Rain-ready track & swtches?

Discussed often enough in the past in this forum. Here’s a summary I got from doing an advanced search.

https://ogrforum.com/...agination.sort=SCORE

As far as I know, Atlas O is the only other track suitable for outdoors. Nickle silver rails and UV rated plastic ties. Not sure the Atlas switch machines would qualify for outdoor use though? Also, not sure of any switch machines that are weather proof?

There are at least a couple of forum members here that are using Atlas track outdoors, maybe they can offer more suggestions. Some of their posts may also be in Jim R's link above.

Not sure of present availability but the pneumatic switch machines marketed under several brand names by several successive vendors from as far back as 1950's has been a go to device for out door use..  Using R/C battery control,  conductivity would not be an issue.  Even old code .172" brass rail could work.  What about the European market?  There is an ongoing thread of an gentleman building 0 outdoors with European track.

There are pneumatic controls on the open market in a non model RR spectrum which can be used.  I have lost their website.

Hi Bob, just wanted to say your layout spread in Classic Toy Trains way back when rekindled my interest.  Thank you.  

Tom Tee got me thinking about the pneumatic operated switches. I found a link that looks promising here Sunset Valley RR LLC. Might be worth a look. (This looks like the most worthwhile link of all links posted here)

Here's another page with more info Air Operated / Pneumatic Switches. This site has info but I couldn't find parts available. 

Here's another link where parts seem to be available Air-ez from Ozark Miniatures

One more link to Port Lines Hobby for Del-Aire products, but this appears to be an old site and parts are no longer available. However, there may be some info here that could be helpful in searching for supplies. 

Jim, RTR, Tom, thanks for the leads. Lots of head starts here!

Looks like the powered-3-rail is a good, relatively low cost re-entry, as I've still got a few working locos. Pneumatic switching looks attractive to keep exposed wiring to a minimum.

I'll try my local Garden Railway Society too - we're bound to have a few O Gauge lines, hopefully even a battery-powered one.

Farmer Bill, it's good to see you again

Note, One can go Manual for the Switch mechanisms

http://all-aboard-trains.com/i...s-switchstand-detail

The G&O was running before and after heavy rain storms this past weekend.  The display uses Atlas track and switches.  The G&O does not use the switch machines.  All switches are thrown manually.  The G&O is ten years old and nearly all the O gauge track and switches have been outdoors for at least 8 years.  An advantage of Atlas track is that it us UV resistant and you can walk on it.  

Here is a link to the G&O story:  https://ogrforum.com/.../the-gandamp-o-story

NH Joe

I agree with the others, manual switches are also a very good idea, didn't think to mention that one... but that sure might be the best option and would reduce costs substantially as well.

Also, the pneumatic switch operators reduce wiring, but you still need small tubing to each switch and the solenoids and a small air compressor. It might be a bit on the expensive side by the time you get it all put together? Years ago I used to work with pneumatic controls. I guess I have a bit of a soft spot for the pneumatic systems and switch operators. Neat idea though!

The garden railway folks are definitely a good source for info, the outdoor experts I would think.  Good luck with what ever you choose!

Bob, I run Sunset Valley RR stainless track on my outdoor G Scale layout.  They also have aluminum rail which is considerably cheaper than stainless.  They sell a dual rail track that combines G Scale 45mm and o gauge (2 rail) track together including switches, I almost went that direction except I have too much postwar to go to 2 rail now.  Dead aluminum rail is a very nice way to go.  Even their stainless rail is easy to bend in their rail bender, aluminum must be a dream to bend. Running outdoors is a blast.  I use radio control which will work with battery power also. 

Ping the email in my profile if you want to talk.

Chris S.