Aristo Ally
- Thread starter WKDOR
- Start date
Gizzy
A gentleman, a scholar, and a railway modeller....
It will oxidize, hence its recommendation for battery or live steam.
The oxidisation becomes an insulating layer, stopping electrickery getting to the wheels and skates of electrickery powered locos.
Kind of like a weathering, but white/greyish I think?
If you are a live steam or battery man then it sounds like a good buy....
The oxidisation becomes an insulating layer, stopping electrickery getting to the wheels and skates of electrickery powered locos.
Kind of like a weathering, but white/greyish I think?
If you are a live steam or battery man then it sounds like a good buy....
Aluminium is one of those rare metals which oxidises immediately in the presence of air, consequently what we see as aluminium is in fact aluminium oxide, a dull mid grey metallic colour. So the answer to your question is it might go more dull, but the colour will stay the same i.e. grey and not rusty.
Guess what offset printing plates are made of...
Guess what offset printing plates are made of...
I bought 48 x 30cm from US just as brass went through the roof. Delivered express cost me about £80 - €120 (in those days). I thought I had recieved an empty box, seriously lightweight. The idea was for sidings, steam/battery power or possibly a portable layout. In the end I have used it as a temporary layout, just to see if my "plan" would work.
I can say that after 5 months (maybe more) outside it is still very bright compared to my Aristo brass which has weathered nicely. There is oxide present but it is not exactly white powdery more silvery grey and quite hard ( I think aluminium oxide is used as a blasting media and also "sandpaper"). Must admit to not having tried running track power lately so cannot say if it needs a good scrub first.
I will say that the fishplates are pretty weak in my opinion, they bend very easily and 3 or 4 sections joined together have a significant sag when you lift them up. There is also a fair bit of corrosion if you join to dissimilar (ie. brass) track , a bit of your coppaslip or graphite would be good here.
I can say that after 5 months (maybe more) outside it is still very bright compared to my Aristo brass which has weathered nicely. There is oxide present but it is not exactly white powdery more silvery grey and quite hard ( I think aluminium oxide is used as a blasting media and also "sandpaper"). Must admit to not having tried running track power lately so cannot say if it needs a good scrub first.
I will say that the fishplates are pretty weak in my opinion, they bend very easily and 3 or 4 sections joined together have a significant sag when you lift them up. There is also a fair bit of corrosion if you join to dissimilar (ie. brass) track , a bit of your coppaslip or graphite would be good here.
The Devonian
Registered
I am considering replacing the brass track in my storage shed and possibly other less used spurs, with Aristo aluminium track. The shed tracks are under cover so I think this track will be ideal for its intended use.
Those running using battery power only may find it very good and economical but I do hear that it is not as strong as stainless steel or brass and therefore care is needed where clumsy feet might be present.
Those running using battery power only may find it very good and economical but I do hear that it is not as strong as stainless steel or brass and therefore care is needed where clumsy feet might be present.
