Has anyone ever used mth's solid nickel track for an outside layout. I have left some on a treated piece of plywood and it really seems to be holding up well and thoughts on this. Thank you!!
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I don't know if MTH's Scaletrax has UV rated ties or not, but the nickel silver rails should be fine for outside use. Atlas track has nickel silver rails and plastic ties that are UV resistant. At one time I believe Atlas track was the only one that was good for outside use, but that certainly could have changed by now? Gargraves has track with stainless steel rails, but I don't know about their ties being UV rated either?
I have never seen MTH advertise its plastic ties or roadbed as being UV rates. Therefore, it probably is not. The sun makes short work of plastic that isn't UV protected.
The G&O garden railroad uses Atlas track with UV rated ties with good results. Some of the track has been in the CA sun for over 6 years and is still OK. I recommend Atlas for O gauge outside.
NH Joe
spray the track, sand the rail tops...
Attachments
Agree with above UV protection is a matter of spraying the ties. I love Scaletrax myself, especially the flex, wouldn't hesitate to use outside.
Interesting, spray on UV protection! I had no idea there was such a product. Guess I need to browse through the hardware store more often. 
Wow yea really! ! I did not know that they made it either. Well off to the hardware store.
overlandflyer posted:spray the track, sand the rail tops...
I like it! Never thought of Scaletrax outdoors, but this makes it a viable option.
I have an outdoor layout in So Cal, I use Atlas silver nickle track exclusively. Most of the track has been outside for 6 years now with no adverse effects. I highly recommend using the Atlas track.
I even have several automatic switches that still work fine with some minor maintenance.
I have YT build series on my layout. Check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/user/sjbuff
Skol! Ron//
Attachments
Images (1)
