Question for those with outdoor layouts...
Do you use remote turnouts or do you stick with manual? If you use remote turnouts how do you protect the switch machine from water?
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This is a great question and I am waiting for someone with experience to respond.
There are several problems starting with UV rays destroying the plastic ties, that leads to Atlas track since its plastic is UV resistant.
Then there is the problem of debris getting into and clogging the turnout, that leads to the necessity to install switches only where they can be easily reached.
But your question is about the weather proofing of the machines, and I would like to hear from someone with experience. Some have simply used manual switches and some have covered the machines with something like aluminum foil when not in use. I would like to hear about something better, maybe a waterproof gateman shanty a few inches from the switch, or maybe an artificial plastic waterproof "rock" that could cover the machine. Or, is there a waterproof switch machine that is impervious to UV rays?
I have no experiences in this and don’t even know what’s available these days as far as product. I know Del Aire and later EZ Aire were used in both indoor and outdoor environments. They are either Stainless or Brass construction. Compact size and no running of wire. Just small hoses, barbs and a supply of air. I remember seeing them demoed years ago at a show. With a toggle with a regulator. They worked at about the same speed as a Tortoise.
A internet search may yield some answers as far as product.
Mad Liver & John in CA,
The G&O garden railroad has 25 Atlas switches that have been outside for 10 + years. The G&O doesn't use switch machines of any kind. We just throw switches using our fingers. This works fine. The big advantage is that the switches automatically align themselves if a car or engine approaches when a switch is aligned against it.
Basically if you can reach a switch machine you don't need a switch machine outdoors. Here is a link to a blog about the G&O on this forum.
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/.../the-gandamp-o-story
John, I am a NorCal TCA member also. I would be happy to give you a tour of the G&O which is located in the San Leandro (SF Bay Area). NH Joe
Coming from a G scale garden railway background, I would say anything automatic (either electrical switches, or air-controlled switches) are always more maintenance in the long run. If you do go with automatic ones, make sure that they are easily removable or replacable and you might want to consider bringing them inside in the winter to prevent water from getting in the mechanizm and freezing.
I would recommend remote switches and less is definitely more. Building extensive outside switching networks usually isn't a good idea.
