@bigolddogs posted:Question : Who makes 3 rail brass track for out door use? Is there such a thing? Has anyone built a o gauge 3 rail garden layout?
Thanks
Brass oxide is non-conductive and hard to clean. You'll be cleaning your track constantly. The Atlas track has UV-protected ties and seems to hold up well from what people have told me. My own "four seasons" tests early on in San Bernardino seem to confirm this. The one caveat about outdoor O gauge is you need to be conscientious about thermal expansion/contraction of the rails. Broad curves of flex track can absorb this is you don't fasten the track down too much and allow it to "float" a little bit in some areas. Broad curves of flex don't need as much fastening. Also be aware of the thermal expansion/contraction of the mounting surface. A former colleague of mine had an outdoor layout in Las Vegas and the HDPE roadbed had some serious expansion that distorted the track mounted to it. An option would be to mount the track to ladder-style roadbed using zip ties which would allow floating while securing the track.
The float recommendation would also apply to Gargraves stainless steel track. You should also consider getting some UV-protectant spray to use on the track to further protect it.
Hope this helps some.
