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Modelling Tie-Downs

The good thing about this method is that the resulting tie-downs are quite secure and one can add wire for example to fix foliage, crew storage, etc.; and they are in-scale.

As I mentioned earlier, this kind of tie-down looks similar to those on the Sherman, and many British vehicles too. In fact I plan to use this method to fix up the tie-downs on my AFV-Club Scorpion. With a little bit of modification other types of tie downs can be modelled:

No Screws - Just Spot Welded

Simply trim the stretched sprue flush with the hull, and add tiny weld beads with epoxy-putty around the wire.

Small Tabs Instead of Screws

Trim the stretched sprue flush with the hull again and add tiny tabs of thin sheet styrene next to the wire. This simulates the kind of tie-downs made from a rod with flattened ends which are welded into place.

Big Grab Handles

Exactly the same method, but just drill a wide hole and use thicker wire. Grab handles usually are welded to the hull directly, so simulate this as per No. 1 (directly above).

Other Types

I am sure there are some others I haven't mentioned, the method can be modified (hopefully) to included those too.

This will work for larger scale models and possibly 1/48th scale ones too if thin enough wire can be found. Give this method a try, I guarantee that you will never knock one of your tie-downs off ever again!