I can not beleive you guys are having such a bad time using PC Ties. I have
used them sence 1966 with out the problems you are talking about. Try using a
0.015 strip of brass the width of the tie soldered to the point rail. You will
have to notch the point base to accomidate the shim stock then solder in
place.. Next drill a clearence hole for a 00-90 screw through the shim piece
and a tap size hole in the pc tie then tap the tie for the 00-90 srew. Assemble
in place. This will allow the points to pivot with out causing stress. Ed
Stimpson Jr. did an artical in MR in the 1980's about using PC Ties, you should
read it. Brian Ellerby used the closure rail as a flexable rail. A gap was cut
near the frog in the closure rail then he spiked only two ties and soldered the
point ends to the PC throw bar. Either method works with out the failures you
describe.
I have been using a 40 watt iron and haven't delamated any PC Tie. My trick is
to use liquid rosin solder flux in making the joint. Only heating enough to
make the joint.
Paul
