What is decent size/product to use for the smalls chains on vehicles in 1/35 scale?
The current issue is the tailgate for a Gamma Goat.
Granted this one is mostly covered but you get the idea.
TIA
Granted this one is mostly covered but you get the idea.
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Ryan,
The smallest articulated chain available is .55mm, which still may be too heavy for this application. I would use photo etch chain and twist it to give it a 3D effect.
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There are very small chains in the train and ship modeling arena. It is measured by links per mm. I don’t know what size I have, but it is small enough for 1/35 tailgate chain. Here it is on my current M1085 FMTV build.
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Yep, that is the look I am going for but struggling on the chain size.
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‘L.Z. models’ Good stuff from Ireland.
No. 35601 ‘Precision Very Fine Chin’ is their finest. Should do the trick.
I can also recommend No. 35602 ‘Precision Medium Chain’ for bumper tow chains, etc.
HTH 
—mike
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I use PE chain on retaining pins on tanks like Panthers, etc…the retaining pins on towing clevis (Pz lV), the spare track links (Panther), gas cap covers (Shermans). etc. Twist a bit, and bend into a “J” shape for the usual hanging slack.
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What I do is
-I select a wire gauge that matches the size I’m after
-I bend it in the middle, put the loop end in the vise, the other in the pin vise, tighten both and then rotate the pin vise until I’m happy with the “thread” size.
-Finaly, I run a heavy roller over the side of the wire thread.
The result is something like that
HTH,
Cheers,
Angel
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Interesting technique Angel. Thanks. 
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I use a flat piece of steel and the handle of Excel K2 knife when rolling over the threaded wire.Metal on metal results in a high pressure applied.
When the wire gets flattened, it expands and both wire runs separate a bit.
Cheers,
Angel
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I think I understand. I think I don’t need the twist to be so tight so it is easier to expand.
Thanks.
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Yeah, you need to try, but basically less is more.
A super-twisted wire might break when roller pressed(don’t ask me how I know).
You’re welcome!
Angel
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Do you happen to have a pic of the result. I am curious how that turns out.
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with chains I did using wire:
Ah, okay. The close-up of the wire itself really helped. I am going to give that a try real soon. Working on planes right now so not a lot of chain action involved.
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Ryan,
PM me. I may be able to 3D print some small chains for you. Let’s discuss.
Kind regards,
James
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f you are in the states check out Hobby Lobby jewelery section.
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Mine had nothing suitable. Either a good shape but too large or right size but wrong shape. Thinking of checking out flea markets and antique shops as I notice some of my wife’s older chains look good – but obviously I can’t take hers.
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