1/48 Scale Rigging Question

[rfindley]

For you guys that have been doing this for a while, is it safe to assume that control surface cables (rudder, elevator, aileron) would be of a smaller diameter that the structrual rigging cables? It would seem that the monofilament or "invisible" sewing threads are popular for rigging and I have some samller stuff I intended for control cables. TIA

Rick

[Rob_Owens]

Rick,
Undoubtedly, rigging and control cables were of different diameters, as rigging tables are still available for many WWI aircraft. The question is: 1) is the difference going to be noticeable in a scale as small as 1/48, and 2) can you find two "scale" rigging diameters which accurately replicate the difference, which leads us back to "1)" Short answer? IMHO, it's chasin' ur tail. BEFORE relative cable diameters on a 1/48 model, the viewer's eye is going to be caught by some representation of turnbuckles (didja see Ross's latest pics of the Morane-Saulnier L?) which ARE noticeable.

[Terry_Crisp]

Gentlemen,
This is something I have been trying to do but I have been unable to find anything thinner than .004. Looking at some samples of monofilament graciously given me by Neal of Neals killer deals in Phonix it is surprising to note just how obvious the difference of a couple of thousanths is.
That said, when you start dividing fractions of an inch into seventy two or forty eight parts things get small fast. Eg. lets assume that bracing wire is 1/4". Then divide 25 thousandths by 72 and you get something just shy of 3.5 ten thousandths of an inch. Therefore, as regards scale, fuggataboutit.
However, modeling is an impressionistic art form. We jump all kinds of hoops to create the impression that a few ounces of plastic is a battle plane of yesteryear viewed at some distance. A WW I model plane is going to look more like the real deal with some rigging on it than it will without. The odds that someone is going to put a micrometer on your selection of string do not bear thinking about.
You can discern quite readily the difference of very small diameter lines so my contention is that the best we can do is use the smallest diameter line we can for control lines and something a couple of thou bigger for bracing and model on happily. Now, if I can get some 3.5 thou. I'll have something that is only ten times too big for scale and...
Best regards to all
Terry

[fsbof]

So, now do I need to worry about what's a coat of real paint/dope work out to be in 1/48, and can I put down model paint to a scale coat thickness??? Lozenge didn't have thickness (other than the fabric) - now do I gotta worry about the decal thickness???? My head's hurting thinking about these tiny dimensions.

[rfield]

Originally posted by Terry_Crisp@Mar 2 2004, 11:49 PM
[b] Eg. lets assume that bracing wire is 1/4". Then divide 25 thousandths by 72 and you get something just shy of 3.5 ten thousandths of an inch.

FYI, I think your math is off by a decimal place. 1/4" = 0.25", or 250 thousandths of an inch (not 25 thousandths). In 1/72 scale, that equates to roughly 0.0035", or 3.5 thousandths - not "ten-thousandths".

[PeterL]

I'm an old stick in the mud and still use wire for rigging. I just can't bring myself to drill holes in a model and mono-filament looks like, well, mono-filament, to my eye. In my modeling box are four reels of electrical fuse wire; 3 amp, 5 amp, 15 amp and 30 amp. The 3 amp is best for short runs; control wires, undercart (although guitar string is best for heavier models) king-post or incidence bracing. For longer runs such as main flying wires drag wires and landing wires I use 5 amp. With care flying wires can be doubled. The thicker 15 and 30 amp I use for details like engine piping or gun rings.

hth

[Barker]

That's a serious airshow, Old Bean.

[Terry_Crisp]

Rick,
You have caught me out. I knew someone would catch my error. The wretched truth is that I have a math disability. However, while the Devil may be in my details I still stick with my thesis.
We have to use what is available to do wings with wires.
Best regards,
Terry