Basic model railway soldering techniques

Howard Smith, Multi-media editor of BRM (British Railway Modelling magazine) and WOR (World of Railways.co.uk) demonstrates the basics of soldering for those looking to construct their first kit.
Find out more about BRM and all things model railways-related at www.world-of-railways.co.uk

[@Trevor_Austin]

Top Tips. 1. Avoid needle files. A six inch file will help prevent dips and curves being filed by accident. 2. Put a small blob of BluTack on the bottom of the flux bottle to help prevent upsets.

[@rogersea6529]

brilliantly explained ! - thankyou

[@Sandlingjunction]

thank you for this. so far I have only soldered dropper wires to track. I have a liquid Rosin flux and both lead and lead-free solder and an adjustable, but cheap soldering iron. if possible could you kindly let me know a list of products I need to acquire to start building brass and white metal kits. Or is the items I already have, all that I need. many thanks, Paul at Sandling Junction

[@petert9749]

I'm a bit late, but see if you can find Tony Wright's series of videos 'On the Right Track'. See if you can find a copy of Iain Rice's Wild Swan book on assembling etched metal kits. There is series on building a DJH kit on Utube; just don't forget to put down the knife between cuts, and be careful with fibreglass brushes. Better not to have one as fibres get into the eyes. Our host here should have safety specs. For cleaning grubby brass fine emery paper is safer. Be careful not to cut fingers on the brass. These kits are safe, but if carelessly handled can bite. Tell us how you get on. Other than that obey safety instructions , and work outside. Make sure you get an iron hefty enough for the brass not to drain its heat. Keep a professional but light hearted attitude toward it all.

[@peterhiggins3329]

Whoooo. All parts removed from fret before starting? that's the fastest way to loose parts. Only cut out the parts you need for the step you are about to undertake; yes it might mean the build takes you longer but you can be assured the best chance of not losing any parts (especially the small ones). The same goes for plastic kits.....