Can O go outdoors?

[Anonymous]

It's a dumb question ( and don't say it's not, cause it is.) but can an O layout be outdoors?

[DSchmitt]

See this web site[:)]

http://www.trainweb.org/oscaleoutdoors/

and this magazene index link [:)]

http://index.mrmag.com/tm.exe?opt=S&cmdtext=O+Outdoor+Layout&output=3&sort=d

Most US equopment is not designed for outdoors,but it can be done.

Here is a line of European O gauge designed for outdoor use

http://www.mackaymodels.co.uk/LenzOScale.htm

[ben10ben]

Gargraves make a stainless steel track with wooden or plastic ties in 3-rail, 3-rail phantom rail(black center rail), and 2 rail. Their track comes in 36" long flex sections, and sells for about $4 a section.

I wouldn't run O gauge trains outdoors when it's raining, or leave them out overnight, but otherwise you should be fine.

[Anonymous]

I saw a Garden Railways artical some time ago that fetured a large, O scale Garden RR. The tracks were covered when not in use.

[Anonymous]

Not a dumb question because I was also wondering if O could go outdoors, but I was thinking "Can On30 work outdoors?" Anybody try this?

[cacole]

I know of at least 3 people in the Southern California area who have rather large O-scale DCC-controlled layouts in their back yards. They have what is known as Proto 48 equipment, which I think is higher quality than Lionel. The trains are ran into storage sheds or their garages at night and only the track is left outdoors.

[Anonymous]

I ran O outdoors for a while. Of course I was about 10 at the time and thought it was cool to run track down the driveway, let the cars go and watch them crash when they reached End-of-Line. Believe it or not, the trains survived (Marx) and 45 years later still come out at Christmas for the enjoyment of the grandkids. (though not down the driveway)

Cliff