Matthews Model Marine Stud Anchor Chain First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | May 2013 | Manufacturer | Matthews Model Marine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Stud Anchor Chain | Scale | Application dependent |
| Kit Number | Various | Primary Media | 3D Printed Plastic |
| Pros | Several sizes of anchor chain which can enhance the deck of your scale model ship | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | Depends on size |
First Look
Here's a first for me - 3D printed chain and each link is fully separate from the other links so the chain is very positionable. When I first heard about this, of course I wanted to take a closer look because this is not only the first 3D printed chain I've seen, this is also the first 3D printed model parts I've seen delivered to the consumer. Many of the resin masters for aftermarket products come from 3D printers after CAD design, but the consumer receives resin, not the printed plastic.
These samples are two of several sizes currently produced by Matthews Model Marine and you won't find stud anchor chain in this sizes in metal. I've been experimenting with 3D printing, but the system being used here requires a significantly more capable system than most hobbyists can afford. The result is realistic anchor chain that can enhance your expensive large-scale warships.
The chain in the image image on the left is 13.5 links per inch which is recommended for your 1/200 scale battleships such as the USS Missouri or USS Iowa. This set includes 15 inches of chain which will be sufficient to rig the battleship of your choice. The chain in the image on the right is suitable for 1/96 or 1/100 scale battleships.
You can visit their website and you'll see from his custom model ship-building why they began creating their own parts and chains, plus you can search eBay for 'Model Ship Stud Anchor' and see the various sizes availble (and order what you need).
My sincere thanks to Matthews Model Marine for these review samples.