. On30 was never design to o outddors so you may face some challenges their. An eleated railroad my be your best option.- Peter
Modeling the Bellefonte Central Railroad
Fan of the PRR
Garden Railway Enthusiast
Check out my Youtube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/PennsyModeler
Just starting out in larger scales with a preference for On30 (On21/2) after almost 50 years in n scale, which I am still active in, so looking at the pros and cons of this gauge as suitable for outdoor garden.
I am situated in Melbourne, Australia so snow and associated really cold weather is not a problem
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