I would like to build a garden railroad. I have purchased a couple books on the subject for building a railroad. I purchased a LGB “starter set” that I plan to run, on brass rail. My first , of many forthcoming question is: how does one compensate for the expansion and contraction of the track ? I live in Chicago temperature varies from -10 to 100 degrees F. If the layout is installed with the temperature around 75 degrees the concern is more about contaction 85 degrees vs expansion of 25 degrees. Also I have seen a reverse loop kit LGB track. I plan on having 2 reverse loops. What is this product, what does this accomplish and is it worth the expenditure? I cannot find out any details on this product. Any ifeedback is appreciated.
For the LGB reverse loop, what part numer were you looking at.
If the MTS version, it is automagic in operation.
If trackside power then you need a method of reversing the main line while the train is in the loop. This can be automated.
Hello there! Welcome to G gauge!
You need not worry too much about the expansion problem; there have been a lot of successful garden pikes in such climates as yours! People have figured out many ways to deal with expansion. LGB has often stated that their track should not be “clamped” together–as if you just use the given railjoiners–the track can expand and contract naturally and won’t give you a problem.
Several companies however have products to deal with expansion…they have “expando rails” whereby you place this section of track in your layout and let mother nature takes its course. You must pickup Garden Railways magazine, better yet subscribe, and the ads alone will pay for the mag. You will see ads for expando rails and other great items.
Frost heave has also been dealt with by Garden railwayers…they have ingenious ways to keep posts and other items in the ground at the proper level during freezing and thawing.
There are many, many smart outdoor railroaders and perhaps you should join a Garden Railway society to learn the methods best for your neighborhood.
Now on to reverse loops…
In the past , LGB
Thanks LGBFan123 for the info. Seems like the reversing loop may be more trouble than what it is worth. I may rethink this one.
piercedan, I was looking at an ad in GR magazine, when i spotted it, didn’t pay attention to the model number. I didn’t think they would produce more than 1 type per manufacturer