Electrical Continuity, Track Soldering System

[Anonymous]

I recall reading an advertisement in one of the issues of Garden Railways magazine for a track soldering system that allowed G scale tracks to be soldered fast and efficiently, but for the life of me, I can’t find the ad. As I recall, the track soldering system used two leads, one on each track on either side of the joint, and it supplied heat quickly to the track so that solder could be applied quickly, but it did not melt the plastic ties. No heat sink was required. I use Aristo Craft brass track on my layout.


Am I just imagining the advertisement or is there really a track soldering system like this? If so, could someone please provide me with the product information.

Thanks

Jim K

[cacole]

What you describe would be a resistance soldering system, but certainly not one of those cheap cold-heat soldering irons hawked on TV. A heavy duty one would be required for G-scale rail, and could set you back a few hundred dollars. Micro-Mark has a 100 Watt unit priced at $164.85 plus shipping, but I have never used one of these. From their description of how it works, soldering track with it would be tricky.

I found a do-it-yourself schematic on an electronics web site a few years ago, but never could find the items that are required or were recommended for use as the probes.

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

What you describe would be a resistance soldering system, but certainly not one of those cheap cold-heat soldering irons hawked on TV. A heavy duty one would be required for G-scale rail, and could set you back a few hundred dollars. Micro-Mark has a 100 Watt unit priced at $164.85 plus shipping, but I have never used one of these. From their description of how it works, soldering track with it would be tricky.

I found a do-it-yourself schematic on an electronics web site a few years ago, but never could find the items that are required or were recommended for use as the probes.

Resistance soldering units are relatively simple to build - DISCLAIMER: Don't even think about it if you don't know what "local electrical code, UL or CSA" means!!! .

I've built several for very good customers and friends. The unit I use is SHD (Super Heavy Duty) and can also be used for hot-wire styrofoam cutting.

Apart from the special tweezers (American Beauty), the probes are done "in house" with components which are available from a good industrial supply house.

The rig works like a charm, solders small catenary wire in HOm as well as large stuff for Large Scale and everything inbetween.