Trains.com

2 electrical questions (1: nonconductive substance needed 2: cold heat)

1141 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • 6,434 posts
2 electrical questions (1: nonconductive substance needed 2: cold heat)
Posted by FJ and G on Monday, December 12, 2005 7:26 AM
1. My brass throw rod that I fabbed over the weekend is coming in contact with the center of the 3rd rail. I need to insulate the portion that rubs against the 3rd rail when the switch is thrown. I'm thinking either a dab of fingernail polish or epoxy where the throw rod touches the rail. Any ideas appreciated. (it's already soldered to the points so I don't want to remove it and hammer down a depression in that spot).

2. My butane pencil torch has been acting up and falling apart on me as I'm soldering rails outside. My buddy recommended cold heat. Is this a bunch of hype or does it really heat up instantaneously at a very high temperature?

Thanks.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 1,429 posts
Posted by MartyE on Monday, December 12, 2005 7:35 AM
Try liquid electrical tape. Basically is a paint on rubberized product that will give the apperance of electrical tape when dried. If you are looking for a less obvious fix then maybe a little clear silicon cauking.

The cold heat thing I seem to hear that is mostly for smaller jobs and may not work on a rail.

Trying to update my avatar since 2020 Laugh

MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Florida
  • 409 posts
Posted by otftch on Monday, December 12, 2005 7:44 AM
You can get a piece of very thin plastic,like the clear plastic on blister packs,and glue it between the throw and the rail.That wont wear away like any type of coatings.A little bit of super glue,on the throw side will keep it place.Lube with a little graphite.
Ed
"Thou must maintaineth thy airspeed lest the ground reach up and smite thee."
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Austin, TX
  • 10,096 posts
Posted by lionelsoni on Monday, December 12, 2005 11:36 AM
How about a notch in the bottom of the center rail? You might be able to saw through the flanges on either side of the throw rod with very short strokes of a razor saw, then remove the piece of flange by cutting into the web with a Dremel cutoff wheel.

Bob Nelson

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • 6,434 posts
Posted by FJ and G on Monday, December 12, 2005 1:30 PM
Thanks all,

I'll start w/electrical tape fluid, then work my way to more invasive surgury like the thin plastic and finally the "scalpel" if each fails. Thx.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 12, 2005 2:24 PM
Marty's idea about the liquid electrical tape is a good idea. Check the temp range for proper polymerization. Stuff may not set properly unless temp is above 50 degrees.

There are medium to heavy duty resistance soldering units available that might work better than the butane torch. These are not the hobby tweezer units used for HO Brass locos, they are more often found in HVAC/electrical work where open flame, secondary oxidation, or heat spillage is a problem (HVAC work, bus bar). Units are not cheap. Cold might be ok for really small work but it can't pack the heat for a large job or compete with winter ambient conditions. You might want to check E-Bay or surplus houses for deals on RS kits.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 12, 2005 9:50 PM
Hi Dave, I have one of the "Cold Heat" soldering devices and it is fine on very , very ,very ,very ,small solder joints. However it does not work as good as it does on TV. I had this same problem with my Ginsu Knife I purchased a few years back. No matter how hard I tried , I just could not get it to cut like the TV version.[:D][:D][:D][:D]...Tim

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month