Handlaying track - preweathered rail vs. weathering with Rail Weathering Solution

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

For those with experience handlaying track, do you prefer to use non-weather rail, or pre-weathered rail?

Pre-weathered rail will require buffing off the weathering at all solder joints, then the top of the rail must be cleaned off also.

Has anyone using Micro Engineerings rail weathering solution? It seems you could use this stuff after all the track is completely laid and running.

With all this talk about brigh-boy’s causing more dirt buidup in the long run, I’m thinking about various ways of weathering the rail.

Thoughts?

Here’s the weathering solution I’m talking about:

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/255-49103

2

I generally prefer non-weathered because it’s easier to solder. I usually just paint it after it’s down like any other track. I did most of the stuff on my layout right now with my airbrush.

I haven’t tried that particular weathering solution, but I have tried others in the past and to my eye the result comes out too black. Maybe this one is different. They also tend to smell bad.

3

I usually buy track and rail that has pre-weathered rail. Whether or not the rail is preweathered, I still paint the rails with a combination of rust washes.

4

I usually buy track and rail that has pre-weathered rail. Whether or not the rail is preweathered, I still paint the rails with a combination of rust washes.

5

on30fancisco,

Do you then buff off the pre-weathered stuff everywhere you solder?

How do you clean it off of the top of the rail?

6

Also, does anyone know if this MAAS metal polish will remove the “weathered” material off of the rails. The idea is to be able to remove it without using something too abrasive (i.e. fine sandpaper, etc.).

7

CARRfan,
I initially use a Brite Boy to remove the weathering from the tops of the rails. Afterwards I use MAAS or an equivalent brand of poli***o buff the rails. I converted a cheap boxcar into a cleaning car. I put a piece of masonite underneath that cleans and polishes the rails while it’s running on the layout. This car keeps the rails in tip top condition and minimizes the need for more aggressive cleaning methods. I got this idea from an article in an old issue of MR.

8

The weathering solutions I’ve seen where electrically conductive. Don’t know about soldering to it though. I’ve got some loco side frames treaded with that stuff and it conducts electricity fine.