Wires/wood grain

[PlymouthFan]

Well I’m a fairly fresh modeller only 3 kits in and I got curious what are the best methods to make wiring and to get a wood grain look

[bill lanfear]

Hello Bryon,  there are lots of different methods for wiring and it all depends on what your wanting wired.  One cheap way is to find some old phone cords and peel the plastic off to reveal several different colored wires.  I also use speaker wire (silver) for things like wiring harnesses and for specific things like water temp and alternator etc.  I use this stuff for making throttle springs as well.  For hoses I use home electrical 14-2 wire or equivalent for radiator hoses, wire ties from electrical devices, cheap craft wire for fuel lines etc. I admit, I splurged and bought scale plug wires for most of my work but the other methods work well.  Just scrounge any types of wire from the garage or house and you can eyeball for the scale.  Wood grain is experimenting with multi tones of browns and washing it with blacks and greys to get the look you want.  I use craft . 50 cent wal mart paint (acrylic) and you can use water to wash away any miss haps until you get comfortable with a technique.  Layer paint with different tones, take away with damp sponge rubbing here and there.  It takes a little for the water to start breaking it down so don't go too vigorous because it will take everything suddenly if your not patient. You can seal your flimsy craft paint with virtually any clear coat when you get the results you like, or seal certain layers to protect it from the water removal during the process.  Hope this helps!  Here is a shot from a recent build I did with the wires and hoses I mentioned.  The bed, while not wood, is using a similar technique I use for wood. Sorry I dont have any pics of wood grain stuff at the moment.

[PlymouthFan]

Thank you for the tips I’ll have to check these out when I get a chance

[Bucky]

The following woodgrain was  accomplished using the "dry-brush" technique:

[BigTallDad]

You can also used decals for the wood grain appearance

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/101995-woodification-making-it-a-woodie/

[NOBLNG]

I have not yet wired an engine, but I found some very small diameter wire inside an old cell phone charging cord. For heater hoses, I got some 1/16" shrink tube from an electronics supplier. This slips nicely over radio solder or whatever wire you have and can then be bent without kinking.