[KenB]

Aluminum Track

To the best of my understanding....... Aristo Craft is reintroducing aluminum track for Radio controlled/ on board battery operation. Past experience has taught everyone that aluminum track outside is not suitable for track power. A large segment of the outdoor G scale community has gone the direction of battery/RC with great results. It's easy fun, with low maintenance.

The goal is to make G scale affordable, and easy to use for everyone. They are introducing a new radio control system with DCC Like capability, radio controlled turnouts, and the aluminum track system. The new RC system is screen driven, (NO CV's to memorize), 5-8 amps, and will be available in the spring. All are very reasonably priced, and will probably migrate down into the smaller scale eventually. The HO TE system has had some proponents in the past, and I am sure the new RC system will eventually too.

The cost of large scale supplies like track have always been cost prohibitive, but the engines are a real bargain. I think the hope is to make large scale available to everyone that wants to play. It's unfortunate that our economy is in the dumpster, or you would hear a lot more excitement about these new developments!