Hello again. I have a question about how I should wire my layout so that in the future, if I ever have to, I can disconnect all of the track to either store for later use or to put the layout back together. So, how can I put feeders to the track without any soldering but still have great conductivity. If soldering is the best way to do it, then so be it, I just wanted to make sure that there is another way to do so before I go and make my layout permanent and never be able to reuse the track. Thanks!
I only solder wires to the rails, carefully. If I have to remove the wire, a little heat remelts the solder without any damage so the track can be reused.
Solid trackwork is a basic necessity for reliable operation, so I solder all of the rails at the joiners, then cut the track where necessary for electrical isolation. Feeder wires are soldered whenever they're needed. Pretty-well anything that's soldered together can be unsoldered, too. I've taken out soldered-in turnouts and re-used them elsewhere, with only minor clean-up needed.As for the wires, the easiest way to remove track with wires attached is to cut the wires beneath the layout, leaving as much wire as possible attached to the track, then lift the track with a length of wire still attached. When you re-use the track, pre-drill for the wire and feed it through when the track is installed, then connect it to the new wires below the layout.
Wayne
Just leave the feeders attached to the rail and detach from the main bus. Use wire nuts or terminal strips. Wrap the feeder around the track section and store it.
Then when you want to reuse it, the feeder is already in place.
Jim
In the past I have just cut the feeders at the bus and pulled the wire up with the track. It was easy enough to drill a new hole for the wire when reused. I had an extra couple of centimetres on the feeders, so there was enough for easy connection when reused.
I would just use track snippers on the rails and cut either side of the soldered joiner. You lose about fifteen mm of track on each section, however it makes for a quick dismantle.
The track had been held down with caulk. First we cut the feeders, then lifted a bit of track and the whole 400 ft came up in a minute or two. It was like undoing a zipper. there was virtually no residue of caulk left and was in perfect shape. We then cut it apart at the joiners.
My friend saved the foam with the cork roadbed. When he went to rebuild his layout, he pulled up the cork off the foam. It had been stuck on with caulk as well and it pulled chunks out of the foam as we lifted it. We filled the holes in the foam with Dap and/or caulk and it was good to go.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
You did not specify the scale or which track you plan to use. For both HO and N scale I suggest to use Kato Unitrack for a temporary layout. There is no need for soldering and Kato´s unique Unijoiner system guarantees excellent connectivity.
Sir Madog Ypu did not specify the scale or which track you plan to use. For both HO and N scale I suggest to use Kato Unitrack for a temporary layout. There is no need for soldering and Kato´s unique Unijoiner system guarantees excellent connectivity.
Ypu did not specify the scale or which track you plan to use. For both HO and N scale I suggest to use Kato Unitrack for a temporary layout. There is no need for soldering and Kato´s unique Unijoiner system guarantees excellent connectivity.
I fully agree. Kato Unitrack is a great track system.I used it when I was in N Scale and loved it.
One thing I will caution against is wiring overkill..A feeder wire every 8-10' should work.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
The LINE from the LION
Lion has built and rebuild and reused very much track. Him had decided (and decreed) that all rail joiners should be soldered. That the feeders should also be soldered to the rail joiners. Soldering them to the rails eleswhere will leave behind a nub that will interfere with the sorming (straightening or curving) the piece in the future.
To REMOVE track, use your motor tool to cut the rail joiner, and then use a hot iron to flick the remains of the joiner off of the track (and across the room where it will lodge where ever it can cause the most trouble.)
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS