I have a new layout that runs across about 40 feet of lawn. The BRASS track in on a “trex” roadbed layed directly on the lawn.
Now that the time has come to water the lawn, I’m wondering if I’ll have a problem with the track and turnouts getting sprinkled every other day?
What are your thoughts and comments?
PS: I run both battery and track power!!
Thanks in advance,
Chuck Alldrin
Being that the track your describing is USA, Aristo, or LGB is made for outside and are able to survive the rain so my guess you’ll be fine.
Hi Chuck,
certainly no problem with your battery stock. I’m track powered and have no problems after rain.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]
One thing to consider is that RAIN water is different than SPRINKLER water. City supplied water may very well have a high calcium content and that could cause white calcium deposits to build up on metal objects and inside switches mechanisms, best way to prevent this is to make sure all your switches are properly lubricated and to check them every month. This is based on a friends experience with a pool cover motor getting crusted up by calcium deposits from the pool water. Just an FYI.
Most garden railways in arid climates operate in irrigated environments, most with some variety of sprinkler head. I’ve not heard of, nor have I personally experienced any track difficulties caused by sprinklers heads. Your biggest battle with sprinkler systems isn’t mineral depostits from the water, but soil and ballast being splashed up onto the rails. For track laid on top of Trex running temporarily across a lawn, this isn’t an issue. For track laid into the garden with ballast, it’s a mild concern–most notably around switch points. I know a number of modelers who purposefully don’t ballast around switch points to keep them clear of debris. (I’ve seen prototypes do this as well on occasion.)
Later,
K
I don`t think anybody waters a garden more than my wife. I have had no problems although my switch motors do have a plastic cover on them when not in use. When I ran 00/HO, the sprinkler was my mortal enemy.
Ian p
The track is brass and it couldn’t care less. i have an irrigation systemn and it is of no consequence wether i water it or not. This is rain or sprinkler and I even run it in the rail if I like as well as snow if we ever jhave any.
Rgds ian