For modeling steel cable, don't use sewing thread—it has stray fibers that look ratty, especially after painting. Instead, use beading thread. This material is thermally bonded, so there's no fraying. Example product: Beadalon WildFire .006 inch (0.5mm) thick, in black, light grey and other colors. Available at Michael's and most craft stores.

It's said that people who live with a pet being to look like each other. I wonder if it's true with layouts?

After a little advice with where to start, [ ... ]

Adding Panel Lines to ACF Hoppers
Bill Mock
January 2010

Here's [ ... ]

Hopper Weathering Clinic II
By Bill Mock
December 2009

So here's how those BN Hoppers turned out after the surface rust dried. Not bad. I'll [ ... ]