Tow cables

[Tyrrhenus]

Using copper wire (or similar), how do you make tow cables? I don't want to use the horrible pieces of string from the kit I'm building, a StuG III Ausf G, of which you can see pics in the Afvs wip section.

[Andy K]

Use picture hanging wire, available in various thicknesses from a DIY store and nylon thread for the thinner cables

[Tyrrhenus]

Use picture hanging wire, available in various thicknesses from a DIY store and nylon thread for the thinner cables

I have a lot of copper wire from 0.3mm to 0.9mm, so I was hoping to use that. But what I meant is: how do you actually do it? What is the technique? Sorry, maybe my English is not that good

Edited June 19, 2015 by Tyrrhenus

[Andy K]

Ahhh I understand! You would need to secure the ends of the copper wire in a vice or similar and twist with pliers, making sure you keep the tension.

[Tyrrhenus]

Ahhh I understand! You would need to secure the ends of the copper wire in a vice or similar and twist with pliers, making sure you keep the tension.

Ah cool. I'll give it a try using 0.3mm (my StuG is 1:35) and see how it looks. Thanks Andy

[ivan-o]

I have used old bike gear cable for my chieftains,dont know if it will be to thick for what you want but i hope this helps.

Ivan

Edited June 20, 2015 by ivan-o

[Tyrrhenus]

I have used old bike gear cable for my chieftains,dont know if it will be to thick for what you want but i hope this helps.

Ivan

It's a nice idea, but I don't have old bike gear cable. I'll put this idea somewhere in my brain to remember the day I stumble upon some old bike

[Kiwidave4]

If you are using individual strands of wire the best way is to use an old fashioned hand drill - used to call them egg beaters in my trade. Select the number of wires you need, twist them

together for about half an inch at one end, hold that in the drill chuck, pull the wires away from the drill so they are all the same tension and clamp them in a vice. Then holding tension on the wires turn the drill until you get the desired result.

The tricky part is to get the wires even, the correct way is to use a guide just like full size wire rope makers but that is a bit complicated and with care the above method gives good results.

Having said all that, I usually use picture hanging wire! I do sometimes give it a tightening twist with the drill though.

[pigsty]

If you want to be strictly accurate, you may have to do that twisting thing more than once - most cables are in fact three or four strands of cable wound together. The more I think about it, the more picture wire appeals.

[phildagreek]

I just buy them from Accurate Armour. Lazy perhaps but it works for me!

[Tyrrhenus]

I just buy them from Accurate Armour. Lazy perhaps but it works for me!

I made a few experiments and tow cables made of twisted copper wire do look realistic. But just gave a look to Accurate Armour site.... great place indeed. Thank you for the suggestion