Sling it...

[homechild]

I am starting a diorama with (obviously) military figures and I'm guessing they will look kinda naked without rifle slings.

Does anyone make these for their own models/diorama's or do you just leave them without?

I'm just wondering how I would go about making them.

The diorama figures are 1/35.

Thanks

Drew

[Ian M]

Some use masking tape, others use just ordinary paper. You can also use thin strips of plastic cut from a sheet.

The few times I have made straps and harnesses I have painted a post it note the required colour and cut it into thin strips. These are then glued in place with some CA.

I find that paper strips are easy to form and due to the paint tend to stay in shape. Plastic strips can be a bit springy!

Hope that helps you on the way.

Ian M

[stona]

A lot of we aircraft modellers use foil for harnesses. I don't see why it wouldn't work for rifle slings too.

Cheers

Steve

[spanner570]

Drew, like Steve I use foil for rifle slings. I tried wine bottle foil but found it too thick so I use kitchen foil as it's thinner and easier to get a sweet bend.

Sometimes I leave them off, wrong I know, but....

I rough the sling up a bit with sand paper or similar, then prime 'cos it's nigh on impossible to paint otherwise.

Ron

[Guest]

I use foil for a lot of things but depending on the scale you are working with depends on the thickness of foil that would be most appropriate.

I have a roll of HVAC sticky backed foil tape which is that bit thicker than kitchen foil but not as heavy as wine bottle foil or aluminiun tin cans which I use as a canvas substitute in 1/35th after I've removed the gum from the back. Kitchen foil would probably be best for rifle slings though and it's perfect for holding it's shape.

Here's a couple of examples of boat canvas covers and a coal bunker cover made from the HVAC foil.

[ATTACH]22977.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]22979.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]22978.vB[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]29718.IPB[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]29719.IPB[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]29720.IPB[/ATTACH]

[Guest]

Drew this is the way i make my rifle slings, Tamiya masking tape fold it over length wise and cut both ends square, measure 2mm in width an 4 to 6 mm in length, this will take into account the fold backs of the sling. Make the fold back sections on the sling and secure them in place with another 2mm width of masking tape, one each end now secure the sling to the rifle and paint.

scott

[Guest]

I find that the file you get when you open a new scalple blade is useful, cut it with the knife or scissors to the width you want and it paints very easy, holds any shape you want, also makes fantastic seat belts.

Andy

[homechild]

Thanks guys, I'll probably try each of these and see which one works out best.

I'll post an update on here to let you know how I get on with each of these.