Model builders produce all types / sizes of cables and ropes for their models and diaromas that, for the most part, look realistic. BUT, there is one glaring problem with many of them. Many are wound with a left-twist instead of the CORRECT right-twist. I’ve seen this mistake in a photo on the front cover of a how-to book; pictures used to illustrate articles in magazines; pictures on this forum; and today, in a new Model Expo catalog.
So, here’s the tip: When winding cables/ropes with an electric drill–set the drill to run in reverse. If using an egg-beater style hand drill–turn it in reverse. You want the finished piece to have the realistic right-twist going-away. This twist is used in all cables and ropes from the lightest sewing threat to the largest hawsers; from the smallest gauge, twisted-strand computer wiring up to the cables holding up the Golden Gate Bridge.
I’ve not said anything about this for the longest time, but getting that catalog yesterday containing a picture of a rope made with a ship modeller’s rope-walk was the last straw. That rope had the wrong twist. This may sound " nit-picky ", but I really HATE to see an otherwise, beautifully built and detailed model sporting such an easily prevented mistake.
Thanks for the info, I never knew that. File this one under “never bothered me until you told me about it”. Just in time, as I’m thinking about making my own cable for a armor build.
As I pointed out in my original statements; if you’re going to twist replacement cables, ropes, etc, for your models / dioramas, why not give them the correct ones??? It’s not that hard. Many modelers of AFV’s detail the rubber-tired road wheels with nicks and cuts. Would you call that “rivet counting” or attention to details? There are unknown numbers of aircraft moderlers who think NOTHING of cutting, splicing, filling-in, re-shaping their A/C’s to correct mistakes in tooling. Are they “rivet counters?” I don’t know. Am I a rivet counter???
You can bet your super glue I am.
If I’m to build a detailed model tank, A/C, car, boat — then I’ll attempt to get as much done as I possibly can. Otherwise, it’s just assembling toys. But, HEY, everybody in this hobby can build their stuff however they wish. I’m simply pointing out one little, EASY technique to be true to life. But, if anyone who reads this thread chooses to blow it off–no problem. Whatever floats their boats.
Don’t feel too bad. Having lived in Samoa, I once received the nit-picker of the year award for pointing out, relative to a Pacific Theater diorama, that coconuts don’t come off the tree as little brown spheres. Detail exists only in what we know, and if you don’t know, it really doesn’t matter a damn bit.