Stainless steel vs, Brass

[RR Redneck]

Ah, ok, never mind then. I have never used it outdoors, forgive my ignorance.

[tangerine-jack]

Ah, ok, never mind then. I have never used it outdoors, forgive my ignorance.

Ignorance, i.e. the state of not knowing a fact, is quite forgivable.  Stupidity, i.e. the state of knowing you are ignorant of facts and failing to correct the problem, is not forgivable.  Ignorance is cured by knowledge; knowledge is gained by asking questions.  Never apologize for curing your own ignorance with knowledge gained from asking questions

[Anonymous]

He who knows not and knows that he knows not, is a child lead him.

He who knows not and knows not that he knows not, is a fool, shun him

He who knows but knows not that he knows, is a sleeper, wkae him.

Butr he who knows and knows that he knows, is a leader follow him.

IJB 25 Sept 2006 and someone else much wiser than me a long time ago.

[FJ and G]

Well, the discussion was brass v SS but since Greg expanded the discussion, I'd agree with him that n/s is more prototypical color. It has pretty much the same advantages I cited for brass and then some.

Here's my n/s rails in place:

[RR Redneck]

They look pretty good.

[EMPIRE II LINE]

Just thought I'd give a couple of pennys worth, I've been using SS for just over a year now and am presently building my new line with all SS and SS rail clamps, the only way to go if you live where I do, Central Florida. Especially if you run track power, I use Bridgewerks power systems, along with Loco-Linc RC and MTH's DCS system, I'm still learning how to properly wire and get the best performance outta the DCS system, however I do like it pretty well. I formerly had a brass layout consisting of a mainline of more than 2000 foot, the constant CLEANING--- AHHHHHH, if it had't been for the LGB track cleaning engine, I'd a hated the layout, I model the GREAT NORTHERN RR  from Minneapolis through the Rockies to Seattle, hence the name of my line is THE EMPIRE II LINE, I run long freights and USA passenger trains, 19 of their extruded aluminum cars in the GN scheme alone. Had three levels of tracks through mountains and all. So back to the subject at hand, after using brass for more than 10 years, both here, as well as in Akron ,Ohio.....I say, Mind Ya, I SAY, personal opinion and experience here, if you run track power and use br-***, in a climate like this, you gotta be one....especially if you can afford the alternative. I love to run them trains and what a pleasure it is to not spend time cleaning all the time, as before. I can just go out and run even after the worst rain we've had, with only a minimal cleaning, if any. The Track cleaning engine is still used at times, tree sap and leaves, but as a general rule it's pretty much a yard relic. My new line is inexcess of 1000 foot right now and it runs well, as far as conductivity, well as I've said I am learning how to wire the system so that the MTH-DCS system will perform flawlessly, as it is, they suggest jumpers every 20 foot or so, a bit impractical for this size of a layout. I'm still learning and experimenting, will let you know what i come up with in the future if your interested.   Byron   

[on30francisco]

I was thinking of using stainless steel but opted for nickel-silver, which is made in codes 215, 250, as well as code 350. It looks very realistic, can easily be soldered, and conducts electricity well. Since I'm modeling indoors, I don't know how it will work in a garden.

[Anonymous]

I have fairly extensive experience with brass (both outdoors and indoors), and more limited experience with both stainless steel and aluminum rails.  I never had any major problems with brass, aside from keeping it clean, but my next outdoor layout will use stainless steel exclusively.  I simply like the look of it, and given my status as an "oldster," I like the fact that it requires a bit less attention in terms of cleaning.

I've also tried aluminum track (Hartland, with the built-in roadbed), but would not recommend it for outdoor use for a variety of reasons.  I use the Hartland track in my indoor LS display cases, and on smaller indoor layouts.

There's sure nothing wrong with brass--it has been used on garden railways for years--but my personal preference these days is definitely with stainless steel.