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.
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.
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Andy Kramer, Modeling the Milwaukee Road in Wisconsin--- The Milwaukee Road is alive and well and running in my basement!
MRHA member since 2003 www.milwaukeemodelers.net
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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 $$$
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Mike, a.k.a Eastern Roads
President, CEO, CFO, MOW Chief, Painter, Janitor Penn-Haven Central RR Where Alcos, Fairbanks-Mrse, Baldwins, EMD's and the rare GE live on
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.
New Aristo Aluminum track, batteries, and Radio Control
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!
02-25-2008, 08:56 PM
Aristocraft Aluminum Track
New Aristo Aluminum track, batteries, and Radio Control
Linear Mode
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