Miniature cables for almost free
03-27-2007, 03:46 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Miniature cables for almost free
OK, my next installment on low buck modifications. This time it's cables. This came up when I was putting together my WSN T34. The provided material was very thin and unrealistic. On top of that it wasn't even long enough. Sooo.
Take some stranded wire, I used 14 guage. Cut three lengths about 1 1/3 the length you need. Srip the wire of insulation completely. Hold all the strands at one end and put a slight twist in. Take this and chuck it up in a drill. SLOWLY spin the drill while holding the other end. This will twist up your cable. I tinned the ends with solder to keep them from fraying.
Insert the new cable into the supplied ends. Since mine were tinned and had a slight spiral they actually screwed in. I imagine this could be adapted to the ugly HL plastic cables by trimming the ends, drilling a small hole and inserting a custom cable.
I painted mine gunmetal but I'm sure there are those out there more capable at painting than I that can offer good painting and weathering advise.
Maybe someone could paint some up, post pics here and describe the procedure.
Perry
Take some stranded wire, I used 14 guage. Cut three lengths about 1 1/3 the length you need. Srip the wire of insulation completely. Hold all the strands at one end and put a slight twist in. Take this and chuck it up in a drill. SLOWLY spin the drill while holding the other end. This will twist up your cable. I tinned the ends with solder to keep them from fraying.
Insert the new cable into the supplied ends. Since mine were tinned and had a slight spiral they actually screwed in. I imagine this could be adapted to the ugly HL plastic cables by trimming the ends, drilling a small hole and inserting a custom cable.
I painted mine gunmetal but I'm sure there are those out there more capable at painting than I that can offer good painting and weathering advise.
Maybe someone could paint some up, post pics here and describe the procedure.
Perry
03-27-2007, 04:03 PM
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RE: Miniature cables for almost free
Me too. Trick is there is all kinds of stuff around that is suitable for modeling. Feels great to come up with something that doesn't cost a lot of money. Thanks for the tip pscartozzi
03-27-2007, 04:38 PM
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RE: Miniature cables for almost free
They are around on the forum pscartozzi, trouble is they're not stickied so they get lost pretty fast. I often go back a few months when I'm bored looking for hints and tips.
I'm currently making a Panzer III N style exhaust using an old "instant solder" tube and some plasticard, and my Tiger's engine grilles cost me nothing. Like you say YHR, feels great to make parts that cost next to nothing and look like they cost £'s
I'm currently making a Panzer III N style exhaust using an old "instant solder" tube and some plasticard, and my Tiger's engine grilles cost me nothing. Like you say YHR, feels great to make parts that cost next to nothing and look like they cost £'s
03-27-2007, 06:40 PM
#7
Senior Member
RE: Miniature cables for almost free
Picture hanger wire works great and for coloring, tow cables are always greasy and filthy, so grimey black or exhaust buffing adds a lot with a light coat of Rustall to give them a realistic look. I never use kit supplied plastic cables, except for the ends.
Bill
Bill
