1/35 scale .50 cal ammo belt?

[wozzozz]

Any guidance on where to source or create an ammo belt for my sas jeep .50 cal?

[Frenchy]

Here"s an option

H.P.

[jfeenstra]

It really depends on how detailed you want it and materials it’s made of. Frenchy’s pointed out one of the newer options, a raised resin decal. Other options:
Photoetch:
https://www.super-hobby.com/products/Ammo-belts-.30-and-.50.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqs-KvjyLaQh_piy5Z2EahblMDJM2YFy8hEXHSVCYz0qf2uHlxe
Photoetch (precolored):

Plastic model kits and accessories - Eduard Store

3D Printed Flexible (my choice!)
https://www.super-hobby.com/products/Flexible-Ammo-belts-Cal.-050-37580118.html?srsltid=AfmBOorBzBXsoeIk5Kr9dl82hIHowWPP8AnW2-fvLFJ9lqWZDUJn_JWj

Flexible Ammo Belts and Feed Chutes - 1/35

https://www.super-hobby.com/products/Ammo-belts-12-7-mm-21004474.html
And if you can find it, build your own from PE and Turned Brass:
https://www.vodnik.net/pages/Mission/ammo50.htm

[18bravo]

I’ve ordered from Quinta Studios myself - still awaiting overseas shipment. I anticipate being quite pleased. However, if all you need is a few links between the ammo box and the MG, the AFV Club M2HB set might be for you. You get the ammo belt and a whole lot more for the same money.

[Vodes12]

@wozzozz

Any guidance on where to source or create an ammo belt for my sas jeep .50 cal?

For a 1/35 scale .50 cal ammo belt, you’ve got several good options depending on how detailed and realistic you want the ammo belt to look:

1. Aftermarket Resin/Metal Sets – Brands like Aber, Master Club, and LF Models make detailed belts and individual ammunition links that fit most .50 cal kits nicely. These are often the easiest and most realistic option.

2. Photo-etch Sets – Some PE belts from companies like Eduard include individual ammunition links that look great once painted and weathered.

3. Scratch-Build – You can also create your own ammunition links using thin styrene or wire if you want a custom fit. There are plenty of tutorials showing how to make linked belts from scratch.

4. 3D Printed Belts – Search Etsy/eBay/Thingiverse for printable .50 cal belts that already have the ammunition links modeled, then print in resin or PLA.

Also, if you’re curious about how real manufacturers make belt-fed links in full size, check out the **AK Stamping Defense page（small‑medium caliber ammunition links）**From USA — they produce real small/medium caliber ammunition links for military use (not model parts but good for reference and inspiration).

[wozzozz]

Hi! Thanks so much for this list of options! Work and some health issues within the family has put my model making resurgence on hold over the last year, but your message feels like the nudge that I needed to add the finishing touch to the jeep and make a start on the Sherman that’s still in its box. Thanks again!

[akstamping]

@wozzozz

Any guidance on where to source or create an ammo belt for my sas jeep .50 cal?

You’ve got a few good options for a 1/35 scale .50 cal ammo belt depending on how much detail you want. If you’re looking to buy, there are some ready made aftermarket sets available. For example, photo-etched belts like Eduard .50 cal sets are quite detailed, and there are also flexible resin/plastic belts from brands like GasPatch or Black Ops Models that can be shaped naturally around the gun or mount. If you prefer scratch-building, you can also replicate the look of ammunition links by using thin wire combined with small styrene rods for the rounds, or by modifying spare ammo from other kits and linking them together. Some modelers even use 3D printing for more consistent results. Another option is to check accessory kits (AFV Club etc.) they often include ammo boxes and belts that work well for dioramas. For an SAS jeep setup, a slightly loose or naturally hanging belt will usually look more realistic than a perfectly straight one.

[metalhead85]

Welcome to the site !

[loncray]

Just as an out-of-the-box idea for folks that need a lot of shell casings that don’t necessarily have to be uber-accurate, but the support resin from 3D printed parts seems like it might be a resource. One end is tapered already and the ones I’ve seen are about what a .50 shell looks liked. Thoughts?

[18bravo]

I’ve used the pointed ends of those supports to fill in 25mm casings, so yes, that’s viable. Most sets available don’t really convey the shouldered feature of the cases anyway.

Here’s a link to using the points as bullets:

Bushmaster Cartridges and Clips | Armorama™

I just made a pretty cool discovery. If you buy Jacque’s footman loops, they’re mounted on these tiny little spikes: [image] One looks like this: [image] Which fits perfectly into one of the spent casings. Remember the range? Who doesn’t like bonus rounds!? [image]