N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: fabpal32 on May 05, 2014, 06:02:31 PM

Title: ballasting on top of copper tape
Post by: fabpal32 on May 05, 2014, 06:02:31 PM
Having been into my local model train dealer enquiring about bus wire he pointed me in the direction of copper tape.
Having now done all my soldering to track and copper tape i find myself stuck as to if i can now use glue on said tape for my ballasting.
Title: Re: ballasting on top of copper tape
Post by: Caz on May 05, 2014, 06:25:45 PM
Be aware that if you use the likes of the PVA/water mix then until it dries out completely the mix will conduct electricity and so will short out the copper tape.  How do I know, I spent hours figuring out what I'd done wrong as I had a complete short on all my block detectors and nothing worked, once the glue dried it all came back to life.   :doh:
Title: Re: ballasting on top of copper tape
Post by: fabpal32 on May 05, 2014, 07:00:45 PM
do you think putting some kind of tape over the wire would help or should i just wait for it to dry out ?
Title: Re: ballasting on top of copper tape
Post by: Caz on May 05, 2014, 07:10:29 PM
I'd just wait for it to dry, unless you manage to completely seal the tape the water will find its way into your wiring guaranteed.   ;)
Title: Re: ballasting on top of copper tape
Post by: fabpal32 on May 05, 2014, 07:17:08 PM
will do that cause im not ripping it all up to many burn marks due to soldering lol
Title: Re: ballasting on top of copper tape
Post by: fabpal32 on May 05, 2014, 07:24:32 PM
omg just seen where you live my dad lives there too there train system is amazing lol
Title: Re: ballasting on top of copper tape
Post by: Caz on May 05, 2014, 07:50:07 PM
Quote from: fabpal32 on May 05, 2014, 07:24:32 PM
omg just seen where you live my dad lives there too there train system is amazing lol

Costa del Sol or actually in Benalmadena?  If you come over to visit your dad you are welcome to come and see the layout.   :)
Title: Re: ballasting on top of copper tape
Post by: fabpal32 on May 05, 2014, 08:01:04 PM
hes near the police station in benalmedena. That would be great will have to arrange a visit to my dads :)
Title: Re: ballasting on top of copper tape
Post by: Caz on May 05, 2014, 08:08:51 PM
Nice one, look forward to it, better get back on topic or I'll have to tell myself off.   :)
Title: Re: ballasting on top of copper tape
Post by: fabpal32 on May 05, 2014, 08:17:55 PM
yes sorry about that will let you know how the ballasting gets on thanks for all your help