I had one of these American Beauty units a number of years ago, but used it very little. So I sold it off.
Yesterday I was at a train show, and just about as I was to leave I spotted one on a fellows table,...a brand new 250w unit. Priced right, I bought it. Went on the forum this morning to learn a bit more about its usage. With a lot of track laying coming up shortly it sounds like it might have been a good investment.
I like this idea of not having to solder EVERY rail joiner/connector, perhaps every other one, and alternate sides.
I run wire drops to every section of rail, so I don't solder the rail connectors. Let the joints move if there is a temperature variation
Brian
My Layout Plan
Interesting new Plan Consideration
resistance soldering goes quite a bit quicker than regular soldering .. it's nice ...
FWIW i solder all joiners [except for turnouts] and ran drops right to the rail about every six feet , from the bus lines ....eight seperate pairs of bus lines , one for each power district , from the lit indicator switches ..
my layout is HO and has given little to no trouble for six years, it's my second layout now