sewing thread

[payson]

Just a couple of quickies for you guys . Is sewing thread a decent option for making ignition wires in1/24 scale , what's a good choice for making brake lines ? thanks in advance

[Dave G.]

I use sewing thread in 1/25 but really it's too thin. Looks good anyway as opposed to no wires IMO. That's standard thread, there is probably thicker stuff. It's more than the thickness though, it's the weave too. But I don't care, it really picks a model up to have wires on the engine. For me it's the suggestive nature of it anyway. On the other hand I've seen models here where maybe the wires are scale but they sure don't look it, just too thick, on a real car they would be the size of your thumb !. You also can paint the sewing thread which gives them more fullness. I don't generally do brake lines but that and old car throttle linkage goes well with copper wire from telephone cable. I had a bundle of it here that seems to have gone away ( wife is suspect lol) that a telephone guy left behind at a construction site years ago, the scraps left over. Course brake lines aren't copper so you need to paint them. I got a lot of mileage out of that wire with or without insulation for various applications. It's single strand or was back when I got it.

[Snake45]

We all used it back in the '60s, but IMHO it's way substandard for the 21st Century. I'd rather see an unwired engine than one wired with sewing thread today. 

Just my opinion, worth exactly what you paid for it. 

[Straightliner59]

16 minutes ago, Snake45 said:

We all used it back in the '60s, but IMHO it's way substandard for the 21st Century. I'd rather see an unwired engine than one wired with sewing thread today. 

Just my opinion, worth exactly what you paid for it. 

I would agree. Back in the '70s, I didn't even like the way it looked, and quickly switched to fishing line, which was only an improvement if you made stiff looms, anchored to the block assembly, to keep them from looking like a cat, with its back arched!

[Dave G.]

Course some of it too is how it looks in person as opposed to in photos. When you zoom in on the engine the wires magnify in photos.

[Straightliner59]

20 minutes ago, Dave G. said:

Course some of it too is how it looks in person as opposed to in photos. When you zoom in on the engine the wires magnify in photos.

That is true, to a point. I agree with Snake, though.  There is no point to using it, now that there are superior products. I could see using it to mimic cloth-covered wiring.

[Dave G.]

The bottom line is if you're happy with the look yourself. Or vs if you're trying to build to someone else's standards or to enter contests etc..  If the latter or you don't like the look yourself then don't use it. Don't listen to me I use it on old antique cars etc, sometimes. On the other hand I like the 1/16 scale kits and often those include wiring material. I've got a Minicraft Model A roadster coming presently, not sure if that one has wires but obviously in 1/16 sewing thread won't work.... So ya there is that too.

 

Edited August 15, 2020 by Dave G.

[Straightliner59]

Agreed. There is no sense in doing anything with this hobby that you don't want to!

[Tom Geiger]

I don’t use thread because it has no memory like wire. With wire you can bend and position it so it drapes like real engine wires. With thread it just springs like cat whiskers. 

There are plenty of options in the hobby. Several aftermarket companies sell wire, some thinner than others.  Other companies sell prewired distributors, which makes it one step easier for a few bucks. 

I have used electronics wires too. Some guys will buy a roll of the correct wire, for a lifestyle supply.  I would want to see a sample before I buy since wire is sold by the copper wire size and plastic insulation covering can vary in thickness, which is what gives you the appearance that will either make or break your model.

I’ve had a few damaged cell phone charging cables that have yielded wire that was acceptable. 

 

[TarheelRick]

Used sewing thread in the early/mid 60's, it was all the rage then.  Of course it had to be pulled through candle wax or preferably beeswax to "lay the fuzzies down" and to give it some body.  Those wires looked very convincing 50+ years ago.  Now I primarily use Radio Shack strapping wire or some other wires I have collected over the years.

[Richard Bartrop]

There are better things than thread for ignition, though it's just right if ou're trying o simulate twine.  I've used fishing line and fine wire, but lately I've liked the results I get with the fine styrene rod that Plastruct sells, you can get exactly the scale thickness you want, but it still has some flex, and you can use styrene cement.

[Deuces ll]

7 hours ago, TarheelRick said:

Used sewing thread in the early/mid 60's, it was all the rage then.  Of course it had to be pulled through candle wax or preferably beeswax to "lay the fuzzies down" and to give it some body.  Those wires looked very convincing 50+ years ago.  Now I primarily use Radio Shack strapping wire or some other wires I have collected over the years.

Wow, Radio Shack went belly up years ago.....?

[NOBLNG]

This is what I use for 1/25th. The insulation from the cat5 cable makes nice boots and the 30 ga wire fits nicely into it.

[El Roberto]

Another cool option is lead wire you can get at a good sporting goods shop.  Comes in many diameters so you can use it for a lot of things.  

[RichCostello]

On 8/17/2020 at 2:03 AM, Deuces ll said:

Wow, Radio Shack went belly up years ago.....?

Well, they apparently didn't go totally belly up because we have a Radio Shack here in our town.

[Deuces ll]

Probably that one and a couple more.. Maybe independently owned????.....