How to get model rigging or rope to hang naturally?

[RGPFX]

Ok, I need to make a steel mill model that has cables hanging in gentle loops with a natural drape to them. Because it is a small scale (1/87) model I need a fine rope or substitute of some kind to simulate the steel cable hanging. I figure that this is very similar to hanging ship rigging on model boats. Any ideas???

RGP

 

[dansmith]

Rigging Thread for model boats can be got in loads of sizes, Not sure where you will get it in the US (Im UK) to get to hang run it over a candle to "Wax" it, it should then hold the shape you want it to hang in.

 

[micdavis]

Use wire instead of thread, shape it, then clear coat it.

 

[Rhett J Martin]

Or use a thin wash of white glue (Elemer's) in the middle which will stiffen the sstring and give it a little sag. I'm told this technique requires practice.

 

[zorg]

Use wire instead of thread, shape it, then clear coat it.

i would agree with micdavis on this one.

you can get lenths of steel wire from modelshops (usually)

different thicknesses.

to get thread or the like to hang true and straight might be tricky, even with the white glue method.

z

 

[Studio Stasis]

sorry to be off-topic, but Zorg, you have an AWESOME Avatar! I love the Spinal Tap reference.

Josh

 

[zorg]

sorry to be off-topic, but Zorg, you have an AWESOME Avatar! I love the Spinal Tap reference.

Josh

spinal tap, whats that?


z














:lol my avatar goes to eleven

 

[Jedi Dade]

YOU can also look to guitar strings... they come in a vareity of shapes and textures to get subltely differnet sounds... The also have a "texture" to them some of the time that looks pretty cool. I suppose strings for any stringed instrument would be along the same lines...

Jedi Dade

 

[CaptCBoard]

I've used really fine solder for that purpose before.

Scott

 

[vaderdarth]

I also use wire.........like piano wire. Hobbytown USA carries it.

Dave

 

[CessnaDriver]

This statue has some pretty effective use of wire as rope....

http://www.statueforum.com/showthread.php?t=52397&page=21