I am kind of new to the hobby and i am space limited i was wondering, what people thought about building a layout outside and covering itwith a plexiglass cover would it work
Welcome to the forums.
I would not recommend building a layout outdoors unless you go with G (garden) scale, they are made for outdoor use. The smaller scales electronics could be adversly effected by the moisture found outdoors.
There have been layouts made to slide under beds or fold up into a cabinet on a wall when not in use. Hopefully someone that has one of those or something similar will join in and give you some pointers on their successes and problems. I have little success with Google, but you could try some searches there and see what you find.
N scale is smalll enough that you can have a nice layout on a hollow core door. You could build one and make it so that you can just stand it out of the way somewhere when not in use.
Good luck,
Richard
Not knowing what type of climate you live in, I totally agree with Richard.
Maybe a little more info on where you live, and the day to day climate in your area.
Mike.
My You Tube
I built a 3 X 6 N-scale layout outside on my patio back in Arizona...it held up quite well considering...however, keep in mind that it was a low humidity location, in the shade most of the time. I wouldn't recommend anything smaller that G-Scale for an outside layout as the others have mentioned...
Bob Berger, C.O.O. N-ovation & Northwestern R.R. My patio layout....SEE IT HERE
There's no place like ~/ ;)
You would need low humidity and small variations in temperature. Arizona has one but not the other. If you find such a place, let me know and I'll move there too.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
For the reasons well-stated by the folks earlier, I would strongly urge you to avoid building a layout outside unless it's G scale or live steam. Inside you have much more control over the environment. If space (or lack thereof) is an overriding issue, go to one of the smaller scales. N or even Z are just right for limited space. It's one of the reasons I currently model in N. I have a lot of fun with my small table-sized layout. If/when you get more space you can always incorporate it into a larger layout. Many folks have fun with N or Z in closets or coffee tables or even briefcases. There are several track-planning books out there for small layouts.
Bubbytrains
My outside trains are 1/8 scale and operate on 7 1/2 gauge track. Well... I have a set of drivers and a wooden mock up of a frame so far.
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I agree with all others. N scale is not suitable for outside.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Outdoor N Scale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G2dtxb2C50
A 6 year experment http://www.nscale.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-15732.html
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
SeeYou190My outside trains are 1/8 scale and operate on 7 1/2 gauge track. Well... I have a set of drivers and a wooden mock up of a frame so far.
Wow, your building/planning an outdoor, ride-on style, 1/8 scale train?
At our place in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, ( live in SE WI., SW of Milwaukee),
My neighbor and I joke about building one, over a cold one. We've gone so far as to talk about the trestle that would be needed to span the ravine, through the woods, between our properties.
mbinsewiWow, your building/planning an outdoor, ride-on style, 1/8 scale train?
I have been "working" on it for about two years. I bought a set of machined drivers for a 2-8-2 at a swap meet. I have the main rods. I am working on the blanks for the two frame pieces. I believe I have a good final plan that can be sent to the machine shop. I am going to use coil springs for the suspension.
I am about 20 years from riding on it. That is OK. My friend Bruce spent 20 years building his 4-4-2 that finally fired about 10 years ago.
In Florida, we have the Florida Live Steamers club, which is very active. I have been going to their meets for over 30 years.
Someday...