Wire type & size for servo points

[collectors]

Hi, just setting up a few points servos & wondered what type & size of wire is recommended from servo arm to points arm. Don't laugh, i found an old plastic/nylon chopping board that fitted perfect into a sleeper. Bit of sanding & some brown paint. "Perfect"


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[Ralphmp]

Hi, just setting up a few points servos & wondered what type & size of wire is recommended from servo arm to points arm. Don't laugh, i found an old plastic/nylon chopping board that fitted perfect into a sleeper. Bit of sanding & some brown paint. "Perfect"
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You may want to check that locos and coaches with side steps clear your “mount”. I’ve had some LGB coaches with side steps that needed a fair bit of sideways clearance.

 

[dunnyrail]

You may want to check that locos and coaches with side steps clear your “mount”. I’ve had some LGB coaches with side steps that needed a fair bit of sideways clearance.

Yes I was thinking that as well.

 

[collectors]

You may want to check that locos and coaches with side steps clear your “mount”. I’ve had some LGB coaches with side steps that needed a fair bit ofHad

You may want to check that locos and coaches with side steps clear your “mount”. I’ve had some LGB coaches with side steps that needed a fair bit of sideways clearance.

Good point Phil. Had a trim as suggested & this will eventually be a template. If good enough, i might get it 3D printed out of a stronger material.

 

[Fred2179G]

what type & size of wire is recommended from servo arm to points arm.

To return to your original question, most people use stiff 'piano' wire, known as 'music wire' in the USA. 1/32nd inch or 0.025" will do the trick - or use larger if you prefer.

A bent paper clip is also stiff enough in some cases. Another option is to use a safety pin, cut off the pointy bit and open it out, then bend up the ends. The loop will give you the flexibility to absorb motion.

Don't forget to include an "Omega" loop, which looks just like the greek letter omega.
Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs - Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs

 

[collectors]

To return to your original question, most people use stiff 'piano' wire, known as 'music wire' in the USA. 1/32nd inch or 0.025" will do the trick - or use larger if you prefer.

A bent paper clip is also stiff enough in some cases. Another option is to use a safety pin, cut off the pointy bit and open it out, then bend up the ends. The loop will give you the flexibility to absorb motion.

Don't forget to include an "Omega" loop, which looks just like the greek letter omega.
Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs - Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs

Thanks Fred. Might go for the Z shape instead of the omega.

 

[dunnyrail]

I would have thought using a safety pin, if you straighten the wires out retaining the integrity of the loop that woukd in effect work as an Omega loop?

 

[Rhinochugger]

I'd be tempted to go for some brass rod - what we get as piano wire can rust.

The Omega loop shape is intended to absorb a bit of excess motion, and you can always bend one up if you get your brass from reliable sources (I've had some brittle stuff that's not too keen on being bent).

 

[Fred2179G]

if you straighten the wires out retaining the integrity of the loop that woukd in effect work as an Omega loop?

Yes, definitely, but you need one the right size.

I'd be tempted to go for some brass rod - what we get as piano wire can rust.

Over here, we can get stainless steel rod from K&S. Surely your marine suppliers have something similar?