Bill, I thought someone would be interested in making shrouds from the Airfix rigging tool. I have finally got it down to a real good way to do it. Here are some pictures I just took for this . I have refined it over at least 4 models & these are the best yet.
These are the Main, Fore & mizzen on my new Mayflower. I use small pieces of masking tape to secure the ratline thread as I work down. I have already cut razor saw cuts in each V groove before i start to deepen the slot for the thread so it won't come out. I have a narrow piece of tape on the bottom to mark the slot for the vertical thread. You only need to make the cut on the one side.
This is the main mast rigging with the kit shroud I used to lay it out. Tape all over replaces any knots that i don't tie.
This is the 3 lower shrouds with a top mast casting laying in a rigging tool to do next.
I individually glue each joint & it is way better & cleaner than using the brushing super glue. That stuf gags you & is messy. & can do a double shroud complete in an hour, from layout to finish.
These are the kit shroud castings. I will cut the bottom off & use it. Rigging your own lets you make them to fit exactly, which is far better than using the kit supplied thread or cast shrouds. I brush a coat of flat black over the shrouds when I am done & they look great. I put a piece of paper behind them when I brush to keep paint off the finished model. I hope this helps someone.