Garden railway in a greenhouse?

sooty,
Welcome to the forum! Interesting question. I don't see that it would present any major problems. Conditions would be the same as outdoors with the benefit of a roof. Watering would be controlled so you would know when it was going to "rain". Here in Winnipeg we have a few year round greenhouses that I think would benefit from the attraction of a railway indoors. Later eh...Brian.

Garden railroading in a greenhouse; my ultimate fantasy.
Living in the "semi-Great White North" can be challenging with the snow, mosquitoes, rain storms and tornadoes. Except for tornadoes a greenhouse would screen out the nasties plus a greenhouse would be lighted so darkness wouldn't get in my way.

If you have a greenhouse go for it......then you could let the rest of us know how it all works out.
OLD DAD

No greenhouse yet, but here, in Maryland the idea appealed to me as my neighbor is a landscaper and knows about miniature plants and his wife brought up the question of vandalism and cost. I would like nothing better than moving my German prototype indoor layout out where real stone and concrete could be used. I would like to be able to fashion some tunnels maybe a section of autobahn etc. As expensive as LGB is, I would hate to see anything ruined.
Thanks for your reply and encouragement![:)][:)][:)]

sooty,
LGB is made for outdoor use. Personally none of my locos or rolling stock are ever out in the rain. The track is very much UV resitant and can withstand the effects of the sun. Don't be afraid to try a small layout outdoors. If you can afford the greenhouse then great . Go for it. Just don't deny yourself the pleasure of running outdoors. It will be worth it! All the best. Later eh...Brian.

Would a greenhouse railway require a good amount of ventilation or moving air to prevent condensation from collecting on the rails and exasperating the “electrolysis” effect that Ian of Australia mentions?

 Sooty:

I saw your thread of 6 years ago on a garden layout in a green house. I am interested in the same, or some way to protect the layout from the elements. Did you ever get your green house/ train house? Any thoughts? I am going to start a new thread on the subject.

Pat

 Hi Sooty, Where in Md?

The WVMGRS sets up a 5 week holiday display every year in one of the conservatories at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton. It runs pretty smoothly though moisture and plant sap on the track can require a bit of extra cleaning. Pics of the past display here - http://wvmgrs.org/Images/2009/Brookside/Brookside.htm

 -Brian

 

oops just saw this is an ancient thread! 

 The only problems I can think of would be the higher humidity. You might have to spray the paper cones on speakers with a sealer, and might have higher incidences of rusting of screws and springs.

Regards, Greg

I agree with Greg, higher humidity might cause a bit of a problem.  If you intend to store the trains in the greenhouse then I would design a “yard” in an isolated room within the green house with good ventilation. That way your equipment would be stored in lesser humidity. Any wood cars and structures might suffer from the humidity unless properly sealed.  The major advantage would be the 12 month growing season for the vegetation.

ttrigg

I agree with Greg, higher humidity might cause a bit of a problem.  If you intend to store the trains in the greenhouse then I would design a “yard” in an isolated room within the green house with good ventilation. That way your equipment would be stored in lesser humidity. Any wood cars and structures might suffer from the humidity unless properly sealed.  The major advantage would be the 12 month growing season for the vegetation.

 

You and Greg make a good point.

The Idea is to store the trains in the greenhouse and the isolated yard would work. Could be at ground level with a separate dehumidifier. Thanks for the suggestions.

Pat