Hello, I had a simple oval of LGB G scale track in my backyard back in 2007/2008. It was on the ground with no roadbed or ballast etc. It has been 12 years since I had any kind of G scale outdoor layout and I want to build a new layout that is completely elevated 32 inches off the ground. One of the several reasons why I want to build an elevated style layout is because the track would not be in the mud, grass, weeds, giant rocks, leaves, etc. But, the real reason why is because I was having constant problems with gnaw and bite marks from animals and I could not figure out a way to stop it or prevent from happening further. I wanted to know if anyone has any suggestions or remedies or a solution to prevent that kind of problem from happening if and when I build my new elevated outdoor G scale layout. Hopefully, elevating the line will prevent rodents from gnawing unless they are squirrels who will climb onto it. I'm in northern New Jersey and I was also wondering if anyone has any suggetions for region or climate related tips for my layout. It was very frustrating that every other day I would find new gnaw marks in different sections along my track. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Hi Anthony,
every yard is different, and different challenges. In our old house we had many restaurants nearby, and neighbors with fruit trees. I learned to not plant things that would shelter, or allow rodents to nest, like heavy brush and ice plant. On Christmas Day one year, a little brown mouse was standing on my track. Did not have them gnawing on track, however.
Our new house, the issue here is spiders. Many times I move a box in the garage, and out walks a Black Widow. So, I need to be careful of what I build , and what shelter it might provide. Every case is different. When things get back to normal, probably ask someone at Home Depot, or your local home improvement store for some sort of deterrent. I haven't tried it, but they have a sort of ultrasonic rodent deterrent. Maybe this would keep them away.
Paul
Hi Paul, Thanks for your reply. I was actually going to make a video of my yard meaning me pacing or walking on my imaginery future right of way and that way people can get a better idea of what my yard is like and how I want to build this layout.
Welcome to the forums, Anthony. Your first posts are moderated and may not appear immediately. That only lasts a short time.
As you build your layout, we're always interested in pictures. There are also some experts here, so if you have any questions, someone here can probably answer them.
Let us here how your railroad progresses!
York1 John
Andrew, I've been thinking of your question. We have critter problems in our yard and they also tend to dig up young plants. Many years ago, we ran a critter control recipe in the magazine. It's a powder you mix up and apply to the areas you want to protect. I've been using it for years and it works!
1 bag/box blood meal
1 bag/box bone meal
1 small container ground cloves
1 large container garlic powder (not garlic salt)
1 container black pepper
Mix up in a bucket or large container. Sprinkle around (I use a garden trowel). Re-apply after heavy rains.
Another idea is to mix a solution of hot sauce and water and spray it on whatever is being chewed. (I've seen this idea for cats/dogs chewing things and perhaps it would work for critters.) The annoying part is spraying everything down, but it's sure cheaper than buying new track.
Rene Schweitzer
Classic Toy Trains/Garden Railways/Model Railroader
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