Hello model freaks and geeks.

I'm a fly tyer/fisher, and use some of my tying supplies for models with great success. I'm working on a Zvezda BMPT and it occoured to me that I ought to share with you all!

There's this stuff called "Ultra Wire" it comes in a bunch of sizes, and a b'zillion colors. It's made to wrap around the shank of a hook, so it's malleable as all get-out, holds its shape amazingly well, and looks great when used as engine wires, cockpit wires, tubing, ducting, plumbing, etc. Most of it has a shine to it, some metallics are available, and they all take paint or clear coats well. There is also a lead-free lead wire (used to weight flys) that again comes in a bunch of different sizes. Quite useful when you want the wire to lay down over details, but it only comes in grey.

You non-fishers can pick this up at your local fly shop, or Cabelas, etc. Of course eBay and Amazon have them as well. I was just in my local Cabelas and saw a set of like 6 spools for about $11.

Here's the size I use for most of my 1/35 projects:


I hope you found this info useful!

I gave up fishing several years ago, but still frequent my local fly shop and the Bass Pro Shop for modeling tools and such! I recently picked up a curved set of forceps for fly tying at BPS, and at my local fly fishing shop I had them order some "Slick Shooter" fly line with the rhomboid profile for use in flat aircraft rigging. It's probably only good for 1/32 scale and larger aircraft, but it's got all the qualities of nylon fishing line, only its flat! My favorite line though is Chameleon 4lb test for rigging large biplanes, it's a translucent dark brown so it looks just like weathered flying wires right off the spool. I used to use Chameleon 1lb test, but I guess they don't make it anymore. I'll have to look for this fly tying wire "Knuckles" suggests-- it looks very promising, It's amazing modelers can use items that were never intended for modeling! Shows how inventive we can truly be-- and for me that's half the fun! Again, thanks for the great tip.
VR, Russ

Try Spiderwire Stealth braided line in 6lb. It's dark, takes a sharpie well, and has a braided cable-like appearance. Even tho it's 6lb test, it has a 1 lb test diameter. I used it to rig a 1/48 Fokker--turned out very nice.

Thanks for the tips!
Malleable wire sounds very tempting
/ Robin

Looks good. Can you provide an actual thickness?

—mike

Large (26 gauge) (0.0180")
Medium (28 gauge) (0.0126")
Brassie (32 gauge) (0.0080")
Small (34 gauge) (0.0063")
Extra-small (38 gauge) (0.0040")

Thank you, Christian!🍺

For those of us on the UK side of The Pond, Ultra Wire is available in the UK on eBay from a few sellers. And of course direct from the US.

While looking for it I came across these very interesting-looking cutters. Think I'm going to get one. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292103062107?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Ordered some last night for an Upcoming build.

Thanks for the tip!

I finally purchased a spool of UTC Ultra Wire and thought I’d share some results.

Here's some Medium Black coiled around 5/32" (4.0 mm) tube. It holds coils like a charm! It's great for sharp bends on grab-handles too.



Thanks again to Christian for posting that extremely useful tip.

Cheers!🍺
—mike