Stainless vs Nickel Silver

[Snoq. Pass RR]

I know that each has its own pros and cons, but which, in your opion, is better for outdoor railroads: Stainless Steel or Nickel Silver.

[Anonymous]

You would want to have a very good reason for not using brass.

Ian

[cabbage]

Nickel Silver.

Strong, flexible -and it solders well. All my track is PECO SM32 amd although we use the Tenmille track at the club layout -I would say my locos never feel as comfortable with it as they do on the PECO.

regards

ralph

[Snoq. Pass RR]

Cabbage,

Were do I find PECO SM32?

[cabbage]

PECO are the UKs largest producer of railway track. As you are in the US then I am afraid I don't know(?) I think the track you are looking for is their G45 or Gauge 1 -both 45mm gauge. http://www.peco-uk.com/ regards ralph

[Anonymous]

Why would you depart from brass, do you have pollution problems?

Rgds ian

[RR Redneck]

I use brass, and dont plan on switchin any time soon.

[FJ and G]

You didn't mention whether or not you're using track power. I would have to say that on balance, brass wins hands down.

[Snoq. Pass RR]

I am using RCS only.  Track power does not work for me, so I have switched over to battery powered locomotives.  I have some Brass track, but would like to move to a more realistic looking track.  I work on a railroad, so I see real track almost everyday.  When I get home to my layout, I dislike see the goldish color that Brass gives off.

[FJ and G]

If looks are what you're after, you might need to rust paint the sides of the rails and determine in your own mind whether tops of rails look better SS or NS (I'd opt NS).

 Also, unless you're using totally sectional track, I'd go NS b/c easier to bend and solder.

[Anonymous]

Realism is a reason i guess but at what cost?

I try and grow stuff between my rails to make things look nore countryish and unused sort off.

It looks good but it causes me problems from time to time though.

Rgds ian

[FJ and G]

Regarding realism, I have decided to only handlay ties where the track will show, which is about 1/2 the area. In the other area, I'm using the plastic ties so that I can put dirt over the ties and grow small weedy plants like thymes, to simulate underutilized rails.

 

The plastic ties will not be seen below the dirt/ballast/moss mix and there are no worries about them rotting away AND, I don't need to put oil down as wood preservative that might kill the plants. As far as I know, I'm the only one using this particular philosophy. But there could be others. 

[ttrigg]

I dislike see the goldish color that Brass gives off.

What kind of brass do you have?  Not all brass is equal!  I have a few pieces of AristoCraft brass that have been out in the weather for just over 3 years.  They shine and glisten with great aggravation and consternation.  OTOH, My LGB Brass Rail did its own weathering job,  It took about 3 months for it to oxidize to a golden brown.

I have some Brass track, but would like to move to a more realistic looking track. 

More realistic looking? Glistening streaks of silver?

[Anonymous]

You are quite right not all brass is the same and Aristo has more tin in or is it nickle i can't remember and LGB has more copper and i prefer the one with less copper as it doesn't oxidise as quickly.

Rgds ian 

[Snoq. Pass RR]

To end this now:  I hate Brass, want different rail.  Which would be better Nickel Silver or Stainless Steel.  By the sounds of it Nickel Silver is better.  Is this true?????

[Anonymous]

I have never considered using either but you must have good reason for so doing, this would then probably determine which you should use and what would be best fot you in your situation.

rgds ian

[tangerine-jack]

If your only parameter is that the track is not to be brass, then EITHER nickle-sliver OR stainless will do as clearly neither one is brass.  You choose which, since you run battery there will be no difference  between NS or stainless. 

There is no clearly defined "better" or "worse" in the world of Garden railroads, whatever works for YOU is the correct way to go.  Don't like yellow/brown rails?  That's OK, get yourself some silver ones and enjoy your railroad.

[Anonymous]

I agree Jack there is no right or wrong way to do anything in this hobby; it is only what is best for you.

Rgds ian

[grandpopswalt]

Since you're using battery power, right?, so conductivity isn't an issue therefore I'd use Aluminum track. Paint the sides rust or buy weathered rail. The metal wheels will polish the rail tops nice and shiney and it will look very prototypical. And it will be much cheaper than the other three alternatives.

 

Walt

      

[FJ and G]

To end this now:  I hate Brass, want different rail.  Which would be better Nickel Silver or Stainless Steel.  By the sounds of it Nickel Silver is better.  Is this true?????

 if appearance is the deciding factor as you said, try Walt's suggestion of Aluminum. IMO N/S is superior b/c of its ease of bending and soldering. But if shiny railtops is your priority then get SS & paint the sides; the ss tops will give you the best shine for your money

[ttrigg]

You are quite right not all brass is the same and Aristo has more tin in or is it nickle i can't remember and LGB has more copper and i prefer the one with less copper as it doesn't oxidise as quickly.

Rgds ian 

<> Ian;
That is exactly why I chose to go with the LGB, yes I probably have to clean it more often, but after a bit of natural weathering, it achieves the color I like.  Since that is what I wanted, that is what I purchased.  More importantly, it is also the color that the wife wants, since she grants the privilege of enjoying this hobby, she gets what she wants.

[Greg Elmassian]

Sheesh... the poor guy says he is using battery power, and wants a more realistic look, and all the brass guys come out and talk about different types of brass, and conductivity,and rail joiners.

 To answer the original question, I am making the following assumptions: that the rail top is a silvery color, not yellow/brass color, and realistic looks are asked for.

 I would make my choice between SS, NS, and aluminum.

On looks alone, I would go with NS, SS is too shiny and bluish in color, and aluminum is too silvery, NS will weather a little darker.

Now, if you were willing to paint the rail and weather it, I would go with SS, because you can weather everything, and then wear/wipe the paint off the rail head as you please.

If cost is an issue, then I think aluminum would be least costly.

If your layout gets stepped on by critters like deer, elk, moose, big dogs, then go SS, because aluminum and NS will bend more easily.

I'm also assuming that since you are going for realism, you will use flex track, or at least long lengths of rails.

 Regards, Greg

[Snoq. Pass RR]

Hay Greg.  Thanks for the advice.  Your advice, along with a few others (and I mean FEW), is very helpful.  I will probable go with NS as I do not have large animals walking ontop of the layout.

[emipapa]

Snoq. Pass RR,

You have not stated what make and type of metal you are now using. If the track that you are looking at is the NEW product LGB then you should be aware that it is NOT Nickel Silver, it is just Nickle Plated. If you do a SEARCH on the different forums you will find many good answers to your questions.  Good Luck and Happy Railroading, Ron   

 

 

[Snoq. Pass RR]

I have LGB Brass.  The rail is good, but the rail height is a little too high for my taste and it has that brass color to it.  I know that is does weather and become a darker color, but then it almost becomes black.  Since I am using battery RCS in my locos, I would like to move to a different rail.  Such as Stainless Steel or Nickel Silver.  Thanks for telling that LGB Nickel Silver is only Nickel Plated.  I will probable avoid that one.  That may be one problem avoided.

[emipapa]

Snoq. Pass RR

Please don't get me wrong, I don't mean to put you off of the LGB Nickle Plated Track. I just wanted you to be aware that in is only Nickle plated. If you do a "SEARCH" as I stated in my last post you will find out that the company that is making it for LGB has been making Nickle Plated Track for 25 years, so they must be doing something right. Again I say Good Luck, Ron

[Snoq. Pass RR]

Emipapa,  I was saying thanks for the information.  Most people online only post their personal opions and not the facts.  But about the LGB NS track, you are right about how the company must be doing something right.  The NS track is most likely great track, but I do not understand the difference between Nickel Silver vs Nickel Plated, and I most likly will never understand the difference.  But I will keep the option open incase I do, eventually, understand the difference.  Emipapa, again, thanks for the infomation.

[emipapa]

Snoq,

I know what you mean, I also get confused about things at times. Back in the early days and before MY time the chrome on CAR BUMPERS and TRIM STRIPS or CAST IRON kitchen or parlor stove was a plating called NICKLE PLATING. I have been told that it contained NO silver due to the high cost of the silver. Hope this helps you understand it a little better. Happy Railroading, Ron  

[tangerine-jack]

I know that each has its own pros and cons, but which, in your opion, is better for outdoor railroads: Stainless Steel or Nickel Silver.

 Snoq, you asked for opinions, not facts.  You stated you were already aware of the facts in the first part of your question.  In the second part of your question you asked specifically for opinions.  Don't get discouraged when you get what you ask for.

[Snoq. Pass RR]

True, I should have worded it better, but yes I asked for opinions.  I was also looking for any facts that may be out there.  So, to reword the question. 

Facts - which is better for outdoor railroads: Stainless Steel or Nickel Silver.  Does anyone have any FACTS, that can be supported, on which rail is better suited for outdoor railroads? 

Opinions - which is better for outdoor railroads: Stainless Steel or Nickel Silver.  Does anyone have any OPINIONS on which rail is better suited for outdorr railroads? 

Is that better tangerine-jack.  My comment, "Most people online only post their personal opinions and not the facts", is aimed at other posts.  People ask for the FACTS and they only get our OPINIONS.  Again, I should have worded the question better.