Hi! Does anyone have an idea what I can use to resemble strapping in HO scale. The type used in general shipping. Is black thread the only alternative?
Thanks,
Tom
Go to a professional drafting and graphics store and see if you can metallic tape 1/64" wide. (I got a roll years and years ago and still have some left after several projects. I don’t know if they still sell it, since so much in graphics has gone to digital…)
In HO scale, 1/64" works out to a little over an inch wide strapping. I have used this tape in securing metal pipes to an N scale mill gondola.
Thanks for the tip. Now I’m wondering if I could use some old cassette tapes and cut them. Hmmmmmm?
The graphics tape is a peel and stick stuff and it does represent steel banding material. It went by the brand name of “Chartpak” if you can find it. It was available in several colors and finishes.
You might look into something called EZ Line by Berkshire Junction. This is sold as an elastic utility pole wire but it is actually flat in cross section and would remain taught when used as steel banding. They sell several colors and two sizes.
I agree to use chartpack in comes in many colors. A cheap alternative is the red or clear cellophane strip used to open saran type packaging on cigarette and tape cassete packaging.
I too have used chartpact and found it worked well. I have also been told, but haven’t seen that the flat type of tooth floss dyed with a black magic marker also will work.
The prototype steel strapping comes in various widths. 3/4 and 5/8 inch is used for package bands around packages of lumber and other building products. 1-1/4 inch is used for bands that encircle layers of product or unitize layers together. 2 inch banding is usually used on heavy steel products such as I beams.
Plastic banding is also being used for package bands on forest products. It is usually 3/4 or 5/8 inch wide and is often blue or green.
Charlie
ZOUNDS!!!
All that pile of the 80’s long dead has suddenly a new lease on life.
[banghead]