Rope for N-scale?

I need to tie down some pallet loads on flatbed trucks, but can't find suitable 'rope.' Sewing thread is too big, stands of string or thread are "crinkly" and can't be pulled out straight. I have copper wire about the right size, but it pulls apart when I try to tie or twist it.

Can anyone recommend material for rope?

Scott

 

I've never used it myself, but I remember seeing some very fine (.003) flexible n scale wire from EZ-Line. I think it was for telephone and utility wiring, but it may make good cable or rope.

 

If you have a full service hobby shop near you check out the model ship rigging line. It comes in a number of sizes based on the scale and usually in both black and tan colors. The very fine rigging can be easily painted with some silver water base paint to simulate steel wire and usually since it is cotton if you wet it slightly when secured in place it will shrink some and tighten up, (Old ship building trick to tighten rigging). Also very small multi strand copper wire usually will be small enough on the individual strands to simulate either cable or rope. A product called Blacken It can be used to blacken the shiny copper and Radio Shack Archer Etchant will also color shiny steel or copper wire. Just don't leave it in too long and use care as this is a strong acid.

 

I used a light brown pony tail wig that I got at a wig store (very cheap) and used it for rope. I used it for a cowboy roping a cow.

 

Get some stranded Cat 5 cable. Each of the 8 wires has 7 strands of about 8 thou dia. Paint it off white and it should look like rope.

Cheers
David

 

Sulky invisible thread (.005 dia) in smoke color will work. strong, tinnnny (as in very small)

 

How does one fasten the thread / wire / etc to the object?

 

Craft stores like Michael's or Pat Cattans sell a wire for use with beads. Different gauges from 28 to 36 gauge. Quite strong.

 

Securing the 'rope'

I'm thinking I'd like to be able to tie it (knot showing or not showing) so as to keep tension on it. Slack rope in a photo can be a real downer. In addition to knoting the rope, might also apply a tiny droplet of ACC here and there.

Scott

 

Thank you!

Thank you all for terrific ideas! Not sure if my local hobby carries ship-building supplies - I'll call. I'll also hit craft outlets and sporting goods. Rigging, fly-tying, bead wire, Cat 5, sulky invisable. My town is too small for wig outlets, but my wife sometimes takes a short nap in the afternoon. I'd call her natural color 'manilla' - hmmm.

Thanks!
Scott