On my last post I forgot to ask another question about track…
There is SS track and BRASS track…and maybe other types (I do not know for sure). Which type is better to use on my outside layout?
Thanks, in advance, for your comments.
Kyboy227
Them’s fightin’ words pardener!!!
There are brass track, stainless steel track, and aluminum track, maybe a couple of other less popular track compositions.
What is BEST for me could easily be the WORST of all possible choices for you.
It all boils down to personal taste. In my case I use LGB “flex rail”, and some sectional LGB. I chose LGB because I like the way it corrodes in the weather, naturally. The brassy color disappears into a soft golden brown (close to rust color) in about six months. One of the guys in Australia (Ian) also speaks highly of brass, however we have on occasion had “discussions” concerning the quality of each others choice. I don’t care for the way his track discolors, and he doesn’t care for the way my track discolors. We both use brass! About the only thing we agree about is to use “flex rails”.
Some track has those little slip on rail connectors that work so well in the smaller indoor scales, but, in my case, have not fared so well. I use nothing but Split Jaw rail clamps as that is the brand carried by my local hobby shop. Hillmans is another quality brand, which I’m sure is just as reliable, both structurally and electrically. Some track has pesky little screws that some people have made serious complaints about, I have avoided that particular brand, again some people rave about it. Stainless steel does not discolor like the brass, so there is no rust to clean off the rail he
Brass Vs. Stainless Steel - Pros and Cons to each. A forum search will yield pages of posts on the subject. I’m a happy stainless steel track user.
-Brian
Your choice of track materials are really only Brass, Aluminium, Nickel Silver and Stainless steel.
If you are using track power then your best choices are Stainless steel and Nickel Silver. This is because the oxidation layer of Nickel Silver is conductive and the slight oxidation that occurs with Stainless steel does not really matter.
If you are using battery power or steam then any of the above will do.
If you intending to use flexitrack then Nickel Silver is the best as it is the most “springiest” and will snap back to a straight line, the others will bend only once from straight.
If you want the most variety of accurate profiles for your rail then Brass is the only one I know of.
On a personal note I use PECO SM32 Nickel Silver flat bottomed track for my 16mm scale and Brass bullhead rail for my Gauge 3 track.
regards
ralph
Hi Kyboy227, You do not show where you are but I would use LGB brass I use it and have had no problems in 5 years of it being down. Plus i`ve moved it to exspand over the years ALWAYS remember to make sure fish plates are a tight fit and put a little graphite grease in each join.
Hope this helps[:)]
If you use a rail bender, simply run the rail through the opposite direction with the bender set for straight. Rail comes just as straight as it was in the tube delivered by UPS. I have straightened both Brass and Stainless. The stainless belonged to a friend.
Kyboy227, It is quite helpful to give some idea of geographic location in your profile as it does have a bearing on the answers you will get! Even something as general as a State, or section thereof here in usa, nation in Europe, Area in Australia. Check mine, it indicates the lower part of the State of Delaware.
Reason: What works in an arid desert area may not work in the salty damp of an oceanside community! The hot sunny South has a different climate than the Frozen Tundra! Things or products that are readily available in the States may be impossible to find in Far East!
Now to your query! I prefer Stainless for several reasons. 1. I don’t have to clean it before every time I run trains! 2. It’s harder and withstands the weight of animals better. 3. It has a lesser ratio of expansion and contraction than brass. In my opinion (and that is just one guy’s opinion) it is well worth the price premium in relation to other materials!
I just took a wild guess on Ky’s location as Kentucky (Ky boy) but I could be wrong.
-Brian
Good guess, Brian![:)]