Scotchlok not worth the hassle

[MikeDunn]

It's the red tap splice you need:-

No, good pair of pliers will do just as well

24/0.2 will be OK for bus-wire if your layout is on the small side. It's a little bit overkill for droppers, you can go as low as 7/0.2 wire for droppers less than a foot long

Cheers for this Paul

I'll have a search around, see if I can find the reds at a steal price    Good to know I don't have to splash out on another tool - got loads of pliers.  Will have a look around for 7/0.2 as well ...

What's peoples opinions on the small solid-core wire for droppers ?  1/0.6 I think (still trying to get my head around wiring specs  ) ?  I've read that this is better because it stays in place (being solid core) ?  And handles a little more current than 7/0.2 ?  (the lengths will be under 30cm, more like 10cm I reckon)

Started reading about all this electrickery stuff in a book I hadn't realised I had  - we got several Aspects of Modelling books & Right Track DVDs free from a show about 2 years ago - & promptly forgot about them    Seeing as one is Morton's Railway Electrics ...    BTW - is this a good / average / poor book ?

Mike

[Sprintex]

Do not use solid core, it snaps far more easily than stranded wire so you have more chance of problems. Anyone who's worked in telecommunications will know this

Better to use stranded: to attach dropper to rail first strip the wire end and tin with solder. Clean area of rail to be soldered to (side or rail-bottom depending on your choice) and tin this also. Place tinned wire end against tinned rail and a quick touch with soldering iron should be all you need, hopefully avoiding melted sleepers


Paul

[cernem1alt]

patiently soldering and it works fine

[MikeDunn]

Cheers Paul - will avoid 1/0.6 and stick with 7/0.2 !!!