How to make a 1/32 bicycle chain

Aaron,

Ahhh, yes...

Forgot about that PE set!  I saw it somewhere a while back but forgot where or even who made it.  Thanks for that!  If the other idea doesn't work, I'm gonna try that one.

As for my Zero, yes- I am building the 1/32 Tamiya A6M5 here.  A lot of work, but she's coming along slowly but steadily.  Thanks again for your help!

Nam- Middlestone, never thought of that one!  Too bad Tamiya doesn't make an acrylic of that color (or do they?).  Might have to track down some Polly Scale.  Thanks for the tip!

 Ok here is the bicycle stuff I remembered.

 The Tamiya kits are not to bad and the Aber detail set is like $13. I put a review pic in just so you could see it. The Chain Guard may be an issue? I dont have any of these laying around or I would send it out to ya. If I see a good deal on one I'll keep you in mind!

As far as the colors go looks like you got a handle on it as usual and I'm not telling ya what you don't know already. Looks like you did your homework on Zero's. Very cool. I saw the thread on the 1/48 one you commented on but yours is the 1/32 one? Correct? Bet you are loading that bad boy up! I'd be jealous of your talents if I didn't admire them so much!

I just saw this thread too Frank.

ModelMaster makes their color called Middlestone (ANA 615) that seems very close to the color you want....light olive/khaki seems the best description.

HTH

Aaron,

Thansk for that offer to help, and the kind words!   On the cockpit, I am building a Nakajima-built aircraft so am looking for the light olive/khaki color.  I have the XF-71 Tamiya color as well, but this was mostly used in the Mitsubishi-built birds.  I used this as my basis for the mix, and it looks close but I need to spray some of it to see how I like it.  I'm sure it would be close, and my weathering would change the final hue so it doesn't need to be 100% accurate, just close.  I appreciate your help Aaron!

I looked at your link. Federal Standard colors came after the War and oddly weren't used by the Japanese. I am more prone to trust Tamiya which was made for this kit. The color isn't quite the FS color you show but weathing may account for this. Yours looks like IJA Green lightened with yellow and white. I am guessing either would work as the colors in the actual aircraft were different as they faded in the sun light according to how they were made. You had many different shades of green pits in Jap AC as a result that started as the same color.

 I don't know after seeing your painting skills I think you could paint it pink and somehow make it look right. Let me know if I can help?

Aaron-

Tamiya makes something like that?  Didn't know about that one.  If I had, I may have tried to get some of that.  If the motorcycle chain doesn't work, I may look for that.  Thanks for the head's up!

As for the Zero, I have done a little bit on it but not much the last few days.  My GF and I went on nice little trip over the weekend, so no benchtime.  I have also been trying to mix the interior color, but it's proving to be a very elusive color.

Nakajima cockpit color

I found a mix for it over at J-aircraft, but actually mixing it is proving a bit challenging.

 I just saw this. You know that Tamiya actually makes 1/35 bicycles for German soldiers. Think it is even a PE chain on one I have seen. They usually are pretty inexpensive as well. Your  thing looks good too though as I think I know what your going for.

 How is that Zero coming?

I think I may have solved my bicycle chain dilema!  While shopping at a large department store this weekend, I came across one of those little motorcycle toys in the toy section.  The painting on the parts must go, and it is a little overscale, but I think it will work! 

I didn't have to scratchbuild anything, but thought I'd post here to let you know what I came up with!

I used the ridged part of a thin cable-tie for the same thing in a Wildcat wheelwell. Painted gunmetal, washed with black and highlighted with siver, it looked pretty convincing. You can carefully heat the tie to make it assume the needed shape.

Good luck

Greg