Weekend Update 8/20/23

[sschnabl]

I actually drill the holes right under the rails, so the wire is practically invisible.  It does take longer to lay track, however.  You have to lay the track down, mark the rail where you're going to add the feeder, then mark the roadbed so you know where to drill the hole.  One piece of flex track with two wires isn't so bad.  A yard ladder with 15+ wires (+, -, and frog) and I'm ready to call it a night after that.

Scott

[nickelplate759]

I do. My preferred method. Virtually invisible after balasting.
Otto K.

That looks great, but every time I try that I melt a tie or three.

[spr1955]

North Staging Entrance/Exit progress.  Getting there.

[Cajonpassfan]

That looks great, but every time I try that I melt a tie or three.

The trick is to solder the feeder drops before laying flextrack. I flip it upside down, spread the ties at an appropriate location, and notch the base of rail with a small triangular file for a better physical connection. Solder, clean with file if need be, slide the ties back into position and then glue the  track with wires spread sideways, and only then drill holes for the drops.
I don't know who invented the notion that wires go in last, other than it's always been done that way...
Otto K.

[spr1955]

The trick is to solder the feeder drops before laying flextrack. I flip it upside down, spread the ties at an appropriate location, and notch the base of rail with a small triangular file for a better physical connection. Solder, clean with file if need be, slide the ties back into position and then glue the  track with wires spread sideways, and only then drill holes for the drops.
I don't know who invented the notion that wires go in last, other than it's always been done that way...
Otto K.
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I also solder before installing, drilling a slot for the two wires between the rails, before glueing (different) it works so much better and hides the wires, at least for me. This is for flex track and I only do every other section since it is redundant from both sides. Chances are very low for failure and if it does happen easy fix with side solder outside rail from below, wire only to minimize.