Fast Tracks

Model Railroading Discussion Forums

Return To The Fast Tracks Website

The Fast Tracks discussion forums have been closed. Click Here for more information.

It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 2:42 pm

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Forum locked This topic is locked, you cannot edit posts or make further replies.  [ 4 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Soldering technique
PostPosted: Sat May 26, 2012 9:27 pm 
Offline

Joined: Sun Aug 15, 2010 5:22 am
Posts: 5
Hi all,

I have been busy making a number of tracks using the fast tracks system. (good system for the novice like me)

Anyway when soldering I have noticed that i get largish blob of solder in the web of the rail which needs to be cleaned out (n gauge code 55), very time consuming. I thought to my self there must be a better method and that brought me to the conclusion, to tin the pc ties prior to soldering the rail to them.

This is how I do it. Do some practice piece first.

1. Prep and clean ties as normal.
2. Tin the ties on the face the rail will be attached to.
3. Place ties in jig.
4. Prep rails as needed and run a file along the bottom of the rail to clean it an remove any burrs.
5. Apply flux to both the ties and the base of the rail were needed.
6. Place rail into jig grooves (in the right place of course).
7. Hold the rail down firmly and heat the top of the rail (or the top side of the base flange which ever works best for you, I also hold the rail down with a scrap af fret work so as to aviod burning my fingers.)
8. Heat until the solder flows all around the base flange.
9. Continue to hold the rail down until solder has cured (Frozen or set dependenig on what term you use).
10. when done check and clean your work and admire some nice clean solder joints.

Cheers

Ray :wink:

PS:- I will upload some photos when I can find my camera.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Soldering technique
PostPosted: Thu May 31, 2012 11:34 am 
Offline

Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:18 pm
Posts: 7
I use a .125" wide tip from Micro Mark and .015 solder from Radio Shack. After applying a small amount of acid flux to the area of the tie where the rail sits, I place the tip on the tie where it meets the rail. It takes about 2 seconds for the flux to liquify before I touch the solder to the tie - rail seam.

Another 1 to 2 seconds and I can see the solder has been drawn under the rail to the other side. I draw the soldering tip away from the rail before lifting to pull any solder away from the tie avoiding the condition you mention.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Soldering technique
PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:32 pm 
Offline

Joined: Sun Aug 15, 2010 5:22 am
Posts: 5
Thanks Duckdodger,

I have noticed that this method does do a good job of drawing the solder away from the rial and leaves a small amount on the top side of the rail base flange which gives a strong joint I feel, as the solder captures the rail all around rather than just the bottom side, So I have been using this method a little as well.

I have also experimented with different tips and have found the fine conical tip to do the best job. Tim has recommended a fine conical tip in his videos and he is right on the money with that. I found that the larger tips tend to over heat the pc ties and cause delamination of the copper from the fibre glass.

I use this method when I tin the ties so it leaves a thin film of solder on the tie and so the rail can sit flat in the jig.

I have found also that my method is not very strong for the point rails as it seems ta fail and let go which is probably due to the small amount of solder that is used.

It all comes down to trial and error to find the best method that works for you.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Soldering technique
PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:34 pm 
Offline

Joined: Sun Aug 15, 2010 5:22 am
Posts: 5
Opps sorry thats thanks Duckdogger.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Forum locked This topic is locked, you cannot edit posts or make further replies.  [ 4 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 14 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group