Is brass track okay to use?

[MMontague]

I am starting a new 4x8 layout and have all the track I need but it is brass. is that okay to use or should I buy nickel silver?
thanks

 

[lmackattack]

Its ok to use brass but I think it oxidises (sp?) faster. thus you will need to clean the track more often.

 

[Selector]

Wahl's Clipper Oil or Rail Zipp may retard the oxidation for you. But I agree that any track that will allow you to defer expenditures is worth trying. It might not hurt to have a supply of replacement track on hand for two reasons...it gets more costly as time goes on, and you will want to replace the brass track at some point anyway. Maybe you can do it a section at a time.

 

[UP2CSX]

Brass track was the standard for the hobby for many years and trains still ran. If you have all the track you need and would rather not spend the money for NS track, go ahead and use it. As Crandell said, you will have to clean it more frequently than NS track but RailZip is great oxidation control agent and you won't have to clean your tracks much more often the NS tracks, especially if the climate control in your layout room is reasonably consistent. From my point of view, I would buy NS track mainly because it looks more like the real thing but brass will do nicely if looks aren't a big concern.

 

[kbaker329]

My layout is 100% brass having been built over 20 years ago. After painting, I think it looks fine. Over the years, I've found that if I run trains a lot, then very little cleaning is necessary. Idle time = dirty track! I do use Railzip on my track. Have fun!

Keith Baker

 

[MMontague]

thank you very much, all you responses are very useful. I will use it and if it is a problem, I will replace it a section at a time. and I will get RailZip.
thanks again!