So I’m modeling the IRHS/IARM layout plans and I’m having trouble whether using full Brass or Steel tracks (I’m used to steel but I’m willing to give brass a try Im not sure on what’s the difference in terms of power and performance) and weathering the locomotives and rolling stock to give it a vintage look and feel (I’m wondering on how to weather the locomotives without damaging their electronics and internal components), then there’s adding Tsunami2 sound to a Bachmann EMD DDA40X (UP 6900) and an EMD SD45T-2 (SP 4900) I’m working on a Kitbash as well but questions may arise as I work on it (The kitbash is a ALCo C-420 to an MLW M-420)
Gidday, I’m uncertain as to the layout plans you are referring to, but making the assumption that you are modelling in HO scale, the only track I would use is nickel silver. Far too many issues with keeping brass or steel track clean enough for reliable electrical conductivity.
My two cents worth,
Cheers, the Bear. 
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I’m modeling with O scale but I could go HO in this case
Do not do trackwork in O or smaller in brass if you’re expecting to use DCC. You’ll be polishing all the time, and you can’t use Brasso as that contains a wax or oil that makes full removal of the compound from the surface very difficult.
I’d advise that you read the various threads here on ‘track gleaming’ and do the treatment of your choice on the track when laid. I am not convinced of the suitable profile of Fastrack or similar systems, or of any current HO commercial rail in what will be the gauge corner.
why do you mention track and weathering in the same sentence?
why are you’re choices steel or brass? nickel-silver is commonly used today because its oxidation layer is conductive while the oxidation layer of brass is non-conductive
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I believe he’s using G scale. If it’s O scale he’s probably referencing tinplate track rather than two-rail or (better IMHO) Proto:48.
I thought that it was O–maybe two rail. Anyway, brass is a bad idea. In my experience, it looks unrealistic and oxidizes horridly. Your best bet would be nickel silver, but steel is acceptable in my experience, at least with three rails.
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I think Gabe went dormant.
And it would take a LOT to make Gabe dormant.
Maybe he realized the minimum radius he would need for 1:48 scale models of the engines he talked about…although not sure about the “Bachmann EMD DDA40X” if he was really in O scale?
The minimum radius in O isn’t that bad…
But I have no idea where the Bachmann DDA40X came from. The closest one could get would be Williams, but I don’t think that they ever made a DDA40X.
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