An alternative to wire and rods.

 G`day Folks,

 I just like to share with you an alternative method for connecting points to a lever or knob or whatever you choose to activate your points.

 I use coat hanger rods myself but I`ve come up with this idea. Somebody may be able to use it. It`s quite economical and readily available.

 Ok….instead of using a rod or wire cable or brake cable or bicycle spokes…..why not use garden line trimmer cord passed through small irrigation tubing and held in place by cable clips.

I`ve tried it this afternoon and the preliminary tests are excellent.

 This pic shows some 6mm OD 4mm ID tube with some 3mm trimmer line passing through it. I cut a 600mm length of tube and the trimmer line passes through it quite freely. When the tube is kept straight….there is no play in the movement. When you put a gentle 90 degree bend in the tube there is approx. 5mm play before you get movement at the other end. The trimmer line pushes from one side to the other inside the tube on the bend….therefore the play. That`s Ok if you factor it in to your system. It still works fine and freely. Based on what I`ve tried this afternoon, I would think  a 1200mm straight run could be handled easily. I`ll try it if anyone wants ….no trouble.



 I also tried some thinner line trimmer cord….2.4mm.

 The thinner cord has more free movement but I think a little more play on the bend. The terminal block inner takes up to 3mm. I use them as connections through the manual system I have on Great Chesterford Junction. They would be ideal for making connections / joints with these materials.



 This is the plastic tube. The tube that I have is actually quite stiff. I don`t whether it`s due to it`s age or whether that`s it`s normal characteristics.



 The 3mm trimmer line from a $2 shop.



Here are some examples of the cost of materials on the Bay

  http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10m-1-4-Size-4-5mm-Black-Watering-Hose-Tubing-for-Micro-Drip-Irrigation-System-/281380292224?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item4183928680

 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/15M-Trimmer-Line-Snipper-Cord-Cutter-1-5-2-2mm-2-4mm-2-7mm-3mm-3-3mm-3-5mm-TTRIM-/161522958662?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&var=&hash=item259b84c146

 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6mm-100-Pcs-Cable-Clips-Round-Wire-Cable-Clips-White-With-Fixing-Nails-/251719209598?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3a9ba2527e

 This method is just a replacement for other methods , however it would be very economical and easier to install than the other systems. The connection method is up to you and there is plenty of information out there on the topic.

 The thing would be to minimize bends. The straighter the tube the better. This would be ideal for those folks that place the point control directly opposite the point on the edge of the baseboard.


I am not aware of anyone using this system so possibly this is a new approach.
 Questions welcome…..chuck it around folks and see what comes up.:hmm

:cheers  Gormo

 
 

Fantastic Gormo. :thumbs Now why didn't I think of that…?? I have tonnes of irragation line and whipper cord at my disposal ! ;-)

Cheers, Gary.

 Well Gary,

 Sounds like you`re in business mate!!!

 Give it a go when you get a chance……I think you`ll find it works pretty well.

 Here`s a link to the Jaycar terminal blocks…..they`re cheap as well…a buck seventy five for one strip of twelve.

 http://www.jaycar.com.au/Interconnect/Terminals-%26-Headers/Terminal-Blocks/6-Amp-12-way-Screw-Terminal-Strip/p/HM3194

 :cheers  Gormo

I have just re-booted this as this topic has been discussed recently.

I'm new to the forum but already I've found my first bit of useful advice. Really excellent idea which I'm putting into practice on my first n gauge layout. One set of points down…. 12 more to go…….

Hi Ken
Yes saw your post first and that set me off looking at manual point controls. Two things steered me towards this method a) I already had all the bits and had just thrown away 4 wire coat hangers! b) I needed to have something flexible as there are a couple of sets of points where I hadn't taken any notice of where the baseboard frame ran  :oops:

Ultimately I will want to route it all to a lever frame but that bit is many months away.
Jeremy