A reader writes:
Hello. I have a pretty decent size xmas display I'm looking to add a I think G scale train set to circle a rope light tree I build in my front yard.....i've looked at train sets till im purple but none offer any recommendations or reviews on operating outside...Here in NY our winters are not exactly pleasant and wanted something that would hold up to at least a little of bad weather...I would probably bring the trains in at night,but of course the tracks and controller would stay outside, can you recommend a kit that has everything I would need to get set up in one box rather than piecing it together...i'm on a budget of about 300.00 or so,,,,not sure if thats enough or not but im open to suggestions....thanks ron
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Sorry to take so long getting back to you, but I start getting really slammed with questions about Labor Day and it doesn't let up until St. Paddy's day.
Any of the trains on the Garden Train Store starter set page will do you.
http://garden-train-store.com/begin/ls_starters.htmThe Bachmann trains come with track you can't leave out indefinitely, but a few weeks may be fine. They also come with more track than the trains that come with brass track. So consider the value equation.
Whatever you do, consider making a trip to the lumber store and getting some 5/4 or 2"x6" boards to make a solid roadbed as shown in this article:
http://www.familygardentrains.com/prime ... _posts.htmI have a portable RR using 5/4 decking and the posts are set on little stands, everything fastened together with screws I can easily back out when I go to take the thing down. Even if you're planning on your RR being close to ground level, a solid base for the track is important.
More information about that sort of thing is here:
http://familygardentrains.com/primer/fe ... ble_rr.htmBest of luck, please let me know if you have any other questions,
P.S. The power supply has to come in at night, too.
Paul