I have one article on an outdoor layout. I forgot what magazine it was. The article was ran only about 2-4 years ago. I have heard of another guy that runs his outdoors. Track would have to be Gargraves Stainless in order to last. Running power to the trains would be another challenge. It sure would give more room for loooooonnnng trains.
Outdoor could be done, as long as you use track able to deal with the harmfull environment… Gargraves would be a bad choice, since it uses wood ties, and wood is not a lasting material if used outside.
You should use stainless with plastic ties or run on completely plastic track using batteries for power. Also the engines and cars are not made for outside.
Apart from moisture damage, direct sunlight is also very harmfull, since it breakes down the weakeners in plastic. The plastic gets very “dried out” and brakes easily after a few months in the sun. LGB uses very strong and durable plastics able to handle the ultraviolet light and moisture hazards…
Daan - just an FYI, GG does make a stainless steel track with plastic ties for outside use.
I think atlas track will stand up to UV rays also. There used to be a newsletter called the garden hi-railer but I don’t know if it is still around or not. If you are going to do O gauge outdoors, it woulf seem to me that you would have to put all the engines and rolling stock back inside after the day is done.
George
It is not only the UV rays one needs to consider when going outside. My G scale train tracks have been hit with rain, ice, snow, tree limbs, leaves, bird droppings and I think a squirrel used the roadbed one day to eat his lunch.
The engines and cars are stored inside when not being run or else the birds use them for bombing practise. [:D]