Aristocraft Aluminum Track

[TallDude]

I just read on the Aristocraft forum that Aristocraft is re-introducing their Aluminum track (as opposed to their brass and stainless steel lines) as an alternative to the high prices of track nowadays. Track should be available in store mid-year.

Anyone have any opinions on using aluminum track outdoors? This will be solid track, not tubular track.

[Daryl]

what codes will it be in? I will be looking for some 215
Daryl

[TallDude]

250 from what i remember.

Here's some discussion on the Aluminum Track after a little more digging.

Aluminum Track - Aristo-Craft Trains Forum

[ak-milw]

Unless this is some special aluminum that I don't know about, you will have to clean the track every day. The oxidation problem will be very labor intensive, aluminum outside will oxidize very fast unless it is coated with something.

[TallDude]

I think it would be good for battery power which is what a lot of the G-scalers use outside nowadays. Too much like work cleaning track outside.

[reign16]

what is aritocraft? but sound cool




___________________
aluminum plate

[Eastern Roads]

Reign 16, Aristocraft is a G Scale Manufacturer. They make all kinds of trains and tracks, and other stuff in the big scales. BIG TRAINS BIG $$$

[Snoq. Pass RR]

I have run on Aluminum Rail made by Llagas Creek. They sell code 250 and 215 rail. The ones I have run on have been outside in Seattle weather for over 15 years and have yet to fall apart so that means aluminum can withstand being outside. Aristo will more than likely follow suit and coat the rail since G-Scale is ment to be used outside in the weather. Aluminum could be used for track power, but I have only run on the Llagas Creek track with Battery RCS.

[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!