Fast Tracks

I need to know what thickness of material is best recommended to make the tabs that attach the points to the throwbars. I have some small electrical solder tabs that can be easily modified for this, they are .015" thick tin plated brass. Is this too much? If this is too much, I can make them from brass shim stock. I have several thicknesses from .002" thru .012".

Also, where is a good, cheap, source for the small screws (in bulk quantities - not the 10 for $3 range) to attach the tabs with? What size should be used? I am thinking about the hex head 00-90 or 0-80 sizes and threading the PCB throwbar for this. Wrong thinking?

I have thought about the method of soldering a spike to the point and drilling a hole in the throwbar. I am concerned that the very small area of solder holding the spike to the point would not be strong enough. Anyone used this method? If so, how long have they worked successfully?

Thanks

I sort of combined your ideas on my switches. I soldered tabs with #60 holes in them to the points. I then use a spike and the soldering iron to spike the tag to the throw bar and clipped the spike flush on the bottom. Then the switch had some play and would have less stress on the solder joint on the switch point. I too thought about using the small screws you mentioned but would have had to send off for them. So in the mean time I used the hot spike method. I'm going to test these first switches on a test layout using Caboose Hobbies HO ground throws. If there is an issue with the spikes working free, I can quickly put new throw bars in and use the screws. I was also given a name of a company that sells those kinds of small screws, will have to read through some old e mail to find it.

Greg Elems

Several sources for bulk screws. I'd use the 0-80 for most work, but 00-90 would be better appearing - just more delicate to thread in the tie bar and may be a bit too unstable since we don't clamp down tight so the tabs can flex.

Micro Fasteners at http://www.microfasteners.com/

Small Parts at http://www.smallparts.com/

METRIC: Micro Fasteners at: http://www.microfasteners.com/catalog/p ... METMCS.cfm

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-ed mccamey-
COSLAR RR - http://www.coslar.us/
NMRA Standards and Conformance Department
PROTO & FINE Scale Coordinator
I estimate I have about 5 pounds of coupler springs somewhere in the vicinity of my workbench.

I have a supply of the screws in 00-80 and 00-90. There is no difficulty in installing them, tapping the PCB tie and all that, but I became interested in changing the looks away from the bulky screws plus getting all hinged points powered so there would not be a chance of stalling. I posted some pics of what I put together in another post.

Thanks