Stainless Steel Track Voltage Drop

D

Dieseldonkey

Registered
Hi,

I'm going to be laying two seperate semi circles of track under some decking. Although I can get access underneath to clean the track, for convieniance I'd rather not have to do this on a frequent basis. My plan therefore is to use stainless steel Aristocraft 6.5 ft diameter curves, reducing the need to clean the track at these parts of the layout. By my calculations a half circle will be just over 10ft in length. Can anyone tell me if I'll experiance any significant voltage drop over this distance that would cause a problem.

Thanks

Dieseldonkey
 
Dieseldonkey said:
Hi,

I'm going to be laying two seperate semi circles of track under some decking. Although I can get access underneath to clean the track, for convieniance I'd rather not have to do this on a frequent basis. My plan therefore is to use stainless steel Aristocraft 6.5 ft diameter curves, reducing the need to clean the track at these parts of the layout. By my calculations a half circle will be just over 10ft in length. Can anyone tell me if I'll experiance any significant voltage drop over this distance that would cause a problem.

Thanks

Dieseldonkey
Click to expand...

I wouldn't have thought a short length like 10ft is going to show any significant voltage drop at all. I'd advise you use the best type of rail joiner clamps that you can get your hands on for a positive join - I have heard that the Aristo fishplate screws can tend to work loose over time? You don't want to be having to scrabble underneath or taking up decking planks to re-tighten screws!
 
ROSS said:
IS there a difference in voltage drop between stainless - brass and aluminium? Anybody know?
I have never seen it mentioned .
Click to expand...

Don't know about volt-drop but Aluminium does have a surface layer of aluminium oxide, which acts as an insulator.

David
 
LTfan said:
ROSS said:
IS there a difference in voltage drop between stainless - brass and aluminium? Anybody know?
I have never seen it mentioned .
Click to expand...

Don't know about volt-drop but Aluminium does have a surface layer of aluminium oxide, which acts as an insulator.

David
Click to expand...
I keep hearing this but I had over 300 ft of aluminium rail in the garden for mainly live steam but when I did run track power occosionaly it never seemed to be a problem? quick clean just like bress then no problems at all for at least a couple of days............................................
 
I believe that voltage drop will be negligible. Your problem will be to ensure that the track head remains clean enough to conduct electicity to your loco wheel and pickups
 
I have over 200 feet of stainless, no problem voltage wise.
It no doubt does lose a bit extra compared to brass but you won't notice it.
 
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