What do you use for chains on German Armor?

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hey Guys,

Can’t seem to find the correct looking a chains for two armor projects I am working on. Where do you guys buy aftermarket chains? I am building a Mid DML Hetzer and a Trumpeter France 35/38(H) both in 1/35 scale. Thanks for any help!

2

Try the ship or railroad section of your local hobby store. May I ask: what are you using the chain for? It’s one of the hobby’s most overused model implements that were not on actual tanks. Some early war French tanks used a thick guage chain for towing. You see tire chains for snow usage, sometimes stowed on a wheeled vehicle’s exterior.

Of the 1000s of photos of German armor, there are about 5 or 6 (maybe I’m exaggerating here) that have normal lengths of chain on them. However, you go to a model show or look in a model gallery online, and about half the tanks/vehicles have chains dangling all over them – as if Mr. T built the doggone things.

It’s one of my pet peeves (if you cant’ tell). My suggestion would be to omit them all together. Normal guage chain was too light for hauling tanks – that’s why they used the tow cables.

If you must use them, store them logically (like in a bag). Having them fall off and get snagged in the suspension would ruin a tank crew’s day.

3

Thanks for the tips Roy. I am more interested in using the chains on the Trumpeter France 35/38(H) tank.

4

Save money. Go oto a craft store and look in the jewelry section for oval shaped chain. Save even more, go to flea markets and yard sales to get costume jewelry. I’ve gotten 24 inches or more of chain for a quarter.

5

If I recall correctly, SQUADRON had some mini chain available; check their website. Or, MICROMARK has mini chain in different sizes (www.micromark.com–I LOVE this amazing company!) For 1/72 or for tiny retaining chains, I twist mine out of fine copper wire, then flatten it with a hammer.

6

The chain in the Bronco kit of the Hotchkiss 39 is about 10 links per inch. It looks the same size as the big chain in this picture:

http://www.chars-francais.net/images/archives/hotchkiss_h35/40099.jpg

I got some chain off of ebay a few months ago from a model railroad guy.

Nine links per inch might do the trick.

Hetzer chains???

7

Thanks TankJunky great usable info. I found the seller on ebay with no problem!

8

use scale chains

9

mr. manstein-- exactly how many links per foot (or meter) would that be?–tread[(-D]

10

A cheap alternative is to use fake jewellry metal chains, sold by the meter (or foot!), and used to make necklaces, etc.

Just choose the smaller sizes!

11

[#ditto]

Ben