Hey guys. I had a problem with an auto reversing section that turned out to be a faulty circuit board. Before I figured that out I ended up cutting a few gaps in track to isolate sections that I thought might be causing the problem. Now that it is working I want to go back and repair the unnecessary gaps I put in if possible.. I cut them in with a cutting wheel about 1 mm wide. Any tips on how to fill the gaps? Fill with solder and file down? Any tips would be much appreciated! danny
If you want them to remain insulated, just use gap-filling acc. Do a couple of applications and then trim as needed with a sharp knife. If you need conduction, soldering them is the way I would go. Be sure to clean inside the joint with a bit of flux. Make sure the rails are aligned as well. Then file back to shape. Good modeling!
I use the solder method but wonder if it will eventually wear down. Positive is solder is conductive where CA isn't.
I have soldered wire jumpers to bridge the gap. Makes a bit stronger connection. As I have cut in unnecessary gaps myself. Regards, Wolf
Looking at 1 MM on the scale rule I have it isn't much. And probably would not affect much except give a clickity clack when the wheels pass over. However with some steam pilot wheels and their smaller diameter, plus a tendency to be light weight could be an issue. On the plus side you do have a small expansion joint. The negative side is if you need current to travel those rails. And rather than ripping up track to clean up the joint solder is the best solution and some decent small files. However some heat sinks are called for or a hot soldering iron can mess up the ties, and of course a little flux for a decent solder weld. One other option is to use a fine wire strand on the outside of the rails with solder close at the base of the rail. Gets away from filing and any worries about the flangeway if done neatly.
I would run trains over the track. Could be that nothing needs to be done. If everything runs okay then go on to worry about something else.
Thanks for the great tips Guys! Yea, the trains run over the gaps ok, just a bit loud and I don't need to make an electrical connection since i have bus feeders to all the sections. Maybe i'll try a little styrene or gap filling ca to fill the gaps and see how it goes. The layouts in the basement and it's pretty climate controlled and not much humidity where i'm at. Again, thanks for all your input guys. Much appreciated! danny
I've filled in a few 'accidental' gaps with solder blobs filed to more like a rail profile. In the biggest one, I kind of put a piece of scrap rail in and surrounded it with rail. They look good, operate well, and eliminate undue clickity clackity.
Thanks for the tip Matt. I've been enjoying your Kootenay Vlogger, KootenayDivision channels on youtube and your webpage over the last few months. Good info and very entertaining! Take care and I'll keep watching. danny
