What are the advantages or disadvantages of brass vs. stainless steel rail for garden railways?
In my opinion, brass has several advantages over stainless steel. It is easier to work with, can be easily soldered, is cheaper, conducts electricity well (if that is a concern), and will weather to a nice, dark color (except Aristo-Craft track, which does not seem to weather). Stainless steel is more difficult to work with, more expensive, cannot be easily soldered, and will always be bright and shiny. Q: I’ll be moving soon, and have never built a model railroad. If I build a garden railroad, will I be able to take my garden tractor over the track, or should I plan to make an overpass of some kind? A: Yes, you should be able to run your lawn tractor over the track, with some qualifications. The track will need to be very firmly supported at the point where the tractor crosses it. I’d suggest a concrete pad, perhaps around 4″ thick, with reinforcing metal contained therein upon which the track is laid. Also, the concrete should be brought up to the top of the rail as well, both inside
