"Memory wire" will it replace Turtoise ?

[Biased turkey]

I found that interesting link about a new ( at least to me ) technology ( some will name it gadget ) with applications to model railroading.
Have a look:
Modelling applications

What do you think about that ?

 

[Nomad]

BT
The first two things that struck me, I don't think I would want a wire getting hot under my layout, and how long does it take the wire to relax after heated. If it takes 1 minute for that wire to cool and relax, thats quite a while to wait for the turnout to move.
And how do you convert a EUR?

Loren

 

[bigsteel]

it sounds like gresome has a point,i dont want ANYTHING heated under my layout.but if they make one with cooler temps,it may be promising.--josh

 

[cidchase]

1 Euro=1.343 USD (May24th)

 

[Biased turkey]

I agree with both of you, my 1st reaction was: " the use of memory wire might increase my home insurance premium"
On the plus side it might give signals a more realistic slow motion to the swinging arm.
Thanks for the opinions.
Unless someone comes with a very very interesting application for it,I don't think I'll buy that "gadget".

 

[Nomad]

I don't blame you. "Better safe then sorry".

Loren

 

[60103]

Is this like Nichrome wire? There was a brief flurry of interest in this in the 60s, but I don't remember ever seeing any and it's not been n the model press since. This was just a wire that lengthened (or shortened) when heated by a current and then went back when it cooled.

 

[Pitchwife]

You could always use an under-table device with the memory wire as an actuator.

For currency conversions try http://www.xe.com/ucc/

 

[tillsbury]

It's very cool stuff, particularly for signals or other animations. The temperature involved is about 80deg C so you can't set fire to anything (unless you install it in a bath of solvent, I suppose). Look at the examples shown -- no issue so long as the wire is exposed, and because the wire (heat source) is so small, there's no significant build-up of heat around it.

It's probably just too slow to use in turnouts (and anyway, Tortoises are so easy). But I've seen it used on signals and it's fantastic for that kind of thing...

Charles

 

[Chaparral]

1 Euro=1.343 USD (May24th)

Gas Calgary, Saskatoon, $4.22 - $5.32 a U.S. gallon.
($1.21 - $1.33 a litre )
13 May to 21 May