Track Short

[Anonymous]

What's the best way to fix gaps in the rail? I
discovered that I have three gaps in my double mainline. This happened when I had to piece together a section of the mainline when I did
some repair work. When I ran one of my engines on
this line it stopped the engine. There was no current! Maybe soldering would do it. If I'm careful not melt the ties!
Information on this would be appreciated!

[thirdrail1]

Suggest you are more likely to get an answer if you put your inquiry in the proper forum, Model Railroading, and specify what scale you are modeling in and what type of track you are using. I assume you are talking about models, as I can't imagine melting a wooden or concrete crosstie!

[Soo2610]

We have had some success with solder but be careful that you get a smooth joint. If you don't you will have power and a lot of derailments. Grinding it smooth after your done with a deburring tool and a fine stone works pretty well.

[CShaveRR]

You mean the ties weren't involved when UP had its meltdown? Broken rails are still a problem on our railroad, too.

[REDDYK]

Electricians chuckle when non-electrical people describe any electrical malfunction as a SHORT. What is described here is an OPEN. Or perhaps you mean that you cut the track too SHORT, resulting in an open circuit.

[udohaubmann]

I agree that you will get better answers in the model railroading forum, but also try this: If you have a joiner there take a piece of rail that is a little shorter than the gap and grind the base narrow enough so that you can fit it into the joiner from above. Then solder and grind the eccess solder etc. away. Good luck!

Udo