Can someone provide a source for metal strips to attach to rails to use as track feeders. I am building an elevated layout with supply wires above plywood, so I would like to do something similar to the jumpers Ross solders to the bottom of rails. I could then attach a spade connector to it.
Thanks
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You can buy K&S brass and copper strips in different sizes at most hardware stores. Or, you can strip the insulation from solid copper wire and use that.
I would be willing to bet if you contacted Steve at Ross he would sell or send you some. Not sure how many you need.
14 ga solid wire solder to the rails. It can be soldered to the bottom.
A retro-wiring on an existing Ross Switch, adding auto-non-derail.
Gargraves flex track with 14 ga solid wire leads added.
Mike, what material did you use to fill the gap in the rails?
Professor Chaos posted:Mike, what material did you use to fill the gap in the rails?
Using 60 40 solder, I hold the copper wire in place and apply heat with an old Weller D550 soldering gun, which has two heat setting 240/325watt. A standard Weller gun 140/100 watt would also work fine.
The solid copper wire, (I've used 18 ga to 12 ga), is bent "L"-shaped and held in place in the small open spot, bottom of the rail, as solder is applied.
Rail was cleaned with a small screw driver before apply-ing solder. Note: the blackened material has to be removed from the center rail, but, excessive scrapping, and cleaning, also removes the small coating of galvanize that is important to a good solder connection.
Hi Mike - I meant the gap cut in the inner rails to create the insulated sections.
Just use solid romex wire. If you need the official ross product, call Steve at Ross. I'm sure he'll send you some.
Professor Chaos posted:Hi Mike - I meant the gap cut in the inner rails to create the insulated sections.
Could be styrene. It's the material I see most often recommended for filling rail gaps in hand-laid track tutorials. Coat both sides with glue, slip it in, and trim once bonded.
---PCJ
RailRide posted:Professor Chaos posted:Hi Mike - I meant the gap cut in the inner rails to create the insulated sections.
Could be styrene. It's the material I see most often recommended for filling rail gaps in hand-laid track tutorials. Coat both sides with glue, slip it in, and trim once bonded.
---PCJ
Yep, Styrene strips.
what purpose does filling the gap serve?
wb47 posted:what purpose does filling the gap serve?
Modular layout, a lot of movement, the gap can go away. The styrene adds some strength and stability.
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