Model Railway Forum

So I've just put my test loop together. I'm using long lengths of bendy track so I only have four joints for this test. I bought the cheapest fish plates I could find on line. These are Guagemaster and come in strips of four that I then have to clip off with side cutters.

I have to say these don't seem very convincingly grippy. I can imagine that it won't take many of these in circuit before I see a significant power drop off (and accepting that for the moment the power can go both ways round the track. Is there a better product out there or do I have to resign myself to soldering in jumper leads at fairly regular intervals?

Squeeze them together a tiny bit before fitting.

n gauge fishplates do vary, if using Peco flexi-track always use Peco fishplates.

Slide them onto the two abutting rails so as they are as near as possible 50/50 on each rail. Then with a pair of ordinary pliers gently squeeze up the bottom of the Fishplate onto the rails foot on each rail.
Personally, I would avoid squeezing them off the rails, as you may end up with non fitting and then useless joiners.

Brian wrote: ↑Sat Nov 28, 2020 6:51 pm Slide them onto the two abutting rails so as they are as near as possible 50/50 on each rail. Then with a pair of ordinary pliers gently squeeze up the bottom of the Fishplate onto the rails foot on each rail.
Personally, I would avoid squeezing them off the rails, as you may end up with non fitting and then useless joiners.

OK thanks Brian. Just had your book delivered here so plenty to be digesting there.

A simple device to help you attach fish plates can be made with a short length of rail soldered into a brass tube with a half rail joiner length sticking out. File the protruding rail section so it is a loose fit in a joiner, attach a handle on the other end of the tube (I used an old cupboard knob). Slip a rail joiner on the device and push on the rail end, the tube ensures only half a joiner goes on the rail and it really saves on sore fingers.

Richard

Tricky Dicky wrote: ↑Sun Nov 29, 2020 10:52 am A simple device to help you attach fish plates can be made with a short length of rail soldered into a brass tube with a half rail joiner length sticking out. File the protruding rail section so it is a loose fit in a joiner, attach a handle on the other end of the tube (I used an old cupboard knob). Slip a rail joiner on the device and push on the rail end, the tube ensures only half a joiner goes on the rail and it really saves on sore fingers.

Richard

Excellent advice from Richard. A Fishplate insertion tool is a great tool to make and have. As Richard says "It saves on sore fingers"! I speak with a voice of "I've been there too!"
A 45ish degree bend in the handle just before the tools piece of rail or in the rail itself helps too.