The Ship Model Forum

Good idea, Darren. Moved to FAQ.

Maybe this chain question should become a FAQ.

I, and other vendors here, sell chain for modeling. I sell 27LPI and 40LPI @ $4cdn per 12inches. At that size it does not have a center stud. It is black. It is also slightly round, instead of the more elongated shape of real ship chain.

http://www.resinshipyard.com/pages/accessories.html

The Iowa class BB's have chain links that are approx 12" wide by 22" long. In 1/350 that's 0.06286" long and in 1/700 that's 0.03143" long. The 40LPI chain I sell has 0.032" long links. It looks a little larger because of the roundness of the link, but you can spend your time flattening if you like. :big_grin:

All measurements are approximate as my eyes are getting old. :cool_2:

The PE solution put forth works as well, it all depends on what you will be satisfied with. The homemade approach looks nice as well, but I'll bet it's not as easy as the pics make it look! :smallsmile:

Here's a pic of the real chain on Wisconsin, I have close ups with rulers on them if anybody wants to see it.

[img]http://www.nzahnd.org.nz/news/Images/USS%20wisconsin.jpg[/img]

Darren

Chuck it away, the chain I mean. It is much too big, and also, it aint studded.
There is studded link chain availlable but not at that scale.
WEM produce excellent PE sets for this model and included on a fret is PE studded link chain.
For your model I suggest the following;
Gently file away the top of the vertical links of the foredeck moulded chain and then glue the fret PE chain on top. When painted I promise you it will look the dogs danglies.

Thanks, Carl!

Carter,

I'm not an expert, but I was satisfied with the 40 links per inch black chain from "A-Line" for my 1/700 USS Iowa.

I have used this same chain for 1/350 destroyer size ships.

I would think that 42 links per inch would be safe for you model.

Can anyone else chime in?

[img]http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii194/carlomaha/USS%20Iowa%202/P10407312.jpg[/img]

Here are pics of my 1/700 [i]HMS KGV [/i]in progress showing the chain laid across the bow. The chain size is 42 links per inch.

I am unsure. Is this chain too big?

Thanks for any advice.

[img]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/AgentK123/Picture111.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/AgentK123/Picture110.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/AgentK123/Picture109.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/AgentK123/Picture107.jpg[/img]