I SEE ARISTO CRAFT HAS 8’ SECTIONS OF STAINLESS, G GAUGE,BENDABLE TRACK. HAS ANYONE USED IT? HOW IS IT TO WORK WITH?
THANKS TOM.
The Aristo 8 foot track is just 8 foot rails and one foot long tie strips. I heard awhile ago tie strip availabilty was limited also you will pay a shipping premium for the long rails. I have only worked with 5 foot track and used it as flex track but most of my track is sectional. I cut mine with a angle grinder equipped with a metal cutting disc and use split jaws for the cut sections.
-Brain
You have to remember to order enough tie strips.
Stainless rail is HARD compared to brass. A real fine (32 tooth per inch) hacksaw blade cuts it fairly easily. I haven’t tried to drill&tap it, I used rail clamps instead. It will bend in a railbender, it’s just harder to crank than brass.
The bugger with these 8ft rails is shipping. You really get dinged 'cause they’re so long.
Many use 5ft straight sections instead of the 8ft rails. Having said that, they sell 4 1/2 ft straights. These get just under a size break so they cost a lot less to ship than 5ft sections.
I’m using the 8’ stainless and a Ti-Li dual rail bender and it works well. A case of rail is 12 pieces or 6 8’ lengths so you need a case of tie strips (48) for a case of rail. I’m not drilling the rail since it is so hard, but utilizing Split Jaw stainless clamps.
mark
Tom:
I use brass rail, but have seen the shipping charges for the over five foot lengths. They are too long for UPS so need to go by general freight lines. In my case I wanted the ten foot brass rails until I saw the shipping charges. In my case 120 ft. of 10 ft rails, ties, and split jaw rail clamps (cost plus shipping) was the same as 200 ft of 5 ft. rails, ties, and split jaw rail clamps (cost plus shipping.) As I’m sure you have read, I am a firm believer in the longer rails, fewer joints equals fewer opportunities for the wheels to “pick” an out of alignment joint. If you are willing to pay the additional freight charges then I would say go for it. If not, then stay with the 5 ft rails.
TTrigg, I just bought some more brass 8’ ers and they came by UPS. All 12 boxes, yeah shipping was ok but I have no real hobby shop near me.
As for SS track I have not used it but have used it in different things and thicker the SS is the harder the bend will be to make. Went to my friend who has a machine shop to make several bends in some SS. Hard stuff.
If I’m hearling correctly then the 5’ straight sections are a more reasonable choice than the 8’ flex rails plus the 1’ sleepers given the shipping charges for the longer rails? I just ordered the EasyBend DuoTrak. I’m considering bending the 5’ SS sections from Aristocraft in place versus the bend and assemble method. I called both of the local train shops here in the Phoenix area and neither could recommend SS as they had no stock and no experience. I’m considering an on-line order from St Aubin for Trains and will check out the difference in freight costs and delivery times. Any other suggestions?
Rex
HAS ANYONE TRIED THE GARGRAVES 3’ FLEX SECTIONS. I USE THE O GAUGE PHANTOM RAIL AND IT WORKS GREAT. WHAT ABOUT THE G GAUGE STUFF? THANKS FOR ALL THE INPUT. TOM