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Hey Folks,

Because I mixed different curve radius sections in a large curve, I can't close that curve up with my straight-run section unless I add a One-Inch section of 031 curve to the end of the last 10 inch 031 curve section.

With a piece of curved track this short, it will be impossible to use straight steel track pins on each side.  So, I am going to go with single pieces of copper wire, to go totally through each of the three rails of the one-inch piece and jut out one-half inch on each end of the rails.

Does anybody know what gauge of copper wire I need to buy to closely approximate the circumference of 031 steel pins?

And, I see online that I can buy  a short coil of copper for pretty cheap, but some of the ads say it is "half-hardened copper."

What does this mean please?  And, should I use the half-hardened?

Thx,

Mannyrock

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Aluminum is a great conductor of electricity and is used for most of the high tension transmission wires.  It is not now used for house wiring due to problems with connections to switches and fixtures due to its expanding and contraction when heated causing connections to work loose.

You might consider using pieces of steel wire coat hanger wire for the track pins as it is soft for steel and easy to bend and readily available.  There are a few different diameters of coat hanger wires and pick the one closes to the track ID.

Charlie

Last edited by Choo Choo Charlie

I would not use aluminum, copper is the way to go.

@Mannyrock posted:

Because I mixed different curve radius sections in a large curve, I can't close that curve up with my straight-run section unless I add a One-Inch section of 031 curve to the end of the last 10 inch 031 curve section.

Cut the full curve down a few inches and use a larger curve segment, then you can use normal pins.  It'll also probably line up better than a 1" piece of track.

@Mannyrock posted:

Thanks.  Great advice from all.

I'll try John's comment first.  Can't believe I was so stupid I didn't think of it.

That's the great thing about a conversation like this, sometimes the obvious escapes us all until we get a little slap.   It happens to me regularly, someone will post the obvious and I'll be...

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