Well perhaps not exactly a lean-to but here’s what I had in mind and I want to know if it’s a viable option and what the expected problems would be.
Originally I had considered building an outdoor O scale layout due to not having space for one indoors (I have N scale indoors but love the size of O), but after weighing many pros and cons I decided that there are a lot of issues and additional costs in both time and money that made me rule out this option.
What I do have is a very large carport that is wired for electricity and yet is empty, it’s currently enclosed on only one side, but could be enclosed on two others (but not the fourth, it then becomes a out-building/garage and would require permits, which I would want to avoid). The important thing is it has a roof which would protect the track from rain, snow and ice.
My thinking was I could take more conventional benchwork, raise it off the ground and make a covered “outdoor” O scale railroad in this carport. The idea being I get to avoid the majority of the issues that are caused by putting O scale on the ground outdoors, avoid UV damage to the track, structures and rolling stock, avoid rainfall washing out the roadbed and all that other nastiness, and the only added cost is benchwork, which while not insignificant, doesn’t have to be replaced or worked on as much as the roadbed and rails for a garden railroad. I should also be able to get away with the normal electric switches which I understand do not hold up on true outdoor layouts in O.
The biggest concerns I have are winds and temperature, but since the goal is more space and not being outdoors, a backdrop should shield it from wind if planned carefully. I’m not sure how temperature would effect the layout itself since the “building” wouldn’t be insulated or anything, I assume with gapping for contraction and expansion it shouldn’t be an issue.
Are there any other concerns or issues I’d be running headlong into? I’m viewing this a
What about theft? A carport to me means that it’s open to the street, rather than a backyard where a lot of outdoor layouts are. Of course, I live near LA, so I guess my opinion is a bit tainted. But with the temperature, I’d worry about the plastic buildings warping if you’re in an area that gets pretty warm.
I’m in SW Washington State so heat shouldn’t be too bad, especially with no direct sunlight on anything due to roof… Carport here is essentially just a structure with a roof on it that normally park cars in (although I think this one was used for RV cover before I bought the place it’s roughly 20’ x 60’), while garage refers to an enclosed building with a door.
Theft isn’t really an issue I’d be concerned about, live out in the country in the middle of nowhere, closest neighbor is half a mile away.
Solid Rail Track from MTH or Atlas O would be the best choice for a nearly outside O Scale Railroad.
Atlas O track has Plastic Ties with UV protection for Outdoor operation.
Regular Steel Tubular Rail would rust away if the humidity were not controlled.
To let in natural light but not wild things or people, the open side could be covered with sliding all Window doors made of Polycarbonate Plexiglass instead of regular silica Glass.
I would think you might be concerned about the winter. I would not put any current toy trains or thier track, etc. in a permenant enviroment that would be subject to winter temps. Even if it does not vertically snow on them due to the roof, you will have effects due to the temps such as frost and moisture. You will also have to deal with critters finding your wiring or scenary attractive as a food or nesting source. Plus would you really be willing to run trains when it was 20 degrees outside?
It could be done clearly, maybe would be better with outdoor trains such as LGB or some other G scale brand that is specifically designed for constant out door use.