Fast Tracks

In looking over the online documentation for the assembly jigs it seems to me that the solder joint between the points and throwbar is a point where a breakage is likely to occur. Especially if you use twin-coil switch machines or (as I plan) manual turnout control using rods under the layout. Is there a viable way to strengthen that joint, or is it a non-issue? Would silver-bearing solder be the way to go here? I was actually thinking in terms of drilling a small hole thru the throwbar into the base of the rail and either soldering or epoxy-ing in a piece of wire to strenthen this joint.

BTW, one of your jig kits is on my wish-list once I start layout construction. That's why I'm trying to get all this information before I start.

Well I work in N and solder a wire to the point and drill a hole in the throwbar, works for me.
Also you could crank up the p87 group on the internet, they have a throwbar which will eliminate that problem too.

Rob

Hi,

If you get a good quality solder joint and clean off any residual flux you will not have any problems with the joint breaking.

If you are still concerned about this issue, and don't mind putting in a bit of extra effort in building the switch points on your turnouts you can use the approach outlined on our eighth newsletter on this very subject. It can be found here...

http://www.handlaidtrack.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14

You can try using some silver solder, but there is much debate about how much stronger it really is.

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Cheers!

Tim Warris
Fast Tracks
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