On my 1st layout, where I converted from DC to DCC, I already secured and ballasted the track. I added feeders afterward. While a pain to do, the wires got secured.
Is it smart to secure the track with spikes before adding feeders? I would think so, since the track can't move. Thoughts? The feeders are going every 4' except on the turnouts where there are three sets for the Atlas turnouts: one set before the throw switch, one on the diverging track, and one on the straight track.
I only use nails to help on curves, but after the thin sheen of latex caulk dries under the ties, the rails stay where I want them. I usually do the feeders at that point and ballast later.
Secure, add feeders, run your most finiky locomotive/ rolling stock, if happy, then ballast.
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
I suggest the feeders are attached permanently after not only the track is secured but thoroughly tested (using temp feeders for power).
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I solder feeders to the track on the bench and then fit and secure the track.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
On my last layout: I fitted my track, soldered feeder wires to the underside of the rails, then tacked them down with acrylic latex caulk. Worked great and you couldn't see the feeder wires.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
First, I use black and red feeder wires so I don't get confused hooking them to the bus lines like underneath my intermodal yard where there are numerous feeder wires hanging above me. I install feeder wires as I lay and glue track and check all connections with an ohm meter while the glue drys.
bearmanI solder feeders to the track on the bench and then fit and secure the track.
doesn't this mean you need to drill the hole before aligning the or do you do it as your aligning the track? is there any consideration for obstructions under the layout?
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
gregc bearman I solder feeders to the track on the bench and then fit and secure the track. doesn't this mean you need to drill the hole before aligning the or do you do it as your aligning the track? is there any consideration for obstructions under the layout?
bearman I solder feeders to the track on the bench and then fit and secure the track.
Greg,
I don't know what Bearman does but I solder bare copper wire to the bottom of each rail and then let them hang out while I position the track. After the track is final position and attached to the roadbed (I use spikes on flex track), I drill holes for the feeders close but not right on top of the wire. The wire is flexible enough to thread down the hole. The bare wire is covered up by ballast and is soldered to the buss or an insulated wire connecting to the buss under neath the layout.
By drilling the holes for the feeders after the track is placed, I avoid having the feeders interfere with the alignment of the track.
I use ME flex that holds its shape after forming the correct curvature (etc). I solder feeders as the last step before putting track down for good.
I find this much easier than trying to solder feeders to already installed flex (don't like melting ties and forming perfect bend in feeders).
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
I dropped feeders after track installed & before ballasting.
Drilled a very small hole next to rail & bent very small end in feeder size of spike head. Tin rail & feeder & a quick touch with iron does the job. Adding clips or wet paper each side of that location on rail provides heat sinks as an extra safety factor.
Dante
Guy: I have continued doing slightly similiar but instead of drilling, I am cutting small areas in the cork with a hobby knife for the feeders. I also use ME. While more expensive, I like that it holds the shape.
Thanks all for the help! I'll secure the track with spikes and then solder the feeders.
No way will I ever try to convert from DC to DCC again. That means not trying to put in feeders through ballasted track. What a pain!
dante I dropped feeders after track installed & before ballasting. Drilled a very small hole next to rail & bent very small end in feeder size of spike head. Tin rail & feeder & a quick touch with iron does the job. Adding clips or wet paper each side of that location on rail provides heat sinks as an extra safety factor. Dante
^ This as above. But based on the title of the topic, I attach my feeders "after" securing the track. I secure the track with Atlas track nailes or Microengineering spikes. Then add feeders. Ballast comes last.
Here is a photo soldering a feeder through a drilled hole to my "secured" track before ballasting:
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983