03-27-2011, 09:48 AM
You don't say where you're from... if you're from Europe, check out C+L Finescale. Their steel rail used to be a lead-alloy steel which soldered well, but isn't available in code 70, just code 75 and code 83. The code 75 has a profile similar to North American rail, but the bullhead is definitely a Euro-look rail.
Actually, since you seem to think n/s rail has a yellow tinge, it makes me believe you are across the pond, since many euro-makes had this tinge. Most North American-supplied n/s rail looks silver, with no trace of tint.
Rumour has it that supplies of the steel rail are dwindling, and it's no longer being manufactured, so you may not have a choice.
Whatever floats your boat dude, but steel rail is a giant PITA. While the lead-alloy steel is easy to solder, it's still prone to rust, and stainless rail is difficult to solder to. If you're running trains all-day, every day, and you've got excellent climate control, then steel rail won't be a problem. If, on the other hand, you're not running trains all day, or you really enjoy cleaning track, then steel may be the choice for you.
Actually, since you seem to think n/s rail has a yellow tinge, it makes me believe you are across the pond, since many euro-makes had this tinge. Most North American-supplied n/s rail looks silver, with no trace of tint.
Rumour has it that supplies of the steel rail are dwindling, and it's no longer being manufactured, so you may not have a choice.
Whatever floats your boat dude, but steel rail is a giant PITA. While the lead-alloy steel is easy to solder, it's still prone to rust, and stainless rail is difficult to solder to. If you're running trains all-day, every day, and you've got excellent climate control, then steel rail won't be a problem. If, on the other hand, you're not running trains all day, or you really enjoy cleaning track, then steel may be the choice for you.