G scale track security

[simben30]

Hi All,

Am raising a question about track security and see what someone might suggest.   After just putting in over 70 feet of g scale brass track with roadbed and pegs into the ground that the track is attached to.

Does anyone have suggestion on best ways to prevent theaft of the track, like an outside motion sensor alarm, etc...

Happy Thanks Giving to all

 

Simon

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Motion sensor lights, and outside camera system, with the cameras prominently displayed.

Large dogs work, but usually tear up track too.

Greg

[cacole]

At our local club, which is in a very low-rent district with no street lights, we used aluminum or PVC plastic rail instead of brass, in the belief that there's little to no scrap value in aluminum and plastic.  Of course, you can't use PVC rail if you're running track power, but we use only battery power.  The PVC ties are screwed down to a concrete base with Tapcon screws.

We also have a motion sensor light on the end of the building facing the outdoor layout, but it turns on only if someone gets fairly close.

The PVC rail and crossties were purchased from Train-Li USA as what they call "Display track" and the aluminum rail is from SwitchCrafters in Oregon.  Despite the fact that the PVC crossties and rail are intended for indoor display use, they are holding up very well outdoors.  We have even had people step on the track with no adverse effect.

[Narrowgauge]

Our club, also in a 'not so nice neighborhood', is laid in all Aristo brass track on PVC ladder supports.  We had one incident early in the track laying which was fortunately interrupted by a member's chance arrival.  Since then there have been no issues I am aware of.  Since completion of track laying and basic grade development, we have added a six foot chain link fence and other security measures. So far, so good!!

 

Generally speaking, the easier a target is to steal, the more attractive it is.  Time is a thief's biggest enemy.  The more difficult to take the less he wants it.  Most of our track is screwed to the ladder with stainless steel screws, and all track connections are Split-Jaws.  Again, make it difficult.

 

Trigg, aluminum is the second most common recycled material, so aluminum rail will have a value to thieves.  Although the alloy Switch Crafters uses for the rail is not has desireable as aluminum can stock (almost pure aluminum), it still is much higher than steel.  Brass/copper are the highest common materials in recycle.  When I recycled the copper tubing from installing a new air conditioner two years ago, I had to do a thumb print before I got my cash.  The 'claim' it reduces the recycling of stole property.

 

Good luck,

 

Bob C.

[vsmith]

Perhaps the first and easiest way to secure the track is to place the layout somewhere out of sight of undesirable folks

[Rex in Pinetop]

Our layout is in the front yard on a corner lot making it very accessible.  The area is resort with good to great police patrols so we haven't had any problems.  I wouldn't try this in the Phoenix area but it works fine in Pinetop.  Oh yes and the kids patrol it as well.

Rex

[Grabnet]

It is good to hear you are having success with the Train Li "plastic track." Not wanting to derail this thread but could you comment a little further on your use of this novel product??? Have temperature extremes affected it??

Thanks for your help. Feel free to start another thread if you want on the subject of plastic track and your experiences with it.

Trying to learn more........Doc Tom

[tangerine-jack]

Ah yes, this topic has been thrown around here before. Do a search and you will find all kinds of ideas from motion lights to quad .50 AA guns. My railroad is secured by a 6ft picket fence, no public knowledge it's there, a big dog, and finaly an Uberti falling block 45-70 if it comes to that point. Security for you will depend upon the railroad's use (private only, club events that draw crowds, public showings etc), local building codes covering fences and such, neighborhood historical crime statistics, and the use of animals such as dogs and geese. All these factors and more must be though out in reference to your budget, the time that you are willing to invest in securtiy upkeep (monitoring and changing the recorders on cameras and such), and your commitment to the use of animals or security alarm systems etc. among many other factors unique to your location.

At the end of the day, it boils down to a compromise. Nothing will stop a determined thief, but spending 30k to secure $400 of railroad is not a good economic choice either. You will have to decide for yourself how much security will make you feel, well pardon the pun, "secure".

[two tone]

Hi simon, it helps forum members if you give a guide as to where your base is as you can seee im in the uk.  Then when you ask for advice you may find help just around the corner.     Hope this helps