Fast Tracks

Currently I am soldering points to scale width PC ties and my big concern is reliability over the long term. As I am selling these I want the customer to get his moneys worth and not have to resolder point rails every year.
Until something comes along that is better what I am doing is cutting small brass or nickel silver squares about 1/16 in width and using them to re enforce the point rail connection. I also use silver solder at that location exclusively. The increase in strength of the solder and the addition of the sheet metal has made the point rail connection much stronger.
So if you still using the soldered to tie point techique you might want to try this to add some longevity to your point rail connections.

Rob de rebel

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Rob de Rebel

Hey Rob,

Prototype switches actually have two braces holding the points together and the linkage to throw the point is connected to the first brace (closest to the end of the points.)

Since you brought this up, I was thinking of soldering flat brass stock between the points to hold them together and have the prototype look, though it may be more trouble than it's worth.

-sd80mac-

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Romans 10:9-10

I don't know Mac, having a stronger more reliable connection on the points and throwbar is more than worth the effort. The question is now to do it. having a brass bar across the tie defeats the purpose of isolating it for dcc friendliness. but it could be cut, the bar would still provide more surface area than the tin foil of copper below it. I was thinking of soldering the bar to the top of the pc throwbar then soldering the points to it instead.. the purpose is to allow more surface area for the throwbar to hold the brass, and then give a good solid surface for the points to solder to.
It mightl work out better because it also strengthens the throwbar, which will be weakened after the hole is drilled the actuating wire.
Rob

What if after you solder the turnout together in the fixture you soldered another throwbar a little further back to help tie points together?

-sd80mac-

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Romans 10:9-10

I thought about it, but dont like the idea. why? well if you look at the point rails when they move, they dont exactly move the same way, ones straight the other curved, adding another throwbar would probably add to force need to throw the points and add a gauge problem at the same time.

I do have another idea, this is to solder a sheet brass to cover the pc tie, then locate where the point rail will sit, saw a groove into the brass so the base of the point rail sits in it.
Now it has a mechanical joint to help hold it.
Then solder it up, the fillet will hold the rail in the joint, and the joint will re enforce the point where it needs it most, when thrown against the stock rail.

Rob