Chain???

[nomadik]

Im always seeing chain used in really interesting terrain and dioramas,  but I don't know where to find such small chain. Are people using junky jewlery?

[Doc Twilight]

Since you're in the states, you might want to consider Michaels or another craft store of that type. They typically carry materials for jewelry making, including chain.

-Doc

[HerbyF]

Also some of the bigger hardware stores carry chain in some very small sizes.

[voltan]

any I've used has been aquired from model railway/railroad suppliers.

[Dewbakuk]

I've used various types of chain. I don't like jewelry chain as it tends to be rounded links rather than squared.

Essentially you want chain to look similar to this


Whereas cheap jewelry chain tends to look like this


You can get jewelry chain that looks right but I've never found it at a price I'm willing to pay.

Small chain is available at hardware stores but they are generally made for strength and as such the shape is again usually different at small sizes. I found some suitable for putting on a vehicle once but never any that could be held in a figures hands.

The best source I've found is chain made for model ships. Anchor chains etc are enoumous so you're generally after the chains for smaller scales, which is good as they tend to be cheaper

[Wirelizard]

The best source I've found is chain made for model ships. Anchor chains etc are enoumous so you're generally after the chains for smaller scales, which is good as they tend to be cheaper

Dewbakuk beat me to it. The boat modelling section of my local hobby store has very nice small chain, some of it fantastically tiny. Boat modellers are Real Modellers(TM) and care deeply about things like scale, so it's accurate-looking stuff, not just repackaged jewellry chain!

Check your friendly local hobby store, or the nearest online equivlent.

[Dolmot]

I've found some suitable jewelry chain from a supermarket bargain rack. There are endless eBay sellers, some of which may be both good and cheap. Last time I just got a foot or two from Dragon Forge with my base order. Unfortunately proper model chain is quite expensive in the local shop. It's better to go online in this case. I have a link to a good site somewhere, selling all sizes and styles, but I can't remember right now where it is.

[Dewbakuk]

I wouldn't use that Dragonforge stuff personally. It's very similar to some of the jewelry chain and therefore round links, not at all what a 'real'^tm chain looks like.

Obviously the prices in shops vary but the one I get mine from sells a packet containing a foot of chain for between £2 and £5 depending on the size of chain. The one I use most is £2.75 a pack, which I think is a fair price.

[Cory]

Michael's and Ben Franklin both sometimes carry model chains. If you can't find it there check with the model train store on E Sprague or try the Spokane Train show in December.

[Bako]

Are people using junky jewlery?

Yup.

[nomadik]

I found at HobbyTown USA some model ship chain! What a great idea, I would have never thought about going into the model ship section of the store!
Thanks much for the help, now back to modelling!

[Dewbakuk]

Glad I could have been some help.

[Bako]

The smaller the size of the link the better too, I might add.

[former user]

May I join in and ask if anybody knows of fake chain?
I am looking for rods or straight sections of something looking like chain, not with separate links, but in one piece

similar to playmobil handcuffs

[white knight]

couldn't you stiffen actual chain by giving it a coat of very runny superglue?