Masking tape is an essential tool in scale modelling and the size you choose can significantly impact the quality and...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
What size masking tape should I use on my models?Read more -
How do I clean metal shavings from modelling files?Read moreOne of the headaches modelmakers and scratchbuilders face is how to keep files clear of accumulated metal filings and...
-
How do I model realistic burnt wood?Read moreTo achieve convincingly scorched, blackened textures on fire-damaged structures, the techniques involved can seem...
-
How do I model industries on my layout?Read moreOne of the most rewarding aspects of building a model railway is creating a realistic, living world in miniature....
-
What is EM gauge?Read moreThe EM gauge refers to a specific track gauge that falls between the standard OO gauge and P4 standards. The term...
How do I attach dropper wires to model railway track?
If you're considering installing dropper wires to your model railway track, you may be wondering where and how to attach them for the best results.
There are several ways you can attach dropper wires to your track, for example, power clips or special rail joiners with wires already attached. Both of those methods will get the job done with great convenience and little fuss, but for the best results, you can't beat soldering dropper wires directly to the track.
Soldering will create the greatest bond as the wire and metal rail become one, and that means no gaps or potential for dirt or oxidisation to affect connectivity over time. The best place to attach wires is the flat bottom of the rail. Installing your dropper wires there has the benefit of being discreet as well as providing the most surface area to make the connection.
Soldering wires to rails is not easy and wires will often refuse to adhere. If that happens to you, it is likely your rails or the wire you're using has not been prepared enough. Make sure that both are as clean as possible and try applying a little flux to the rail before soldering.
Another good tip is to use a powerful soldering iron to ensure it can heat the surface area quickly to avoid melting any surrounding sleepers. That may sound counterproductive, but a lesser-powered iron can take too long to heat the rail adequately, allowing heat time to traverse the rail and damage sleepers. A powerful iron will have the job done quickly minimising the heat's spread.
Posted in: Model Railway
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Related posts
-
What scale is Hornby?Hornby model railways are OO Scale or 1/76th that is 4 millimetres to the foot (12 inches). It runs on a track with... - How to weight my model so it does not tip?For wargaming figures, a small coin or washer glued to the under side of the base will usually to do the job. This...
- Is Bachmann compatible with Hornby?Yes, any OO scale loco, wagon or coach will work on any OO scale track, regardless of brand. Couplings are also...
- What are the model railway eras?According to Bachmann, as it states in their catalogue there are 9 eras. As they say in their catalogue this is not...
- Can a "DCC ready" train be used on analogue?Yes, you can use a DCC ready train on your analogue layout. DCC ready just means that the train has been factory...