I've heard of it being done. Also have seen a few photos. I'd believe it would be viable. How successful? May be best to set up a small test track type operation, and see how that works. Before launching into a large endeavor.... Boxcab E50
There was an article in "Railroad Model Craftsman" about 20 - 25 years ago about this guy in England that had a rather elaborate HO scale rail road in his back yard. Only trouble I really recall from the article was that some of his earlier PECO rail ties suffered from UV radiation, but not the later ones. I've often cast a longing eye on my rather large backyard, then I look at the trees and - a semblance of sanity returns. But, like Boxcab says - "a short stretch of trial track."
I think there would be trouble. If you look at the way G guage stuff is built in comparison to the On30 I think you will agree that the G guage stuff is constructed to protect the motor and working parts. Although On30 stuff also has some protection it is not well sealed and is constructed more to "hide" the motor etc. from view. I think there would also be track trouble, especially where you live (I lived in Minnesota for a while, HOT HUMID summers and COLD, COLD, COLD winters) given the extremes in weather it might be really hard on the track. If you decide to go ahead, let us know how it works out John
There is a local hobby store where at times the local outdoor model railroaders hang out. I might have to stop in there. I think a UV protective spray could be added/applied if need be. I really like the look of the micro engeneering on30 track: http://www.valleymodeltrains.com/website/255-code100.jpg http://www.valleymodeltrains.com/website/255o.html and the peco 2nd. but I was wondering if the Kato HO scale might be the most reliable - but not as neat looking. I would never keep the locos, electronics outside. I think would use manual switches as well? but I'm thinking DCC (Brave of me huh) so DCC remote switches might be nifty. I have a detached oversized double garage and a nice size shed too that I could use - maybe to pull locos/cars into. then put away in house for cold winter temps. so the biggest problem woudl be track holding up to cold, hot dry, humid, wet. There is a huge old tree in teh backyard to that provides shade 95% of the day too. also lots of fall leaves.
Take a look at this web site. www.rjroriginals.co.uk/rjr_branch_line.htm On30 outdoors. Very cool operation. Greg Elems
Boy...looking at the link sure makes me think...maybe if I move the grill and the unbrella table to the other side of the yard... John
:lightbulb: The elevated is a good idea. especially since On30 is quite a bit smaller than G. better viewing, and the trainwodul have to share the backyard with my pup. with this elevated "along the fence" system the railroad and pup could probably co-exist.:thumbs_up: also with the snow here, the track would not be buried in the snow for months. I might even have a bridge from the fence to the deck railing (return loop), allow the tarin to run along the deck railing.
Hi Guys Hello, I was browsing the net on google and spotted a reference to RJR Branch Line! Im the guy daft enough to venture outside with my On30. Biggest reason... No room inside ! Glad the website inspired someone, If you want any additional info about how i got to the stage Im at drop e a line. Im still learning (on a steep curve) but if i can help anyone making the mistakes iv mede to date Im happy to do so. John Teal RJR Branch Line www.rjroriginals.co.uk/rjr_branch_line.htm
Welcome to Train Board John!! Yes, we had quite a discussion regarding On30 outdoors and your layout has inspired us. Questions: how well insulated is the On30 motor as compared with G scale by say LGB? Does weather effect your track at all (warping etc.?) What do you use as a subroadbed? Thanks for your help, and again welcome John
Hi Hello Im new to this forum and dont seem to have mastered the controls yet, so if there are two messages saying Hi Im new sorry ! My names John and I run RJR Branch line that has been mentioned in this thread. Glad its got you talking ! John
Many years ago I had a double track O scale layout around the garden. The ground level trackage was on a concrete base, surrounded by natural vegetation. The line climbed up on a low wall into a shed which housed the rolling stock and controls and sidings for switching. The only problems I had were due to a sycamore tree in the garden, which meant a lot of track cleaning/removal of leaves, etc. Otherwise the layout was a delight to run in the open air. My locomotives were all scratch built brass and no special precautions were taken to protect from the weather, as they were never left outside, although I did run in the rain occasionally. The motors were protected inside the boiler anyway (steam locos). Go fo it, you will enjoy :thumbs_up:
Hi, Insulation of motors. Well I store stock indoors, For security as much as anything else. I have run locos in the rain with no apparent problems. Weather effects on track. I live in Oldham which is on the foothills of the Pennine moors to the east of Manchesters UK. We have heat from around -6 winter to a recent extreme of 35C this summer. I laid most of the existing track on a sunny day leaving expansion gaps of around 20 thou. Its Peco flexi track with metal fishplates. for added electrical contact I have soldered a slack wire across each joint. In the extreme heat the gaps closed but no buckle. The coldest I have had since laying was 8C at which point I had an expansion gap open up to about 40 thou which trains ran over fine. If it drops near to zero Ill be indoors!!! The track is layed directly onto the tanalised timber and as per my website the ballast is out of a can, quick easy and a decent finnish. The bonus of direct laying onto a timber "shelf" is the sound affect, it echos the wheels, giving the sound you get when in a real passanger car. Hope this answers some of your questions. I still have challanges to overcome, like how do you model waterproof grass? most layouts use some kind of flock with PVA I cant see that lasting outdoors, any ideas guys ? John
Thanks for the info John. As per the grass, may need some thought but it seems some sort of ground up plastic of the the correct color would work. You could also grow some sort of low ground cover that would work (?). John
I used a type of sedum with very close small leaved foliage along the tracksides which was easy to trim and keep in shape. Looked like scale bushes
We have this stuff called Crown Vetch that would make great grass. Also, your part of the world is generally moist enpough that you could do different types (colors) of moss John
