Family Garden Trains
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A reader writes:

I've constructed a G scale layout of 220 of code 250 brass in a elevated dogbone that I plan on extending to 1000 of handlaid dual scale O and G. I'm working on converting some O scale engines to battery power using LOKsound decoders and Airwire wireless control.

Looking for tips on hand laying track for the outdoors. I had Gargraves send me a couple of sections of their combo G/O track in stainless but the ties are pine and I feel they won't hold up outside.

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Thanks for getting in touch.

I understand your dilemma about dual gauge track for outdoors. If the Gargraves is pine, that's an upgrade - they used to use basswood, which is even less durable. Some folks have tried soaking Gargraves ties in Creosote replacement solution to reduce bug and rot issues, but I don't know how well that works long term.

Have you worked with Llagas Creek? They have folks that build turnouts by hand and might be able to give you some guidance.

I've taken the liberty of copying them on this email in case they can help with a solution that doesn't occur to me.

If I see anything else that might be helpful, I'll get back in touch.

Best of luck!

Paul

The reader replied:

Paul, the Gargraves ties are still basswood and I don’t feel they’ll be durable at all outside. I’m actually cutting some ties today and will try laying my own track.

A guy named Daniel Smith, who is in my local club BAGRS, used to make the switches for Llagas but he got out of it last year. If you’re on some of the Facebook G groups I’m sure you’ve seen the layouts he builds. I’ll try making my own switches myself too. My Dad had an extensive HO layout with all hand laid track so I don’t find it intimidating at all, just time consuming.

. . . . .

I actually have 150 sections of brass rail in my cart at Llagas with a 10% off coupon! Not sure I can swing that at the moment as I’m still buying lots of dirt, rock, trees and plants.

Thanks!