Wire or Thread for Logging Rigging?

[Oakhurst Railroad Engineer]

What kind of wire or thread would you use for logging rigging?  You know, wires supporting poles, steel cable for dragging and lifting and unloading logs, cable running through blocks and tackle.   Stuff like that ...

Unlike telephone pole wire, I don't think I want much sagging at all.

... Modeling 1920's logging in the Sierras on the Oakhurst Railroad ...

Thanks,

Marty

[tomikawaTT]

What kind of wire or thread would you use for logging rigging?  You know, wires supporting poles, steel cable for dragging and lifting and unloading logs, cable running through blocks and tackle.   Stuff like that ...

Unlike telephone pole wire, I don't think I want much sagging at all.

... Modeling 1920's logging in the Sierras on the Oakhurst Railroad ...

Thanks,

Marty

Modeling an active logging side served by the Kashimoto Forest Railway is one of those, "someday, maybe," projects in my notebook.

Guy wires for the spar tree: under tension, probably Spandex thread.

High line:  Under a lot of tension when loaded (sags in a V,) much less when there's no log under the trolley (sag is more like a catenary curve.)  Wire (about #22) if static, heavy nylon thread if the trolley will move.

Trolley rigging (supports logs, moves trolley:)  Slack lines sag in a catenary curve, lines under tension have less sag - some if unloaded, almost none if there are logs in the chokers.  Again wire (much thinner) if static, thin nylon thread if there will be real operating drums under the donkey engine.

Whether I build mine working or static (or ever) will be determined by my ambition and physical condition some years down the line when it gets near the top of my priority list.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with a 762mm gauge logging line)

 

[reklein]

Look in the craft sections for Black elastic thread. It comes in different weights and is more forgiving when you forget and try to reach through it. Otherwise model ship thread will work. Light wire looks good if you need sag.

[MisterBeasley]

Chain is also available.  That's a nice detail in some applications for logging, like tie-downs to flat cars.

[jwar]

Might take a look at metelized thread (Walmart or Sewing shops) has a alum gloss to it, could be weathered down a bit for steel cable. Also applying or wipeing thread over bees wax will prevent dust problums. The elastic spandex or lykra thread work well under a bit of tension, if reg thread is bumped it will strech and then look limp.....John

[UP2CSX]

I've had pretty good success using fishing line for both guy wires and telegraph wires. Since it's already polystyrene, just about any plastic glue works with it and it can be made to be anything from straight as an arrow to sagging in a "V" depending on how it's supported. Since it's clear, you can paint it any color you want to or leave it clear if you want it to be barely noticeable. Here's a picture of fishing line used to hang a traffic light in an intersection. I think the amount of sag is pretty realistic.

[Oakhurst Railroad Engineer]

I used thin wire and rigged up my two log dumps.  Worked out pretty well, but the wire is thin and doesn't show up well in pictures.  Can you see it in this picture? Anyone try painting wire?