old pullman code 197

Garden Railroading
1

I’m eager to start laying track. However, Atlas 3-rail O runs a whopping $12 for 40 inch flex. So instead, I’m likely going to handlay my own track and turnouts.

Garden G and O have this in common. Both can run on code 197 (actually O flanges can go from code 148 to 215+.

Does anyone know a source for Old Pullman code 197? And can you quote a price on those rails.

As for ties, I’m likely to go with cedar or redwood. I don’t know if there’s a difference between the 2. Also, will coat them with polyurethan (I think it’s called at Pep Boys).

Unsure where to get spikes.

In 3 rail, I used to make my own spikes out of quarter inch staples, but they’d likely rust outdoors.

Thanks for answering so many questions.

I can tell you most anything about indoor layouts and toy trains but moving outdoors is a whole nother learning experience and I feel like I’m a beginner again; which I am!

2

Are you sure that Atlas price is not for 10 or 12 pieces of flex track at that price? $40 for one piece of flex track doesn’t sound right.

Have you checked the price of Gargraves track? I don’t have O scale outdoors, but most of the videos I’ve seen of people who do use Gargraves track because it is more weatherproof and UV resistant.

3

Hi David,

Old Pullman has a website http://oldpullmanmodelrailroads.com/

Spikes you can get from Micro Engineering in different sizes, I use the Large Size 30-102 spikes. They rust very little in the local climate (semi arid).

If you like a nicely weathered finish on the cedar ties just leave them natural. I treated the ties I use for the handlaid turnouts. More in the “Projects” section of the RhB Forum http://www.rhb-grischun.ca/phpBB2/index.php
Sorry guys, unless you’re registered that section won’t show.

4

looks like they stopped making code 197. Thanks

5

cacole writes: sure not 10 or 12 piece for that price

Says quantity is 1 and you must order at least 12 minimum

http://www.charlesro.com/store/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CRSC&Product_Code=AT6056

and even more expensive, this company is charging $56 for 4 pieces of 40 inch flex track:
http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/O-Scale-Track-and-Electrical-Atlas-O/O_TRK_151_3.html

6

I just did some searching and found some happy garden railroaders using Gargraves track on trex board. Gargraves is less than half the price of Atlas, so…

http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/a/x/axd2/train/ogrr.html

The bad part about Gargraves is that it’s tubular, meaning that possibly moisture or water could get inside the tubes (it’s hollow in the center) and expand in winter. Also, tubular is subject to squashing underfoot.

However, there are a number of GG outdoor enthusiasts and the price is a lot cheaper than the atlas.

I think it prudent to first construct a smallish layout with about 70 feet of mainline and run that for a year to see what happens, as there doesn’t seem to be any other O scale outdoors types on this forum

The good thing about GG besides price is that is that it has no memory, meaning that once you bend it it stays bent.

They don’t offer any outdoor turnouts and Atlas turnouts are skyhigh priced so I’m now scratchbuilding some turnouts using solid nickle silver rail code 215 that should match up nicely with GG. I’m gonna mount the rails on cedar or redwood ties that I’ll rip and use copper roofing nails for spikes. The whole kit n kaboodle will then go on a sheet of thick plexiglass (3/8 inch).

I’m not sure what glue to use for wood to plexiglass for outdoors. maybe someone can enlighten me.

Thanks for listening to me talk to myself.

Will post photos of the turnout upon completion. Come to think of it; some garden RRers are using code 215 rail and might appreciate a step by step primer on turnouts, which I’ll be happy to provide.