> there's no need to worry about rust with Stainless Steel.
> Ed Kozlowsky
Logic would lead one to believe rust will be a problem when using
steel. As Dr. Spock would say: "That DOES compute!" However,
anecdotal reports from those using steel for both rails and wheels is
counterintuitive.
One example is a large -- no HUGE -- HO layout in a former bowling
alley in Pasadena, CA which used steel rail throughout. No problems
with rust were noted. Proof of better adhesion was on one passing
siding going up a grade. The passing siding was nickel-silver while
the mainline was steel. The same train went up the grade on the
mainline, circled the layout, and then attempted to go up the same
grade on the passing siding. Wheels slipped and the train stalled.
Same train, same grade, same loco, same everything except for the
rail's material.
Locally, the HO and O folks using steel rail report no rust problems
at all. Of course, we are speaking of dry environments out here
because in California there are few basements. So water seepage is
not an issue and the climate is near desertlike in most areas. Snow
is rare in most all of this state. High humidity is non-existent.
Thank goodness for the water canals and pipelines that bring the
precious fluid into our homes. Rust does not seem to be a problem
for anyone out here.
Since nobody is a metallurgist, nobody can 'splain exactly why rust
is not an issue. Best guess seems to be that constant use and
perhaps a thin coating of track cleaning fluid (sometimes Wahl
Clipper oil) keeps the rust from developing on operating layouts.
Long term storage, as mentioned, is another situation entirely.
However, the primary purveyor of steel rail has lots of the stuff
(rail, not rust) in his inventory for years on end and has reported
no problems with rust. Go figure.....??
One thing is for sure, the folks that actually use steel rail and/or
steel wheels love the stuff. Those who have never tried it have the
disadvantage of not being familiar with it. Those who like to look
at models on a shelf will not care one way or another. Those who run
short trains (under 25 cars) only occasionally on a flat (no grades)
layout will not see much of a difference and will wonder what all the
fuss is about. Those who have grades, run long trains, run for hours
on end, etc., will speak to their satisfaction with steel.
Just adding some fuel to the fire.
Cheers......Fireman Ed L.
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