My thought was to use tubular track, let it rust, and use battery powered engines and radio control to run the trains. I have the track, have read about converting conventional to battery power, however I have not done it yet. The track would need to be elevated, and would have to be designed to survive a harsh winter environment. I was thinking that a steel support with a sheet metal C-channel would hold the ballast that would hold the track in place. Support would have to be designed so it could be easily "re-levelled" each spring.
Something I may do if I get enough time to make this project a priority. Advantage of using O-gauge is that I already have excess engines and rolling stock that does not fit on my layout. I have lots of track. Just need the time and will to do the work.
Only thing I would have to purchase is the battery conversion & radio control equipment as well as design and build the track support structure.
What is stopping me? this project would force me to keep the garden under control, as it would interfere with the train operation. I have a large garden and that would be a lot of work,
