garethjellis Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Some of you fine folks have asked about the custom rail that I have been making, I have currently make plastic and metal, The plastic is ok but I am still struggling with the restrictions of power functions only, so decided to work only on metal rail. I am using Aluminum code 250 rail, it comes in 96" lengths and is 1/5 of the price of Nickle silver, however ........it is a challenge to solder / braize. I have to practice a lot to get the technique. here are the beginnings of the 5 wide switch I am creating. Quote
LEGO Train 12 Volts Posted February 14, 2015 Posted February 14, 2015 I'm speechless! Have you a video to share while you're working on aluminum? Quote
BricksMcgee Posted February 14, 2015 Posted February 14, 2015 Looking good! I take it you can run longer locos on that given it's a more elongated curve? Quote
garethjellis Posted February 14, 2015 Author Posted February 14, 2015 Looking good! I take it you can run longer locos on that given it's a more elongated curve? I sure can, the curve is an R88. Have you a video to share while you're working on aluminum? I don't, sorry, I learnt from watching you tube videos, what worked best for me is to wire wool the aluminum shiny, heat it up with a plumbers propane gas torch, dip the solder wire in aluminum flux and they lay the solder on the joint area with the heat on. Quote
dr_spock Posted February 14, 2015 Posted February 14, 2015 Nice. I guess you have to work fast before the aluminum oxidizes again after you've cleaned it with the steel wool. Quote
garethjellis Posted February 26, 2015 Author Posted February 26, 2015 (edited) Here is an update, almost finished, I just have to work out the lever to keep the points one direction or the other. Progress with the Code 250 R88 Turnout switch. by garethjellis, on Flickr Edited February 26, 2015 by garethjellis Quote
Lazarus Posted February 26, 2015 Posted February 26, 2015 I am still going NS due to how hard this stuff is to solder and the word or the street is it dont stay clean. So long term it might be a pain. But nice work just what i have in my head for my ones. Quote
garethjellis Posted March 1, 2015 Author Posted March 1, 2015 (edited) A fun update, I am using an EV3 with an adapter cable to drive the 9v train motor. https://flic.kr/p/qsHis9 Edited March 1, 2015 by garethjellis Quote
Lazarus Posted March 1, 2015 Posted March 1, 2015 Not into the whole EVO stuff, I am going to end up going DCC with turtle motors for my switchs. But loving the smothness of the turnout, cant wait to get some cash to start on mine. All funds going into LUG orders and building a new table for the trains. :-( Quote
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