stretched sprue

I would suggest using invisible thread. You can go to Jo Ann Fabric or other sewing supply store and purchase the stuff in varying thicknesses. .005 is what I used for this 1/48 rigging.

I agree with Swanny-stretched sprue would be fragile and it would take forever to make enough! Plus you'd be mighty high on plastic fumes by then.

There is alot of alternativs to stretching sprue, but if want to know more about it there was an article on that subject in FSM November 2003 by Albert B.M.Tureczek.

Albert's article is about modeling a modern guided-missile cruiser, but he does work wonders with stretched sprue.

if you are using thread, do you stretch it between 2 points, glue the 2 pooints, and cut off excess?

ns,

I use stretched sprue for antenna wires and rigging. As in most modelling techniques, there are advantages and disadvantages. It's true - sprue is fragile, and you should stretch it in a well ventilated area. The advantages... I like it because I can make it in just about any thickness. certainly much finer than any thread that I have seen. I think it's easy once you get the hang of it. I also use thicker stretched sprue to make pins to repair/re-attach landing gear or props that break.

As you mentioned about thread - you can just stretch sprue between two points, glue, and cut off the excess. Another advantage of streched sprue is that it can be carefully tightened with the applicatioin of gentle heat. VERY gentle heat.

I recently read a post where someone used hair for rigging. My hair's too short to make an antennae wire on a 144 scale fighter, but I could probably pluck one from my wife or daughter's head if I sneak up on 'em.[:0]

sometimes you can use wire such as the wire in electrical lines in lamps those are very thin strands and are about the right thickness for some WW1 planes depending on the scale your building

another option to the thread is tippit. It is an extremely thin monofiliment used in fly fishing. It is not fragile like sprue, and is very flexible and exremely thin depending on the pound test that you purchase.