When I last checked several years ago, American Models was using brass rail for their S gauge track, is this still the case? I also remember that their curved snap track had issues due to the rails not being pre-bent before being inserting into the ties, and as a result it took more than the prescibed number of track sections to close the circle, which resulted in the train bobbing back & forth a bit as it went around the curve, are the newer curves still the same?
Bill in FtL
Replies sorted oldest to newest
The American Models website states it is .148 non corrosive brass rail.
I have not used AM track on a layout, the only track I have is part of some AM sets I purchased many years ago. When I assembled it for a test loop 12 curve sections made a circle with no memorable problem.
Tom
Thanks guys, glad to hear the issue with the curved track has been addressed. I had been hoping that Ron had switched to Nickel Silver rail instead of the brass By now. I'm not sure of the difference between regular and non-corrosive brass (if any), but my negative experiences with brass rail in HO many years ago were enough to make me steer clear of brass track in any scale if Nickel Silver is available.
Bill in FtL
Bill: You won't be disappointed with AM track-at least their flex-track. i also worried about the "brass" aspect of the track having prior early HO brass track history myself. I've had the flex installed now for two years and haven't had any "insulating corrosion" issues with the AM track.
My S-Helper/AM/Flyonel and Gilbert equipment all run great on it. The guard rails on the turnouts are somewhat mystical as they don't necessarily align across from the frog itself. I have modified mine to correct that issue (at least a n issue with me...).
Some pix attached.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
