String Cable Coloring

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

I’m building the Trumpeter Pz.Kpfw IV Ausf D/E Fahrgestell and need the white string for the crane to look like rusty cable. Thinking about thinded paint, but don’t want to make it too brittle. The string has to run through a system of pulleys and a winch.

Thanks

2

If you attach each end of your piece of string to a suitable hnadle, such as a clothespeg, and the soak it in thinned dark grey or black acrylic paint overnight, fit will acquite the right colour. You can then use the handles to take the string out of the paint ‘bath’ and hang it up to dry. Beware that this method can be messy! When it has dried, your string will remain flexible.

Notice that your cable should not be rusty. Rusty cables break, which is not what you want when you have a couple of tons of tank motor on the other end, as well as ebing dangerous for anyone nearby. Being hit by high-tensile steel wire moving at speed is not good for your health, so winch and tow cables are kept well-greased.

Cheers,

Chris.

3

I have’nt found a good way to either. I just painted them with flat black and dry brushed with metallic grey. Just watch out, they have a tendency to fray. I once heard someone mention candle wax, too. On a different note, what color did you paint the shells ?? I have been trying to find a color for the morser shells, but no luck. Sorry, not hijacking, just curious.

4

Adding wax (candle or beeswax) to the string or thread after painting is a good idea. It stops them getting hairy over time.

Cheers,

Chris.

5

I painted the shells olive drab, also not having any other info. Painted the whole shell the one color.

Did you use the metal shell for the one thats hanging? The string looks a little slack.

Thanks for your help

Shayne

6

no, i used the plastic ones. and there’s ALOT of slack…[banghead]

7

Chris thanks for the tip about the wax. Do you rub the wax on dry or do you melt it and apply it wet

Thanks

8

I jusr rub the string against the candle or block of beeswax. If you wnat the string or thread to be stiff, as you might, for example, for a tow or crane cable uner tension, then running thin superglue along ut also works. Apply accelerator and you get a puff of smoke, and then it’s set!

Cheers,

Chris.