Piano wire?

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jbaakko

jbaakko

Diesel Detail Freak
What gauge of Piano wire should I be looking at using for throwing a switch?

I'm working with ME switches, and planning to test out Atlas's under table switch machine, but the throw rod sounds like it'll be too short. I've heard its around 1 1/2", and I need about 2 1/8".

I've chosen to test the Atlas ones due to their thin overall profile. I'd prefer to use tortoise machines, but they're too big to fit in the space beneath my layout. If I cannot make the Atlas machine work, then I'm planning go with the Caboose Industries throws.
 
Hi Josh, I had the same problem with the under table Atlas machine. Well maybe not quite the same but the fix should work for you.
I bought the machines at a MR show, the previous owner had nipped the excess off the pin so now it was too short for my 3/4 in base and roadbed (guess that'll give you an idea)
My cure was to cut more off the pin so that I had enough of a base to drill a small hole. Then I raided the wifes sewing machine for needles and pins long enough to complete the job. The hardened steel needles and pins worked just fine.
Might work for you too.
Cheers Willis
 
Josh, I'm not sure but I bought some for my Tortoise and it was either .032 or .038. It was heavier (size bigger) than what came with the Tortoise, but the added stiffness is ideal for longer pieces. I did have to ream/drill out the holes in the Tortoise...not a big deal.
 


Willis, do they make them 2" or longer!?

Rex, thanks, if Willis' idea does not work out, I'll look for something in that range.
 
Where do you guys find the best place is to get the stuff? I bought it years ago to built 1/32 slot car chassis but can't for the life of me remember where from.

Mark
 
Josh, I just checked and the wire size I use is .032

Mark, about any hobby shop that handles R/C should have it. I think they use it for control linkage. :)
 
I have in the past used choke cable or throttle cable. I get it at my local auto parts store. I have bought it in 10', 15' and 20' lengths and cut it to fit.
It has a bendable wire with an outer sheathing that you can clamp to your bench work. A little oil in the sheathing and no kinks just nice genital bends and it works great. I have used it with hand throws and electric throws.
 
Hi Josh I'm sure the one I measured is new condition and it is only 1 inch, but if it had been clipped the maximum would have been no more than 1 1/8" so I doubt this would be any good to you.
Trying to extend the pin any more than that might get too iff'y because of the leverage points movement would apply to the machine's armature (too sloppy)
There is another under table twin coil that might work best for you, I believe it was for Shinohara switches and had the pin located between the two coils. If you could find a few of those you could lengthen the pins without a problem.

Willis
 
I've been looking at Various ones Willis, nothing seems like it will work, there's only about 1 1/2" of space. I'll see what I can come up with.
 


Blame that on the spell check.
I was not looking when it sugested the change.
My fingers get going faster than the brain and i make to many mistake's.
 
Yeah, the Peco ones are sold by Rix too. I've never heard anything good about them. :(

I guess I'll ask at the LHS too, see what they suggest.
 
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