Found some 50-51 LPI silver chain

[Lemosteam]

Reputable, I have ordered from them before.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h204745ch

Item Number H20-4745CH, 0.5 millimeter Gossamer chain  25.4mm (1") chain length / 0.5mm link diameter = 50.1mm LPI

Thinking that a dip in neolube should do the trick on the shiny silver.

"Finest" chain the place sells.

[peteski]

Chemical blackening would also do the trick and probably be more durable.
For home-brewed methods, Google for "how to blacken silver", or use an industrial type blackener from Jax Chemicals (DKS introduced me to JAX).

[ryan_wilkerson]

Are you using this for tie downs and such?
Doing some calculations... 0.5mm equates to about 3.15" in N scale. Sounds about right. How does this compare to other fine chain?

[peteski]

Are you using this for tie downs and such?
Doing some calculations... 0.5mm equates to about 3.15" in N scale. Sounds about right. How does this compare to other fine chain?

5 years ago I posted small chain comparison. See https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=28291.0

[nkalanaga]

"Chain has an anti-tarnish coating. "

That could make blackening it difficult.

[havingfuntoo]

Dip it in some Tolulene and the coating will drop off, move it around a bit to remove it from between the links and it should move more freely.

[ryan_wilkerson]

5 years ago I posted small chain comparison. See https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=28291.0

Good stuff Peteski! Thanks for the linkage.

[mmagliaro]

Are you sure the 0.5mm refers to the link length, and not just the diameter of the chain?  The links look to be
long and skinny in the photos, so they might be more like 1mm or even more, lengthwise.

Peteski, the 38 LPI chain you had on your other info page that you linked to from here, I believe is
http://www.builders-in-scale.com/bis/parts-chain.html   (the black 40 LPI chain).

I say that because I JUST TODAY was using that for the tender truck safety chains on my 0-6-0 engine project,
and it looks exactly like the 38 LPI "unknown" stuff you showed in your photo.
The Builders In Scale 40 LPI is the smallest stuff I have.  I can certainly believe that it actually only measures
out to 38 LPI.

[peteski]

Peteski, the 38 LPI chain you had on your other info page that you linked to from here, I believe is
http://www.builders-in-scale.com/bis/parts-chain.html   (the black 40 LPI chain).

Thanks Max!  I just didn't recall where I go it, so it could just as well be what you said.  I'll update my post with your info.

[mmagliaro]

By the way, I happened to actually measure that chain today.  I get 44 links per inch, not 38 (or 40 as the package states).

[peteski]

By the way, I happened to actually measure that chain today.  I get 44 links per inch, not 38 (or 40 as the package states).

But you think that what you mentioned earlier about my chain still applies?

[mmagliaro]

But you think that what you mentioned earlier about my chain still applies?

I do.  That chain in your picture looks EXACTLY like that Builders In Scale stuff (both the photo on their website and the chain I have here that I'm looking at with my own 2 eyes).

Maybe there's variation in their actual production or sourcing of it.  Or maybe you and I don't measure the same.
I just place the chain along a ruler, making sure it was straight along the edge with no slack or bunching.

[peteski]

I do.  That chain in your picture looks EXACTLY like that Builders In Scale stuff (both the photo on their website and the chain I have here that I'm looking at with my own 2 eyes).

Maybe there's variation in their actual production or sourcing of it.  Or maybe you and I don't measure the same.
I just place the chain along a ruler, making sure it was straight along the edge with no slack or bunching.

You can count the links in my photo in the other thread. There is a ruler in it with 1" visible and IIRC, the chain is stretched out.

[mmagliaro]

Pete,
Okay, I did that in the photo you posted in the other thread. I get 40 for that chain.  I am counting the
links at the start and end where where 0 and the 1" lines go right through the center of the link.  If you don't count those, you get 38.   I suppose it's a matter of opinion which is the "right" way to count them.  1/2 the link is past the bounds by my method. But then again, if I put two posts 1" apart and wanted to connect the chain over them, I would need 40 links, not 38.

[peteski]

I won't be splitting links over this Max, if you won't either.    If you say if the chain in my photo is from Builders in Scale, that's what it is then.