Any source for fine black tubing?

[Mike C.]

I need some tubing to mimic the cables for a 1:12 motorcycle model. I'm almost positive I have seen stuff like this on model shop sites. does anybody have any other suggestions? 

[Mike C.]

A quick search and I've come up with these. Which one would be most convincing? 

CCoolant Hose # 2 1.25" Scale Diameter (1:24-1:25) "Black" (modelroundup.com)

Coolant Hose # 2 1.25" Scale Diameter (1:24-1:25) "Black" (modelroundup.com)

Flexible Hollow Radiator Hose (1 scale inch diameter) 4 FT (1/24 or 1/25) (modelroundup.com)

[Mike C.]

I checked my leftover tubing from the grim reaper kit, and it looks like I'm going to have enough. I only hope it doesn't look too thick as the kit was 1:9. The Cibie decals from the fireball lights should work for the light covers.

[peteski]

When I build model bikes I usually use various gauges of stranded insulated wire, not tubing.  Things like brake, throttle, or clutch cables, oil lines, fuel lines.  A wide variety of colors and sizes is readily available, and it retains shape better than hollow tubing.

I do the research to find out the outside diameter of various cables and hoses on the 1:1 bike, then I divide it by the scale of the model. That gives me the OD of the insulated wire I'll need to represent those items in scale.

That's what used on this Protar 1:9 Harley Springer

 

Sometimes when I need a piece of hollow tubing, I simply strip a piece of wire insulation and use it as a hollow tube. As an example the short piece of rubber brake line between the metal fitting on the caliper and a metal brake line going up the fork. That way I can simply slide the hollow wire insulation over the metal "brake lines" (which are actually made from solid wire).  The metal "crimp fittings" are pieces of hypodermic tubing slid over the insulation.

 

This is IMEX 1:12 scale Harley Springer .  On this one I also used stripped wire insulation for under-tank connecting hose, and the oil lines going to the oil cooler.  In this smaller scale I used silver paint marker to simulate crimp fittings.

Edited July 3, 2022 by peteski

[fiatboy]

Beauty!

[mark 23]

Have you found any tubing yet ? I'm pretty sure I have some leftover from my model dirt bike building days. Send me your address & I'll send it to you no charge.

[mikemodeler]

Is this what you are looking for?

 

https://houseofhobbies.com/collections/auto-accessories?_=pf&pf_v_brand=Tamiya

[Oldmopars]

Go to Hobby Lobby, look for beading hose/tube. Perfect for models, flexible, black, cheap. Also browse the other isles, I'm sure you will find tons of wire, and other stuff that will give you a ton of detail options. 

[BDSchindler]

On 7/6/2022 at 1:56 PM, Oldmopars said:

Go to Hobby Lobby, look for beading hose/tube. Perfect for models, flexible, black, cheap. Also browse the other isles, I'm sure you will find tons of wire, and other stuff that will give you a ton of detail options. 

+1

[W Humble]

I began by 'guerilla sourcing' thinks like this, and have found some easily accessible shortcuts; fine tubing is one.  You have to locate some tel-com wire, the kind with the spaghetti strands inside, very old school -- but then you don't need miles of it?!  The old telephone cables, even the four-wire from the wall to the phone have the skinny strands inside that can just be pulled out.  "Paired cable', pre-fiberoptical, is a good source and had many colors!  Cheap, too!

One separated, pull the black strand out straight, then carefully strip off 1/2 inch or so of the insulation, and nip it into a solidly mounted vise.  Then, carefully and methodically, begin easing the insulation 'tube' cover off with the anchored end as a starting point.  A short section is easiest, but I've had success with up to three-feet lengths if it is warm and I'm not in a hurry.  I use a folded piece of rubber, like from a bike tube, or ?? to grip the wire insulation, for traction, but don't over-do it.  Still, even if it snaps, just start over and more will slip away.  Sometimes it wrinkles if rushed, but that has uses too, often.  You can source lots of colors, plus the copper strand inside is useful too, as it's tiny/thin and flexible, plus won't rust.  It is about right for plug wires on 1;16 scale, but too plump for 1;25.  Wick