Wires from the ceiling?

[tomikawaTT]

Threaded rod from the ceiling down has been done successfully, and is a lot easier than using wire. You can hide the rods inside smokestacks, or even trees if you model an area where they grow big enough.

Chuck

[fwright]

Threaded rod would be the easiest to use because of precise adjustability, ease of termination, and least stretch. Just cover the threaded rod with tape or plastic so you don't get thread imprints when you rub against or bump it. Threaded rod can be used in either direction - from underneath or coming down from the ceiling.

Wire cable would tend to stretch more, to terminate you have to thread it through an eye and splice or clamp, or use special (not cheap) termination fittings, and is REALLY difficult to adjust precisely. Sailboats use wire cable to support the mast, and there is almost always a turnbuckle (a short length of threaded rod :-)) inserted in the chain to precisely tune the length of the cable.

yours in turnbuckling
Fred W

[electrolove]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

If you build the back side like shelf brackets, you'd never need the wire, unless you had sections much wider than 2' on the top level. I wouldn't think a wire to the ceiling would be able to hold the layout level - not when the other side is connected to the floor like that. If you really have areas on the upper level that won't cantilever in a stable fashion, consider locating a structure ont he lower level with a tall smokestack, and run a threaded rod up through it to provide the support.

--Randy

There will be a lof of smokestacks, just joking. The idea is good if you only need it at one place. Thanks for the idea. I will open my book of tricks and save it there [:D]

[electrolove]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TomDiehl

If you're talking about electrical wire, it would depend on the electrical codes in your country. In the US, if it was full line voltage (120 Volts in US) for lighting or outlets, it would have to be in a conduit (thin walled pipe you route the wires through), or what's known as BX cable (think flexible conduit). Track or accessory wiring should be low enough voltage in your country to not require this, but I'd check the local regulations before running it in the open. Remember, the smaller diameter wires will need some sort of protection if out in the open like this, regardless of what the code says.

Thanks for your answer, but the idea is not to run any power in the cables. Just to hold up the levels.

[TomDiehl]

If you're talking about electrical wire, it would depend on the electrical codes in your country. In the US, if it was full line voltage (120 Volts in US) for lighting or outlets, it would have to be in a conduit (thin walled pipe you route the wires through), or what's known as BX cable (think flexible conduit). Track or accessory wiring should be low enough voltage in your country to not require this, but I'd check the local regulations before running it in the open. Remember, the smaller diameter wires will need some sort of protection if out in the open like this, regardless of what the code says.

[rrinker]

If you build the back side like shelf brackets, you'd never need the wire, unless you had sections much wider than 2' on the top level. I wouldn't think a wire to the ceiling would be able to hold the layout level - not when the other side is connected to the floor like that. If you really have areas on the upper level that won't cantilever in a stable fashion, consider locating a structure ont he lower level with a tall smokestack, and run a threaded rod up through it to provide the support.

--Randy

[GAPPLEG]

Haven't ever seen it done, possible, stability might be a problem.[2c]

[electrolove]

I really don't know how to explain this, but I will give it a try...

Is it common to hang the layout (levels) with wires from the ceiling? Time for a picture: