hello all .read some posts on different forums where some of the older modelers use what they term as clear tape. as i don't have ready access to kapton tape why can't i use clear scotch tape.it sticks well and still isolates the brass pick up rails.if you have used this method please reply.also if not please specify why you use kapton tape,and finally is there another product readily available that would also work. thanking you in advance for all or any replies. regards&later KEWATIN
I have not used scotch tape and would avoid doing so. In my opinion, it is not durable enough and tears too easily, which could result in a very unfortunate short. I find that traditional black electrical tape is too thick, at least when working in and around n-scale mechanisms. Kapton is very durable, reasonably thin, and will stick well. As a general practice it's a good idea to clean the area being taped over (like a locomotive frame) to get rid of grease and such and to allow the tape to stick securely. Liquid electrical tape is probably too messy for most applications, except perhaps covering a soldered wire splice. This may sound stupid and obvious, but have you checked online vendors for Kapton tape? I forget whom I purchased mine from, but would think any major online electronics supplier would have some and would ship to Canada.
Different tapes have different qualities. Kapton tape has superior insulating qualities and is more durable but scotch tape has superior adhesive qualities. I use both types depending on the application. You can order Kapton tape from a number of on line sources, here is one: http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/C.../ToolsAndSupplies/Kapton_Tape/KaptonTape.html Brad Myers Peninsula Ntrak / AsiaNrail My Blogs: http://www.n-scale-dcc.blogspot.com/ http://www.palisadecanyonrr.blogspot.com/ http://tokyo-in-nscale.blogspot.com/
Scotch tape is also not as thermally stable as Kapton. I wouldn't use it inside a locomotive, where things can get warm. I wouldn't use it for any electrical application at all. Kapton is the right tool for the job. And it's not hard to find. A small roll will last a long time. In addition to the TCS link above, Fifer Hobby sells it. http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/dcc_accessories.html
What everyone else has said here already..... My .002£, Ive fried one decoder using scotch tape. Its essentially free and easy to maneuver in small places. But the film is extremely thin. I had a small solder burr poke through and release the magical smoke on one decoder. Black electrical tape is plenty thick enough to avoid that mistake again but it makes a holey mess out of your loco when it it warms up to operating speed. Kapton tape is readily available on the nets. I understand most peeps only need about 2 inches of tape and dont see the need to buy 10 yards, but the price (and really it isnt that much. Less than the price of a decoder) is worth it. Brian
The deal with Kapton tape is that it melts at a much higher temperature than Scotch or Electrical tape, so it will remain intact even from the heat generated by an N scale motor. I bought my Kapton tape off of eBay. They're plentiful and cheap.
I would not use generic Scotch tape to insulate anything. But Scotch (3M) also makes a clear or brown plastic packing tape that will not come off and it's pretty tough. It's about 2" wide on a red dispenser. you should be able to do 1,000's of locos with one roll. I have been using it for several years. If the decoder gets so hot to melt the tape you will have damage to the plastic shell. No reason to be a cool aid drinker.
I second the Boxters comment. Do not try to "poor boy" an installation. You can get Kapton tape in various widths from just about any train related e-tailer and it won't be $24/roll. Go with what is known to work and work well. You may be replacing a fairly expensive decoder, if not careful. Cal.
Fifer Hobby. 36yd x 1/4", $10. eBay: 10mm x 100ft for $5. (random selection, not an endorsement) Enough tape to outfit a moderate sized fleet for the cost of a couple of pairs of MicroTrains trucks. This really is (or should be) a case of using the right tool for the job.
