track question.

[Anonymous]

I, as i stated in other posts, am very new to the hobby. I recently bought some nickel/silver track for an HO train layout. I also found some old brass track in my father's basement that is in very good condition. I have enough of the silver/nickel for my beginner layout, but for future purposes, can i mix the two types of track? Or, when i expand in the future do i have to buy more silver/nickel? Basically, are there any problems with compatibility with the two types of track? Or, is the brass better and should i stick with it? Thanks again for the help.

[cacole]

I would try to stick with nickel-silver for all main line trackage simply because it's easier to keep clean and your trains will run better. Brass track would be alright for sidings, especially those that are not going to have locomotives ran onto them often. Brass rail tends to corrode more easily than nickel-silver. Other than that, appearance is the only factor that you need to consider. As long as you're happy with the brass track, go for it.

[DSchmitt]

There are no problems with compatability if they are the same size "code", but you will be better off not using the brass. It is much harder to keep clean than nickel silver. Clean track is even more important with brass than with nickle silver. The oxidation on brass acts as an insulator.

[tstage]

mojo4280,

Welcome back! [:)]

You also have to be concerned about using ANY dissimiliar metals together (i.e. Nickel/silver and brass). Under these conditions, because they have current running through them, it's probably not going be an issue. But, sometimes, when two dissimiliar metals do come into contact with one another, there's a possibility for a reaction between them both. (By reaction, I mean increased corrosion at the junction of the two.) You might find that the brass will oxide even faster where the two tracks meet. Personally, I'd go with all Nickel/silver track...

Tom

[jkeaton]

Basically, except for the need to watch for and clean non-electrically-conducting oxidation on the top of the brass track, there's no mechanical or electrical reason not to mix the two. Corrosion between dissimilar metals isn't an issue between brass and steel, or brass and nickel, under the conditions of a model railroad (unless you run your trains in an acid fog!).

[jwar]

Last year I returned to MR and had about twenty brass turnouts, I use them in my yard and they as the above post state, they are harder to keep clean. As of this date there a low priority for me to change over to NS, as other cost to get my fiesco of a layout going.

Found on this forum that Maas silver cleaner works great on N-steel and I found that Brasso polish seems to be working better on the brass turnouts as they stay cleaner better.

However getting started in this hobbie is no different than any other,$$$$$$4 before the thing gos down the track. My suggestion as with the above posts, is that there is no harm in using the brass to cut costs and suggest to replace the brass where it will be easy to change out later. I opted to not use the brass track as I did not like the looks of the ties and knew some areas would be a pain to replace and the nickel steel track stays cleaner better, however when I used plastic wheels, found it was about the same as brass, gunk loaded up very quickley.

Also being you have the brass (no pun intended) I strongley suggest in NOT using the brass rail joiners if there still in your supply box.
Enjoy the hobbie and have a great day....John

[Anonymous]

I agree w/a lot of what everyone says about Brass track. It is harder to keep clean. I do use brass track in area's that do not have much traffic. Like, yards where a lot of cars are stored. I use the brass turnouts too, in that area(yards). Someone gave me about 35 #6 turnouts about 5 years ago & about 50 #4's w/about 50 pcs. of brass flex.
I don't like to waste that much track, so I use it. I use Brasso to clean all my track & that includes NS & brass. I also only use NS track connectors. They hold a lot better than the old brass connectors. I never reuse track connectors. They have a bad habit of spreading when you remove them from old track. Be careful w/steel track that came in old train sets. It looks like NS, but is magnetic & you can't use it w/magnetic uncouplers
& that stuff is very carrosive(sp).

Larry