Attic storage OK for conventional track?

I have had Lionel O gauge track and switches stored in my attic for about twenty years in upstate New York. I looked at some of it recently to see how it was fairing. I did not see any signs of rust or other decay. The track is just stacked in cardboard boxes.
your results may differ.

I certainly would go with the attic.  If not damp, then the track will last (almost) forever.

Good luck.

Condensation from the cold could be a problem? We had a 1982 Lionel train, track and a couple switches in our attic from mid '80s until last summer. Looked just like it did when we put it up there 25 or so years ago, I couldn't tell any difference. So I would say it should be fine up there.

The attics I have stored in have kept things dryer then a popcorn fart.

Isn't real rail rated at 100 lbs a foot, or so....more per foot for higher grade?

I fail to see how you will get track of that weight and length into your attic. And I would think a great deal of it would break through the ceiling into the room below.

This is the real train forum isn't it? And you are talking real track?

Greg  

It seems to me the only time conventional track would rust in an attic would be if there was a roof leak and water got on it or if condensation would form in the attic in the winter.  If your attic is insulated (with vapor barrier facing down toward the living area) and ventilated adequately with ridge vents or gable vents, there should not be a problem.  Any dissipation of heat into the attic from floors below should not condense on the rafters if there is sufficient ventilation to allow the heat to escape.  Insufficient ventilation occurs when vents are blocked and the heat condenses on the cold roof.

I have some Lionel 027 track that was bought for my first train set, in 1951.  That track -- and the Marx track that joined it later -- was always kept in my parents' ventilated attic between Christmases.

I have it now, and there's no rust on any of it.

I agree with GG1fan that the only foreseeable danger would come from leaks.

I bought up all the Lionel NY track I could find in the early 80's.(to my UPS driver's dismay) The bulk of which is stored in my attic. Over thirty-years later it still looks like new. I would not be concerned over a few boxes. IMHO 

I had some Marx tinplate track that has been stored in one attic or another since, at least 1950, and maybe pre-war.  It took serious amounts of elbow grease using very benign cleaners to make itgood, but nearly it all of it except one switch still works fine.