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 Posted - March 15 2014 : 9:54:30 PM
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I have Tyco track (silver colored) and AHM track (brass colored) from about 40 years ago. Most of the joiners are bent. What kind of joiners do I need to buy? I saw Atlas universal, Tyco brass, Peco code 83, Atlas silver code 83, etc.... on Ebay.
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Posted - March 15 2014 : 10:23:25 PM
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| In theory any company's joiners should fit any other companies track, as long as the track is all the same code. Code refers to the height of the rail (83 and 100 are the two you'll find in HO). Your old steel and brass track would be code 100. I think the Atlas universals are what I used on the Tyco Tru-Steel track on my layout.
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Posted - March 15 2014 : 11:40:33 PM
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Definitely go for the Atlas joiners. They are good and strong, and they are currently in nickel-silver (the material doesn't matter that much when it comes to joiners; on my previous layout though most of my track was nickel-silver, I did have a few brass joiners.)
But I might not recommend trying to use the AHM track on your layout. Brass track can be a lot of trouble nowadays. Stick with the Tyco Tru-Steel track (the silver track you mentioned), or get some new Atlas and Life-Like Code-100 nickel-silver track.
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Posted - March 16 2014 : 2:58:48 PM
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I prefer the patina of old brass. Some say brass is more conductive than steel or nickel silver.
One thing I have learned, from an article by the prolific Lionel Strang, is the use of "Wahl's Hair Clipper Oil" to clean track and wheels. It strips off grime and oxide and leaves a fine film which does not affect traction. The film keeps the track oxide free for months, and does not affect traction tires.
I have used wood grain alcohol, makes impressive black streaks on cleaning cloth, then cruds up within the hour. Also have used Goo Gone, acetone, most brands of track cleaner and numerous track cleaner cars, abrasives, dry cloth.
Abrasives micro groove the track, lessening conduction, and pretty much just spread dirt around.
My money is the Wahl's. $4 bottle lasts a life time. Safe on plastics and rubber traction tires. Available at most beautician supply shops.
JMcNeal
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Posted - March 16 2014 : 3:31:00 PM
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chops - I used to be a true believer in Labelle 105 cleaner/conditioner, which is probably a pretty close sibling to Wahl's clipper oil - does all the same things only more expensive. But lately I have had my doubts as it IS, like Wahl's, a lubricant - which is not a traction enhancer. You may find a middle ground where it works for you as I have, but in situations on my layout with lots of curves and getting into longer/heavier trains, there is a point where the stuff needs to be removed to get certain locomotives to pull.
As far as the other advantages, yes I agree 100%. Alcohol cleans but doesn't keep it clean, and the Labelle acts as a conductivity enhancer, as I would think the Wahl's does.
http://tycodepot.com/
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