I'm a relative novice re model RRs, but I'm wondering whether anyone has built an O-gauge layout outdoors, and if so, what factors should be considered. What I'm considering would be a layout mounted on a plywood base on our rear patio, which is about 30 ft x 20ft, and which is sheltered by an overhanging metal roof. The idea would be to construct a plywood base for the tracks, reinforced with cross members, that could be raised and lowered by a pulley-rope arrangement whereby the layout could be lowered onto A-frame supports when in use, and raised to a position a few inches under the roof by the pulley-rope system when not in use, freeing the patio for other applications.
It's my understanding that weather resistant Atlas O-gauge track (selling for about $10 per three-foot length?) can be left outside for extended periods. (In this case, the track and plywood base would be shielded by the patio roof and would not be directly exposed to sunlight or rain, although wind, heat, humidity, etc., could still be a factor.) My plan would be to use outdoor carpet over the plywood, with the wiring and the Atlas weather-resistant track mounted on the carpet and perhaps a cork roadbed or something similar, but to keep the rolling stock, controls, transformers, etc., inside when not in use. The layout would include a plywood base perhaps 6 feet wide by 20 feet in length, although I'm open to suggestions regarding the dimensions.
The advantages of such a system would be that I could have a relatively large layout without sacrificing an entire room in the house. Also, the system could be raised (to a position near the roof, or about 7-8 ft above the patio floor) to get it out of the way when not in use. Regarding the size, I think all my present equipment (a 1965 era Lionel Hudson engine, a new MTH Mohawk engine, and an older MTH diesel SantaFe set, plus various cars) would work with 0-27 curves, although I may prefer to go with larger radii for greater realism and for future use with scale equipment. - As understood, for 42-inch radius track, the width of the plywood base would have to be over 7 feet.- Is it important to go with larger radii in such a layout? Seems like a 6-ft width (for 31-inch radius track) would be easier to work with.
Is this be a workable approach? - Thanks for any advice and suggestions.
Jim