Dumb question re. fittings

[landman]

What are the red and blue fittings commonly used in racing cars and hot rods called? Are they available in 1:24/1:25? If not, what colors should I use to get that anodized look?

Edited April 7, 2017 by landman

[Ace-Garageguy]

They're called "AN" fittings, for "Army-Navy", and were originally developed for military aircraft use.

In the beginning, they were supplied in a greenish chromate finish, and were highly sought after in the post-WW II surplus market.

One of the leading WW II-surplus resellers, Earl's Supply, went on to become a major manufacturer of these components as the surplus stores began to dry up, along with other names like Aeroquip. In fact, "aeroquip" has become the generic term for these fittings...kinda like "kleenex" came to be generic for disposable snot rags.

They're now used on almost all aircraft, and most racing cars. Though they're extreme overkill for street-driven cars (even those that are occasionally raced) they've become a performance-car "fashion statement" (and can be had as fakes, too, for less cost but sorta the same look).

Here's a good general overview.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN_thread

Edited April 8, 2017 by Ace-Garageguy

[Snake45]

I think you can buy aluminum ones from the aftermarket (or you can make your own from aluminum tubing, a file, and some patience) and color them red and blue with Sharpies.

[MeatMan]

Check this vid out. You can get the parts he describes from his shop. If you want the high end stuff, RB Motion has them anodized and ready to go.

 

[crazyjim]

Or you can search for hex shaped Japanese seed beads and save a tone on money.

[John Pol]

I get mine from micheals crimp beads comes in three sizes with 50% off not bad

[StevenGuthmiller]

There used to be a company called "MSC Model Products" that made them, as well as the braided wire to go with them.

I have no clue as to whether or not they are still doing business, but I bought these probably more than 30 years ago when I was still in my "hyper detail" phase.

Never used them & I have my doubts that I ever will.

 

Steve

 

[Exotics_Builder]

They also do versions today in anodized black with black piping as well.

[landman]

Thanks guys, i have several alternatives now.

[Belugawrx]

Thanks guys, i have several alternatives now.

Hey Pat

I made these from evergreen hex rod and wire, painted testors silver and tamiya clear red and blue, small one clear yellow

 

[Chariots of Fire]

Another source of good connectors is Fusion Beads.  Different colors and sizes down to 1mm.

[High octane]

Another source for A & N fittings and braided line in 1/25th scale is Pro Tech and they have some really nice stuff.

[astroracer]

1/16th dia aluminum tubing, a file and a hex shaped pin vise. Clamp the tubing in the pin vise and file off one side. Roll the pin vise to the next flat and file that side. keep going until you have filed off all 6 sides and made the tubing hex shaped. Cut off individual pieces with a hobby knife. paint with Testor's Candy blue and stoplight red. Use soft hobby wire to make the Els.

 That is how I did all of these fittings for my GN in 1989... Cost me about 3 bucks for the tubing and paint.

Mark