Gary, I use rail that comes from a workshop for handicapped persons in Zürich Switzerland which comes in 3 meter lengths complete with tie bed. For very large radii I just lay it fine sharp gravel and it stays there after cutting off the small amount that the inside rail is shorter. For other small radii I use those provided by suppliers ready bent in maybe 12 or so to a circle. Like you Gary I also run steam, electric and battery on board. I join my track with fish plates just like the real railways. The rail ends are drilled 2.9mm diameter. The fish plates are brass and the 4 screws per joint are 1.6mm stainless. I have no additional feeds for the power and the length of a single run is 180 feet. I did have problems when I used Aristo track. First the rail bed is not of a fixed radius and the Aristo track wandered with temperature change badly, The other track moves sideways slightly as does LGB track. I had contact problems with Aristo. I do not with the others. I live in the alps and have no pollution problems to effect the conductivity, so I'm staying with this solution. I have one curve which my friend bent with the train Li bender and there is no indication of any problems. The other nice thing with buying rail from the handicapped is it does someone some good and they can be proud of their product. It is a pity that it seems that Aristo have a track problem. I find their other products good value for money and are very reliable. I should perhaps point out that I live on a south slope and the rail is to hot to put your hand on in summer and -25°C in winter is not unusual. The track has been out there for years with no problems except those mentioned and of course frost heave which is soon corrected each spring.
Regards Bert, in the Austrian Alps. ------------------------- Bert & Edmunda [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ SSLiveSteam mailing list Send messages: [email protected] Cancel subscription: http://postfix.45mm.com/mailman/listinfo/sslivesteam Rules: http://www.45mm.com/sslivesteam_guide.html
