HO scale layout update “How I solder track and glue down foam” June 10, 2024

This week's video is a good one, have you ever wanted to soldier your track joints but didn't know how? Well, this video is just for you, check it out, if I can do it, then anyone can do it. The second half of the video is how I glue 2-inch foam to the plywood benchwork, pretty easy but still someone out there may benefit from watching someone do it first. There's a slight interruption in the middle of the video where I focus a little time on the wildlife in the back yard, I love where I live, nothing but deer, turkey, huge turtles and rabbits back there.

[@johnharper1751]

I'm learning more from your videos and in-person. Thank you.

[@hoscalemodeltrains1221]

Anytime my friend.

[@johnbrizendine7716]

Looks really good!!! I'm definitely learning a lot from you, and I love learning the history of the rail lines as well!!!!!

[@hoscalemodeltrains1221]

Thank you.

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Ron & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Ron & Friends Randy

[@hoscalemodeltrains1221]

Thank you.

[@MarkFreed]

A few soldering tips: 1) I use chisel shaped soldering tips. They have better heat transfer to larger objects than the conical one you have. 2) Heat the joints a little bit longer. Your solder flowed well but didn't look like it penetrated much. (Hard for met to see) 3) Don't file or sand your soldering tips! Ever! They are plated to allow the solder to flow. If you cut through the plating, the tip is ruined. 4) I prefer 63/37 rosin core solder in a slightly smaller diameter. The 63/37 transitions directly from liquid to solid without that intermediate stage that 60/40 has. Less likely to have cold solder joints. A smaller diameter gives you more control of how much solder you're applying. 5) If you search for 'Chadwick Model Railway', you will see that he solders his feeder wires to the bottom of the rail before laying the track. After ballasting, they're practically invisible. I soldered each wire facing inward and drilled just one hole in the middle to drop the wires through. I enjoy your layout videos. Keep up them coming. I don't do videos but you can see some pictures of my 7'x10' layout on the EEVblog forum. Just search for 'model trains'. (EEVblog Electronics Community Forum »General »General Technical Chat »Model Trains) reply #3 by MarkF.

[@hoscalemodeltrains1221]

Thanks for the input.