1/48th Rigging?

s1b · 12 December 2005, 01:58 PM

I'm sure this has been covered a million times..........Iwas wondering what materials,Diameter, you use for rigging 1/48th scale. I've read some people using 0.005 diameter stainless steel rod/wire from Small parts.What are your thoughts on using it ,to small/big

?? Please any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sean

ChrisSavaglio · 12 December 2005, 03:01 PM

8 gauge (.008") guitar string, held straight and passed through a lighter's flame works well. Heating it will keep it from curling. The bad thing is that you have to cut it to the exact length and it adds no structural rigidity to the model.

Another option is fishing line. 4lb test monofilament line works well. Before you mount the top wing, drill a hole on one end all the way through and a hole on the other end part way through the part. Glue the line in the partial hole and run it through the other. Put a small amount of ca and pull it tight.

Trim the excess, sand, putty and clean up the holes. Then touch it up.

Chris

Mr_Flibble · 13 December 2005, 12:10 AM

Stretching heated sprue is another option, but it is hard to get a good consistent thickness. And it is usually too thick for the smaller scales. It also has to be cut to the proper length and it adds nothing to the models strength.

Not perfect but it works for me.

Tripehound · 13 December 2005, 06:29 AM

Try 2lb monofilament fishing line. It's .005, and multiplied by 48 comes up a wee bit under 1/4", which is about the diameter of the rigging back then. Take a cap full of dark silver paint, hold the line in the paint with a cotton swab and pull through the paint. Immediately pull the line through a tissue to remove the globs and let dry. RAF wires are another thing, though...

ChrisSavaglio · 13 December 2005, 09:16 AM

Sharpie markers also work well to color fishing line. They're available at most craft stores in tons of colors, including metallics.

Chris

THE GREAT WALDO · 13 December 2005, 10:58 AM

Try running the fishing line over the end of a tube of rub-n-buff pewter or silver with the line between the end of your finger and the tube top, it works great.
Andy

s1b · 13 December 2005, 12:40 PM

Thanks for all the info guys!!