I have a number of display cases that have a mix of brass and nickel silver track to place locomotives on. I noticed some of my old track I kept in a box had some areas that were corroded or discolored and am wondering if the wheels of my engines will get damaged if they are in these display cases for long periods. Since some track appears to discolor or corrode I am concerned that if the engine wheels come into contact with an area that does this that it will damage the engine's wheel. If so what would you recommend as an alternative (I have seen in some cases where the wooden shelf in the display case has slots cut the width of whatever scale the display case is so the wheels are in contact with the wood). Thank you.
Dissimilar metals will corrode via chemical/electrical action. Brass is a highly reactive metal that corrodes rapidly from reaction with the atmosphere.. Whether or not it will create problems with your wheels due to long term contact, is doubtful, because most locomotive wheels are, or have nickel silver tires, depending on type. If wheel and rail are of the same metal, there should be no problems at all.
For peace of mind, unless I could be certain the wheels and rails were of the same metal, I would choose the slotted wood for my display bases, because the same points (wheel and rail) could remain in contact for years.
they shouldn't .... i have had a display case sitting for five years now .. and most of the stock has sat in the same place for years now ..
this is on brass track , and stock levels have been consistently over a hundred units during this time ..
none of the wheels have exhibited any discoloration or corrosion to date, i don't really care about the track .
this is on an open front vertical wall display unit ..
You could paint the track if corrosion worries you.
Simon
Thank you for the great input. i appreciate your info and advice.
Two things to consider:
1. Wheels are round. Track is straight and in essence a tangent to the outside diameter of a circle or wheel in this case. In theory the tangent only touchs the circle at one point not a length like a tire. Therefore the contact is minimal.
2. Nearly all metals love oxygen and would rather form an oxide rather then remain just the metal. Brass oxide is non conductive so if the track was allowed to oxidize for awhile the surface would be inert.
One other thing to do would be to put a minimal drop of oil at the intersection of the wheels with the track if you are truely worried about this.
My late father in law had a substantial collection of Bowser Steam locomotives plus a few Mantua Steam locomotives which he placed on brass flex track in a wall mounted display case with a sliding plexiglass front.
Some 20 years after his death, we were clearing out the house, and moving my MIL to a elder care facility. The wheels and underframe of most of these locomotives formed a grey/white powdery corrosion while stored there.
Several of the locomotives have been restored to operation, after much work, while others are a lost cause.
Perhaps, using weathered Micro Engineering flex which is well coated, will prevent a similar occurrance.
Boris
ndbprr Brass oxide is non conductive so if the track was allowed to oxidize for awhile the surface would be inert.
Brass oxide is non conductive so if the track was allowed to oxidize for awhile the surface would be inert.
First, there is no such thing as "brass oxide".
And I don't see why (electrical) non-conductivity necessarily relates to a surface being (chemically) inert.
Ed
wojosa31 My late father in law had a substantial collection of Bowser Steam locomotives plus a few Mantua Steam locomotives which he placed on brass flex track in a wall mounted display case with a sliding plexiglass front. Some 20 years after his death, we were clearing out the house, and moving my MIL to a elder care facility. The wheels and underframe of most of these locomotives formed a grey/white powdery corrosion while stored there. Several of the locomotives have been restored to operation, after much work, while others are a lost cause. Perhaps, using weathered Micro Engineering flex which is well coated, will prevent a similar occurrance. Boris
It sounds like you are suggesting that the cause of the grey/white powdery corrosion could have been caused by contact with the brass flex track. I have seen a grey/white powdery corrosion on items that were no where near brass flex track.
I am also mystified why you think the wheels contacting the brass rail would cause the problem in the inderframes.
It is my impression that grey/white powdery stuff forms on unpainted zinc alloy castings when subjected to long bouts of high humidity and high temperatures. No proof, at this time. Just anecdotal.
For three decades I have used these extruded alluminum racks to display my model trains.
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I have only ever had problems with two wheels.
1) Life Like Proto 2000 freight car wheels
2) Kato freight car wheels
Both of these corroded badly where the wheel touched the alluminum shelf racks.
Kadee wheels and all locomotive wheels have been OK.
-Kevin
Living the dream.