Manual turnout controls... I love them !

I'll have to visit a bike shop - I have left-overs in my bike parts box (and lots of good Swiss stainless steel spokes, too, but I think the more malleable coat hanger wire is a much better candidate to work with), but can't remember the cost for ordinary ones. Most of the ones I found on a quick internet search were very highly priced specialty cables (often more flash than substance: slick plastic sheaths and teflon coated cables are very common these days), but I did see a Shimano derailleur cable (generally longer than brake cables, and the lighter duty is not a problem moving turnouts) for under $3.

Here's a good link to info on bike cables, including finishing off sheathing cuts:

After searching the house for other wire coat hangars (my hates them, and throws them away) I found a few more. Much to my suprise these had thicker wire, and they are much stiffer.

So make sure you look for the thicker ones.

A thought I had already entertained - especially after looking at the flattened end in the pic in that Dec 2003 MR: figured the thicker ones would beat out into larger end tabs.

Yes, Larry - I think motorized turnout controls should be considered!

Bruce