Brion, thank you for answering my questions. I will use 1/4" thimbles with 1/4" wire, as I do not plan on having service and I'll try treating the rigging and turnbuckles periodically with Lanocote or anhydrous lanolin and see how it goes.
As you suggested in your great book, I will use jaw-and-eye turnbuckles (galvanized) that can accommodate the thimbles. I have already replaced the internal chainplates with 3/8" x 1.5" external bars, that I hope will hold up to the wear of a shackle pin. I still need to upgrade the hardware on the mast to tangs with pins.
Jonathan
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