I have torn out my old layout and started to build the new. When I took the track apart I noticed the there was a green scum like covering on the sides of the rails where I soldered them. I think that I used resin solder is this ok? What kind of solder to you use?
Randy Johnson
Iowa[:I]
Yes you want to use rosin core solder, and only rosin flux, NEVER acid core solder or acid flux. The green is likely copper oxidation from the exposed edge fo the wire itself, not from the rail. Either you did use acid solder or flux, or it got very wet while doing scenery work.
–Randy
I would agree with Randy that it would seem you used an acid core solder. [#ditto] NEVER use acid-core solder or acid flux. Use ONLY 60/40 rosin core solder, sometimes called “electronic solder.” It’s available from any electronics distributer or mail-order or Radio Shack. Actually, you shouldn’t even need to use flux at all if the rail is clean–that’s what the core is for. I never do and I’ve never had problems.