While its fairly common in the UK due to small house sizes and lack of space indoors, it seems less common here in the states with G scale being more predominate outdoors. Yet we have 2 excellent track systems for use that are easily found here, Atlas O and Gargraves(stainless rails w/plastic ties). While the trains cannot be left outdoors, which I never did with my G scale either, running on a raised railway outdoors really is very enjoyable and opens up the space for wider radius curves and no getting choked out from modern smoke units! Even live steam for outdoors is possibile, granted nothing USA style is made with mostly older UK locomotives being the norm(one can always bash one into something more USA looking). I have run a 10' wide by 40ish foot long raised railway in G and recently did a hack job 3rd rail for O gauge, but keeping it in gauge is a constant chore. I rarely run the G side of things anymore, with many items I want selling for prices I refuse to pay. Combined with my love of UK scale like tinplate and diecast trains that need bigger than 042 curves, is pushing me to rebuild my railway next spring. Looking at going with Gargraves with 0113 diameter, single track main line with passing sidings thru the station area. My only struggle has been buildings, granted I only desire a few key structures. A nice station with glass canopy over the platforms, signal box, some houses or a row house and an industry or two. Thinking one of the stained glass platform canopies would be perfect, but use plexiglass instead to survive our occasional storms with hail, unless someone feels the thick glass would be ok as well(layout is under a tree, so it rarely really gets pummeled). Anybody else enjoying O scale 3 rail outdoors? Post up your pics and experiences. AD
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