I’m sure this method of making simple railing is not original but it worked out
well for me in making my cardstock (paper) model of the WWII corvette HMCS
ASASSIS. The figure attached is almost self explanatory.
Cut out a rectangle from any rigid cardboard box. I used thick nesses ranging
from 3 to 7 mm. Then cut out another smaller rectangle about double the width of the
railing you want to make and long enough to span your required railing segment. I found
that segments exceeding about 12 inches, made out of thread ( I used cotton wrapped
polyester), are not as easy to keep quality controlled.
Determine the spacing you need between the vertical and horizontals and cut edge
slits directly opposite one another. The slip thread thru the slits to form the loom like
pattern. Run cyanoacrylate glue along the longitudinal and vertical threads. This, when
dry, will make them stiff but still flexible enough to install. Where the threads cross each
other there will probably be an excess drop of glue. If left alone, this will be visible to
some extent. If you don’t want that, run the tip of a Kleenex along those cross points to
absorb the excess glue. I suggest a second glue coat since the joints are relatively weak.
When dry, you might find it easier to cut the rail segment out of the inner open
rectangle instead of trying to lift each thread from its slot at this time. I also
experimented with thin wire and a combination of wire and thread. This works also if a
more substantial railing is needed. Edge slot (slit) Cardboard – any length or width as needed
Thread (or wire) Cut out inner rectangle