OK troops, got a few inquiries (well actually only one )on how I did the ball and chain on my Academy Merk.

I start with sewing type push pins. These have a nice little plastic ball, perfect for this application.



With the pin still attached drill a small hole suitable for 24 gauge wire.



Then cut the pin off and with a sanding stick clean off the metal stub. Don't use your finest sprue cutters as the metal pins are pretty hard.





Now your ready for the chain. I use hobby store link chain used on ship models. You can also use cheap walmart costume jewelery chain.



I just use a hobby knife as the brass chain is fairly soft.



Using 24 gauge wire hook one loop to the end of the chain.



Cut off the excess, close the loop leaving a little stub. Dip the stub in CA glue and insert it into the hole you drilled in the ball.



Now drill the holes in the bustle rack.



Hook another loop in the other end of the chain, cut off the excess and glue it into the drilled hole.



And there you have it.




Repeat as necessary.



cheers

you da man saucy. Have been trying to figure out how to mount them to the bustle and had the right idea, just needed to trust my instinct. Cheers.

Your welcome, it's really not that hard, just a little time consuming LOL. But I think the effect is worth it.


cheers

very nicely done! how did you manage to drill the balls? I tried to do a similar thing but the ball kept slipping away.

a tip i can give to anyone who'd want to try: if you have access to c dog-tag chain, you may find the process easier:

Thanks for the Share. Great idea.

Drilling the holes isn't that bad, you just need them deep enough for the CA glue to get a better purchase between the ball and the wire.



cheers

Rick send this into James for a feature so that it is always easy to find.

Easier and possibly more to scale are the smallest craft beads at Michaels. No drilling needed. When I did this some years ago, I strung the requisite number of chains on a wire on a third hand device, allowing for different lengths of chain. I attached the beads to the chain with stainless steel wire. Here is the final results as I posted it on the IDF Modeling site:

i'd wished i saw this thread last week, just built the Merk IV LIC , and used the PE issued chains and yes- glued the ball halfs on to each side after cutting them carefully off the sprue!! one word ..........bugger!

Great work on your Merk 1?

redski

I like this method as the balls are alot lighter that the brass sets. Now getting the right scale size of chain, is the trick!

Again, Micheals or AC Moore. Their jewelry departments have lots of chain. Also, though more expensive, the railroad or boat section of your LHS. Most economical, i.e., cheapest, is to check out yard sales and flea markets for costume jewelry. It's nothing to find yards of chain for a quarter.