Tortoise switch machine wire

[modelalaska]

Hello all,

I was trying to install a Tortoise switchmachine but the wire that comes with it only works for roadbed and sub-bed thicknesses of an inch or less (is that lame or what).  Anyhow, were would one get that kind of wire (.025 diameter)?  Would a local hardware store carry that?

Thanks,

Peter

[larak]

0.039 piano wire. It comes in three foot lengths in tubes of 10? pieces at most hobby shops.

You might find some at a hardware store but it's a long shot. The thicker wire works much better if you need a longer length than the stock wire. 

[Blind Bruce]

I don't know what part of Alaska you are in but if there is any place that caters to model airplanes, they should have it. I use .028 to .031 wire through my 1/2 In. plywood, 2In. foam plus cork roadbed. The thicker wire (than comes with the Tortois) will give more tension on the turnout points so be careful not to go too thick or you will distort the rails. There is power on the Tortoise motor at all times when running so that is the time to check the point tension.

I'm going to Skagway in September to ride the White Pass

[dstarr]

   My hardware store does NOT carry piano wire.  I went 40 miles to the only hobby shop in northern NH to get three pieces of it.  I bought the next larger size.  It fits thru the green plastic fulcrum, but I had to drill out the black actuator knob with a #61 drill to get the larger wire to fit in.  My tortoises have to reach up thru 2 inch foam to get to the throwbars, and the stiffer wire helps. 

[modelalaska]

Awsome guys, thanks for the feedback.  I had no idea about the piano wire.  I will try with my LHS tomorrow and try a bit thicker wire as you all mentioned.  Thanks for the tips, it will help.

Bruce, enjoy your visit.  I have been to Skagway a couple of times and looked around the trains there but never got to ride it.

Peter (Eagle River, AK)

[donhalshanks]

I found the heavier wire in a couple different thicknesses at Michaels's hobby store here.  Used for building flower bouquets, etc.

Hal

[MichaelWinicki]

I kept hearing that I would need something heavier than .025 wire in order to move the points on my Atlas N, code 55 turnouts, which hover about 1.25" above the switch machines.  But lo & behold, on a whim I tried a 4" long, .025 piece of piano wire and it moved the points just fine! 

[train18393]

An important consideration is what you use to cut the piano wire. It is very hard wire, and can be easily cut with a cut off wheel in a dremel, or something of the sorte. You can also cut it with a HWAC plier (Hard Wire and Cable). Your normal diagional cutting pliers will get a dent in the cutting surface as much as the wire will dent. If you have only a few cuts an inexpensive pair of wire cutters work, if you know you are using them as a disposable tool. You will screw up average and expensive wire cutters.

 

Paul

Dayton and Mad River RR

[modelalaska]

Thanks Paul for the good tip.

Peter