Hi everyone.
I would like to order some brass rod to use for hand rails in 1/35 scale but I need to know the correct thickness to order. I have to rely on internet shops so I can't see the real size of what I'm getting. The only place I know is Micromark and I know they ship to Egypt. Can you suggest other places to get scratching supplies?

Thanks
Hisham

Instead of ordering brass rod, try stripping some old electric cords. They go by gauge(wire size), the smaller the number the thicker the wire. You can find stranded or solid under the insulation.
Just strip it off, and roll it straight on a piece of glass, under a steel ruler. You'll find it in all different thickness, and best of all, you can usually get it free if you know an electrician, who always have a bunch of scrap cuttings. He'd probably be happy to help you find the sizes you need to boot.

You can also use copper wire, It's softer than brass but that's not all that critical for our applications. Do you have hardware stores nearby? They are good souces of scratcbuilding stuff like this.
The size/guage depends on the original. If you can't find it locally, think 1/16 is 2 inches, 1/32 equals about an inch; 1/64 half an inch. You can also find brass wire on a spool in arts and craft stores.
As Dave says, check out eletrical supplies for various sizes of wire.

You know, I thought about copper wire but then I thought it might be too soft to keep the main length of it straight while bending the sides. But I will try it. It would certainly save me a lot of money and headache trying to order through the mail.

Thanks

Sometimes flatstock can be used instead of rod.If this can be done in your application,try using staples.Any weight from office grade to commercial grade.Buy borrow,scrounge.Straighten, bend,and snip to suit.
cheers