Fast Tracks

To Tim, or Ron,

You mentioned soldering the frog from the bottom of the turnout, how do you accomplish this, I ask because after shaping the frog, and filling it with solder for shape, I kind of worry about appliying the iron a second time or third time to secure it to a tie.

Rob

Hi Rob,

When the turnout is complete and removed from the fixture I like to secure the bottom of the rail of the frog to the PC board ties by turning the turnout over and soldering it from underneith.

I liberally apply some acid based flux to the bottom of the rail and tie and using a 35W iron solder it. The solder will "creep" in between the rail and the tie forming a solid bond. I have never has one come out of alighment doing this, the trick is not to heat it too long, whe whole process usually takes me 2 seconds.

_________________
Cheers!

Tim Warris
Fast Tracks
http://www.fast-tracks.net
service@fast-tracks.net

I'm attempting to use Micro engineering weathering solution, it works fine on the rail sides but ti seems to be difficult to get the weathering to cover the edges. (and the solder joints are a different colour. Mind you I have prepped the rail by a combination of wire brushing, hot water and soap after and letting the rail air dry for few minutes before applying the weathering.. Do you have any experience using their solution??

Rob

Rob,

I have tried using blackening solutions but have never been very happy with the results, mainly because of what you noticed, it will not color solder the same as the rails. I have always found the best approach for me is to just paint the entire turnout and ties, including the wood ties, the same color, and useing various drybrishing techniques and some weathering, finish it off that way. Pictures of the results of this can be found in the slide show at the front of the website and in the documentation that is included with the fixtures and on the site.

_________________
Cheers!

Tim Warris
Fast Tracks
http://www.fast-tracks.net
service@fast-tracks.net

Hello Tim,

I am coming to the same conclusion myself, do you use a primer first, it might add some adhesion to the pc ties that tend not to like paint.

Rob

Rob,

I haven't used primer, but it certainly would be a good idea, as I have noticed the paint does scratch fairly easily.

One of the advantages to using the hinged point technique that I covered in the last newsletter is that the copper foil is removed from the PC board throwbar tie, thus eliminating the possibility of the copper showing where the points move.

_________________
Cheers!

Tim Warris
Fast Tracks
http://www.fast-tracks.net
service@fast-tracks.net