Has anybody ever used Post War Lionel in a Garden?

[Hudson#685]

We are doing a complete yard makeover and I would like to put in a garden railway. Problem: I am an avid O gauge/Hi-Rail collector and fan of Post War Lionel and also Modern era O gauge. I know that it is best to go with G gauge and there are limitations with O but what if I decide to go with O, mainly to enjoy my equipment outdoors.

I would appreciate pros and cons and advice to what track and manufacturer. All advice is appreciated.

John

[PJM20]

Well, I was intending to use O-27 by Lionel track in the garden for my narrow gauge railway, but as the kind people here mention that track will corrod in a month or so. If you want to put O gauge track in the garden I would reccomend Sunset Valley Railway code 250 track as that is what the helpful people here reccomended it me. I hope you have fun and enjoy yourself! - Peter

[IRB Souther Engineer]

PJM20

 I would reccomend Sunset Valley Railway code 250 track

That is 2 rail track. Are you useing 3 rail (or 2 rail)?

[ttrigg]

John: If you are running "third rail" you will most probably need to "hand lay" the third rail. Have a look around at all the vendors for your source for rails. You will want to make sure the rail you get is solid rail, not "hollow core, fold formed" rail like the normal Lionel stuff. You will want stainless steel, brass, or aluminum rails. Each has its pro’s and con’s.

Just because no one else has done it (and I believe it has been done) does not mean you cannot do it. You just need to make sure everything is weather and UV resistant. So long as you are aware of the accommodations you will need to make there is no reason you should not be able to enjoy your Lionel out in the garden.

[Hudson#685]

Thanks for the imput. It is going to be 3 rail. I was told to use Atlas track. I was hoping that someone else used it and they have any observations or opinions about it.

John

[ttrigg]

Hudson#685

I was told to use Atlas track. I was hoping that someone else used it and they have any observations or opinions about it. John

Not so sure as just what that track is, I would suggest reading the outside of the box. You will be looking to see if the box "brags" about being "UV" resistant and weather proof. General rule of thumb, (at least form my point of view) "if the box don’t brag about what I want, then it don’t have what I want, and I don’t buy it."

[vsmith]

ttrigg

Hudson#685

I was told to use Atlas track. I was hoping that someone else used it and they have any observations or opinions about it. John

Not so sure as just what that track is, I would suggest reading the outside of the box. You will be looking to see if the box "brags" about being "UV" resistant and weather proof. General rule of thumb, (at least form my point of view) "if the box don’t brag about what I want, then it don’t have what I want, and I don’t buy it."

Atlas does sell 3 rail UV stable sectional track, but you have to ask specificly for it. Other than that, 3 rail has been done outdoors. There was a fellow here at one time who had a sizable O 3-rail setup in Northern Nevada, I remember he said the only caviets were that;

A. you had to clean your engines frequently, they do not have sealed drivetrains like G items have, so grit and dirt can get into the gears and motors if not delt with. Needless to say track cleaning must also be done before running, no, pebbles, twigs or leaves on the track

B. Track should be completly dry before operating, he was in Nevada, where dew moisture and rain were not an issue, otherwise considering your running 120v AC thru the track, water is a very bad thing to add. Also make sure your power supply has a circuit breaker built in to prevent accidental electrical shock from short circuiting.

C. Do NOT leave engines and rolling stock outdoors overnight, unless you want your stuff to rust away. Pick up everthing, dont leave it out, most O plastic cars have dubious UV protection qualities, and leaving some plastic cars out in the hot blazing summer sun can result in a warped car body.

So it is doable, just know what your expectations and  limitations are.

[Jerry Barnes]

I saw in GR mag that one of the railways on the tour for the national GR convention is O gauge. Maybe you could get ahold of him. Years ago GR had an article on a O scale outdoor layout.

[Rene Schweitzer]

The cover story for the August 2000 issue featured an outdoor, 3-rail Lionel layout. The owner, Paul Lieszkovsky, used Gargraves track that he covered when not in use. The owner would be in his late 80s now, if he's still alive, and I'm not sure of the railroad's status.

[Hudson#685]

Thank you for all of the replies. I think that I would be best using G scale and I would eliminate a lot of headaches later on.

John