TIPS

More Cord Sources

by Fred Gray

Most ship modelers are always on the "quest" for new materials - something newer or better. The "quest" is part of the fun of modeling. With respect to string/cord sources and their location, I suggest the following:

Bead City, 1932 S. Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92627. (714)548-9447. Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9:30 - 6:00 [Two blocks North of where Harbor Blvd. Joins Newport Blvd.] Ask to see: Nylon spools. Black F#4, FF#6, FFF#8, E#2. Small nylon spools, Black 00#1, 0#2, B#3, and F#4. This is cord is strong; has a twister - cable/rope look; stays firm when cut and stretches very little. The above cord sizes are a little larger than Coats & Clark’s Buttonhole Twist but smaller than Model Shipways Brownell #4 serving thread. The store carries a few white and brown nylon rolls in the above sizes. You might ask the owner/manager to order more brown and white. He said he would get what people want.

Velona Needle craft 5753-B Santa Ana Canyon Rd., Anaheim Hills, CA 92807. (714)974-1570. Open daily, M - F 9:30 - 7:00, Sat. 9:30 - 6:00, Sun. 12:00 - 5:00. Have Rose help you. Ask to see: Anchor brand cotton brown colors #’s 388, 391, 392, 393, 769, and 999. Black # 403. String sizes are #’s 8, 12, 20, and 40. White colors are also available to those of you who dye your own lines.

Anchor Brand Cotton threads are made in W. Germany. They are very strong and have a nice rope twist. German fibers are longer - making them stronger than their French or American counterparts. The cord is not fuzzy. It is very hard to stretch or break, which means tight lines for a long time. My favorite is #8 Pearl Cotton, Color #393 which is the closest color to weathered rope I have seen. Caution: Don’t buy French DMC brand instead. It is not the same.

The Bead Shop 899 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach CA 92651. (714)494-2115. Open M - S 10-6, Sun. 12-6 [Six blocks East of Town Center/Beach] Ask to see: Conso Brand Nylon filament spools, size #18. Several shades of browns, plus white and black. A $4.00 roll will do five ships easily. I prefer Conso Nylon #86200, #18 Beaver color. It looks very much like ship rope; with a little stain added it would be perfect. Conso brand stretches a little but no more so than Model Shipways stuff. It is easier to work with.. [Note: The Conso spools are kept in a metal cabinet just left of the store entrance. You must open a drawer to fine it. This is just in case a store "dummy" waits on you!]

Most Yard Goods Stores Ask to see Coats and Clarks’ Button-Hole twist. This is cotton over nylon. It is good for use on smaller models, or high rigging. It is strong and nice to work with. [Many of you already use this to take the place of the thin, poor quality lines that come in some kits.] It comes in black, white, camel, and dark brown.

Note: The shops Fred has reviewed deal in nylon and cotton lines. If you are considering buying linen line, the source I recommended is Warner Woods West, which is owned by Lloyd Warner, one of our members.

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