🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1993Jan7.164151.18366@rayssd.ssd.ray.com> m1b@rayssd.ssd.ray.com (Barone) writes:
>In article <C0Fuoz.4MA@wilber.rich.nt.com> zing@wilber.rich.nt.com (Leon Z. Lee)
>writes:
>> Does anyone have any ideas of making rifle and machine gun straps for
>> 1/35th scale combat figures.  I was thinking of cutting strips of
>> masking tape and then painting them, but if there is a better method of
>> making these straps..I would be most appreciative for the info.
>
>       I don't know if it's better, but I merely use paper.  It's
>malleable to form curves and paints well.  It's easy to cut as well.
>Try to avoid fibrous paper since little "hairs" will be noticeable.
>
>       I used to use thin sheets of plastic (from that company that
>specializes in that -- Evergreen?) but it was tough to cut straight
>lines (even using a straight edge and X-acto; the X-acto might still
>drift on narrow strips) and they might snap when trying to bend them
>into curved positions.

	Letraset make a series of tapes for use in graphic arts.
	They are adhesive backed and go down to 1/32" and are offered
	with a smooth or crackle surface.  They take enamel
	paints well (probably acrylic too).  I've used them for
	straps in a variety of locations.  Another possibility is
	to go to your local winemakers supply shop and get a
	bag of the zinc alloy sleeves used for sealing the cork and
	cut strips from them (it's very soft).
	These may hang better because of the greater density but
	may need to be primed for painting.

	Never underestimate the use of a graphic arts supply shop
	to the military modeller (especially if you have a temperemental
	airbrush).

	Alec Chambers