10 replies to this topic

[paul]

Hi,my enthusiasm for lego trains has got me looking at other train related sites on the web and in particular garden railway sites,the idea of being able to sit out in the fresh air on a summers evening with a few cold tins playing with trains really appeals to me.Anyway my garden is more of a back yard and the G scale train set ups are way too big but a lego layout would probably just about fit....so has anyone tried setting up a lego garden railway and can the tracks stay out in the British weather or would they have to be packed away after every session?Imagine this in Lego.....



:'-)  :'-)  :'-)

[Optikal Illushun]

i would love to do something like this as well. to make it even more real, i would add a mini construction site and a train yard.

[maiq the liar]

That video makes me want more HO-scale trains.

[Mr Hobbles]

I've always liked the idea of a model railway in the garden, but I'm wondering how well the LEGO 9v track will stand up to the elements.  Will it corrode in the rain?  It'll obviously get quite dirty being outside, but this is nothing a track rubber can't fix.

[TheBrickster]

I own an LGB train and Playmobil which is G scale that uses the same track.  For garden railroads, one really needs very good track that can withstand the elements (heat, cold, and water).  LGB track is suppose to be the best for this.  In addition, I think G-scale is really needed for outside use.  HO and L/O (Lego) just isn't large enough and the materials I think would not last.

Also, I looked into this: R/C is ideal for outdoor trains as no electricity is needed.  You can run track all over not having to worry about power issues.  Playmobil trains are R/C, just like the new Lego trains.  But for durability, I would stick with Playmobil.  

I actually considered building a model railroad in my backyard several years ago.  They're fantastic and the kids love them, but they are pricey and you need some building and bridges to make the layout look good.

[highlandcattle]

TheBrickster, on Jun 13 2007, 05:23 AM, said:

I own an LGB train and Playmobil which is G scale that uses the same track.  For garden railroads, one really needs very good track that can withstand the elements (heat, cold, and water).  LGB track is suppose to be the best for this.  In addition, I think G-scale is really needed for outside use.  HO and L/O (Lego) just isn't large enough and the materials I think would not last.

Also, I looked into this: R/C is ideal for outdoor trains as no electricity is needed.  You can run track all over not having to worry about power issues.  Playmobil trains are R/C, just like the new Lego trains.  But for durability, I would stick with Playmobil.  

I actually considered building a model railroad in my backyard several years ago.  They're fantastic and the kids love them, but they are pricey and you need some building and bridges to make the layout look good.

Sniff, one time my dad was considering buying me an LGB train when I was a kid. (we have a lot of place outside, and my mother doesn't like mess on the inside), but she decide it was to expensive, On the other hand I probably wouldn't  have my cool 12v collection, if I would have gotten the LGB trains.

[TimmyC]

I noticed this thread and wanted to share my modest project with the group.
My Lego garden railroad is newly begun and still under construction.
I hope you enjoy what's been done so far.
Thanks.

[legotrainfan]

The weather wouldn't do the plastic LEGO is made of any good, I suppose. So I wouldn't try to put up a LEGO train layout outside unless you want to remove it again every time after playing, which would be very wearisome. LEGO is not supposed to be left outside all the time.

The only tracks that are appropriate for outside use are LGB tracks. (Some of you call them G scale tracks. I have never heard that name for this scale.) Well, Playmobil uses this scale and I think playmobil engines and waggons are cheapest, especially compared to real LGB stuff. I once saw an LGB diesel engine in a toy shop and it was between 600 und 700 euro!  

[roamingstudio]

I recently watched a DVD on Garden Railways by Mark Found... the presentation style is a mix between child enthusiasm, annoying and strong AFOGR (AFO Garden Railway). However it did address many interesting issues and is probably worth looking out for.
http://ovalfilms.com...en_Railway.html

[EvilTwin]

Hello

legotrainfan, on May 23 2010, 12:29 PM, said:

The weather wouldn't do the plastic LEGO is made of any good, I suppose. So I wouldn't try to put up a LEGO train layout outside unless you want to remove it again every time after playing, which would be very wearisome. LEGO is not supposed to be left outside all the time.

How do they deal with the weather at the Legoland Minilands? The models there are made from standard Lego, right? I wondered if the bricks are treated in any way to make them last longer, but I read somewhere that the models have to be replaced every few years, as well as regular maintenance (I'd guess that is needed more in areas where the models are within reach of kids...). I'd guess that building a garden Lego layout would require a similar amount of maintenance/replacement unless it was also covered in some way.


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EvilTwin

[broomhandle]

I have had a G-Scale in the backyard for 11 years. HO and L would be a pain. the weather would destroy the Lego track. and the smaller the scale the harder it is to run out doors. due to the weather. the only pro for it being out doors would be battery power so you dont have to clean the tracks from oxidation.

G-Scale is the garden scale!!! haha