With a lot of you guys building Abrams tanks for the group build I thought I should let you onto a secret. For the bustle rack, I use brass rods used by welders. These are called "Brazing Rods" and come in a variety of diameters. Some are as small as the thickness of a paperclip and others are almost as thick as a pencil. The ones I have are 36" long. Since I have access to a welding shop, my supply is limitless.

I use one of the small diameter rods, I do not know the OD of it though.

Thanks Sabot
Can I get them online somehwere?
Or do I have to find an industrial supply place????

Rob,
thanks for the tip. I've got a couple of questions for you:
- are these rods 100% brass or they are mixed with something who facilitates soldering?
- what adhesive do you use for them (soldering them, ca, epoxy, etc.)?
Thanks a lot
Ciao

They'd be filler rods for TIG welding or Brazing...... They will be made of differet metals too!!!! depending on what you want to weld

I also use brass rods for bustle racks, they give a more realistic solid look . I pick my rods up at my local hobby shop. I also use brass rods for the antennaes on my models instead of the stretched sprue.

For the antennas I prefer to use guitar strings. If you "run into them" they won't bend...
Ciao