Double Sided Foam Tape

replace it with the same thing.You will be dead before it goes bad a second time.Nick

I agree with rockstar Nick.

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Dennis

Lionel used an open cell foam tape in those units.
An inexpensive product designed by 3M  that lasts about 10-15 years.
If you want it to last even longer, get a closed cell double sided tape at an automotive store. Usually called trim tape.
It is packaged differently depending on the end usuer.
In commercial fabrication is is identified as 3M VHB ( very high bond )
#4930.

Check the specs on the 3M site if you are curious.
We use 33.3 yard rolls in 3/4" wide and it eliminates lists of welds and rivets.

wrap the board in electrical tape before putting

the double sided foam tape on it.

If you want it bulletproof, use some large sized heatshrink on it.  I use heatshrink to encase my Super-Chuffer boards in upgrades, then I just stick them down with Velcro so they can be easily removed if necessary.

 

There are industrial strength double side foams tapes you could try. McMaster Carr shows quite a few. I have a roll left over from a bathroom remodel that you could use to tow a car if you placed it between two bumpers. Think of it as the JB Weld of foam tapes.

 

Pete

I would be reluctant to use 3M VHB to secure electrical components in a model train because if the component needs to be removed, it will likely be damaged/destroyed in the removal process.  In a motorcycle application, VHB is used to secure aftermarket audio components (amps, iPod control modules, etc.) inside the fairing of Electra Glides--vibration "hell".  Try to remove the component for any reason and it's a treat.

 

Check-out Norton's link and the VHB is described as an alternate to rivets and spot welds!

In later years Lionel made a bracket to replace the foam. P.N. 600-8708-085

 

Bill

I prefer something I can remove, I think the VHB tape is too much for this task.

 

The 3M foam tapes works great, and I've also used "Servo" tape I had from my RC car days. It's basically the same stuff, double sided, super sticky tape, that holds up against oil and gas from the RC cars/trucks. I also use it to stick my home made BCR's in place for the MTH engines.

I am not sure the tape I have is even the 3M super tape but its definitely stickier than the tape supplied in the upgrade kits. If I use my tape I just use smaller pieces. Instead of the typical 1" x 2" piece, I would use one maybe 1/2" square or use four 1/4" pieces at each corner.

 

Pete

 

The 3M regular double-sided tape worked well for me! SOS and whistle work fine with a Z-1000 transformer.

FYI: 3M makes what they call "EXTREME" mounting tape (RED backing), which I employed on mounting a Samsung speaker bar on top of my entertainment center. AVOID for mounting SOS unit! 

I appreciate all of your replies.

Based on them, I am hesitant to use the very high bond as I may want to remove it someday.

Do the boards need air circulation to prevent them from overheating?  Two recommended either wrapping the board in electrical tape or heat shrink tubing (I didn't know they made it that big).  Will this kill the boards?

Thanks again for your responses.

 

Don

I use the stuff that comes in ERR upgrade kits.  I've done a ton of these, and there's always more DS tape than I need, so I have a ready supply when I need to mount something.

 

Usually I try to mount on the solder side of the board where there are very few circuits, it's not a problem.  Most of the boards don't have a heat issue in any case, and the SOS board certainly won't.

 

I like to use a "sandwich" of RTV - fish paper - RTV to hold circuit boards in place.

 

Lasts longer than the train will. The only downside is waiting a few days for the RTV to cure.

 

RTV = silicone seal, but not silicone seal II.

The "Red" liner extreme tape is actually 3M Vhb rebranded for a different market.
The pricing structure is also all over the place.
The adhesive used in 3M VHB is actually an pressure sensitive adhesive.
So is the other foam tape. Unofficially admitted to me by my 3M rep. We buy thousands of dollars worth of both products per year.
The difference is in the carrier.
The open cell foam is similar upholstery foam. The same stuff used to make cushions.
A bit denser.
The closed cell had great vibration dampening qualities and also acts as a thermal barrier at lower temps.
It is as easy or easier to remove once you know the technique and does not leave the crumbly texture. The adhesive is integrated into the foam vs the open cell version where the adhesive is an applied layer.
Plus it is not hygroscopic for those that care.

Plush he VHB is plasticizer resistant.
With the new low Voc latex paints, 3M is having major issues getting the "cheap" tape to stick to walls which is its major use in the signage industry.
Even then the "cheap" tape is used primarily as a spacer and as a temp adhesive untill the primary adhesive (usually silicone) sets up. Since the weak link is usually the paper layer on the wall board, anything stronger is a waste.