Hi guys,
I need to get hold of, or possibly build some small chains.
They need to be pretty small in 1/35 scale, I need them to attach the headlight plugs to the hull on my Sherman and one to attach the spotlight on the turret to the 'puck' if possible. Now I do have some small chain, but in scale this is towing chain and not suitable for these purposes.
What would be ideal is the PE style 'chain' used to attach the petrol caps but I have none of this left over to use. Is there anything I can use?
I don't want to have to order anything as my kit is nearly complete and I want to paint it this weekend, so i'm kinda looking for something I can use from old parts or from around the house if possible, though a trip to the local DIY shop would also be fine.
PLEASE HELP!!!

All suggestions appreciated!

James

Go to one of these cheapo jewellery stores and see what you can pick up.

James,
I think I can help you with your dilemma, that is if I can explain it properly. First, acquire some very fine copper or soft brass wire ... approximately .004 to .007-thou is sufficient. Next, cut a length about six inches long then double it to create two three-inch pieces. Holding one end begin to twist the wire, continuing until you've created a series of nice even "loops". You can even insert a No. 80 drill bit into each loop to help maintain uniformity. Once satisfied take flat-jawed pliers and begin flattening the wire. Be sure to squeeze the wire evenly and you'll notice immediately the effect you're wanting! It's a bit time-consuming to start with, but before you know it you'll be cranking out scale chain a foot at a time!

Hope this helps,
Mike Kirchoff

Accurate Armour make many gauges catered for armour and shipwrights.

I don't have time to fark about - I grab one or two packs when required at the LHS.

Thanks for the prompt replies guys.
Mike that sounds like a good idea, i've got some thin copper wire hanging around that should be great for this, just hope I can twist it thin enough. The other ideas are probably better in the long term, but in my own typical fashion I leave problem solving till the last minute (or to you guys!) when I don't have the time/patience to wait for bought items to arrive!

Thanks again,

James

I go to Wal-Mart's Jewelry section or even Hobby Lobby's Jewelry and beading section. Wal-Mart has the smallest of "Girlie" chain and it's usually pretty cheap.

HTH,
Cuhail

Oh yeah, and this tutorial on ModelGeek-Scratchbuilders!

Making wire chains

Hope this helps!
Cuhail

Thanks Murphy!

Be sure to try that out.

Cheers,

James

Another source for chains... are local Goodwill, Am-Vet or other Thirft store.

I also have found great bases for figure - Wood Salad bowls, salt and pepper shakers, brass candlestick hodlers and other Curios and assorted goodies.

Neill

this old Stalingrad Trench Diorama was made insight

any good model train store will have some,

Fine chain and M V Lenses are probably the hardest items to find in a hobby shop (or anywhere else for that matter). Everyone seems to carry it, but they always out of stock... When you do find a supply, don't be afraid to clean them out. You never know when you will find it again. I prefer the model ship maker's chain, but when you need it, you need it.

Good luck in your search... I "know your pain".

I like that article on making wire chains. Very creative.

Hey guys,
Thanks for all your tips, much appreciated. As I have no LHS and live in a small town in a rural area I went down the scratchbuilding route and followed the ModelGeek-Scratchbuilders link that Murphy posted, the results are pretty good and worked for what I needed them for so i'd happily recomend the tecnique (except I had to hit rather than 'tap' the wire to get the desired affect!) Heres a pic of how it turned out:



Thanks again,
James

Hey James.
That came out nice. I'm glad that article worked out for you. It took me a bit of searching to find it. I couldn't remember where I saw it! :-)

H2H,
Cuhail

Well thanks for putting in the hard work to find it! Much appreciated! Glad you like the finished article too. BTW you can find the thread for my build of this Sherman HERE

James