I know that each has its own pros and cons, but which, in your opion, is better for outdoor railroads: Stainless Steel or Nickel Silver.
You would want to have a very good reason for not using brass.
Ian
Nickel Silver. Strong, flexible -and it solders well. All my track is PECO SM32 amd although we use the Tenmille track at the club layout -I would say my locos never feel as comfortable with it as they do on the PECO. regards ralph
Cabbage,
Were do I find PECO SM32?
PECO are the UKs largest producer of railway track. As you are in the US then I am afraid I don’t know(?) I think the track you are looking for is their G45 or Gauge 1 -both 45mm gauge. http://www.peco-uk.com/ regards ralph
Why would you depart from brass, do you have pollution problems?
Rgds ian
I use brass, and dont plan on switchin any time soon.
You didn’t mention whether or not you’re using track power. I would have to say that on balance, brass wins hands down.
I am using RCS only. Track power does not work for me, so I have switched over to battery powered locomotives. I have some Brass track, but would like to move to a more realistic looking track. I work on a railroad, so I see real track almost everyday. When I get home to my layout, I dislike see the goldish color that Brass gives off.
If looks are what you’re after, you might need to rust paint the sides of the rails and determine in your own mind whether tops of rails look better SS or NS (I’d opt NS).
Also, unless you’re using totally sectional track, I’d go NS b/c easier to bend and solder.
Realism is a reason i guess but at what cost?
I try and grow stuff between my rails to make things look nore countryish and unused sort off.
It looks good but it causes me problems from time to time though.
Rgds ian
Regarding realism, I have decided to only handlay ties where the track will show, which is about 1/2 the area. In the other area, I’m using the plastic ties so that I can put dirt over the ties and grow small weedy plants like thymes, to simulate underutilized rails.
The plastic ties will not be seen below the dirt/ballast/moss mix and there are no worries about them rotting away AND, I don’t need to put oil down as wood preservative that might kill the plants. As far as I know, I’m the only one using this particular philosophy. But there could be others.
What kind of brass do you have? Not all brass is equal! I have a few pieces of AristoCraft brass that have been out in the weather for just over 3 years. They shine and glisten with great aggravation and consternation. OTOH, My LGB Brass Rail did its own weathering job, It took about 3 months for it to oxidize to a golden brown.
More realistic looking? Glistening streaks of silver?
You are quite right not all brass is the same and Aristo has more tin in or is it nickle i can’t remember and LGB has more copper and i prefer the one with less copper as it doesn’t oxidise as quickly.
Rgds ian
To end this now: I hate Brass, want different rail. Which would be better Nickel Silver or Stainless Steel. By the sounds of it Nickel Silver is better. Is this true???
I have never considered using either but you must have good reason for so doing, this would then probably determine which you should use and what would be best fot you in your situation.
rgds ian
If your only parameter is that the track is not to be brass, then EITHER nickle-sliver OR stainless will do as clearly neither one is brass. You choose which, since you run battery there will be no difference between NS or stainless.
There is no clearly defined “better” or “worse” in the world of Garden railroads, whatever works for YOU is the correct way to go. Don’t like yellow/brown rails? That’s OK, get yourself some silver ones and enjoy your railroad.
I agree Jack there is no right or wrong way to do anything in this hobby; it is only what is best for you.
Rgds ian
Since you’re using battery power, right?, so conductivity isn’t an issue therefore I’d use Aluminum track. Paint the sides rust or buy weathered rail. The metal wheels will polish the rail tops nice and shiney and it will look very prototypical. And it will be much cheaper than the other three alternatives.
Walt
if appearance is the deciding factor as you said, try Walt’s suggestion of Aluminum. IMO N/S is superior b/c of its ease of bending and soldering. But if shiny railtops is your priority then get SS & paint the sides; the ss tops will give you the best shine for your money