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Short version of my question - are there many oscalers out there who have gone through walls into the outdoors and back in to save space?  Does it work well?

Long version - I have built a cabin in my back yard (Graceland building) and REALLY want to get an O scale layout going, BUT if I do it will take up a majority of the available room I have set aside for 'other projects' (I collect & work on old pinball machines, am a hack musician who likes to record, and am also an avid N Scaler).  BUT if I could snake the track out one corner, around the back  and back in, it would save SO much space.  BUT so many potential issues.  I envision building outside platforms, perhaps even sealed, installing covers on the wall to seal the room when not in use, how doable is it in your opinion?  And will I hurt the value of the building?  I mean if i sell, I just replace drywall and insulation over the holes.  Will temperature affect performance?

Any response GREATLY appreciated, thank you all, what a great forum, hope to be more regular

Have all my trains in storage just ready to come out, all kinds of Southern freight, two MTH PA units, an Atlas SD-35 tuxedo, Williams RS-9 switcher (Southern green)

ALSO considering a standard gauge track elevated on ceiling loft  BUT way down the road

Lee in Durham NC

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Modified pet doors...

But seriously, these O-scale products are not designed to run outdoors. They can be, and have been successfully used out there, but they are made of nothing with the weather in mind. So, understand that you could be stressing them in unexpected ways. Overcast days (low UV) - or at night - would be best. No rain. No letting them sit in the sun and heat up; no freezing. Take them in unless you are using them. Stainless-steel, UV-resistant track and ties (GarGraves makes this). Avoid bird and squirrel droppings and dog pee...OK, you knew that.

The hole in your house will affect your home's value only if you leave it when you put it on the market...I guarantee you that your realtor will point that out (I don't watch HGTV for nothing, you know).

I personally have never liked trains in the yard, regardless of scale, so I'm not the best "advisor". Trains on the ground (now subject to many real-RR problems) remind me of trains on the floor. I'm too old to get back up.

Thanks so much for the responses everybody!

D500 - points well taken, if I do this I will enclose the track with a simple roof and walls, much like what TOM LEE referenced (thanks TOM), so think all I'll have to worry about is temperature, the way my cabin is the trains will be behind next to a fence, so will not be visible.  Would never leave trains in there, would store inside, with portals blocked off until next use, YES was thinking of a pet door assembly

TOM LEE - LOVE it thank you for sharing definitely what I envision, wont have to paint either as the area isnt visible in the yard, runs up against the fence (area for layout is toward back of cabin, I'll snap a pic)

SEACOAST - thank you, checking it out now

Considered a yard/garden layout but too big a project, and not sure I wanna make my train love that public in the neighborhood

Thanks again guys, more posts/suggestions more than welcome, feeling now that it IS very doable.

Lee

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