Lionel #80 Semaphore...solenoid coil questions

Measure the gauge of the wire and look up the resistance per foot in a wire table. Then divide 6.7 by that to get feet of wire.

Well, that part's pretty easy....100 feet.

Anything you can tell me about the paper between coil layers?  When I search DIY's for winding small solenoids it seems most are 1) not necessarily tightly wrapped coil-to-coil, and 2) not having any thin dielectric material (paper, plastic, et al) between coil layers. 

However, there's definitely paper between layers in the latest #80 solenoid.  Even though the wire is enameled, what purpose does the thin dielectric between winding layers serve?  Extra precaution against short-circuiting layers?

Thanks again...

KD

@dkdkrd posted:

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However, there's definitely paper between layers in the latest #80 solenoid.  Even though the wire is enameled, what purpose does the thin dielectric between winding layers serve?  Extra precaution against short-circuiting layers?

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Perhaps the paper between layers makes for a smoother/flatter cylinder thereby making it easier to wind a tight coil?

I think I would just mount the tube on a lathe or other device that turns slowly and let 100+ feet wind onto the tube. You can feed it from one end to the other, try not to make it lumpy, and it will work fine. Then try it. Even if it were lumpy it would work.

Just thought I'd bring this item to closure...

IT WORKED!

Wife helped me.  Used a variable speed drill to both re-spool 100' of the 28awg wire and then wind it onto the accessory spool.  I used some pre-cut lengths of masking tape to wrap each of the 7-8 layers (lost count!). 

After cleaning and re-painting/polishing all of the semaphore pieces, I re-assembled the unit.  Worked first time!...with gusto!!

And we celebrated!

Thanks for your help!!

KD