The size of the rail can have an impact in soldering requirements. Large scale modelers may find a small torch necessary to generate adequate heat. In small scales, soldering the rail without melting plastic ties is the hardest challenge.
- Clean the rail and apply flux as described above.
- When soldering two pieces of rail, apply the heat to one side of the rail at the joint, solder on the other.
- When soldering wire to rail, apply the heat to the wire and solder at the joint. Tinning the wire will speed the process.
- Work quickly and remove the heat source as soon as the joint is complete. It is possible to solder rail without melting the attached plastic ties. Ties can also be removed and reinstalled.
- Clean the joint with light sandpaper or track cleaning pad.
