Bob, thanks for the info. I couldn't find any info on wire size when I was working on the springs. 0.025 is what I had on hand. It did seem a bit stiff for the application. Now I need to order 20 thou wire and the corresponding drill bits.
Barry
My track is mostly RTR. The limiting factor there is the size of the rivit in the bridle on Shinohara trackwork. IIRC, you can go up to 0.045 and still fit thru the holde in the bridle rivit. Generally, bigger is better when using it for switch throws.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I've used both .032" and .039" piano wire, and both work just fine.
Wayne
subman Barry .025 is over what Fast Tracks recomends. I think they recommend .020 for N gauge. Mel there are several sellers on --bay who sell .010, one called Folkcraft who has a 50` roll for $13.19 + $5.95 shipping and the other is Dulcimer who has a 1/4lb roll , I figure about 70-100 feet for $18.50 + $11.75 shipping/ Bob D
Barry .025 is over what Fast Tracks recomends. I think they recommend .020 for N gauge. Mel there are several sellers on --bay who sell .010, one called Folkcraft who has a 50` roll for $13.19 + $5.95 shipping and the other is Dulcimer who has a 1/4lb roll , I figure about 70-100 feet for $18.50 + $11.75 shipping/
Bob D
BobThanks for the info. I’ve been using .015” since I couldn’t find the .010”. I use it for power lines. It’s easier to put a realistic looking sag using piano wire as well as easier to keep clean. I use single spans between polls. I drill #78 holes in my power polls put a bend in each end and drop the wires in place.I make everything on my layout removable so that clumsy Mel doesn’t ding stuff when I’m working around them. Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I would go for the .039. It's close enough to .037 to make very little difference. .032 might work, but the forces will be less, and on some turnouts the points may not be held securely enough.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
Bob D As long as you surface as many times as you dive you`ll be alive to read these posts.
I'm using 0.025 piano wire on N-gauge code 40 solid point switches and find it works fine.
It’s hard to tell the difference when you get that small, it’s not that easy even using a micrometer. I’m sure either will work just fine.If you shop around you can find all sizes of piano wire in 12” and 36” lengths. The only one I haven’t been able to find is .010".Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Cid (Memphis, Tennessee)
Fast tracks in their video on a center over spring to hold the points against the stock rail suggest a .037 music wire. K&S metals does not make a wire of this diameter only .032 & .039 in this range. Wallmart has .037 but it is in a 300` roll . Way more than I would ever need. My question is which of K&S available diameters would you suggest.I would hope it would be the .032 as this would mean a smaller hole in the throwbar and forward pc tie. Fast tracks price of $1.00 a foot is crazy. Hobbylinc has the .039 for $8.99 and that is for 60 feet (5 packs, 4 in a pack at 3`long each piece)
Thanks