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The right track

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  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Norton, MA
  • 394 posts
Posted by piercedan on Friday, December 16, 2005 4:53 AM
I have had brass only outdoors for 5 years. Monthly cleaning by the LGB track cleaning engine in hot weather and every time I run a train the first time, I drag around a track cleaning car.

To get the best power pickup from the track, I always tie 2 engines together or add a car with power pickups. This improves power pickup and engines run very smooth.
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: North Coastal San Diego
  • 947 posts
Posted by Greg Elmassian on Friday, December 16, 2005 12:35 AM
Stainless is definitely stiffer and stronger than brass. For track power I would go with stainless, even though it stays shiny.

Battery power, I'd go brass, weathers better.

Save money? Go aluminum and use battery power.

Top of the line? DCC and stainless Aristo, or the very nice H&R stainless.

The type of power for your locos is tied very closely to your track choice.

Regards, Greg

Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.

 Click here for Greg's web site

 

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: North of Chicago
  • 1,050 posts
Posted by Tom The Brat on Thursday, December 15, 2005 9:55 PM
Of course, there's Chuff, who makes his own[:D]
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • 119 posts
Posted by Kiwi Down Under on Thursday, December 15, 2005 7:03 PM
The right track is the one you can afford. Refer to www.gscalechuffchuff.com
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: North of Chicago
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Posted by Tom The Brat on Thursday, December 15, 2005 12:32 PM
Stronger than stainless?

This stainless is HARD STUFF!
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 15, 2005 10:33 AM
Depends wether you are going to use track power. Brass is an excellent conductor, you will get less voltage drop. It also weathers very nicely. It is also probably much stronger than stainless. Best of luck with whatever you chose to use.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 15, 2005 9:59 AM
aristocraft usa brass is good because of the joining system with scews.
www.ontracks.co.uk
www.aristocraft.com

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: North of Chicago
  • 1,050 posts
Posted by Tom The Brat on Thursday, December 15, 2005 9:24 AM
Mainly, do you like your track yellow or gray?

Brass is a little less expensive.

If you're not running power through the track, then it doesn't matter, though brass is a little easier to cut, file and such.

Brass is more conductive than stainless, Oxydized stainless is far more conductive than oxydized brass, but stainless with tree sap, dog pee, squashed ants and suchlike isn't any more conductive than brass with tree sap, dog pee, squashed ants and suchlike.
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Florida
  • 409 posts
The right track
Posted by otftch on Thursday, December 15, 2005 8:34 AM
I am building a garden railroad for a friend.I have never used "G" scale track.Should I use brass or stainless.We are located in florida and will be elevating the track 8" off the ground.I have had "O" scale trains for years so can figure out most else.Thanks,
Ed
"Thou must maintaineth thy airspeed lest the ground reach up and smite thee."

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