How to solder feeder wires to AC 3-rail?

[turbine682]

Hi,

I am considering Ross Custom Switches and Track. Simple X-mas layout 4 X 6 oval with siding - manual turnout with Caboose 208S ground throw.

RCS makes a power section, but I think it would be better just to solder the feeder wires directly to the track.

Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on purchasing a power section versus solder?

2. Which rails do I solder the feeder wires to?

Thanks in advance, --Ed

[Roger Bielen]

There are a couple of ways to attach wire to Ross, or Gargraves, track. First, two connections are required: one for the power supply to the center rail and a second for the "U", ground, to the outer rail, if the outer rails are not already electrically connected they could/should be jumpered to each other.

If you are going to drop the wires straight down through a hole in the board you can: 1) Crimp on a wire terminal (device for connecting wires to posts ala the transformer) and force it into the underside of the rail (you can also bend this at a 90 to keep the wires above the table). 2) For soldering, pu***he wire into the underside of the rail and solder in, note: on the blackened rails it is necessary to scrape off the blackening in the area to be soldered. For attaching the wires on the side of the rails just lightly tin the outside of the outer rail in the area you want to connect to and solder on a tinned wire, for a blackened center rail again remove some blackening, tin, and attach.

Other than the black center rail there should be no problems. Enjoy your Christmas layout.

[bowlerp]

On a layout that small I would not bother to solder. I would use either the terminal track or on gargraves they have handy and hidden "blades" that go in the bottom of the hot and return rails. You can hide the terminal track connectors with a little scenery, pine trees covered with snow, etc.

[turbine682]

Thanks to all for your help. I agree I should just go ahead and use the RCS power track vs. solder. ( I don't have a soldering gun -- yet) However, when ( and who knows what century) I build the 14 X 36 that I designed with 3rd Planet, I'll definitely use the soldering tips.

--Ed