finding pushrod wire for 1/2 A planes

[Clare Bottorff]

I have returned to "trying" to build some simple 1/2A planes for grandkids but have not found piano wire locally. Any good sources for pushrod wire I might try. I am looking for wire about 1/32" in size.

[minnesotamodeler]

You'll need something a little heavier than 1/32".  One possibility, if the pushrods will be straight, is coathanger wire.  It's pretty soft but works OK as long as there are no bends in it (other than the ends).  Easily obtained anyway!

[LARRY RICE]

1/2A wire is generally 3/64" in size and if you tell me what length you want I will send you some with or without a 'Z' bend in the end.

Larry
Black Hawk Models

www.blackhawkmodels.com

[Hoss Cain]

I have returned to "trying" to build some simple 1/2A planes for grandkids but have not found piano wire locally. Any good sources for pushrod wire I might try. I am looking for wire about 1/32" in size.

Generally any hardware or home supply stores will have "music" wire. There are many throw-away spray bottles that have a plastic tube inside that is long enough for a guide tube for very small pushrod wire. Just fasten the tube to the fuse. if profile, bent pins, safety-pin end with the curved end for the tube or just small balsa blocks glued over the tube. Built-up fuse. just use some guides inside.
At the $ type stores one can find all kinds of plastic tubes very cheap that can be used for all kinds of good pushrod and many other things in modeling.
It doesn't take much for a 1/2 a sport model if there are a couple guides to prevent any bending up/down when in the "push" position. A tube is excellent. One can then make some solid wire fishing leaders work just fine.

[Tim Wescott]

No hobby shops locally?  Dang!  Look around -- there may be one lurking in the back corner of a fishing shop or a craft store.

There's always mail order.

[PerttiMe]

A pushrod doesn't necessarily have to be all metal either but I suspect a hardware store would have something suitable.

(not my picture)

[Dwayne]

No hobby shops locally?  Dang!  Look around -- there may be one lurking in the back corner of a fishing shop or a craft store.

There's always mail order.

Yes check your yellow pages for a craft store.

[John Stiles]

I have returned to "trying" to build some simple 1/2A planes for grandkids but have not found piano wire locally. Any good sources for pushrod wire I might try. I am looking for wire about 1/32" in size.

You can get an old bicycle wheel and cut ya a bunch of them. A 24" 10speed wheel is best! Already threaded on one end!

[PerttiMe]

New spokes from a bike shop won't cost a fortune either.

... on the heavy side for 1/2A maybe.

[Bill Little]

You can get an old bicycle wheel and cut ya a bunch of them. A 24" 10speed wheel is best! Already threaded on one end!

Brother John,

That works great for "cowl hold downs", too.  They used to be shown on a lot of plans, as I am sure you are aware.

Bill

[George]

A pushrod doesn't necessarily have to be all metal either but I suspect a hardware store would have something suitable.

(not my picture)

Using 1/4" square balsa was standard for 1/2A RC before nyrod was invented. Make sure to use enough bulkhead supports to prevent flexing.

George

[Clare Bottorff]

Thanks to all who responded to my quiery.
Clare

[Rusty]

Blank