Best source for wee brass nuts and bolts?

[43rdRecceReg]

When I get round to working on my Ludwig Cromwell, I'd like it to look as 'industrial revolution chic' as possible, like an old train boiler, or riveted ships etc. That's the rough and ready appeal for me in old British tanks. My question is, what's the best all round (online) resource for miniature hexagonal bolts? Richard and others have mentioned http://www.prime-miniatures.co.uk/catalog/hex-bolts
but this raises another question. On average, what size of bolt head (and screw thread) would be most appropriate for 1/16 tanks to create that look of authenticity and realism that moulded ABS bolt heads can't?
I stress 'average', because bolt sizes obviously differ from model to model, and country of origin too..as well as where they are located on the tank, and their purpose there.
Chris Ludwig also sells a brass stud to replicate the rivets that hold the Cromwell turret plates in place; but I thought (having looked at the Cromwell pics lately) pop-rivets might look more authentic...
All input welcome

[jarndice]

Hi, Roy, I trust all is well,? Prime miniatures are one of my favourites as is ----
www.modelfixings.co.uk
Ultra reliable and a very wide range of model engineering related products,
But the problem that has always caused me grief is a shortage of small tools, I have a "Draper" Mini Ratchet set which is brilliant and various "BA open ended spanners and Metric sockets and Hex headed drivers, I had to search out an open ended Metric spanner that was both long and thin for an M3 nut which is a standard size in our hobby,
My point being If company's make a particular size fixing shouldn't they make very sure that a spanner or other tool is also available ? For instance try putting an M3 gearbox mounting screw in place, I had to buy a set of M3 X 8mm Hex headed screws from ----
www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk.
Because the regular screws are 10mm they would not drive straight into the gearbox mount because the thread was under the gears, The shorter 8mm ones do but of course the head disappears under the gear, Why are there no tools for these problems,? Or perhaps the designer of the gearbox might like to think more seriously about the location of where in the gearbox frame the mounting holes should be.!!
A side issue, WHY do gearbox makers produce a product that when placed opposite the other gearbox is assembled so that the two gearboxes are touching when they have the ability to mount them in a position which leaves space between them?
Oh I do love a good moan although you probably hadn't noticed
Shaun.

[jarndice]

I have just noticed that I failed to answer your question
The most common thread sizes that I use to scale in 1/16 is 1mm and 2mm and when it comes to rivet heads,
For instance -- when I build fenders I pin vise around the edges and push a small Dressmakers pin through each hole then super glue it in place from the underside then clip off the excess, Et Voila RIVETS!!!
Shaun.

[tomhugill]

If you don't mind sending out to Germany these guys are good

https://knupfer.info/shop/

[43rdRecceReg]

I have just noticed that I failed to answer your question
The most common thread sizes that I use to scale in 1/16 is 1mm and 2mm and when it comes to rivet heads,
For instance -- when I build fenders I pin vise around the edges and push a small Dressmakers pin through each hole then super glue it in place from the underside then clip off the excess, Et Voila RIVETS!!!
Shaun.

You're forgiven, Shaun! I find myself a tad 'tangential' these days, and listening (figuratively, in this instance...) to a good rant, can only be topped by providing one!
I'll not be home until Early Feb (house and pooch sitting for a friend), and have to talk tanks..frustratingly..instead of fiddling with them. But I thought I'd gather as much useful info and equipage for my Ludwig project as I can, to pass the time productively...and keep the addiction under control. I've also almost finished a Tamiya Cromwell 1/35 model in the interim: to minimise the withdrawal symptoms. (May well post a pic of that non-RC wee beastie. My first non-RC model).
I have a pin vice set at home I swear by, Frequently swear by, in truth because these verdammt Mini parts are becoming anathema for my ageing peepers and shaky hands. Indeed the Tamiya had parts every bit as lilliputian
as those painless is fitting to his flawless Tiger. Thus, the self-imposed swear-box is now bulging at the seams! I and 2mm screws are going to lift my Highland rants to Guinness Book of Expletives levels!
Thanks for the links and evaluation. Much appreciated, as ever,
Roy (south of Hadrian's wall among the Sassenach... ..for a wee while yet)

[tomhugill]

All the scale hardware for my Cromwell was bought from the shop above, aside from the conical rivets which are clothing studs (if you need some ive spares).

[43rdRecceReg]

If you don't mind sending out to Germany these guys are good

https://knupfer.info/shop/

Thanks, Tom. I see they have brass strips, in various sizes and and needle bearings among their impressive list of model options, so thanks for that. Of course...your Cromwell is to blame for all of this, I hope you realise

[tomhugill]

If you don't mind sending out to Germany these guys are good

https://knupfer.info/shop/

Thanks, Tom. I see they have brass strips, in various sizes and and needle bearings among their impressive list of model options, so thanks for that. Of course...your Cromwell is to blame for all of this, I hope you realise

I apologise for nothing!!!

[jarndice]

Tom Hugill you have been directly responsible for some of the most left field aspects of our hobby since long before Alpha left us, from "Submarines to the strangest Armour this planet has ever seen ,
Shame on you sir
And in truth thanks for the inspiration
Shaun

[blimp]

Hi fellas , I recently came across this site - http://modellbauershop.de/ although I havn't tried them yet . Not forgetting my old faves the resin 'Masterclub' bolts /rivets , available in the U.K. http://www.manmodels.co.uk/ B.