Toy train operating and collecting

Interested in O gauge, S gauge, and Standard gauge toy trains? Are you a fan of Lionel, MTH, American Flyer, and other brands of toy trains made today and in the past? If so, the Classic Toy Trains Toy train operating and collecting forum is just for you. If you're new here, please read our forum policies.

Last post 07-10-2009 6:31 AM by Roger Bielen. 10 replies.
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06-30-2009 11:52 PM
Offline strogey
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-18-2009
Wilsonville, Oregon
Posts 108

Flat Car Load Chain ?

I read a post on here about some one making flat car loads and in specific, talking about chains. So on that note,  can anyone tell me where to get or how to simulate chains?

Thanks! You guys are the best!

07-01-2009 5:52 AM In reply to
Offline catdoing
Not Ranked
Joined on 07-29-2008
north carolina
Posts 63

Re: Flat Car Load Chain ?

i use small springs found in hardware stores and some cheap necklece that i got from those bubble gum machines

07-01-2009 5:55 AM In reply to
Offline brianel027
Top 200 Contributor
Joined on 11-04-2003
The ROMAN Empire State
Posts 1,996

Re: Flat Car Load Chain ?

Well I don't know if I'm the best (I have yet to meet a woman who thinks so) - but I sure am different!

Strogey, the thing I've noticed with cars that come with the tiny simulated chains on them, is that they are somewhat fragile. In my mind, these cars with chains are meant for the loads that came with the cars and not for any kind of frequent changing of loads.

So instead, I use two other things: black or brown girls hair braids or very small black rubber bands sold in bags for use in little girls hair. The rubber bands seem to come in bags of 100-300, though I've found bags of 500 for just $1.00. They don't last forever when wrapped around a load, but they're cheap and easy to replace around the flat car load. PLUS the rubber bands make for a super looking load in a gondola.

The woven elastic hair braids are a little more expensive, but a little more durable though they do stretch out over time. There are two kinds: one with no joiner and another that has a metal joiner where the two ends of the braid connect. With these, you have the advantage of cutting the braid at one end of the joiner, slipping that through any holes already in the flatcar surface, and then making a knot at the other end. In other words, the braid isn't wrapped around the whole flat car, but through the mounting load holes.

Nope, these are not like the simulated miniature chains, but they're cheaper, more durable and easily found and replaced... more than enough incentive for me. And really, they don't look bad at all. I view the ability to easily and frrequnetly change loads on a flat car as better side of the trade-off.

07-01-2009 6:13 AM In reply to
Offline fifedog
Top 100 Contributor
Joined on 04-06-2006
Posts 3,433

Re: Flat Car Load Chain ?

Spend a little time in your local craft-fabrics store (Michael's,JoAnn Fabrics...)  You would be surprised what's available for hobby applications.  Check out the thread aisle.

07-01-2009 1:49 PM In reply to
Offline cnw1995
Top 50 Contributor
Joined on 07-21-2003
Crystal Lake, IL
Posts 5,798

Re: Flat Car Load Chain ?

Clover House sells exactly what you want. http://cloverhouse.com

07-01-2009 5:12 PM In reply to
Offline dougdagrump
Top 75 Contributor
Joined on 11-28-2003
Sunny SoCal
Posts 3,646

Re: Flat Car Load Chain ?

Went by Michael's this morning, looking for some 4th of July train stuff, and happened to find some very fine chain in the "beading" aisle. A 6' length for $2.99 but since it was a bit tarnished I got it for 50% off. Loop it thru the tie down/stake pocket and tie it off with a piece of mono-filament fishing line and nip the excess with nail clippers, pretty much invisible.

07-01-2009 5:18 PM In reply to
Offline lionelsoni
Top 25 Contributor
Joined on 12-27-2001
Austin, TX
Posts 6,893

Re: Flat Car Load Chain ?

Doug, who ever heard of a railroad's using tarnished chain?...;-)

07-01-2009 6:01 PM In reply to
Offline PhilaKnight
Not Ranked
Joined on 07-29-2007
Philadelphia
Posts 371

Re: Flat Car Load Chain ?

I use cheap costume jewlery chain and dip it in some paint thined out with paint thinner to make it look weathered.

07-01-2009 8:26 PM In reply to
Offline dougdagrump
Top 75 Contributor
Joined on 11-28-2003
Sunny SoCal
Posts 3,646

Re: Flat Car Load Chain ?

lionelsoni:

Doug, who ever heard of a railroad's using tarnished chain?...;-)

It's not tarnish, it's "pre-weathered".

07-09-2009 11:50 PM In reply to
Offline yellowducky
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-28-2002
along the B&O in INDIANA
Posts 207

Re: Flat Car Load Chain ?

I bought some thread that looks like steel cable at JoAnn's the other day. Here's all the information I can get off the wrapper.

Mouline (DMC) 100% polyester, 8m (8.7yd), E415 (UPC 77540 05959) Antique Effects, made in France 4230024

07-10-2009 6:31 AM In reply to
Offline Roger Bielen
Top 200 Contributor
Joined on 07-23-2003
Watkinsville, GA
Posts 2,153

Re: Flat Car Load Chain ?

Try going through the Walther's catalogue, don't know the url off hand but if you google W.W.Wathers it should be there.  Don't limit yourself to the "O" gauge section, there are many useful things under HO.

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