Best track for use outdoors?

[Anonymous]

Besides atlas O track, which is nickel silver, what else is out there in 3 rail that can be used outdoors, I dont think any have UV stablized plastic ties, but I can deal with that issue, rails would have to be stainless or nickel silver so as not to rust. I want to put a loop of track around our water garden, I already have lots of O gauge stuff, and would rather use it than go and try to afford a decent G scale setup. Thanks Mike

[csxt30]

Gargraves makes stainlees 3 rail. I think it's flexible, in 37inch sections, for outside. At wholesale trains.com, it sells for $6.49 a section. I think they are the lowest for Gargraves. Hope this helps, John

[ben10ben]

I believe that you can also get the stainless Gargraves flex in a plastic tie version, although it's not UV stabilized. Keep in mind that it's possible for the wood ties to absorb water and conduct electricity if placed in a high-humidity enviroment, although that's not very likely.

Atlas is probably your best bet, even though it is a bit expensive.

[Anonymous]

I though Gargraves made stainless track, but I hate bending my own curves, and its very damp here year round, Erie, PA right on the lake, So I will probably go with atlas and treat the tops of the cross ties with some paint or something. I can get much more in the avaible space using O gauge rather than G scale. I do have a single G scale engine (lionel GP20) and a loop of track. But I will sell that off to pay for some atlas track. Cheers Mike

[Buckeye Riveter]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ben10ben

I believe that you can also get the stainless Gargraves flex in a plastic tie version, although it's not UV stabilized. Keep in mind that it's possible for the wood ties to absorb water and conduct electricity if placed in a high-humidity enviroment, although that's not very likely.
Atlas is probably your best bet, even though it is a bit expensive.

Ben brings up another interesting point. One of the reasons G scale is so popular outside is that it runs on DC instead of the AC used in O Scale. After you do some reading on the merits of DC outdoors, you might understand why DC is preferred.

My G scale can run rain or shine as long as the transformer is protected from the elements in the garage.

[Anonymous]

There was an article in the August 2000 issue of Garden railways magazine about a man who used Stainless Gargraves track on an outdoor layout in Pittsburg. He creosoted the ties until it was banned. He then used the track untreated. Maybe you can get a back issue from Kalmbach.

[Anonymous]

Thats an idea, I woudn't run when it rains, Just wanting a nice loop around the garden pond so when we are outside enjoying the evening I can still run trains. Looks like I am going with an older Lionel SD50, the non scale one, Heard one of the Atlas O GP60's at a hobby shop, Atlas really blew it on the sound, its the same sound as a GP9! not the whine of a high hp turbo unit. The whine it has is the main generator whine that early EMD's all had. I should know, I used to work for both a shortline with GP9's and I did a year on the NS working on real GP60's. The old Lionel DRGW SD50 with RS2 has the sound right on! I dont really care about the scale thing. Cheers Mike

[dougdagrump]

If you have the equipment and are not against hand laying your track why not use "Trex" type material to make your own ties. Supposedly this stuff will last forever.

[FJ and G]

I would imagine that brass rails would be good for outdoors, as that is what one G-scale company uses. As soon as I find them, I'm going to test my theory with MTH realtrack, setting up an oval in the backyard and reporting the results for one year.

[Anonymous]

I like the Idea of running the Rio Grande SD50 around the pond in the summer.

I will have to get some Atlas O Nickel-Silver Track with UV Stablized Plastic Ties and try that exact thing.

Outside is the best location for setting off the Helicoper from the Flat Car Launcher.

Andrew F.

[choochin3]

Why is it important to have the ties UV protected?
Will it make them less prone to fading?
I am using MTH Realtrax out on my deck.
I just put some out Saturday and no problems yet.

Carl T.

[lionelsoni]

The ultraviolet light can make plastic brittle and ultimately disintegrate it.

[Anonymous]

"I woudn't run when it rains,"
-----------------------

Darn right you wouldn't--not for long, at least. The "weather-proofing" aspect is one of the BIG distinctions that separate Large Scale trains from O gauge and other models. One big difference is that LS trains have sealed motor block mechanisms (also called "bricks") while no O gauge models that I know of come equipped for all-weather running (including in the snow).