Uses for MEMORY WIRE?

[Anonymous]

[?] I am looking for ideas for using memory wire.
I understand that it can be used for turnout control and other short movements. Does anyone know of a source (preferably with diagrams and/or pictures) for such information on the internet - as I am unable to obtain back numbers of overseas model railroad magazines locally here in Australia.
I need to know what is the best type of such wire for each appropriate usage. Your personal experiences and advice would be most helpful and gratefully received.

[ChiefEagles]

Good to see you here from "Down Under". DAAH, what is Memory Wire? As Ricky said, "Splain it to me Lucy".

[wrmcclellan]

Chief,

Memory wire is a "hardened steel wire which will retain its original shape even after repeated use." (from a Google search). It is used in jewelry.

Basically a better spring wire.

I have not seen any specific articles in model railroading for it although I could envision use in sprung turnouts (uses the wire spring to keep the turnout always set to one route - weight of trains allows appoach from (into) the diverging route without derailing. Atlas switches use the spring (not memory wire) mechanism to allow non-derailing approach. The drawback is some lighweight cars derail anyway.

Regards,
Roy

[3railguy]

Model Railroader published an article years ago where they used it to raise crossing gates by charging it with electricity (to heat it). The gates would lower back to the origional position. I don't recall if the wire extends or retracts when current is applied. I would think it extends.