The main concern I had with the track was the integrity of the plastic “rail spikes” on the ties. They are the flimsiest part of the track, and I figured the only part that would likely see any problem. UV will eventually cause the plastic to harden and become brittle. It’s not a matter of if, but when. UV radiation will split any long-chain molecule (plastic polymer), which will reduce the overall strength and flexibility.
If the track is laid fairly stress-free, then that should contribute to longer life.
Some plastics are more inherintly UV resistant than others. Nylon and other similar plastics are better than standard PVC in that regard.
I’ve seen battles with various plastics for years in the electric utility business. Ugly business.
my father’s had HO in the garden for the last 15 years using peco code 100 track with all the joints bonded with wire. The line has a brick foundation with preservative treated plywood on top and roofing felt covering that, The felt has grit on it that looks good as ballast. The main problem is clearing off bits of plant and bird droppings before you run. Peco track needs very little attention even with occasional damage from animals, usually just needs re-aligning, you’ve got a choice as well, code 100 european or code 75 US style track.
As many have said Peco is great track…for indoor and outdoor. I saw a magazine from the UK around the beginning of this year (sorry I can’t remember the title or month) and it had a feature on outdoor railways. There were O and quite a few HO/OO and even one in N!!! I wondere if anyone has tried Z??? [:-^]
Joe is the first person who has said HO outdoors can work, and that is what I was waiting to hear. I’ve got the track and I’ve got the trains and other accessories. I bet there’s a bunch of people in the same boat as I; lots of HO stuff lying around and don’t want to put out $1,000-3,000 to get started in G scale.
So Joe (or others) will EZ track work? I hooked up one of my RC batteries directly to an HO engine last night and got it to run so I think I can also use the transmitter, receiver, speed control I already have too. If not, I see Aristocraft makes an HO Train Engineer.
I don’t mind putting down a bunch of HO track since it just floats in ballast and could easily be replaced with G scale track if necessary, but I don’t want to start making HO scale buildings and bridges just to change later…
Sorry, several of you have experience with working HO outdoors, not just “Joe”; sorry! Glad to hear that it actually works. I may give it a try. I already have Atlas EZ track, but I’ll look into Peco track too.
Is there a UV protectant that can be sprayed on? If so, could a person spray it onto Atlas EZ track? Especially with batter power it wouldn’t even be necessary to protect the rails from the spray…
REI makes a UV spray for plastic, rubber, etc. for about $7.
Their website says:
“Protects against fading and and wear and restores natural color to many rubber, vinyl, fiberglass and plastic products
Not oily or greasy and does not attract dust
Biodegradable product contains no petroleum distillateds, plasticizers or silicones
To apply, just spray on and wipe off”
Might have to try this. I’ll put one piece of track outside without it and one sprayed with it and get back to you in a few months…
I do not know about HO outside other than I seen some badly warped cars at an outdoor fleamarket once.
O gauge outside you can use Gargraves Stainless steel track with UV ties,I bought some as well as some g track but have not tryed an outdoor layout yet.