Garden Railway Forum

I've been playing around with a redundant reel of galvanised fencing wire and a few eyelets.




Happy with the results, I've now installed both systems for a couple of hard to reach outdoor points and the two leading to my storage sidings

https://riksrailway.blogspot.com/2021/0 ... point.html

Rik

Rik,
For wire guides have you considered 4mm poly irrigation risers the ones used on micro irrigation sprays?
Weather resistant and can be locked down by plastic wire clips.

I like the look of that!

In the second example, is the point switched by twisting the wire?

I've got a point which would really benefit from something similar, it's in a very awkward spot, but it needs a simple solution, ideally a solder-free one!

GAP wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:50 am Rik,
For wire guides have you considered 4mm poly irrigation risers the ones used on micro irrigation sprays?
Weather resistant and can be locked down by plastic wire clips.

Not tried them. I'm using Chrome plated steel eyelets at the moment as I had a box full to hand. I've noticed there are stainless steel eyelets on eBay but the smallest size is 12mm diameter. Are those risers resistant to being trodden on? My next possible application would be at a station where I have to walk on it to trim the hedge behind.

Rik
PS I have also used cable clips when I installed the push pull system under the baseboard and afterwards realised I needed a bit more support at the turnout end of the run.

Andrew wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 12:16 pm I like the look of that!

In the second example, is the point switched by twisting the wire?

I've got a point which would really benefit from something similar, it's in a very awkward spot, but it needs a simple solution, ideally a solder-free one!

Yep! The wire flexes a bit but is still effective. Seems to work ok for runs up to two foot.


Rik

Seems appropriate for a narrow gauge line.

Don

That looks very 'agricultural' Rik!
For longer runs, see if you can get some galvanised fencing wire (it's about 4-5mm diameter) - more rigidity and still rust resistant. I should add that I mean no offence with my first comment

Lonsdaler wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 5:16 pm That looks very 'agricultural' Rik!
....... I should add that I mean no offence with my first comment

None taken

Rik

Just carrying on from your post - I have only 2 points with 'remote' hand control, both via bowden tubes - one a model aircraft ptfe 'wire'/plastic tube and the second a bike brake cable housing, with stainless steel wire replacing the brake cable. Both are connected to Cliff Barker point levers, which have an adjustment to change the throw from 6 to 8 mm. These are really nice point levers, but the tubes/capstans etc. were both a complete faff to set up - I do wish I'd gone down your route now

I have two points operated by bicycle brake cable in tube, one quite short, about 2 ft. the other at least 3m. in length. They have been in operation for some years now and work faultlessly. There is so little friction that a train can trail its way through without any problem......
Another point is operated using brass rod running through screw eyes operating a crank, similar to that shown above, every year it has to be de-rusted, cleared of moss etc, oiled and nursed back into working order...... nightmare!!!!! I will change that to brake cable as soon as possible.

ge_rik wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 1:12 pm

GAP wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:50 am Rik,
For wire guides have you considered 4mm poly irrigation risers the ones used on micro irrigation sprays?
Weather resistant and can be locked down by plastic wire clips.

Not tried them. I'm using Chrome plated steel eyelets at the moment as I had a box full to hand. I've noticed there are stainless steel eyelets on eBay but the smallest size is 12mm diameter. Are those risers resistant to being trodden on? My next possible application would be at a station where I have to walk on it to trim the hedge behind.

Rik
PS I have also used cable clips when I installed the push pull system under the baseboard and afterwards realised I needed a bit more support at the turnout end of the run.

Yes Rik the risers are quite strong they have a 4mm inside diameter and about 7mm outside diameter. I have hit them with my line trimmer and done no damage to the riser the sprinkler is another matter.
There is also a flexible riser tube available but it is not that strong.
I was recommending using the cable clips to hold the riser in place

Peter Butler wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:07 pm I have two points operated by bicycle brake cable in tube, one quite short, about 2 ft. the other at least 3m. in length. They have been in operation for some years now and work faultlessly. .

Hi Peter,
Yes, now they are set up they work well - it was that initial 'calibrating' that I found to be the faff. I've coated the yellow tube with plasstic primer in preparation for painting it and getting it to blend in more.

Very interesting.. Another idea to squirrel away for the future..