METAL RAIL JOINERS line up two ends of track. Since they are 'friction' fitted they will allow slippage or expansion. They also conduct electricity - when they're
NEW.
SOLDERING is for Electrical connections and reliability. WHEN do we CROSSOVER? Thin rail joiners come under stress on curve alignment trying to hold two rails together. Soldering reinforces the joint
Soldering the rail joints to improve electrical continuity - but does so at the expense of expansion. Running trains does heat track, and track WILL expand - gaps or no.
To my esteamed colleague OrsonRoy, I find There are two schools on 'rail expansion':
1).Those that have had it happen, and 2). those who have not.
My club, The Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club (Portland) 2 years ago built a large oblong SPIRAL in the summer to get from the main floor to the basement while maintaining a 2% grade. (Approx half the track joints (curved sections) were soldered). This winter we discovered our trains were derailing from a 3/4" open rail gap from contraction.
ANDY SPERANDEO suggested the best of both worlds. Words to the WISE i think.
Don Gibson
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