Brass Track
Brass Track
The Model Train Tracks - Avoid Common Mistakes Others Make By Considering These Factors
Choosing the right model Train Track can be an important decision. After all, proper track selection will enable your train to run smoothly over the layout and bring Your Model train dreams to life. So, where does one start with the selection process? The first step is to consider the various factors that go into this decision such as scale, metal type, and design.
Scales not only determine the different sizes of Model Trains when compared to a real train, it also determines which track to use. For instance, in the United States, the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) has devised a set of standard rail codes for each model train scale. Manufacturers will offer tracks according to these codes. For instance, if one is building an HO Scale Train, one might consider the Atlas HO Code 100 Track. Don't be intimidated if you don't have these codes memorized. Your local hobby shop or an online retailer will be happy to recommend different options available for your train scale.
Another factor that is not discussed as much is the type of rail metal used to fabricate the track. The train track is composed of one of four materials - brass, zinc-coated steel, steel, and Nickel Silver. Brass and zinc-coated track are the most common train track metals.
Brass is a good conductor of electricity, but the oxide that forms on it inhibits electricity. As a result, the care and cleaning associated with brass tends to be a bit overwhelming sometimes. In order to keep the train in running condition, you need to clean the rails by removing this oxidation.
The zinc-coated steel has another disadvantage. As the zinc coating wears away (as it eventually will), it leaves the steel exposed. You are then left with another problem. Since steel rusts, one will need to undertake additional care and maintenance to prevent rust from building up.
Nickel silver tracks conduct electricity as well as brass but are resistant to rust and corrosion. This is why nickel silver, while being more expensive than the other metal types, is preferred by a majority of model railroad enthusiasts. They feel these characteristics-better performance and low maintenance--justify the higher cost.
With regards to the track design, there are various options available. For instance, one could purchase a standard track or one with an integrated roadbed. The primary difference is that the track with the integrated roadbed has rails attached to strips of plastic that resemble a bed of gravel under and around the rails. The integrated roadbed is ideal for a beginner's or a children's Train Set. However, more experienced hobbyists prefer to create their own roadbed.
In addition, one can purchase sectional or flexible tracks. Sectional tracks are either small pieces of curved or Straight Track. The flexible track, in contrast, is a three-foot piece of track that can be curved into various shapes and designs. Although the merits of the flexible train track are beyond the scope of this article, both the sectional and flexible Train Tracks can be integrated seamlessly into the same layout.
Track selection is indeed an important decision. It is also one of the more enjoyable aspects of this hobby. With some advance consideration and planning, you'll avoid costly mistakes and put yourself on the right track to success!
About the Author
Gabriel O. Delaney is the author of "Model Train Secrets Exposed" which teaches you everything you wanted to know about the model train track, including valuable information on how to save the most time and money with this hobby.
For a FREE subscription to Gabriel's "The Secrets of Successful Model Railroading" course, visit http://www.ultimatemodeltraintips.com.
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Atlas HO 1 2 18R Snap Track Lot of 8 Pieces Shipping Included |  |
0 Bid | US $4.99 | 26m |
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Lot Of HO Brass Track 91 pieces more | |
13 Bids | US $15.50 | 41m |
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3 piece Aristo Craft 24 straight track | |
3 Bids | US $26.99 | 1h 31m |
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4 Bids | US $170.17 | 1h 32m |
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1 Bid | US $15.99 | 1h 38m |
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MTH UP 10 Axle Depressed Center w OMI Brass Trucks Kadees 2 Rail New OB | |
1 Bid | US $165.00 | 1h 53m |
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50 Split Jaw Rail Clamps Brass B 332 SJC 70mm 40059 | |
0 Bid | US $74.99 | 1h 56m |
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BLMA Early Signal Bridge Double Track Brass Kit | |
9 Bids | US $31.00 | 2h 6m |
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American Flyer 312 K5 4 6 2 Steam Loco PRR Cast Metal Smoking Tender Works | |
3 Bids | US $46.00 | 2h 20m |
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200 piece H O brass track w accesories and 2 transformers | |
10 Bids | US $41.76 | 2h 29m |
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1 Bid | US $14.99 | 2h 53m |
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VINTAGE TYCO HO CURVED STRAIGHT TRACKS IN ORIG BOX NO RESERVE | |
3 Bids | US $5.50 | 3h 4m |
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HO GondolasRock Train 1 | |
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HO GondolasRock Train 2 | |
0 Bid | US $8.99 | 3h 34m |
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HO H24 66 Powered Diesel Locomotive | |
6 Bids | US $27.98 | 3h 54m |
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Atlas HO Brass Track Sections 9 Straight | |
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Bachmann G Scale Train Brass Track 5 Foot Diameter Curved 12 pieces 94654 | |
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LGB 10000 BRASS 1 FOOT STRAIGHT TRACK 18 Pieces G Scale | |
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HO Scale 33 Pc Nickel Silver Brass Assortment By TycoLife Like Feller Garnet | |
0 Bid | US $16.17 | 5h 48m |
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Weaver brass M1a Mountain 3 rail Pennsyvania | |
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US $599.95 | 6h 29m |
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Rerailer Terminal and 11 Vintage 9 Curved Track Sections 18R HO Scale | |
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US $5.99 | 6h 33m |
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ATLAS FLEISCHMANN AHM TRAINS HUGE 60 PIECE HO GAUGE BRASS TRACK SET NR 01 | |
9 Bids | US $18.18 | 6h 49m |
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Spectrum HO Scale Train Streetcar DCC Equipped Cleveland Transit 84608 | |
12 Bids | US $26.47 | 6h 54m |
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Spectrum N Scale Train Diesel GE Dash 8 40C DCC Ready Norfolk Southern 85055 | |
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HO Brass CSSSB trolley Line Poles 5 dbl track | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 7h 15m |
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HO Scale TRain Track 93 pieces | |
0 Bid | US $25.00 | 7h 31m |
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Nice HO Scale Steam Locomotive and Tender | |
0 Bid | US $22.00 | 8h 7m |
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Ho Scale Remote LR electric Track switch 8 Deck Bridge White picket fence wood | |
0 Bid | US $39.95 | 8h 31m |
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TT Scale 3 freight cars various manufacturers rare | |
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HO TRAIN LOT OF 10 PIECES BRASS SNAP TRACK 18 RADIUS CURVE NICE | |
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HO SCALE MISC SHORT TRACKS | |
0 Bid | US $2.25 | 18h 22m |
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HO SCALE MISC SHORT 1 3 18 INCH RADIUS TRACKS | |
1 Bid | US $3.25 | 18h 22m |
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HO SCALE 40 pc BRASS Track | |
0 Bid | US $15.00 | 18h 23m |
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ATLAS BRASS 18 DEGREE RADIUS SNAP TRACK | |
0 Bid | US $1.29 | 18h 32m |
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ATLAS BRASS 18 DEGREE 1 2 RADIUS SNAP TRACK | |
1 Bid | US $1.99 | 18h 40m |
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ATLAS BRASS 15 DEGREE 1 2 RADIUS SNAP TRACK | |
1 Bid | US $1.29 | 18h 50m |
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HO TRU SCALE 4 L MOUNTED AUTOMATIC SWITCH | |
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ATHEARN HO SANTA FE SDP 40 POWERED LOCOMOTIVE NEW OLD STOCK BLUE BOX AWESOME | |
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HO TRAIN ATLAS CUSTOMLINE 2 PACK BRASS SNAP TRACK 19 DEGREE CROSSING NEW MINT | |
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US $14.99 | 19h 39m |
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HO TRAIN ATLAS CUSTOMLINE BRASS SNAP TRACK 25 DEGREE CROSSING NEW | |
1 Bid | US $7.99 | 19h 39m |
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US $6.99 | 19h 39m |
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BLMA N Scale Brass 200 Single Track Truss Bridge BLACK BRASS | |
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ATHEARN HO MILWAUKEE H24 66 TRAINMASTER POWER LOCOMOTIVE ER3 2 DIFFERENT ROADS | |
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Z Scale Micro Trains Micro Track Package 599 | |
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