modelling anti-torpedo nets

[biggles2]

Does anyone have any suggestions for modelling rolled up (stowed) anti-torpedo nets in 1/700? I thought of suitably sized thread or string, but they just don't have a netting texture. I will take a look at nylon stockings, but I think the mesh might be a little coarse.

[David Griffith]

Take a pair of black nylon tights, the very cheapest quality you can find; you don't want expensive ones with lycra. Stretch them over a frame of some kind, such as a open box. Paint well diluted white glue over the fabric. You don't want it touching anything, that's another reason for the frame. When dry the painted section will be semi-rigid. Cut a strip about 5mm wide and as long as you need. Despite the semi-rigidity imparted by the glue, it will still roll up into a thin sausage, just right for a rolled net. It won't look nearly as heavy or solid as the piece of shoelace or thread-type elastic that Jim Baumann tends to use.

Kind regards,

David Griffith

[biggles2]

Basically what I tried yesterday, but I didn't stretch before applying glue so it didn't look too neat. I'll try again as per your method. Thanks.

[Martello Towers]

Just to add a question to this topic; how about modelling the net 'cages' for ship anchorages and harbour defences with multiple layers of nets at different depths?
I'm planning on modelling some vertically condensed ones for wargaming. I had thought about the tights method, but I'm unsure the nets would be robust enough - what size were the holes in the real life nets? Would metal mesh with 1mm by2mm holes in be too big for 1/700? I'm guessing it would, but can't easily find smaller sized mesh. Anyone got any suggestions, or pointers for a specific kit?

[biggles2]

In 1/700 scale 1 x 2 mm holes would let a torpedo right through! Very fine brass screening by K&S, or fine mesh from model RR store might be more to scale.

[fuhrman]

I once saw a piece on line about using a shoe lace for 1/350 rolled nets. The lace, which was round in cross section, had a weave pattern to it that was pretty convincing. Sorry I cannot remember where I saw this modeled but I think it was used on one of the 1/350 ICM WWI German battleships.

[Timmy C]

Another option to add to this short thread: .3mm PE grid sheets such as Flyhawk's FH700054, rolled around a rod core. As demonstrated by hypno7 in their excellent 1/700 SMS Konig: viewtopic.php?f=60&t=339325#p964996

[wefalck]

There have been experiments with different configurations, but eventually all nations settled for larger rings connected by smaller rings. You can see hanging on the wall to the left some examples in the Mus�e de la Marine in Paris (before it closed for renovation):



There is an excellent article on (French) torpedo-nets by Patrice Decenci�re in Neptunia No. 300 (2020).

Another and free (sort of) source of very fine and stiff netting are certain brands of tea-bags:



The meshes are rectangular, but if cut diagonally, it might work also for torpedo-nets. I have used them for wire-gratings:



No stiffening is required and they spray-paint well with acrylics.

[reigels]

Does anyone have any suggestions for modelling rolled up (stowed) anti-torpedo nets in 1/700? I thought of suitably sized thread or string, but they just don't have a netting texture. I will take a look at nylon stockings, but I think the mesh might be a little coarse.

You might want to look at braided hose line that car modelers use. Comes in a variety is diameters and gives a nice even rolled appearance for anti-torpedo nets.

[drasticplastic]

Some good suggestions!