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.
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.
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]
Actually the copper wire is working pretty well now.
Thanks
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
Really? That’s cool! Thanks my friend.
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.
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]
Ryan… You should check your email once and awhile… [:-^]