I need a few hooks for a couple of crane models that I’m working on. The hooks that came with the kits aren’t heavy enough to even pull the thread that I’m using for cables tight.
Quite some time ago, I ran across a “heavy” hook that may well have been cast in lead or some other heavy metal. But I have no idea where it came from. Does anyone know of any after market hooks that would be heavier than the plastic ones usually supplied with most of today’s kits?
Thank you!
dlm
Are you looking for a single hook:
or a double hook:
Durango Press DP-46 HO Hooks/Block & Tackle are cast metal
Regards, Peter
Hooks, or blocks? For a hook, suspended on a single line, you might try bending one from brass wire, and using a “headache ball” weight made from a small crimp-on sinker.
Blocks, a single, or series of pulley sheaves with a hook could be made with sheet lead shapes and punchings (using a leather punch for the sheaves). They wouldn’t be operational but poseable enough.
I’d like to see your cranes, a particular interest of mine.[dinner] I’m working on one too. Dan
Edited in: Max man and Peter replied as I was typing. Those are nice.
I have some of these they came from redball for their crane kit they are bout 3/4 inch top to bottom
not sure why the alt thing maybe using the wrong link anyway if you want a few let me know no charge
Wiseman Model has a few choices:
https://wisemanmodelservices.com/HO-SCALE-LOGGING-RIGGING-BLOCKS-ASSORTMENT?search=block
https://wisemanmodelservices.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=block
The ones I bought were cast in soft alloy.
Good Luck, Ed
I had no idea there were so many good looking castings of crane hooks available.
I use bronze wire from Tichy when rigging equipment. It stays straight to make the hook look heavy, but it lacks any sort of “wire rope” texture.
-Kevin
Check out ship modeler websites, they tend to have a much larger selection of hooks, pullies, chain, and other stuff along those lines.
I used piano wire to create springs that would put downward pressure on the cranes’ booms. This remedy came to mind when one of my cranes was accidentally tipped in storage, de-rigging every cable…a nightmare to re-do.
In the photo below (click for a bigger image) the wire, painted the same colour as the crane first appears under the drum on which much of the “cable” is wound…
…and extends upward, almost to the end of the boom…
Since that first mishap, all of the other cranes have been similarly equipped…
Of course, the drawback is that it’s virtually impossible to pose the crane actually doing any lifting.
Wayne
I have done some of my rigging with braided fishing line. Many colors and thicknesses available, as small as .06mm. It doesn’t have fuzzies and doesn’t take a set like cotton or nylon thread.
I forget exactly which brand I got but I bought three sizes in a steel gray color (can be painted with India ink or thinned acrylic paints)
I’ve got 900 yards. Should last me a while.
For ultra-fine work I suggest this:
https://www.caddisflyshop.com/uni-caenis-thread.html
Good Luck, Ed
This is a great idea!
This is another great idea!
-Kevin
danmerkel
just now saw your pm about the ones I have if you still want a couple will be glad to send them to you
Thanks Mike
I just received some, I bought the 6 pound, which is very small.
I am going to place an order for 10 pound and 15 pound line also.
Thanks for the tip. It looks great.
-Kevin
Pull the hook tight and put super glue on the line
Pull the hook tight and put super glue on the line to stiffen it
Arrgh! [%-)] I had some spools of that line set aside for you so we could talk about it during your — all too brief — visit.
Oh well, maybe next time [:-^]
Glad you found some. Cheers, Ed