We are installing an MTH cat system coming into a large yard. We need 24" cross bars to span a busy throat. No room for poles due to close turnout spacing.
Any idea where uncut stock is available? Thanks. TT
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Originally Posted by Tom Tee:
Any idea where uncut stock is available? Thanks. TT
Not metal H column....
But Plastruct offers 24" lengths of H column in 3/16" cross section, both ABS and Styrene. Other cross sections are available in 15" lengths. I-beam cross sections, however, are available in 24" lengths in 3/16", 1/4", and 5/16" height.
...all of which is found on their website.
K&S Special Shapes (brass) has only H column offered in 12" lengths with cross sections of 1/16" and 1/8"....perhaps not appropriate for your O scale application.
Aluminum?.....maybe others can help.
If you need to have the column conduct electricity, you might consider applying copper foil tape (MicroMark, et al) to one or more sides of, say, the ABS column. MUCH less expensive than metal column......IMHO, of course.
FWIW, always...
KD
Home Depot carries a selection of extruded aluminum "L" and "U" shapes in different sizes. They come in 8' lengths, cost around $10 ea, depending on size, used to edge materials such as plywood. Look in the lumber or flooring sections. I'm not sure if it's a universal offering but the store up here in Ontario has them. I recently bought some of the smallest size "U" and "L"s, with a cross section measuring 3/8" X 3/8". I plan to combine shapes to suit a future bridge construction. Maybe 2 "U" shapes back to back will work for you?
Bruce
Thought I'd add one more alternative. Check out the curtain and blinds section of HD for steel "I" beam shaped curtain rod...the type those little roller hangers fit onto. About the same price for a 10' length. After all, an "H" is only an "I" that has fallen over. 
Bruce
