Plumbing alternative to Sakatsu Flexible Line?

Hi guys,

I've been trying to get various sizes of Sakatsu "flexible line" for wiring up an F1 engine, although HLJ.com tells me they only make 0.3 and 1mm sizes now (and HLJ only appeared to have the 0.3mm in stock).

Can anyone recommend another brand that will do similar sizes of flexible line that Sakatsu does, or did? Sizes are 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm and 1.0mm.

Model Car Garage has some wiring, but I've no idea on the size.
MSM Creations has some, but they don't seem to go over 0.4mm.
Modelers appear to also have similar items, again the max size is only 0.56mm. Perhaps that would do... I'm not sure, this is all very new to me and it's hard to guage without the experience for reference.

Any help appreciated!
Cheers,
Mark

Sakatsu "flexible line" is simply solder from the look of it. Maybe try an electronics store for something similar. I like to use elastic for droopy fuel and coolant lines. You can either leave it with the fabric on for a certain look or remove the fabric for a rubbery finish.

Modellers make a range of metal mesh hose that is great, a bit shiny but you can always fix that with a black wash or something. I know Rainbow 10 stock them, so HLJ probably do too.

Hi guys,

I've been trying to get various sizes of Sakatsu "flexible line" for wiring up an F1 engine, although HLJ.com tells me they only make 0.3 and 1mm sizes now (and HLJ only appeared to have the 0.3mm in stock).

Can anyone recommend another brand that will do similar sizes of flexible line that Sakatsu does, or did? Sizes are 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm and 1.0mm.

Model Car Garage has some wiring, but I've no idea on the size.
MSM Creations has some, but they don't seem to go over 0.4mm.
Modelers appear to also have similar items, again the max size is only 0.56mm. Perhaps that would do... I'm not sure, this is all very new to me and it's hard to guage without the experience for reference.

Any help appreciated!
Cheers,
Mark



Have you checked out Detail Master (http://detailmaster.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=detailmaster&Category_Code=DM-Braid) ?

This is what they say:
Braided Line:
#1 for brake line
#2 & #3 for fuel line
#4 & #5 for oil line
#6 & #7 for radiator hose
DM 1301 Braided Line #1 - .020'' - 2 ft.
DM 1302 Braided Line #2 - .025'' - 2 ft.
DM 1303 Braided Line #3 - .035'' - 2 ft.
DM 1304 Braided Line #4 - .045'' - 2 ft.
DM 1305 Braided Line #5 - .060'' - 1 ft.
DM 1306 Braided Line #6 - .080'' - 1 ft.
DM 1307 Braided Line #7 - .100'' - 1 ft.

TO CONVERT TO MILLIMETERS; MULTIPLY INCHES X 25.4
TO CONVERT TO INCHES; MULTIPLY MILLIMETERS X 0.03937*
*FOR SLIGHTLY GREATER ACCURACY WHEN CONVERTING TO INCHES; DIVIDE MILLIMETERS BY 25.4

HTH

I like to use elastic for droopy fuel and coolant lines. You can either leave it with the fabric on for a certain look or remove the fabric for a rubbery finish.

'Elastic!' I'd never thought of that! Thanks Phil!

Mark,
I just collect any wires I can. The Sakatsu ones are the best I've used but like Phil said you can get the small packs of solder that are Ok if you're going to paint them anyway.

Pleased to help Rob. Apparently the stuff to get is milliner's elastic, as in hat makers. Never found any yet myself, but it is supposed to be super thin. The aviation guys use it for bracing on WW1 era biplanes.

Solder sounds like the trick! Thanks guys.
Rob I forgot you mentioned that previously... I'll have to take notes next time!

Solder sounds like the trick! Thanks guys.
Rob I forgot you mentioned that previously... I'll have to take notes next time!

Mark,

Purely by coincidence this morning, I came across the following product. It sounds as if it might be what you are looking for.

It is tin wire in about the sizes you were looking for from a Finnish company. Here is their website (http://upnorth.site.voila.fr/index.html)

I also found this review on the web (but I don't think I am allowed to post the link):

I ordered some of this after seeing a review on the ****** website. The packages are priced at €5 each, with a flat shipping rate of €2 per order. Payment is sent via PayPal (which will handle the conversion into Euros for you automatically).

There are six sizes available:

0.23mm/0.009" - 0.64" in 1/72, 0.43" in 1/48, 0.32" in 1/35, 0.29" in 1/32
0.32mm/0.013" - 0.94" in 1/72, 0.62" in 1/48, 0.46" in 1/35, 0.42" in 1/32
0.56mm/0.022" - 1.58" in 1/72, 1.06" in 1/48, 0.77" in 1/35, 0.70" in 1/32
0.7mm/0.028" - 2.02" in 1/72, 1.34" in 1/48, 0.98" in 1/35, 0.90" in 1/32
1.0mm/0.039" - 2.81" in 1/72, 1.87" in 1/48, 1.37" in 1/35, 1.25" in 1/32
1.3mm/0.051" - 3.67" in 1/72, 2.45" in 1/48, 1.79" in 1/35, 1.63" in 1/32

The amount in each package varies based on the thickness; there is more length in the smaller diameters. I don't know the exact amounts, as I haven't measured each one individually.

When I placed my order, the fellow answered within a day. Once the funds were sent via PayPal, the order was shipped within a week. I was sent an e-mail when the shipment went out, and it made it to my front door (Finland to California) in about 5 days.

The price is on the edge of steep, for ordinary tin wire. However, the smaller sizes can be very difficult to find in ordinary stores and there is a lot to be said about the convenience of being mailed to your door.

Highly recommended

Maybe that helps? Cheers!