[compsur]

After some trail and error, i was able to find some Nichrome 18 gauge and 20 gauge solid wire...unfortunately its not available in its original 7 stranded 18 gauge form. Its hard to believe no one reproduces resistance stranded wire today with PVC covering and with the white cloth urethane covering, and red and white strips, everything else is reproduced. Your correct 18 gauge Nichrome has a .42 ohm resistance per ft while 20 gauge is around .62 ohms per ft. But at any rate i used some black shrink wrap tubing giving it a good PVC covering and ran the resistant wire to 50" before it meets up with the main wire which drops the voltage to around 8-9 volts, enough to provide slow speed. Works perfectly!!