I am new to the concept of Garden Railways so i was wondering what kind of train and tracks can i use. I have been running ho trains for years although I took them down for some time now. I would like to build out in the yard. I live in Florida and the rain in the summer is bad. What do I use?
The best advice, is to join the local garden railroad club. Seeing how others deal with this problem in your area can answer many questions. We are a friendly bunch and are glad to share our knowledge with anyone getting started. Regards, Dennis.
Thanks. but i havent found one yet. Would anyone be able to tell me the best way to lay my track down and on what for outdoor railways.
Look at the top of this page, at the big Garden Railways logo in the upper left corner, now look at the bottom, the yellow tag marked " New to the Hobby?: Start Here" click it.
This will take you to a tutorial on the basics of garden railroading, read thru it, it should answer most of your basic questions. But generally:
1: Almost all trains in GRing are weather resistant, some like LGB can be run in the rain.
2: most easily available track is brass track from LGB, Aristocraft, USA Trains and Piko, it is all connects to each other.
Best advice, do some research on manufacturers, find out what you like. Easiest way to start is to pick up a starter set, set it up and get going.
One thing: dont ever leave the powerpack unprotected outside during inclimate weather or overnight. The trains are weatherproof, the powerpack is not.
Have fun with your trains
G'day and welcome to our backyards.
Vic's advice is, as usual, spot on. However I will take issue with one thing. The track in a starter set is going to be the smallest diameter sold. It is great for around the Christmas tree or for the kids on the patio, but I would recommend using larger radius curves in the actual garden railroad. Any engines or rolling stock you buy will look much better running around larger curves.
Measure your space and make a track plan based on the largest radius you can afford to use. And plan to buy long length straights or flexible track. This makes for fewer joins between track section, and fewer points for derailments or electrical problems. The beginner set track is usually in one foot lengths.
Finally, some starter set track is unsuitable for outdoor use. LGB is solid brass. Mine has been outdoor for up to 25 years and is still operational. The Bachmann track in starter sets is rolled steel or tinplate and lasts almost no time outdoors.
A little planning and judicious purchasing will pay off in the long run. Enjoy.
Mick
Chief Operating Officer
Northern Timber Company - Mt Beenak
Welcome to the wonderful world of Garden Railroading!
Many of us at one time were HO modelers (some still have indoor HO layouts), so you are among friends. There are several resources available to beginners. I would suggest reading "Garden Railroading: Getting Started in the Hobby" and "How to Design and Build Your Garden Railroad". Both are Kalmbach publications and are available to order from the SHOP drop down menu above or your local model railroad store. NO - I am not a Kalmbach employee.
Try to locate a garden railroad club in your area - they are an excellent resource for newcomers. Go visit layouts in your area if possible and DON'T be afraid to ask questions.
Track - there are several options. First question to answer is how do you plan to power your layout - track power, battery power, DCC, live steam... Track powered rail is common and the easiest to get started in the hobby.
Last but not least - HAVE FUN!
You would probably want to join the Florida Garden RR Society ( http://www.fgrs.org/fgrs.htm ). There are several "divisions" depending on where in Florida you live. I too live in Florida and use Aristocraft brass sectional track-it's holding up to the weather fine (I'd rather be using SVRR brass flex track though). Take your time before deciding what track and control system you will use-it's an investment in many ways. There are many good options-you just have to find out what's right for you.
fourtec,
I agree with IRB if you are down state on the finger or in the north east part. If you are in the panhandle area, I would suggest the Emerald Coast Garden Railway Club (yes I am a member) as the FGRS does not have representation in our area. Give us a look at www.ecgrc.com
Bob C.
ECGRC Secretary/webmaster
Fourtec,
Where abouts are you in florida? I'm down around melbourne area. We have many options here in florida for track and how to lay it. since we live in florida and there is such a small change from our summer to summer seasons, you really have the option to lay it either way. I have placed most of mine on brick pavers due to my yard and leaves and antoher portion i have on gravel.
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