Ignition wires

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

I am putting some ignition wires in the engine of my P-47D and wondered if thin copper wire is what most of you use? I have some thin wire here but find it a bit hard to work with as it is not as flexible as I would like.

2

I’ve heard and read of using armature wires from small electrical motors. Also, Radio Shack sells a product made for wire-wrapped connections that is fine and very flexible, but I’m not sure if it is close enough to scale.

3

Don’t know if this would help in your case Mike.

For my 1:24 & 1:25 scale cars I use 28 or 30 AWG solid core wrapping wire. It comes in a few colors and can be found many places online. Radio Shack has some too - click here.

If I need different size wires and can’t find the right size, I’ll remove the insulation and paint the copper core wire and use that. I should mention, it’s best to bend the wire somewhat to shape first before painting. That way it cuts down on the chance of cracking.

[2c]

4

Actually the copper wire is working pretty well now.
Thanks

5

Mike,

If you want to soften the wire and make it easier to work with, anneal it. Heat it until it is cherry red and let it cool - a butane lighter works very well for this

6

Really? That’s cool! Thanks my friend.

7

Hey jim, when they say 30 gauge wrapping wire, is it 30 gauge for the conductor or the insulation together? i’d been using painted 28 gauge copper wires for my 1/20 F-1 cars’ wiring (since they are cheaper… wait, way much cheaper) but i’d sure opt for precolored plastic ones.

8

Hey Ryan,

Whenever any company calls specs for the gauge of their wire, they are referencing the conductor.

For a reference guide of sizes (look at the Kynar® Wire Wrap) - click here. Each manufacturer will have slightly different specs as to the thickness of the insulation wrap, but they will be pretty darn close.

Ignition wires for a 1/20 scale car… humm… I’ll bet you could use something along the size of 26 or 24 AWG. I use 22 AWG for my battery wires and it looks proprotionally correct with my spark plug wires at 1:24 & 1:25 scale. [;)]

You’ll have to shop around online for the different size and colors for the wires. I bought mine in bulk spools since I’m going retail. Need anymore help or tips, feel free, I’ll do my best to help.

[:D]

9

Ryan… You should check your email once and awhile… [:-^]