Large Scale Central

A Couple of Track Questions

Track and Trestles
#1

Hollywood (and/or others),

Do you know who the manufacturer is / was for the small-tie “Euro” style track? Unlike the “US style” of ties (shown at the top), there’s no brand markings on the rear that I can find, just “Made in China” and “Screw->”.

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I’ll guess it was AristoCraft’s “#1 Gauge” style of track, but don’t really know.

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Also, I heard some time ago that one of the manufacturers didn’t put in a UV stabilizer in their early tie plastic, so it broke fairly easily. Was that AML? And did they fix the problem fairly soon?

Cliff

#2

The early aristo track would crumble due to UV

#3

Cliff;

I think a “give-away” for Aristo would be 2 to 4 small screws imbedded in wax in the hollow space under one or more of the ties. Also, the web of the rail at the end of the track section would be tapped for said screw, and the rail joiners would have an oblong hole for the screw to attach through.

Hope this helps, David Meashey

#4

Thanks John, much appreciated.

#5

David, yes, the track has the waxed-in screws and the tapped rail ends. Unless other manufacturers did the same, I’d call the screw & hole the smoking gun. Thanks very much.

#6

Cliff,
It’s Aristo one is Euro and the other American ties as they called them back in the day. The Euro ties are much more durable and the way to go IMO. But what do I know ?

#7

Thanks Rooster, that’s more good intel. Much appreciated.