In building several kits I have sometimes wondered what could be used to replace the sewing thread that is included with the kit to operate the coaling chutes and water spouts. The sewing thread fits the scale appearance well, but doesn’t like to hang in a prototypical way.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I often substitute fine scale chain. It’s heavy enough on its own to hang and drape realistically. If it’s where someone is going to be able to see it closely, though, and you don’t think a chain would be prototypical, you can soak the thread in diluted white glue (or acrylic paint), shape it as needed, and let it dry. It’ll keep its shape that way.
EZ Line?
As Steve suggests, and as my Kanamodel instructions suggested for the counterweights on the CPR Water Tower, glue the end around the spout in place, and have a hand-hold in scale, say a thin wire loop, at the lower grasping end. Weight the loop with something so that it wants to stay tight and straight. Then, once each day for the next three or four days, paint the thread with a diluted white glue mixture, or with matte medium. After three or four such applications, it will want to remain linear.
Crandell
Ship modelers coat their ropes in bees wax. It kills the frizies and makes them stiffer/ hang straighter.