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I know this topic has been discussed before. For example: the type of solder and flux to use on which type of metal. That part of the conversation is useless to me now that I have everything soldered! Lol, My question for the forum is.

1.) Is this just surface rust? And nothing to worry about?

Or

2.) Is the rust going to continue to eat away at the connections until it interferes with continuity?

Note: Layout is in a well controlled environment. No humidity or drastic temperature changes.

Thanks for your feedback!

20200218_205457

20200218_203511

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Last edited by Rich Melvin
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Saying that the type of solder and flux doesn't matter is naive. Depending upon what solder, flux, and wire was used, you may actually have to unsolder and clean everything really well to stop the corrosive processes set underway (and use more suitable supplies). So please share what was used...

Aside from that, now that the damage is done, it may not be that bad and just be a flux residue that is left and could be cleaned up with something like an alcohol on a cotton swab, so give that a shot and report back as well.

Last edited by bmoran4

BMORAN4

Thank you for the response. I no longer have the flux or solder. The layout is wired and complete and I did not keep any of it. I am also unable to clean the connections without completing tearing up all the track and ballast. I do know the solder and flux was old. Got it off of my pap's tool bench. So whatever was popular back in the 80's and 90's is probably what it was. The track in the picture is some leftover track I had in a drawer and noticed the rust on it!!!! Its approximately 7 years old from the time of soldering. 

If it is a gnarly flux residue (especially ones that are very acidic; hence the importance of understanding what was used), it may eventually eat away at the connection (and connection points). So your options are to clean it up now and prevent total failure, or wait for total failure and have less (or nothing)  to work with in terms of having any thing left to resolder for repair.

Last edited by bmoran4

Try some baking soda, it will neutralize acid in the flux. You can mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Use a tooth brush to clean the joints with the paste. Rinse it off with water. I'd try that on a couple of those solder joints and see how it works, making sure it doesn't harm your track or anything else involved. Pretty sure it will be fine, but I have never tried this on any type of track, better to be safe than sorry.  

Never mind, I didn't see you post earlier about the track all being laid already.  It doesn't look too bad for being there for 7 years. I think I would just let it go and see what happens. It's also possible you could end up moving, changing the layout, or other layout rework before it all rots away anyway. 

Last edited by rtr12

The one and ONLY type of solder that should be used on electrical connections is rosin core solder. There is absolutely no need to use a separate flux!!

I have worked in the electronics repair industry for decades. I have made tens of thousands of solder joints. I have never, ever, used any type of flux paste or liquid for any of those solder joints. The rosin-based flux is in the core of the solder! That’s why it’s called “rosin core solder.”

I agree with others here that this is not rust. It’s just old, excess flux. If you were to heat these joints, that stuff would bubble up and evaporate. If you don’t use any flux and just rely on the flux in the solder, you won’t have this problem.

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