I have used LGB, Aristocraft and lately USA Trains code 332 brass rail. I would say just starting off it is OK to use sectional track from any of these manufacterers. Bachmann and Peco also make track for outdoors but Ihaven't used those. Don't use Bachmann steel track it will rust. You could bend your own but of course there is the added cost of a quality rail bender.
I live in MA. and we have temp swings from 0 to 100. Most of my track is free floated in ballast but maybe 100 feet is screwed down to a wood base. You do need to think about expansion and contraction in the heat so allow your track to move a bit so it won't kink or buckle.
Depending on your yard and the type of RRing you want to do your track plan can be designed to serve you. My yard had a major grade on it so that had to be conquered. our trains don't like to perform at over 3% so if you want to haul long trains and increase the life of your gears plan for a grade under 2%. As for track plans there are many books available including from other scales like HO that will work. Our Trains like in real life need a purpose and a destination so have yours go somewher for a reason.
Power depends on how many trains you want to run and how much track you will have. When I bought my LGB starter set Iwent outdoors with 125' of track and I used the 1 amp transformer from the starter set. It was good to run one train through 2 feeder wires. I now have ove 500 feet and use a Aristo craft train engineer with a 12 amp transformer. I can run 3 trains at once but when I press stop they all stop. It's pretty basic but with more features comes a lot more cost.
I say when you are starting out keep it simple and as low cost as possible but do buy quality the worse is to spend money and the train gives you nothing but trouble.
Happy RRing
Thanks everyone for your help. I did buy Kevin's book and it has been very helpful. I do have a couple of questions. I live in Delaware. We have some snow in the winter and high heat in the summer. What type of track do i need? I have seen brass and stainless steel. In on better for my climate. Are there any track templates that I can use to design the layout. I want to know how much track I need before making the purchase. Lastly, what should I look for in buying a powersource. I don't plan on making a huge railway since I already have my Lionel layout in the attic.
Hello
I would recommend a starter set. Most of us have started wiith one and it is great way to get your feet wet. For me it was a LGB American style set for a Xmas tree loop. That Spring I went outside with the addition of 100' of track and it really took off from there. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money then realise being outside and the challenges of building and maintenance isn't for you or you just don't have the time for the empire you planned.
Of course your RR will depend on your time, interest, money, space. I also recommend books like Kevins and this forum and others like largescalecentral. Some guys are happy with placing track on the dirt and grass, others build a raised platform, while others dig trenches and pour cement. cement is a very solid foundation but you better be all set with your track plan since changes will be difficult.
Remember there is no right or wrong way and some may tell you that you need to have expensive 20' curves kadee couplers, DCC and metal wheels to be happy. Not true but listen to the advice since it is mostly offered to save you money and frustration.
Garden Railroading is like a train trip it is as much about the journey as the destination.
Have fun and Happy RRing
For me when I started in GR about 4 years ago, I almost quit before I started. When I was looking for track and trains on the manufacturers' website and reading their MSRP prices a locomotive was more than I spent for my first automobile. Their MSRP was waaay higher than street prices. Why they believe it is necessary to quote prices nearly double that of a retail outlet is unfathomable and almost kept me, and possibly other folks, from diving into this hobby.
Check with other GRers and online retailers for good used or new equipment and track. If you like building things from scratch, there are plenty of tips and tricks and well as plans and how-to articles available. Garden Railways magazine has great project plans available.
Bob, thanks for the kind words.
Yes, allow me a moment to be unabashedly biased and say "yes, buy my book!" In all seriousness, the book does cover a lot of the newcomer's questions about getting started. It's a compiliation and update of some of my "Garden Railway Basics" columns that have run in GR over the years. You can buy it here, at your local hobby shop (if they carry Kalmbach books), or on Amazon.
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In reference to starter sets, if there's one that really jumps out as being particularly appealing, then by all means go for it. However, if you're looking to get into the hobby for the long haul--while more expensive at the outset--I'd suggest buying locomotives, cars, track, and power supply as individual items. That way, you can buy the specific locomotive you want, along with the specific cars you want, and a power supply that's a bit more suitable for long-term usage. (Starter set power supplies are typically at the bottom end of the "available power" spectrum.) In addition, you can buy track that's suited towards the railroad you want to actually build, not just what's in the starter sets. Most starter sets (all?) come with 2' radius (4' diameter) track. While the locos and cars typically included in these starter sets are designed to run on curves this tight, it's generally accepted that such curves are too tight for many of the newer trains on the market. The 2' radius curves are more well-suited to smaller locomotives and industrial-style rolling stock.
Having said that, starter sets are great for children. My 4-year-old can assemble and disassemble starter set track in his sleep, as well as set the cars and locomotive up and run things. (His locomotives are battery-powered or unpowered)
Good luck, and if you have any questions, just ask.
Later,
K
Jim,
Although I agree with most of what you have said, I take exception to your comments about Bachmann. If you are referring to earlier locomotive products there is a level of accuracy, however their later releases have been exceptional. Their Generation 6 chassis (not a Bachmann reference) has really upgraded their primary weakness to a brass drive gear. In my opinion, better than the splitting drive axles in the USA GPs.
Some additional definition on Jim's commentary. USA Trans and AristoCraft are primarily modern mainline products, 1:32 / 1:29 scale. Good quality, and I believe all their latest releases come with metal wheel sets. Bachmann is primarily narrow gauge equipment scaled at 1:20.3. Their later rolling stock is also provided with metal wheel sets. All three now make brass track, code 332. USA and Aristo are the predominant manufacturers with Bachmann only recently adding outdoor brass track in a more limited variety. USA and Aristo are interchangable, I am not positive on Bachmann. USA and Aristo ties are available in either a USA mainline spacing or European (the latter being a little more robust in my opinion). Bachmann's is again geared at the narrow gauge crowd with a wider tie spacing.
As for plastic wheels outside, I agree with Jim emphatically. I have personally measured 145 degrees rail temperature in Florida past peak summer (simmer) sun. I believe that could reach 165+ at a peak condition. Our club forbids plastic wheels because we have experienced plastic being deposited on the rail in the summer. And trust me, it is a bugger to get it off once deposited.
There are so many options available for power, I would defer to Kevin's book as I posted earlier.
Bob C.
ElvisP
I will not recommend any particular anything, but I will recommend getting a copy of Kevin Strong's GARDEN RAILWAY BASICS: FROM CONCEPT TO CONSTRUCTION TO UPKEEP. I have not read his book, but have listened to his sagely advice for the last 5 or so years on the multiple fora I read on a regular basis, and if his book is close to as good as his regular advice, it will be a 'must have', especially for beginners. Although not at the top of my book list, it is near the top. His advice will be candid and, unless he declares why, unbiased. Kevin has been at this hobby for a long time and has lots of experience.
I have not affiliation with Kevin other than our association as members of the same forums.
Welcome to the world of Garden Railroading, I live in sunny northern Calif. we get temps of over 110 deg. for about two weeks a year. I run both (mainly) plastic and some metal wheels . My back yard is small I have two trees that provide shade to most of my RR at various times of the day. I use all aristocraft stainless steel track. I run my trains whenever I fell the need. I have not ever had any problems with melting wheels. I do use some of my gray matter when I park my trains. As in the shady parts of my yard. We had are tree trimmed last fall so I do not have as much shade as before. I do plan on leaving my trains out all running season. So to make long story longer. I do not agree with Jim comments on melting wheels, unless you line in the desert .
Dave
The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.
well i have a bunch of bachmann and i like them just fine but what do i know im not a dealer
When I read about the evils of drinking I quit reading.
I also am a lifelong Lionel Trains collector, but got into Garden Railroading several years ago. I became a USA Trains, and a Aristo-craft trains dealer.
First, determine how much space you have in your yard for your railroad, and look at the topo of this space. Is it flat or hilly. Plan with a minimum of 8 foot diameter curves, as many locomotives and long cars will not run on small curves used for indoor railroads. I do not suggest a starter set, as it will have small diameter curves and a small power supply. Also outside trains look much better on wider diameter curves. Use the largest diameter curves that you have room for. Also do not use 4 foot diameter switch tracks, go for wide radius switches. At start up, your biggest expense will be the brass track. I recommend a 5 Amp power supply at a minimum. For trains, I like USA Brand Trains, their engines and track and rolling stock are very good, and their cars come with metal wheels, which are required for an outdoor RR. Check out their web site. Also USA trains keep a most of their trains in stock. Aristo-craft often does not have what you want in stock. And stay away from Bachmann Big Hauler engines, the do not hold up very well. Too many plastic parts. Bachmann cars are good, most have metal wheels. MRC and Bridgwerks make good Power Supply's. I assume you want to run US style trains. Note: Metal wheels are required outside because of the heat build up of the brass track,. the plastic wheels start to melt in hot summer.
This forum is a good place to get info from other members. Also start buying Garden Railways Mag. for lot's of information and dealer ads.
Hope this helps you,
Jim
I collect and operate pre- and post war Lionel trains. I want to build a small outdoor garden railway but I am unfamiliar with the trains and operations. Can anyone suggest a starter set or recommend purchasing separate componants? Is there a source for basic information on the operation and set up of these trains? Any help would be appreciated.
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