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I've been building ships for a while, and I'd really like to take the next step and start adding rigging. Currently I'm working on Hasegawa's Soya, and I'd like to know how to secure rigging to masts, etc. without making clunky knots and such. I probably will work with monofilament or invisible thread, so how do I secure each end ot the thread to masts, rails and any other endpoints? In some ways, I envy the modelers who work on sailing ships, because at least they have a small enough scale to make realistic connections.
One way is using stretched sprue. This you can do for any scale but here is a link to a tutorial on it's use by a master.
http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37536
Another way is fly fishing line. I have used both and it all depends on where I am attaching on what I will use.
The advantage of the fly line is consistency, I have some trouble keeping sprue the same diameter. What I do is apply a small amount of super glue to the mast, then string the line. Gently blow across the connection for a few seconds, then give it about a minuet or so before trimming. Super glue is activated by moisture so using your breath to blow across glue will cause it to stick quicker. Another way is to use an accelerator with the super glue. Work inside out one side at a time.
Practice a few runs on a test mast till you get the hang of both techniques.
Hope that helps, happy modeling
Thanks! I'll probably try the fishing line method first, as I haven't had much consistent success with stretching sprue.
I use the transparent monofilament stuff for 1:700 and 1:350. Tying knots with it is like tying knots in fine stainless steel wire. Yet the results are so good I continue to use it. The main trouble in these scales is that most thread or whatever looks too thick (never use black or white thread in small scales- these colors are high contrast and make the thread look thicker yet). If the mast or whatever anchor point is thick enough I drill a small hole- say 20 mil and glue the thread in. I do not trust a butt joint. I have had them break loose.
Tying knots in this stuff is a real challenge but it can be done. With the transparent thread it is not that noticeable.
Don Stauffer in Minnesota
Thanks Don. I assume the monofilament is something found in hobby specialty stores? Do you leave it transparent, or do you paint it with something like a gray to give it a little visibility?
Uffdamodeler Thanks Don. I assume the monofilament is something found in hobby specialty stores? Do you leave it transparent, or do you paint it with something like a gray to give it a little visibility?
No, I find it in good sewing stores. Not all sewing and craft stores carry it. For the smaller scales I do leave it transparent- it appears smaller diameter if I do. For large scale I use thread, for intermediate scale I waffle back and forth between really small thread and monofilament. I have been picking up more very thin thread from Model Expo when it is on sale. Many sewing and craft stores do not carry many sizes of thread any more. They say sewing as a craft is disappearing. I find the best stuff from model suppliers. On the other hand, for modern ships grey is a common color (steel cable oxidizes to gray) and the model suppliers generally only carry white, tan, and black. So I haunt the sewing stores looking for very fine gray :-(
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