[Guest]

Hi all iam new to this forum an the world off model rail. i dont have much space in my house but have a bigish back garden, an would jus like to no if i can put a hornby layout out there or should it be kept indoors in the dry, i hope someone can help before i start, i have some trains an track all ready.

If i can setup will the powerpoint cover the full line or will i need to put more powerpoints in an roughly how far intervails should it be.

Many thanks all chris

 

[Raider]

There are several people who run trains outside. I would suggest keeping the transformer, controller, stock and any cardboard models inside when not running tho

As for the power feeds, it is normal to have to put a feed on each section of track as the fishplates can tend to become loose outside and so you will get dead sections of track.

Not put an OO layout outside myself, but I have seen a some on the net.

HTH

Chris

 

[mthornton]

This is my outdoor layout:

http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/index...?showtopic=1298

While I have made provision to connect every section of track (mostly 1 yard lengths of flexi track), only a few are yet attached. So far there is no problem with connectivity through the fish plates. However some of the points no longer make good contact between the switch rail and the stock rail. To solve this needs power routing via an accessory switch (always planned but not yet implemented).

I protect the points by covering them with pieces of scrap wood, but the track is left open to the elements (and falling apples).

I use DCC for control --- a Lenz Compact + LH30. The power transformer is in the shed so only low voltage power is outside. The control point is hinged so that it swings back under the layout when not in use.

Setting up involves turning on the power, swing out the control, add trains and buildings. I intend to add some more scenery in weather proof material. The tunnel entrance will be built up with a bit of concrete and I might even try using this for the platforms as well.

 

[Thunder]

hi Chris, I done something similar to what your thinking of doing, you can find out how i created my garden layout in the forum: O,G and Larger Scales, Garden & Live Steam. Then go to the article: Hornby steam in the garden, good luck with your prioject

 

[bangerblueed]

Also check out the vale garden railway website which is an oo guage garden layout

 

[Guest]

ok thanks guys, lots off stuff to look, an have a read over. it looks great in pics i have seen from sugested sites an links when i get started maybe spring when it starts to get nice i think but now i no i can look around an start to get stuff together an ready

 

[Brian Considine]

Hi Chris,

There are quite a number of OO/HO layouts in the garden. Peco track is fine outdoors, although the overcentre spring in the mechanism rusts. If you put feeds to every section as Raider & others suggest you should not suffer any problems.

Just be very, very careful with mains electrics - keep the transformer/power supplies inside & use RCD protection for your safety.

Good luck with your project & let us know how you get on.

Brian

 

[Guest]

hi all thanks for all the replys very positive. I have taken some shots off my garden from the upstairs room hope i can have soom feedback.

This is my back garden, sorry for the mess an the rabbit run.

How i would like to plan my layout

I have used the yellow hose pipe to mark out a rough outline for 1 off the tracks

The second line

Maybe a 3rd line but iam not sure yet

Any feedback would be a help on the layout maybe the line is a bit long any the power may fade

 

[Thunder]

I can see loads of potental in your garden, you could use the shed on the R/H side as your control base, and have a elevated track bed around the perimeter, a bit of planning here would give you a very enjoyable layout.

 

[bangerblueed]

Are you planning DCC or standard dc if it's DCC then you use boosters every so many feet to maintain the power and control signal

 

[Guest]

I can ass 2 questions here the shed has all the garden stuff in, an is full, so it has to be ruled out?

As off dcc or dc iam not sure, iam new to model rail an as off yet have no idea. so i cant really say yet mabe that is something i need to look at, how would i get a booster is it just a standard power clip??

 

[mthornton]

I don't think you would need booster for that size layout (unless running a lot of trains at once). Just some heavy duty wire providing extra power feeds. All I have in my shed is the transformer --- even a shed full of stuff should be able to accomodate that. Although my control point is outside, I can run in (light) rain by using an umbrella. However DCC makes it much easier to relocate the control point (or have extra points) should I change my mind.

Do you intend having a loop at the 'ends' of the line, or stop and reverse? Loops work better with children. I also like having a reversing loop.

 

[Guest]

i was going to run 1 or 2 hst 1 virgin voyger an 1 super voyger 1 or 2 desial, not all at once but will be around the line, if i have the space for a loop ill put one in but will need to see how it goes there, as for the shed its vey full of garden stuff, an hay/ straw for the rabbit. i was going to get a small shed for the electronics an control. DCC iam not sure how it works yet an need to look into it,

 

[mthornton]

It is easier to put the transformer somewhere with an existing mains supply and then run the low voltage output outside. If you want to run mains to a new structure you are required to get a qualified electrician to either do it or at least inspect it (and there is paper work to go with this).