Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=10139&Form.ShowMessage=1499769&Reply=1683596#32

Here's the thread - see link.

Warning - have a clear head, plenty of time on hand, and prepare by taking on board a day's supply of caffine before... you even try to open this thread. Let alone comprehend it!!!

But you did ask: "Is there a better way to model the chains to do that, in pieces,..." ;-) You can't do better than instruction at the feet of the Poser (math) god VK.