Aluminium track with brass?

Bombastic

Registered
Country flag
Hi all,

There's an old thread with a similar question to mine, but it doesn't quite answer my question so here goes: Can I mix aluminum track with my brass track outdoor layout?

I just got a cheap lot of used 3' lengths of aluminum track, and I'd like to replace an 18' straight section of my layout with it. I use DC power. Would I have connectivity issues or weird oxidization between the metals?

Thanks!
 
If you use track-clamps, rather than slide-on joiners, you should be OK.

I would not have a section of aluminium track at (near) the beginning of your line, if you are only feeding in power at one point.

Aluminium track will give you a little less traction. - It is a little more 'slippery' than brass.

I would not leave power on the track 24/7.
The rail sections are large enough that you should not suffer any problems, and all our equipment should be robust enough that any potential generated should not be a problem.

PhilP
 
Ensure you use graphite or copper type grease to prevent bi-metal corrosion between dissimilar metals.
 
From my perspective the fact that the Ally track does not tarnish to a dark colour shouts out aesthetically to look quite awful.
 
I think outside the aluminium could be more prone to corrosion, as in pitting, than brass. Even though aluminium doesn't exist in real life (it is so reactive that it turns into aluminium oxide when in contact with air*) it could still, to a certain extent, rot. Brass is inert by comparison.
* Out of the foundry aluminium is bright and shiny, aluminium oxide which we see is more a dull grey. I know this from printing as we used aluminium plates because it hygroscopic.
 
Once there is a layer of oxide (only a molecule or two thick) it will protect the rest of the rail..
I have a length sitting outside. - has been for best part of three years..
(quickly ventures out in the rain)
IMG_20240711_193437.jpg
It will never go black, like the brass track does.

PhilP
 
Thanks everyone. This segment of track would be level and out of sight behind the roses, so the color is irrelevant as long as it'll work okay mixed with the brass. The bigger issue is cleaning will be harder back there, so the oxidization and resulting dust may be a concern. But I mainly see this aluminum track as a temporary measure to get trains running around my new extension until I find some cheap brass track to replace it.
 
I used some alumium track on a wall for storage of running stock. Much lighter than brass. Not sure about electrolis but it could happen on metal wheels.
 
Back
Top Bottom