I've noticed that, even in this modern age when nickel-silver track is the norm for modern HO model railroading, there is still some HO track using steel rails available.
I know Bachmann still offers a steel version of E-Z track, but I heard it may be discontinued soon (if it already hasn't been.)
Life-Like and Model Power also offer conventional Code-100 steel track (the latter only equips it with their sets.) And speaking of Life-Like, they also offer Power-Loc in steel track, but are planning on discontinuing the nickel-silver version (too bad!) Their railroad crossing and switchman accessories also use steel rails (both the conventional and Power-Loc versions, if I'm not mistaken.)
While steel doesn't oxide like the crappy brass track did, it is prone to corrosion and rust (if you're running a layout in a basement or something), and when it's perfectly-new, it's nice but does not conduct as good electricity as nickel-silver does. My guess is that steel track is cheaper to make and sell than nickel silver, and can also be purchased cheaper than nickel silver on occasion. (Too bad Tyco didn't stick around long enough to start making nickel silver track!)
Any comments/opinions?
I know Bachmann still offers a steel version of E-Z track, but I heard it may be discontinued soon (if it already hasn't been.)
Life-Like and Model Power also offer conventional Code-100 steel track (the latter only equips it with their sets.) And speaking of Life-Like, they also offer Power-Loc in steel track, but are planning on discontinuing the nickel-silver version (too bad!) Their railroad crossing and switchman accessories also use steel rails (both the conventional and Power-Loc versions, if I'm not mistaken.)
While steel doesn't oxide like the crappy brass track did, it is prone to corrosion and rust (if you're running a layout in a basement or something), and when it's perfectly-new, it's nice but does not conduct as good electricity as nickel-silver does. My guess is that steel track is cheaper to make and sell than nickel silver, and can also be purchased cheaper than nickel silver on occasion. (Too bad Tyco didn't stick around long enough to start making nickel silver track!)
Any comments/opinions?