Making 1/35 Scale Barbed Wire

In an upcoming model that I have planned I wanted to create my first diorama with some barbed wire added to it. After browsing the Intertubes I came across this method: Armorama.com

Let's see how I did.

I first clamped this down to the edge of the table. These clamps are awesome for holding model stuff together because the feet are rubber and you can set the pressure by hand. I need to get more of these! They are available for about $5 at Home Depot.

I started with about 24" of 32 gauge brass wire I picked up at Michael's. I used the spring clamp to hold on to one end to create a twist. I learned that if you only turn the spring clamp, the wire closest to the clamp that is turning the twist will be tighter and shorter. The twist at the immobile opposite end will be longer and looser. Twisting both ends is preferable to get an even twist all the way down...or maybe I just needed to keep twisting.

I added a touch of super glue at each end to hold the twist.

I attached the spring clamp end to the other clamp.

With another long piece, make two wraps at short intervals around the braided wire. In real life the distance between barbs is about 4-5", about a hand's width. Each barb got a touch of super glue before trimming.

With some snips, take off the excess.

I found a kitchen utensil to wrap the wire around to get a coil. I was away from home when I worked on this, so when I got back I pulled out this 1/35 scale dude to see how it scaled. His hand just fits between barbs. It's pretty close to scale, but I think the barbs are a touch big.

After the wire was coiled, it turned a roughly 12" length to about 3-4" coiled. The next time I make a go at barbed wire, I'll do a 6' length, doubled for twisting would be 3' and maybe I'll end up with 12-14" coiled. I also want to speed up the twist process by putting it in the end of the Dremel. I also need to find a dowel that is the correct width for creating a consistent distance between loops. The wire will either get a coat of German Gray with a rust wash, or perhaps I wonder if burnishing fluid would work? On to more experimentation!