Actually, I have a few questions…
Does anyone know a web site with a schematic for building my own capacitive discharge unit? I don’t want to buy a Snapper…too expensive.
second, how far apart should I solder my track feeders? Also, what’s the best gauge wire to use? (for DCC)
third, what’s the best adhesive for attaching my Peco 55 flex to the cork?
thanks…J
Web Sites for ANYTHING!: www.google.com
The trick is knowing what to search for. For this, try “capacitive discharge circuits model railroad”. The one I like (4 or 5 down on the list) is
http://www.awrr.com/circuits.html
and I built mine from that. I built the simple one, without the indicator lights.
Track feeders? I’d say every 3 or 4 feet. But, I’ve got a small, turnout-intensive layout so I have them somewhat closer, trying to have a feeder between every turnout. On longer flex-track-only runs, I don’t worry about it so much. But for me, 8 feet is forever.
Adhesive? I use Liquid Nails for projects, but I’m using Code 100 HO to foam. Still, you want about the same properties. It’s cheap, it sets relatively quickly to firm and it takes several days to get really hard. After a few hours you can still take it up easily, and even after it’s totally set you can get the track up without major damage to either track or roadbed. If you don’t take it up physically, though, it will stay there forever. If you plug the spout well (the stuff comes in a tube and goes on with a caulking gun) then you can use the same tube for months if you don’t run out. It also will tack foam roadbed down to the other-kind-of-foam layout base.
There’s also Rob Paisley’s site. http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CDPSU.html
–Randy