combatibility of aristro craft and Lgb track

[Anonymous]

how combatible are LGB's and aristro's brass track (euro style)

Matt

(Im new to this fourum)[:)]

[Curmudgeon]

yes.

[Anonymous]

yes as in they are compatible

[Curmudgeon]

What I said.

Same code (332), virtualy the same profile, different joiner technology, but most folks mix it.
TOC

[markn]

What TOC said-but if cosmetics are an issue-they are different. LGB has brown ties-Aristo has black and the brass of the rails are different colors

[amotz]

Matt:
Over time, any joints between the two makes of track will be prime candidates for lost conductivity. Rail clamps or jumper wires are the solution; on your initial installation keep the mixed joints to a minimum.

[kstrong]

The joint conductivity problems won't be specific to cross-brand joints. All joints will oxidize and get flaky over time unless clamped, soldered, or jumpered. If you're doing powered track, you need to electrically reinforce your track joints, period.

And yes, there will be one or two people who jump in and say "well, I've been running track power outdoors for years without jumpers, and have never had any electrical problems." Glad to hear it, but their experience is certainly the exception to the rule. There's a reason rail clamps are so popular.

But to echo the above answers, yes, the two brands are compatible. There are subtle differences, but the rails are the same width apart and the same profile, which is all that's really important in the grand scheme of things.

Later,

K

[cacole]

I have one LGB piece of track among all of my Aristo -- a crossing diamond. I had to use rail clamps to install it because LGB and Aristo rail joiners are not even close to being compatible.

The LGB rail has weathered to a more realistic color. I run only battery power or live steam, so I can't comment about electrical problems when mixing the brands.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

I have one LGB piece of track among all of my Aristo -- a crossing diamond. I had to use rail clamps to install it because LGB and Aristo rail joiners are not even close to being compatible.

The LGB rail has weathered to a more realistic color. I run only battery power or live steam, so I can't comment about electrical problems when mixing the brands.

They are compatable, just have to really force it the first time as the LGB rail web thickness is smaller than Aristos and Aristos rail base width is a slight bit narrower than LGB's, but with a little tender persuasion, they will fit. I do agree the best headache and sore hand free solution is to use rail clamps where the two track types meet, but its not a requirement.

[Train 284]

They are completely compatibale with one another.

[piercedan]

LGB, Aristo and USA are all the same code 332. LGB uses a different joiner than the other 2.

Aristo stainless is a little different and only has a problem with older rail clamps.

Newest Hillman railclamps work on all of the above.

[GP-9_Man11786]

I use USA and Aristo track ith LGB switches because Aristo switches are junk. I have never had problems at the joints and as for the different color of the ties, I hardly notice it. The only problem with LGB track is getting the joiners off so insulated joiners can be installed.

[piercedan]

To remove LGB joiners I drill out the depression on the joiner and then pull it straight off with pliers. Pull hard!!

[ttrigg]

Easy and quick! Insert LARGE flat screwdriver into the joiner. Hold rail with pliers. Twist, the joiner will spread apart (across the hole length.) Grasp joiner in finger tips, roll it down and out of the tie. This technique will NOT damage the tie nor will it damage any part of a switch. I ruined 2 switches by "pulling hard"

[Anonymous]

I put both LGB and Aristo in my fist section area 2 and i regret putting Aristo in and I am going to get rid of it soon as it is a bit of trouble.

I am not saying a word against Aristo as in my opinion it is better than LGB as it has a better alloy base. Howevr the Screw connections are very good but not as good as LGB ones soldered and im not sure how to solder Aristo.

The join betwenn the two has given me no trouble 2 years down the track but theother connections do from time to time. Soldered LGB joins are no trouble ever.

Rgds ian