Hypodermic Tubing for gun barrels

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Where does one obtain hypodermic tubing (needles) to use for gun barrels on model aircraft?

…besides the alley behind the crack house downtown?

2

try buying some aluminum tubing at the hoby shop.

3

Try the tubing that comes with inkjet refill kits. It is stainless steel and about the diameter of a 20mm barrel in 1/48 scale

4

Try Small Parts, Inc. in Florida. They sell all kinds of rod, tubing,gears and things. I know they are on the net, but I don’t have the address.

5

Hi Toadwbg,
I’m not sure where you’re located but I’ve got a couple of suggestions. I’m in Green Bay, WI. Here we’ve got a store called Fleet Farm (aka Farm & Fleet if you head further south in the state) and they cater to the farming community. They’re sort of like a Walmart with some extra bovine aisles thrown in. Anywho, if you have someplace like that around where you live they sell various diameters of hypodermic needles for use on cows. I just picked up a couple of packages (10 needles total I think) for a couple of bucks, if that much. My other suggestion would be to see if you had a HobbyTown USA store near you. There’s one here in GB where they sell needles (not the hypodermic variety) which are used for measuring paint ratios, epoxy ratios, etc. I just buy a bunch of those for pennies each and then cut off the plastic around the “needle” tip. They are sometime short enough where I don’t even have to cut them down to size. Hope this helps!!! -Eric

6

I have wanted to try tyhis technique for gun barrels too. My wife works at a dental office, so I have collected a few from her. Problem is the gauge of needle seems a little large.
Does anyone have an idea what gauge of needle are to scale in 1/72, 1/48?[^]

7

Thanks for the advice echolmberg! I do have access to FF stores!

One more thing, GO PACKERS! (I’m a cheeshead by birth)

8

24 gauge needles are close for 30 cal in 1/72; 20 ga for 50 cal, and 18 ga for 20 mm. You really need to find aluminum or brass tubing for 1/48 scale; you’re less likely to harpoon yourself with it (as oposed to hypodermics.).

9

Thanks!!![:D]

10

I have an absolutely ludicrous amount of cryostat tubing that’s good for 48th barrels (Actually, blast tubes!). My Dad “procured” this stuff from work. This tubing is of the same type used for cooling electronics as well as for other purposes. I also have some finned tubing, the same stuff but with steel(?) ribbon welded around the entire length of the tube, forming cooling gilles. Hard to explain, but basically it looks like O2 hose, probably good for 32nd or larger models.

If anyone is interested, email me and maybe we can work something out. All I would ask is postage. It may take awhile, having lotsa work done on the house and can’t find a dang thing at the moment, but such is life! LOL [xx(]

Fade to Black…

11

Hey toadwbg, just go to your local, friendly drugstore and buy what you need. Most will carry different ‘gauges’ for folks with diabetes. ( they’re disposable ) If I remember correctly, I paid less than $2 apiece for some. The smaller gauges for children might be what you need for 1/72 scale.
Good luck.

12

Another source is from a Spanish Co. “Minimeca Accesorios Para el Modelismo” which sells steel tubing specifically sized for model buiders. They have various Diameters avilable. I usually order their “assortment pack” which has enough tubing ( pre-cut to appropriate length ) for about four models. Cost is $10.95 which is high but fairly inexpensive on a per model basis. Quality is high and the precut lengths cuts down on Moto-Tool time. I order through my local hobby shop, so I would guess MMD or Stevens stocks it.