How to stop string fraying on models and.......

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

or what idea’s, other products, what correct words do I use to search for this topic?? Thanks

2

I would be surprised if that particular subject has come up, but…if that is indeed what your problem is, and we are talking about an HO scale cable or rope (i.e., a thread), beeswax would certainly help. Rub a little on your finger and thumb tips and gently pull the thread through the tips of your fingers a couple of times. Note that this will also stiffen the thread a bit, and that it will get stiffer.

Crandell

3

If you are experiencing frays at the end after clipping close to the fastening, just run a toothpick along the thread w/ a dab of CA on it. This will also bind the fastening point as well. Don’t need much. I will usually work w/ CA by placing on a small scrap of plastic- dipping/ wiping the toothpick to control the amount to apply.

4

Thanks! Yes I do mean the cable(string) - Is there a better type to use? Just noticing that on some of the models I have some string looks good and some looks a little (hairy) - I would like to be able to keep moving the positionable models if possible…- Chris

5

How does model ship rigging act? does it curl without a load?

6

Find some upholstery thread, it doesn’ t have the fuzzies. I got some many years ago and it works fine.

7

A little off topic but somewhat related, particularly on the 4th of July weekend. A few years ago my wife and I “adopted” a solder in Iraq and sent him items he couldn’t get over there. One of things he needed was a cigarette lighter, not because he smoked, but because he had to tie his telescopic scope to his rifle with a cord that kept coming untied. He needed the lighter to burn the ends of the cord to keep it and his scope secured to his rifle. Interesting how soldiers improvise to perform their mission…

Wayne

8

Must have been nylon, I do the same w/ boot laces when you loose that funny end. OP must be using cotton thread, that’s why it was suggested to use an upostery thread.

9

We do that routinely with nylon webbing, harnesses, and ropes in the military once they are trimmed to the size we need.

Crandell

10

Interesting comments about nylon…our soldier friend said his scope mount kept slipping off his rifle and he tied the scope to the rifle so it wouldn’t fall on the ground when he was running from one spot to another. He said stopping to pick up the scope would not always be in his best interest. BTW: he made it safely back to the States to his wife and children.

Thanks for the info on nylon,

Wayne