STRAPS and BANDS- The round solder can be flattened by rolling it through a pasta machine. This tool makes easy work but if you would rather not invest in a pasta machine, the small diameter solder can adequately be flattened out by firmly rolling over it with something solid such as an x-acto knife handle, on a hard surface. It does take some pressure though. Experimentation is the key with this exercise. Easily bent to conform around shapes, joints in down spouts are created as well as the half round brackets attaching the pipe to the wall. The lengths of solder are perfect for metal brackets at sections of wood supports, bracing on shutters, bands around barrels and any other situation where plastic or brass strip might otherwise be used. The pliable solder can easily represent belts, helmet and rifle straps and other accessories on figures. One photo shows brackets for a tank jack and jerrycan holder. The other photo shows rifle and helmet straps adding a sense of motion to the vignette. The solder can be attached with "Super Glue" and takes paint easily. I don't know if there is an eventual reaction to the paint but some of my examples are now several years old and still looking fine. Text and images ©Michael Bishop

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