Anyone operating LGB rack locos outside?

[Anonymous]

I am starting on the planing for my railway and need to find out more about outdoor LGB rack operations. The plan is to run my current "Ballenberg" 3/3 loco and probably at least one electic 2/2 type later on in the future.

I have seen several warnings on the approaches for the Ballenberg, being a 3/3 with a long wheelbase, they are not as forgiving as the 2/2 electrics supposedly, is this the case?

I was reading a German article about the rack rails and expansion/contraction in the heat, is this much of a problem?

They say you can lay the rack rail on turns, I was thinking of R3 or R5 as a minimum, LGB stuff looks too toylike on R1...

This is my second attempt at a garden railway, the previous one was a 16mm on 0 gauge live steam one 15 odd years ago that was less than successful.

Thanks-

Garrett

[Anonymous]

Hi spule
just spoted your plea for help.
i read in the UK mag Garden Rail quite a while ago about a rack railway in the garden.
the main area to watch for problems is the entry and exit of the rack. and the entry angle to the grade both up and down
You will also need to replace all the LGB standard hooks with the hooks for the rack system usualy shown as being grey in colour in the catalogue and noted as being specialy for the rack system.
What problems did you run into with the 16mm railway as you will probably run into simillar ones with the "G" and these forums are just the place to get them sorted before they become disheartening or expencive.
regards John

[Anonymous]

Spule 4, this is out of my league but I believe H & R Trains, Inc. (Hobby Shop) runs LGB rack on their outside G gauge pike. They have a web site at: www.hrtrains.com. Ask for Alice (owner). She is knowledgable and customer friendly. I hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to you both for your replies. I will check with H&R the next time I am in FLA visiting family if I have not started experimenting with this on my own by that time.

Until then-

Garrett

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I realise it's a long time since you asked the question but if this helps, then feel free to try it out.

I have operated a rack line for couple of years with the Ballenburg loco. Initial problems revealed that it ran best with only one coach being pushed. It does work on R1 curves, as some of us have no choice. The cog rail does bend and distort in the heat. I overcame this by unclipping one section from the next and running the two ends parrallel to each other, holding them in position with a couple of small nails. It works like a breather in a long welded rail section.

Other factors have been covered in other replies.

[Anonymous]

Hi Garrett, apologies for not saying hello many months ago, I don't visit this bit very often. Hope you are going ahead with your garden railway, we all help each other here and whilst I don't know anything about rack there will be someone who does, or someone who knows someone who does!!
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]