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Used rosin core solder without adding flux, works ok but takes a little longer for the solder to flow and often melted ties. Tried using liquid flux (zinc chloride) and the improvement is terrific; the liquid flux penetrates into the rail joiners and the solder flows in fast and smooth. <br /> <br />Also wise to 'heat sink' the rail both sides of the joint with alligator clips or needle nose pliers with rubber bands wrapped around the handles. Clipped to the rails, they draw the heat out of the rail b4 it can damage ties. <br /> <br />Stranded wire can be used, just remember to twist the strands and 'tin' them first - the solder applied to the strands holds them together like solid wire and makes soldering them to the rail easier. Also if you solder to the underside of the rails, the wires and solder are hidden by the ballast.
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