For beginners, soldering can be a nightmare at worst, or at best unreliable. For 2-56 rods, I prefer to use these http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAZC3&P=7

Use a rod that is already threaded at one end with the normal adjustable clevis, then cut the rod with enough extra to make a 90 degree bend. Use a piece of fuel tubing to keep the link snapped onto the rod, and its a pretty bulletproof connection. The best alternative, and most reliable connection is to simply make a Z-bend on one end. Its not difficult with 2-56 rod, and can be done quickly and easily either with a pair of Z-bend plyers, or just use a pair of needle nose plyers.

Brad