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Model Railroader basic training video: How to install feeder wires
A necessary skill to have for a fine running layout. Thanks for showing this, Cody.
Thanks Cody for another fine modeling tip.
I love these basic training video’s. Please keep them coming Cody!!!
Question on Feeder Wires. HO How far apart should feeder wires be (what length of track before you would want another one?)
Thank You
Richard Hogebaum
rhogebaum@yahoo.com
Cody,
Thanks, tinning both the rail and the wire simplifies the process. Awesome.
Great info. Will continue to refer to these.
always learn something new. Great job in reminding me of the simple things that make the job easier
What kind of flux do you use? I thought that the rosin core solder didn’t need additional flux, since the rosin core is the flux. Thanks for posting these basic essentials skills videos.
Great Work Cody, this type of video is perfect for the beginner or even the expert.
Great… I was worried about the amount of time it takes to heat up the rails sufficiently (and consequently melting the plastic ties). In your video it works pretty quick…
I’m going to try it very soon in order to build / wire a FREMO H0 module
Thanx Cody for another TRAINing tip. Great useful info. Hopefully these tips will remain on the website for some time, so the tips can be referred/referenced to other modelers.
I enjoy seeing videos of this type to show some things that I don’t know.
Your basic training videos are of great help
One of the “cool” tips I found on another helpful video described using damp cotton balls to keep the track on either side of the feeder location cool to prevent melting adjacent ties and spikes.
Also, it may be easier to make the holes for the feeder wire first, feed the wire up from the bottom, and then connect by tinning and soldering. This can get the hole closer to the rail, but it is personal preference.
The main thing to point out is that the feeder wire is always on the outside of the two rails. No one wants to have the wheel flanges bump the feeder wire. It may be obvious to the experienced, but not everyone learns this from the start.
Great Video and I will defintely practice before starting on the layout, but I do have a question. Once the feeder wire is soldered to the track how do you get it back under the layout. Do you drill those holes prior to soldering? This is my first layout that is not a basic oval or figure 8, so I am really concerned with how to make the wiring right and look good. Thanks!
Yes a good guide but, I do think a little cleaning with water
or another cleaning fluid would be a good Idea.
Rosin core solder does not need flux. Also if the solder is Sn63Pb37 it will be eutectic, meaning that both the tin and lead will freeze at the same time. This will help to prevent “cold solder” joints that are weak and do not conduct well while hand soldering.
Cold solder joints are caused by movement between the objects soldered, just as the solder freezes. The joint will be dull gray. Eutectic solder joints will almost always freeze suddenly with a bright silver color.
Cody’s technique for attaching feeder wires is spot on correct! However, when contact soldering (without first mechanically securing the soldered objects), the probability of cold solder joints is moderately high. Use eutectic solder!
When soldering, if the metals to be soldered are moderately bright and shiny, no cleaning is needed, as the flux will lift minor corrosion and contaminants. If the metals are quite corroded or contaminated, fine sandpaper followed by alcohol wiping is the best cleaning method. Sandpaper alone usually does not remove oils and greases.
From an old electronics engineer, been soldering for over 50 years.
A very helpful video to a beginner. Please keep them coming!
The how to videos aregreat. Thanks Cody