Trains In An Un-Heated Attic

I have the larger portion of my layout in the garage which is not heated (or cooled) and there seems to be no negative effect.  The only complaints come from the engineer!  

Before I started air conditioning my upstairs train room I did have more frequent traction tire failures.  Now I rarely have tire failures. 

I think it depends on where you live.  If you live here in North West Florida what would really work on your trains is humidity.  The humidity and heat in this area would take a toll on electronics and track.  

I live in the South, and have a 8'x12' layout in the attic. Operating time is limited during the summer, as engines overheat VERY quickly here in the 95+ degree temperatures. Winter, better bundle up to go run the trains in the attic,  as it gets cold.

Electronics by nature run better in the cold than in the heat. Dust and pest are an issue in the attic as well. Can you add a small portable electric heater in the winter?

Dan, my 1st layout was in a 12x16 insulated shed behind my garage, it had heat and AC.  It was a PITA trekking out to it at night to run trains and it took 30 minutes to get the temperature to a comfortable point.

I relocated into the detached garage, I built an "L-shaped" wall to enclose the layout in an 8x18 space with a 6x8 work space at the end (24x24 garage).  It was also heated/cooled.

I found going out to the garage (which was just outside the backdoor), turning on whichever device I needed then waiting to get the temp I wanted was again a PITA.

I also had 1 engine, MTH RS3 with Locosounds, that would not run if the temp was below 50 degrees.  Once the temp got above 50 it ran fine.

That lasted maybe 2 years before I moved it inside the house.

Do a test...go up in your attic at night for 30-60 minutes, standing or sitting in 1 place and see what you think.  I think you'll find that the trains can withstand it better than us humans!!!

Layout is in the garage (3 car) and is shared with the wife's car, I live in the Dallas and can play about 10 months . My problem is trying to keep the layout clean, free of spider webs. Dust etc.

Brent'

It will be harder on you than your trains in my opinion.  There will be times that it is too uncomfortable to run trains.  A good friend has a very large layout in his attic and it has been fine with no climate related problems.  Too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, but perfect in spring and fall.   If you can heat and cool it, you will enjoy it much more.

Art

Never had a layout in our attic but always stored my Lionel trains up there.  No heat or AC.  Only took trains out of the attic for Christmas.  Never had a problem.  Never kept any newer trains up there.  Don't know how the modern plastic stuff would hold up to the heat.  Cold, I don't think, would hurt.

Rick