Weekend Update 12/12/21

[Wolf N Works]

This could be use, they are nice https://www.showcaseminiatures.net/n_scale/n_scale_vehicle_details/540.html cut to length.
Or I have used Beading wire. I tried finding the item I used on Amazon but could not quickly find it. there are many sizes.

Just thoughts

[Maletrain]

This chain is about 64 links per inch (~2.5" scale inches per link) with genuine 3d structure:



Two caveats about it though:
1. I don't think it would do well in a more exposed setting (though it certainly could be made more beefy),
2. I can't see it without magnification, especially once it's painted black. 

   Gray, I think that chain takes the prize.  I assume you 3D printed it, right?  It looks appropriate for that location, but still might look largish strung across a passageway.

I am guessing that you need to print that chain in-place.  Would it be too brittle to print as a stand alone part to be fitted where desired?

[GaryHinshaw]

Correct, that whole grey part is printed as a single piece, and yes it would be too fragile as a standalone item.  So definitely not a general purpose solution, but for situations where the chain can be supported and not too exposed, it's fantastic.

[Missaberoad]

I remember a post made by GHQ on their own forum years ago, on kitbashing DPM's Reed's Books into an apartment building.
I tried to access it today but got an error message...
Anyway, they had hung awnings from the front and twisted something, but I can't recall what it was, but it made for convincing chain.

Anyone recall?

It was brass or PB wire crimped with the serated teeth of a pair of pliers... I remember it looking rather convincing...

[John]

Correct, that whole grey part is printed as a single piece, and yes it would be too fragile as a standalone item.  So definitely not a general purpose solution, but for situations where the chain can be supported and not too exposed, it's fantastic.

Do you have any data yet on how well these ends hold up in actual use?

[GaryHinshaw]

So far they've been great.  I've been running strings of 6-8 tankers with these conversions at the head end of 40 car trains up and down the mountain on my layout and they've been flawless.  I've had one stirrup break off so far due to mishandling on the work bench, but no mishaps on the layout.  The more fragile bits like the chain and free-standing placard holders aren't really subject to handling once installed, so I'm not really too worried about them.   I would be much less bullish about 3d printing if these were super fragile.

Time will tell how they hold up in ops sessions, when the HO guys show up. 

[John]

There are some different resin types that may have some characteristics that could improve reliability ... I haven't tried any of them yet -- but some of the folks on model train 3d printing groups mix some cocktails using syria tech and others .. 

[nscalbitz]

Don't forget to put something to fill the gap on at least the bottom and the sides of the hole in the wall, to prevent anything that derails on the s-curve from going down inside the wall.  Or else, you'll need to cut a third hole
DFF

Why would anyone put a rail joint in the wall cavity as well?
That just seems asking for Trouble____
Or if it is a mockup, forget I asked...
  d

[wazzou]

Why would anyone put a rail joint in the wall cavity as well?
That just seems asking for Trouble____
Or if it is a mockup, forget I asked...
  d

While I agree, it doesn’t look to me like there is a joint in the hole, but rather +/- 4” camera side of the hole.

[Angus Shops]

I’m dead certain it’s a mock up - Tim never leaves anything to chance.

[nkalanaga]

Putting a rail joint in the wall wouldn't have to be a problem.  If the rails HAD to be joined there, solder the two pieces at the workbench, make sure everything is straight and smooth, then bend  that piece to fit (assuming flextrack), and join the ends to the rest of the layout, well outside the hole.  If using sectional track, no bending would be needed, just solder the pieces and go.

I agree, though, that a joint there should be avoided if possible.  A joint in an S-curve should be avoided, regardless of where it is!