Preparing fastrack for storage.

I would probably just give it a good inspection and cleaning when you bring it out of storage.  It really depends on the environment.  I wouldn't store it in a damp location.

It may depend on where you store it.  A cool dry place should keep it rust free.  I have track that is 35 years old (O27 LIONEL tubular).  Still OK after all these years.  The layout and storage is in the basement where it is room temperature and has low humidity.  I have never taken professional reading of temp and such.  Just how it "feels".

I have several types of track that have been stored for years in the attic, basement, and other areas.  I just cleaned them and stored them.  No rust or anything else formed ont he tracks after being stored for years.   I even have some Super O stuff that was stored in my grandparents attic for over 40 years that ran great after I wiped it down.  Like Eric said, as long as it is not in a damp area, you should be ok.

Wipe it down with a rag soaked with WD40 and then, when you're ready to use it again, give it a wipe-down with track cleaning fluid (I use LGB Smoke and Cleaning Fluid--costly, but good).

Allan, Perfect! Thanks.

Even though my basement is not damp, when I store my Christmas FasTrack loop, I throw in several silica packs.  That's just in case there is light moisture at any time.  They come with most O gauge rolling stock and locomotives.

I live on the Maine coast and have had Fastrack rust when stored under a bed in the house.  I think the suggestion to use WD-40 is a good one.  

Sweat can be pretty acidic too.  I can see where that would cause problems.

I'd recommend what Allan said - WD40 now, wipe it off when you take it out.  I use, however, Simple Green to clean track.  Effective as the dickens and cheap.  It is reputed to remove some paint (although I have never seen any indication) so I am careful with it, but it sure cleans up track.

If you don't regenerate these in an oven, they're simply a placebo, they don't do anything after they've been exposed to air for an extended period. 

Here's one page on Desiccant Regeneration.

I've known people with that problem.  I have a friend that whenever he handles one of my guns, it'll rust almost as you watch if you don't wipe it down immediately!  OTOH, I've never had any problem that way.  This is a pretty common issue.

Dr Phil you got it right. A cleaning then a lite coat of oil or WD-40. I would go with the oil. You know that will keep it clean. Dry WD-40 leaves a residue.

I used Pure Silicone Spray ( I use CRC Brand) to clean up any rust marks on Fastrack, works good, had some stored in my garage for the winter, wished I had done it first before storing it while working on other parts of my layout. Live and learn everyday!

I would worry that the silicone psray would make the track too slippery as it would be tough to get off.  I like the WD-40 idea as I have seen Fast track rust fairly easy.

Rob.

Personally, I don't use WD-40 for anything that has to last more than about a month!  WD-40 dries with a sticky residue that ends up like glue!  I've gotten some antique guns that were "preserved" using WD-40, and it sets like concrete after a spell.   I had to soak several in solvent for days to disassemble them for cleaning!  IMO, WD-40 is not a long term solution for anything.