Just what the title implies, I'm looking for ideas and how-to info on making N scale chain link fence. I have a few larger areas that I need fenced off and short of ordering the etched metal kits I have no idea what I can use that would look good. I'm trying to keep it cheap and perhaps even something I can get here in town. Keep in mind that the only thing I have that would count as a hobby shop is either Hobby Lobby or Michael's.
I am using 'Bridal Veil'...it seems to be working pretty good :thumbs_up::tb-cool: I dont know if you can pick any up at a fabric store or not. Maybe check a local 'Bridal Shop" and see if they sell it by the yard. JMO .
Good one! I've seen the kitchen sieve (cut and flattened) used as chain link in OO/HO. MIGHT work in N. From your local kitchen or hardware store. Regards, Pete
Yes The bigger fabric stores chains, Hancock Fabrics, Jo-Ann Fabrics, etc have it. I have a bunch of it stored away. It is left over from when my wife sewed our oldest daughters wedding dress almost 16 years ago. Just have not gone to that part of the layout yet. Gary
I use BLMA or GMM etched fence. It's not the cheapest answer but it does look the best. I don't have any plans for a huge fenced in area on my N scale layout but the HO layout I am helping with has two area's that have close to $200 in etched fencing each. I think the bridal viel is even a bit too large for HO. The photo etch for N isn't perfect, it is still a bit oversized but it is the closest option I have found. Disclaimer - this is HO:
Ummmmm...I aint so sure. Laying an N scale rule over the 'Bridal Veil'...the open 'links' scale between 4 and 5 inches. Who is going to get down an inch from n scale fence and dispute the opening size...hmmmmm. Just sayin :tb-wacky: .
For what it is worth I agree with George. Since we are trying to create a scene in the viewers mind, the 'Bridal Veil' will do just that. Besides sometimes you have to use the "Good Enough" ruler and not the scale ruler. Gary
That is about double the size of the average chain link fence. From what I have seen, the link openings are around 2-2.5", a little smaller than the size of a tennisball (2.5-2.75"). I can see the difference in something that is twice as big as it should be. I've tried to use the veil in HO and it just didn't look right. I can't see it working well in N. The sub station in the left of this shot was a Walthers kit that came with nice molded fence posts and bridal veil to make the fence around it. After spending about an hour applying the veil, I ended up pulling it back off and opting for the etch fence. The veil looked too open and coarse, and that was in HO.
Tony...ya know I Agree with most of what you say. However...some chain link has 3 inch openings. If you can tell 1 Inch nscale difference betwwen 3 and 4 inches...at normal viewing distance...I'll eat my hat sir. :tb-wink: .
Not to start or contnue a disagreement, I submit this shot. It is bridal veil ( tuille ). At normal viewing of an NTRAK module, of 4' - 5', it looks ok to me but then I am not a rivet counter. When needing to make long runs of fencing the cost of using tuille is pretty hard to beat.
Fence is available in many sizes, from 1" up to 4" openings. Common residential chain link fence is usualy between 1 1/4" and 2" opening.. http://www.fencecenter.com/store/item.aspx?DepartmentId=15323&ItemId=68942 Yes, I can see the difference. I'm just trying to show another option that is a bit more true to scale. If that is an N scale rule you used in the picture of the bridal veil, then the openings are more like 7-8" not 5". Each half mark is 6", the 1/4 mark is 3". I have some veil that is very fine and looks pretty good at a distance. Up close it measures out to 8" openings and throws the look off when you park a vehicle or pedestrian next to it. A comparison shot between Veil and HO etch fence. The veil for HO has a nice light feel to it but is still a bit oversize. The etch fence seems a little heavy up close but viewed from a distance a looks lighter and the opening size is closer. I didn't have any N scale fence handy to show the true difference but the N scale fence is not quite 1/2 the size of the HO fence. I don't think the etching process will allow them to make a true N scale chain link fence. It's up to the modeler to decide how important the size difference is to them.
The original poster indicated... "I'm trying to keep it cheap and perhaps even something I can get here in town." Using expensive etched n scale fence by admission would not fit that bill :tb-wink: "I use BLMA or GMM etched fence. It's not the cheapest answer but it does look the best." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- "It's up to the modeler to decide how important the size difference is to them." I totally agree. In the grand scheme of n scale, there is really not that many modelers that build layouts for Super Macro photography. I am willing to bet that hat of mine most modelers build layouts to watch their trains run....so a couple of scale inches...dont mean squat to them...me included :tb-wink: .
Nice Main Gate I was planning to use bridal veil but I may try chiffon now. I need a military base entrance similar in appearance to the nice modeling you have here.
I agree that the chiffon or tulle (bridal veil) is acceptable as N scale fence material; plus, they are exceptionally inexpensive versus the etch metal versions available. BTW... tulle comes in different grades of fine meshing... I have one that is more closely knit than shown by Skipgear. The only detracting thing about the use of the chiffon or tulle is cutting the material to the correct size and then making the posts and gates. That is what makes the pre-fabbed etched items easier. Sometimes... if you don't need a lot of fencing... the etched metal route is more expeditious - albeit - somewhat expensive.
I am biased ... Although I can not compete with bridal veil for price, I did make the etched fences originally for myself because I really do like the effect they give when photographed. I do agree that this is a decision for the modeler to weigh cost versus fidelity to scale. Example:
Hmm, I - think - I would use TrainCats fence up front where viewing and photography might critical. Er, well, if I had a place for it. Then again I am planning a single "$100.00 scene" where all of the best details in locomotives, cars, structures and will be present. That cost would not include the locomotive or car itself but rather the details added to it such as fans / grabs etc.
If we are gonna nitpic... Bob... You make some awesome stuff...no doubt ! :thumbs_up: BUT...speaking of fidelity and super macro photography when it comes to n scale...the chainlink barbed wire arms go on top of the vertical posts...not randomly along the top rail. When looking at your photograph...its the first thing I noticed wrong. So I still contend that 'close enough is good enough' when it comes to n scale chainlink fence...just sayin. :tb-wink: .
