I am new to Bachmann Railroading.
Question
Can a on30 Spectrum DCC-Sound Equipped T-Boiler Two Truck Shay
be used outside for a garden railroad?
You might consider the ON30 forum, but yes, you can run them outside. Just keep the track clean and watch out for critters. Some people run HO, and O scale outdoors.
Rich
You can but it is not made to run out side
Anyone try battery power in these critters? Is it practical?
For instance, I found a good article for battery power in O gauge.
Best Wishes,
Jack
As a rule, there is zero room for any battery that would be big enough to run the loco for more than a couple of minutes. You could semi-permanently couple a box car to the loco with a decent sized battery inside, but you would have to wire it into the loco.
Conventional wiring would not be bothered by the elements, except for squirrels...squirrels ate my trailer wiring. sheesh. LGB used to sell a throttle that could stay out in the weather...all the 110 volt wiring was indoors, but the throttle, which only carried track voltage, could be left out. It looked a little like a bus stop as I recall. If your spouse is into gardening, outdoor model railroading is a great way to get her involved with the hobby. Interesting topic little trains in the great outdoors.