I remember 30+ years ago local guy insisted on running 3-rail outdoors. Ran into the rotting ties issue, worked with GarGraves to develop plastic ties. I think they were UV stabilized. With stainless rail, should work. More susceptible to derailment due to less bulk, but why not try.
I use all GarGraves in the basement. Flat top gives better traction than round top Lioenl and clones.
TOC
Hey Bud! Nice to see you over here!
I just want to warn about plastics in particular. We have had some brands of G gauge track that were supposedly for outdoor use, and the ties have cracked and disintegrated due to UV exposure. So, be careful! And especially with things that are intended for indoor use only...
This might be a big ask! Of course, you could experiment with different brands of track, leave them outside for a year or two and see what happens...
Don't mean to be such a downer, but I've had this experience already...
Burned and learned!
Paul
Outdoors O Gauge running? No reason you can't, but I'd try and stick with track that's going to be as weatherproof as possible. MTH nickle-silver RealTrack with its plastic base would work. Lionel Fastrack has a plastic base as well but I'm not sure of the rail material, you'd have to watch it carefully for rust. Some say Fastrack is stainless steel but I have my doubts.
I wouldn't leave the transformer outside when it wasn't being used, or the engines and rolling stock as well.
It sure would be fun! I've thought about it many times, but the basic problem that will never go away is the materials that are not intended for outdoor use. Yes, you can hand lay brass track, that is a step in the right direction.You would assume all risks of fading on the trains themselves, and possibly cracking of the plastics due to UV exposure. Magnetraction may pick up metal bits or filings.
Beyond these concerns, possibly experiment with your less desirable pieces. Not impossible, but an uphill battle for sure.
No, and graves track either, the ties are wood and will disappear over night, they do make a stainless rail on but they still have wooden ties. Remember LGB isn't water proof just resistent, Bill
You might perform an internet search such as "o scale" outdoors gragraves. There are a number of results that should provide useful.
I can't afford most G scale rolling stock but I used to know Gargraves Track and I assume that 3 rail outdoor O gauge track using brass cant be that hard to make and a indoor engine house to keep O gauge Engines inside and warm woold work.
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