[StephenLawson]

Pop Quiz: Name three reasons why do some paints gel up after only a few uses?
1. Contaminates
2. Lid off for too long.
3. The lack of a good seal between the lid and the cap. Thanks Barker * *

Rigging multi-plane aircraft models is not as difficult as it may seem. The choices are easy. You can use either monofilament or fine wire sections. It depends on how long your strand runs are going to be. *The best choice in 1/48 and smaller for strand runs over 1 ½ inches is monofilament. These come in various thickness' and can be purchased in department store sewing centers or in the fishing /sports department. *For 1/48 and smaller scale 5-8 mil is good. For 1/32 and larger start with 5-6 lbs test fishing line.

First of all leave the top wing upper surface and the lower wing under surface unfinished. Why you ask? These are the areas that you need to apply glue to. An open flat surface is easier to work with than thenarrow area between the wings.

Drill straight through the wing next to the strut at the appropriate angle. There should be two holes for each strand. Note also that one hole can possibly hold upto 5 strands. The key to working with monofilament is start by the upper cabane strut locations and move out and down with your strands. Used spring action clothes pins to clip on the strands once their through the lower wing area. One clothes pin for one strand. This pulls the strand(s) tight and then you just put one drop of thin type super glue in the hole. Don't use metal hemostats as they can over stress the small 5-8 mil strands and after your complete it will go slack and heat application won't tighten it permanently.

When your finished rigging use a sharp #11 blade and clip all ends of the secured strands. Then scrap any glue spots off the plastic and finish to suite your chosen profile.

The other choice is ( I prefer blackened brass) fine wire. For 1/48 and smaller try .006-.008. For larger scales try .015-.020 and up. *Brass is best choice for short runs of 1½ and smaller. Brass has weight and will tend to sag over a period of time. Turnbuckles can be manufactured in scale, it just take patience. In smaller scales you can simply replicate turnbuckles with an application of thicker gel super glue then paint when dry.

Pop Quiz:What WWI Static Plastic model was the first to include rigging material? What year was it manufactured?