Track soldering methods

[Blind Bruce]

I have read, with interest, the posts on soldering flex track on curves and feeders. I will be using code 83.
My questions are,
1) how to solder jointers to the rail without melting the ties? (I have no resistance soldering equipment) and
2) How are feeders physically attached to the rail?

[camarokid]

Question #1: You can use anything metal to lay on the rails to draw the heat away from them. Alligator clips will also work. Maybe the biggest size you can clip to the rails. Make sure they're somewhat cool before taking them off. You can even use a wet washcloth or rag.
Question #2: You either solder the wire to the rail joiner or solder the wire to the rail directly. It's best to solder to the outside of the rail so the wheel flanges won't catch on the blurb of solder. Some modelers solder to the bottom of the rails at the joiner or where they cut the rails for block control when they don't have a convenient turnout handy.
I solder directly to the bottom of the rail joiner and run the wire through a drilled hole in the center line of the track. Then it's covered up when I ballast the track. Some will argue against that but it works for me. If you go this route, use new joiners and leave them on the sprues they come with and cut them off one at a time when you solder them up. Hope this helps some. Don't forget a small fan to blow the solder smoke away from your face. The smoke seems to suck right up your nose! Have fun and enjoy.
Archie

[cwclark]

here is a series of pictures with explanations to help you solder your track..if you do it quickly you won't bugger up the ties..click the right arrow button for a complete set of pictures...once you are done you can use an old tie filed down or strip balsa wood painted brown or black to fill the spot where the ties were cut away at the end of the flex track ends...Chuck http://community.webshots.com/photo/137793353/200142080vaBTvT

[Leon Silverman]

I do not know if they are still available, but I have two metal track guages which I place on either side of the joint to be soldered. They not only act as a heat sink, but insure that the track does not go out of gauge should the heat from the soldering process soften the ties.

[SilverSpike]

Chuck,

You really know your stuff!
The soldering tutorial with photos and explanations is great! The tips on the flex track are very helpful.

Also, BTW, thanks again for the email last week with the electrical diagrams!

Thanks,

Ryan