I'm in Southern California so no snow. Do get rain but it's a covered patio so things might get a little damp sometimes. Mostly have to deal with leaves getting blown on the layout and bugs.
I use TiteBond III glue for most things. Hills, mountains, roads are made with mortar instead of plaster. I have a collection of dirt and sand that gets glued down with diluted TiteBond. The adobe buildings are made with Durham's Water Putty. Buildings get hit with a coat of UV spray.
For BPRC (battery power remote control) I've used regular RC electronics like FlySky and MRC's Loco Genie. I use 7.4 volt Li-Po batteries for power.
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#42 was an Athearn SW1500 modified to 1/35 scale. Has MRC Loco Genie crammed into the cab along with batteries. #8 has regular RC components in the tender along with a battery. #8 use to be a Tyco Shifter again modified.
My biggest fear is a loco deciding to go cross country and falling into the concrete canyon below. #8 has gone off on her own a few times taking out signs and an outhouse once.
The tipple off to the right actually loads the ore cars.
"... the one thing around the railroad that worked every time was a derail."