I've used my gauge one live steam in the rain but do a lot use the electric ones in rain and snow? Are they completely waterproof?
Original Post
"HONGZ" stands for HO scale, N scale, G scale, and Z scale.
Post your non-O scale stuff here!
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Depends on the brand, LGB is pretty much weather proof for non sound engines, sound engines you have to be more careful of as their circuit boards are not totaly weather proof. Same with other brands. I have run my non sound LGB in all weather conditions and one engine has gone into the pond once, took it out, shook it off and put it back on the track to run. Winter time, if using track power, one much leave the engine out in the cold for a few hours or the wheels will ice up when trying to run/pick up power. I run battery power, so no track power issues. The real fun in the cold though is live steam. Cant wait to run my coal fired Ruby this winter. Coal and alcohol firing isn't affected by the bitter cold like butane gas firing. My wife and my good friend went together and got me a custom coal fired Accucraft Ruby for my birthday this past spring. Cost less than a Roundhouse kit engine.
I've seen way too many fine factory paint jobs be ruined by rain. Water spots won't come off, like they're etched on. Don't know if it's from acid rain or garden sprinklers/ city water with minerals etc in it. Whatever it is it's nasty.
I think it would be neat if companies make the. More weather approved. Nothing like the natural dirt and tear of the engine
When I spend $10K on an Aster live steam FEF and another 4K on Accucraft passenger coaches, last thing I want is dirt and bird poop on them!
USA G scale trains work fine outside-here in New England in all seasons.
I wipe down my LGB trains after running when it rains. Normaly its more like getting caught in a sudden rain shower. I do not purposely run in the rain. I have run live steam in the rain at steam ups on raised railways. Normaly there is a large tent over the steam up area to fight the UV and heat, but it can double as a rain shelter if a shower pops up. Seen everything from a Mamod to a Aster NKP Berkshire running in a downpour. But if the wind comes up, most will stop operations due to risk of the lighter weight rolling stock being blown over and derailing the engine. Mike
Art ful- have you ever rain it in the snow? Also when you run it outdoors, do you notice more wear as far as the wheels and under the car?
