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.

 This is Micro trains Line SD40-2 Santa Fe model which I customized with working ditch lights.

Micro-Trains Line Logging Camp Cars #3 Build

I built the Micro-Trains Line Dormitory Camp Cars Kit #2, now I am going to document the build [ ... ]

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 [ ... ]