Hi,
I have recently decided to control the hidden switches on my train layout by using music wire run in a tube. The brass tubing from K&S works for some sections, but need much more flexibility for other locations. Where can i purchase flexible tubing to run these cables in? Also, anyone else have any other tips for this control method that will make my life easier?
Thanks
Chuck “Diesel”[:D]
I have heard that auto supply stores have these.
Enjoy
Paul
The was an article online that I found, probably about 5 years back that described a method for turnout control using parts for RC model airplanes. I believe they were called pushrods. This had something like what you are referring to. It was basically one flexible tube inside another larger flexible sleeve.
I used to live near a hobby shop specializing in RC stuff, and I went there for the parts, but I’m sure you could get 'em online.
I’ll do some searching when I get home tonight to see if I can find that article. I’m sure I printed it out.
John
Underhill, VT
Hobbytown hobby shops or any hobby shop that deals in RC airplanes. They sell all sorts of rods, clevises, linkages, etc.
Dave H.
Have you considered drip irrigation plastic or rubber tubing? It is at Home depot in my area, or on line at numerous drip irrigation stores. I have seen 1/2", 1/4", and 1/8" in rolls of 50 to 100 feet. Even has plastic 90 degree connectors available.
Good Luck
Larry
Wabash
Go to a LHS that sell R/C aircraft, you can get flexible pushrods in either 36" or 48" lengths with a flexible cable inside a plastic tube. It also come in 1/16" or 1/32 diameter flex cable [:D].
If you use this type of system you must anchor both ends and also about every 6-8" along the length to prevent to tube from flexing.
Jim - EX R/C flyer[:o)]
Thanks for all the info.
The only other ? I have is the way in which each end is anchored as well as the middle of the tubing. Anyone have pictures/articles on this type of setup?
Chuck “Diesel”
I was trying to search for that article for ya yesterday. Didn’t have any luck, but I did find a picture - it might not be much help.
Go here:
http://pc.smellycat.com/eriepitt/photos2004.html
And scroll down to the Feb. 8th, 2004 pix.
The “Gold-n-Rod’” rung a bell with me. That’s the brand of pushrod that was recommened in the article I read.
I still have yet to search for a hard copy of the article I may have printed out, but hopefully I’ll get to do that this weekend.
John
Underhill, VT
Some people use manual choke cables from cars, but they are still $11-15 each. At those prices, you are still better off using a tortoise.
Take a look at your LHS at Sullivan flexible control surface cable. Its for radio control aiplanes and comes in lengths of 36 and 48 inches, and varing degress of flex from rigid to soft. Its meant to have a threaded rod inserted into each end and snake through a fuselage from the servo to the control surface.
It has an outer sheeth and an inner rod that is splined to reduce friction. It also comes in serveral diameter sizes.
Depending on how far you have to go they work flawless.
Hope that helps.
Jon - Las Vegas
Go to an air condition or plumbing supply house and purchase the smallest copper tubing they carrie, will come in 50 foot lengths should cost under $25.00 bucks, drill out whole size to just get the tubing to go thru control panel and feed over to switch, cut off copper to correct length, swage the ends to hold copper in place, feed wire thru.
Go to this site for ready made units,
www.humpyard.com
bill
I found the article that I was referring to, that includes specific part numbers for the sullivan pushrods that the author uses…
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/wdenton101/Tips.htm
John
Underhill, VT
Here you can see two pics of the push-rod arrangement I did on my On30 modules. I later also installed knobs. The rods are made by Sullivan. In the end I have screwed in a 2 mm or a 2-56 screw(Sullivan makes two sizes). Around the screw I have wrapped a steelwire that fits in the hole on the Peco turnouts. The visible part of the pushrod will later be colored, ballasted and covered by undergrowth.
At our railroad club “N Scale” we use the same piano wire as you mentioned to move the switch.
'the absolute perfect" material to use as tubing is regular 14 gauge wire wrap. Take a strand of either the black OR white cut to desired length or a little more, remove or pull out the copper wire. You will be left with a flexible tuble which is unabtrusive above the scenery and can be manipulated around corners or beneath roadbed.
OOps -----I almost forgotYou can attach it along the surface of the layout with staples or wire holders. If the area or length is not too critical - hot glue
Go to towerhobbies.com and do a search on pushrods. You will find photos and descriptions of many, many types and also connectors and other associated hardware. The Gold-N-Rod mentioned by someone is at:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFU90&P=ML
Hope this is helpful.
Thanks All
very helpful
Chuck
The Controllers from Humpyard sound like just what you are after. I have used them, and they work great!
If you have access to a copy of the April 1998 MR, there a good { and simple } way of making a turnout control using a slide switch, some piano wire and a coat hanger. You’ll find it on pg 97. I’ve used them in several locations and they work just fine. Hope this helps.