Converting from Steel Alloy to Nickel Silver track

[TRossi]

Should I replace all of the track in my layout for the conversion? Would replacing just some of the track give me the enhanced conductivity the Nickel Silver provides? Thank you for any responses.

[Len]

It depends on how large your layout, and your budget, is. If you have a large layout, you'll probably want to replace the track a bit at a time, as funding permits. If you just have a basic oval, you could replace it with this, and pick up a spare controller at the same time:

https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=258_366_367&products_id=8908

Len

[Ralph S]

Here is another tidbit of information you might look into.  Do you plan to run on dcc, now or in the future? Just note that DCC uses signals in the rails, rather than variable voltage of DC, to control train speed and direction. Possible poor contact can lead to loss of control of a train, as the locomotive continues to operate on the last readable command (DCC) it received, regardless of what commands were being sent. Steel rails may be okay if corrosion is not a formable issue in your area.  For this reason, it would be strongly advised not to use steel if your location experiences high humidity, and other corrosive type environments, plus if you do plan to run using DCC, nickel-silver may produce superior contact qualities in environments that steel would corrode and provide lower quality contact due to that corrosive environment.

Hope this tidbit of info provides some clarification of steel versus nickel-silver. 

[TRossi]

Thank you for the above replies. I have a basic 4 X 8 oval layout. If I still have some Steel Alloy track pieces in place along with the NS, will that denigrate the overall increase in conductivity expected with the upgrade?

[trainman203]

I have nickel silver EZ track on parts of an interior layout, the main line has been down almost 20 years now.  The other day I happened to look at the rail in the right light and saw that the rail was turning very dark with oxidation. The funny thing was, the trains still ran fine.  I cleaned the railhead with a Cratex block, looks shiny now,  but it really didn't improve operation that much.

I don't think you'll get those results with  your steel rail track.

[Len]

As Trainman noted, the oxidation of NS rail is conductive. That of steel rail is not. If you have steel rail left over after switching to NS, you could use it on after a NS switch on sidings, where you will be dropping off cars, with little impact on the rest of the layout.

Len