Now That's a Switch...

Tom,

Looks really good.  What type of solder are you using?

IC EC

IC EC:

I am using Alhpa Metals SN62 PB36 AG2 .020" Dia. Solder with P2 Tin Lead Silver Rosin.  But, I do a very light coating of plumbers flux on the parts to be soldered.  This is the flux sold for Lead-free solder.

Because I am using electronics solder that is only .020" in diameter I sometimes take about 6 strands and twist them together because of the huge amount of solder required on the frog.

After completion, but while the frog is still warm I scrub with a toothbrush, brass wire brush it and then scrub it in hot water with cleanser using a toothbrush.  Then clear water rinse.  This is mostly to rid it of excess rosin from the Alpha, which can be considerable.  

I  use a standard electronics adjustable soldering iron to flow the solder, but use a resistance soldering rig (home-made) to attach the 90 degree holding rails.  Using the relatively thin rails allows less cleanup after the rail is spiked down.  Having the aluminum plate under the frog allows plenty of heat to flow the solder and drive away the rosin during joining.

My home-made resistance soldering unit uses a huge 3V transformer controlled by a variac set at 90VAC.  

Tom

Tom,

Thanks very much.  I would like to try building my own switches at some point in the near future and this is very helpful.  Please keep us posted.

IC EC

IC EC:

Maybe this will help:

I was where you are about a few months ago.  I watched every u-tube I could on building switches and laying track.  I even watched an old how-to program on "tape" I taped off PBS years ago with Lorell Joiner doing track and switch work.

Next, I downloaded the Fastracks templates for my #5 switch and you now see the results.

ps - My motivation?   These things are selling on e-bay for $90 each and I needed 18.  And that's without ties and spikes...  Yikes

Best of luck with your switches and trackwork.

Tom

You did a very nice job, it looks great!