Semaphore wire

[Granger]

Hello all,

I've recently been working on some N Gauge semaphores and want to get them operating using a servo, however, I need some wire to achieve this.

I'm looking for something around 0.5mm dia. (but between 0.4 and 0.6 should work). I've had limited experience with wire this thin (having worked with much thinker piano wire for something else).

 

What I'm looking for is a wire that can easily be bent to 90 degrees bit if rigid enough to operate the signal correctly. I wonder if anyone has any recommendation or experience with a suitable wire that might guide my purchase.

 

Regards

[Esmedune]

Wizard models do a 0.45 wire that is meant for hand rails on locos. It can be quite easily bent, so you need to be careful with fitting, and it will depend on the force needed to move the semaphore. But it is the most rigid wire at that scale I have found.
https://www.wizardmodels.ltd/shop/locomotive/uc039/

[Esmedune]

Also, just found 0.45 & 0.35 Hard Brass wire from Southern Pride Models. I'm about to purchase some to try for hand rails oil pipes and pantographs 

[Wheatley]

Be careful with hard brass, it will snap if bent too sharply. I have .33 and .45 in hard and soft  grades from Eileens, the soft is plenty rigid enough for handrails despite its name, and I've only found limited use for the hard as most 'straight' handrails have a bend somewhere. 

[Gordon A]

Guitar string goes down to 8 thou and is quite rigid.

[Granger]

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm going to try guitar string to start with and see how it goes.

 

Thanks again

[sagaguy]

Nickel silver wire is best,choose your grade.

 

                     https://www.eileensemporium.com/materials-for-modellers/product/nickel-straight-wire-250mm-long/category_pathway-1166

 

                          Ray.

[Right Away]

My sticks are manually operated and use 0.45mm steel wire from the signal arm(s) to the under board crank and 1mm steel (piano) wire from the crank to the operating position. On the longer runs, the longer, 1mm rod passes through a support (electrical  strip connector) where the screws can be used to adjust for any “whippyness”. This method has been in successful operation for a few years now.

Edited September 10, 2021 by Right Away
spelling

[bigherb]

You could use soft iron wire, comes in 0.3 & 0.5mm diameter available from craft shops for jewellery making, eBay etc.

[Granger]

Thanks, for all the suggestions. 

The guitar string arrived and is excellent for the job.

 

I wonder if I may have to provide an update with the finished item when I get there?

 

Thanks