Fastrack Outdoors

Fastrack is tinned steel and as such will pit badly if exposed to repeated wetting. Probably OK in Las Vegas though because mostly bone-dry air so even a rain shower dries quickly. Water drops or mist from a sprinkler system   could definitely be a problem because longer duration wetting. 

I have no knowledge as to what degree the plastic roadbed is UV stabilized. Hopefully someone here with knowledge of plastics will chime in.

 Having been in the plastic business for many years, making plastic products that were used outside, I can tell you that light colored plastic exposed to sunlight has to have ultraviolence Inhibitors added to it which are very, very expensive. Knowing Lionel’s view on quality control I doubt they would go to the expense of adding these inhibitors. Just my opinion.

Jim

I don't think the Fastrack is UV protected. It will probably fade to white after a while. However, the rails will probably rust away before the plastic. I realize there is not much rain in Nevada, but one rain will be enough to start the rust on Fastrack. 

Atlas track on the other hand should hold up really well. The ties are UV protected and the rails are nickel silver. They make industrial rail track with plastic roadbed, but I don't know if that roadbed is UV resistant like the brown tie track.

George

Atlas O track will tollerate being outdoors, the cross ties are UV stablized and the rail is nickle silver.  Gargraves also offers its track with Stainless Steel rails, and thier plastic ties are UV stablized for outdoor use.  The wood ties would need treated every year or two to keep them from rotting in wet enviroments.   If it wasnt for our local G scale live steam group, I would shift to O gauge for my raised garden line just for the sheer mass of UK style trains in O gauge vs one gauge.  Instead I do 16mm narrow gauge UK style in the garden and O indoors.  

I have window well covers made from clear plastic and they don’t last very long. The sun makes them extremely brittle in no time. I would think the same would happen to the Fastrack. I would use a different track approved for outdoors. 

Catdaddy, I live near Vegas in Henderson, I can't speak for O gauge but I leave my UV coated plastic tie G scale stainless rail track out all year.  Going on 4 years with no sign of deterioration.  Track is by Sunset Valley, I think they have 2 rail combo O gauge/G scale track and maybe just O gauge.  With stainless I don't really even have to clean the track, I just scare off the rabbits and tarantulas and run 'em.  I run 24v DC Trackpower by the way, safer I think around a pool, but I don't run mine near the pool.

Chris S

Like you ,I wanted to make a Fastrack layout for outside .   Many of the Atlas O group  suggested I used the Atlas track because it has UV protection .  

Nevada gets lots of sun .   The UV rays will slowly destroy the Fastrack ! .  

I live in Wisconsin !  Land of ever changing weather.   Sun & Moisture  are not good For Track outside .  

You could build a sun shelter for your track area !  

Good Luck.  

Thankyou to all for you thoughts and considerations