Q: I am building a layout and want to do what I’ve seen in postwar dealer displays. Specifically, I’ve seen under the layout board a thin metal strip running the entire length of the layout. To this you would solder the ground contact for every accessory, thus greatly reducing the amount of wiring required. I accomplished this on an older layout using bare copper wire, but I had difficulty since the wire was so thick that I had trouble getting the solder to stick to the copper. Could you suggest how to do this or a source for this thin metal strip? Wayne Flores, Warrensburg, N.Y.
A: The brass strips Lionel used were not all that thin, so you’d probably have trouble soldering onto them with a wimpy soldering gun! That would probably be your main problem, so I’d suggest you buy a heavy-duty (200 watts or higher) soldering gun for this kind of electrical work. Apply a rosin flux liberally to all the surfaces to be soldered and, of course, use a rosin-core solder.
There isn’t anything wrong with using 12- or 14-gauge copper wire in this application. You were on the right track with your old layout. Whether bare or covered, I think you’ll find it more economical in the long run. Industrial brass bar and strip stock, such as was used by Lionel, is quite expensive when purchased in small quantities. Remember, Lionel got it wholesale!
