Atlas track

I don't know the answer, but you may have better luck on the Atlas forum. It may be worth a call to Atlas O and see that they think. Ask for Bill in service.

I think the reason you got so little interest is that there is little experience with outdoor O Scale in this country. Most people have indoor layouts and so have no ideas about using any brand of track out doors.

There are various article in larger scales about the trials and tribulations of outdoor railroading. It can be fun but also a big challenge. I think it is more suited to display running than to operations.

Or maybe our opinions would themselves be disappointing?

quote:

Originally posted by design:
Is there only one person out there who offers an opinion on my question very disappointing.

Not trying to be flip or a smart *ss here, but why don't you buy one piece of track and put it outside as a test. I would think that would tell you what you want to know, and you wouldn't have to tie up a ton of money to do so. The problem with an opinion is what might not be a factor for someone else may be a big deal to you or vice versa.

If you want my opinion, the ONLY way I would consider going outside is with a larger scale regardless of how the track held up.

I also think prrjim and Dan bring up good points.

Simon

I've been investigating the option of going outdoors (a big back yard yields a large mainline for long trains.) My understanding is that the ties are UV-stabilized per the original track announcement. That said, though, extremes in temperature may cause some problems due to thermal expansion/contraction of the rail (can be compensated for by trimming some rails for expansion joints) and not "over-fastening" the track to roadbed material.

I'd advise not putting the track directly on the ground, but using some kind of elevated road bed, either pressure-treated lumber, TREX or other composite decking lumber. Split-Jaw (makers of #1 Gauge track support products) makes a PVC roadbed that appears to have a pretty straight-forward setup and even though it's designed for #1 gauge track, it could be used with O scale. There's more information at the link below:

http://www.gardenrailwayproducts.com/index.html

There is a series of articles on outside ogauge here:

 

http://www.btcomm.com/trains/p.../o_gauge_outside.htm

 

Yes they used gargraves stainless, but they updated portions on their experiences with atlas. might be a good read

The British do a lot of outside O and they use Peco flex track its quite often used in conjunction with Gauge One you'll find some examples on Utube 

 

Stephen from Down Under    (cTr...Choose the Right)

The guy with the mile long train is using Atlas track, it's claimed it's been down for around 10 years.  Sounds like one decent choice.  Atlas claims the track is UV resistant, I'm assuming that's the plastic ties.