Rigging Question

[jsontag]

Hello all, I'm new here. I've always built World War II Aircraft models, haven't built any in a few years, but I plan on getting the LVG kit from Wingnut Wings as I have read great things about them. My question is then, since not having built a World War I Aircraft before, what do you use for rigging wire? Is there rigging wire you can buy for a particular scale that you can the cut to the length you need? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[TeamStewart]

Hi,

There are quite a few rigging techniques, and technologies.

You can search the web for EZline.

Another option is monofilament fishing line. Choose the strength (diameter) you think will look good or be in scale.

I'm in the process of using stainless steel wire.

Invisible sewing thread is also common.

As for techniques, Google "Dennis Ugulano DURAS" for a good how to guide. He does 1/72 scale, but the techniques are the same for larger kits.

I'm sure there are more, and other members may give you more and better information, but its a start.

Have fun.

[Old Man]

Originally Posted by jsontag

Hello all, I'm new here. I've always built World War II Aircraft models, haven't built any in a few years, but I plan on getting the LVG kit from Wingnut Wings as I have read great things about them. My question is then, since not having built a World War I Aircraft before, what do you use for rigging wire? Is there rigging wire you can buy for a particular scale that you can the cut to the length you need? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

I use EZ-Line myself, Sir, but work only in 1/72, and would not recommend it for 1/32 use: the stuff is ribbon-shaped, and I expect in larger sizesthis would be apparent. I do not know what the section of Aeroclub's elastic is. Elastic thread is by far the simplest to use.

Here is a very good tutorial, focusing on use of monofilament in 1/48, presented by a superb modeler:

Rigging Made Easy - ARC Air Discussion Forums

One thing to be aware of in using monofilament is that if it is passed into a drilled hole, and the hole is not on the same line as the line of the rigging wire, there may be a perceptible bend at the join.

I believe that stiff stainless steel wire in sizes such as .005" can be had from medical suppliers. Steel 'High E' guitar strings might be an appropriate size for 1/32 scale rigging; you would want to hang them with some weight for a while to get them straight from their coiled packaging.

[TeamStewart]

Originally Posted by Old Man

I use EZ-Line myself, Sir, but work only in 1/72, and would not recommend it for 1/32 use: the stuff is ribbon-shaped, and I expect in larger sizesthis would be apparent. I do not know what the section of Aeroclub's elastic is. Elastic thread is by far the simplest to use.

That would actually be good for Rafwire, then. For the SE5a, F2b and the forthcoming RE8

I believe that stiff stainless steel wire in sizes such as .005" can be had from medical suppliers. Steel 'High E' guitar strings might be an appropriate size for 1/32 scale rigging; you would want to hang them with some weight for a while to get them straight from their coiled packaging.

I get the stainless steel wire from Small Parts. It comes in straight 5' lengths, not coiled, so you don't need to worry about straightening it. I have some .005" and some .012" at the moment.

I have experienced the drill hole angle problem with monofilament, and this might be a bigger issue with the Wingnuts kits, where the rigging holes have been "pre-drilled".

[Old Man]

Originally Posted by TeamStewart

That would actually be good for Rafwire, then. For the SE5a, F2b and the forthcoming RE8

If you can keep it straight, Sir, it might. But a single twist, or even partial twist, would destroy the effect. Perfection is for the gods.

[jsontag]

Originally Posted by TeamStewart

I have experienced the drill hole angle problem with monofilament, and this might be a bigger issue with the Wingnuts kits, where the rigging holes have been "pre-drilled".

I read the Wingnut has pre-drilled holes, and they also supply a rigging diagram, so would elastic thread or stainless steel wire work? If so, which would be the easiest for a beginner such as myself?

[TeamStewart]

Originally Posted by Old Man

If you can keep it straight, Sir, it might. But a single twist, or even partial twist, would destroy the effect. Perfection is for the gods.

That is, indeed, true!

[TeamStewart]

Originally Posted by jsontag

I read the Wingnut has pre-drilled holes, and they also supply a rigging diagram, so would elastic thread or stainless steel wire work? If so, which would be the easiest for a beginner such as myself?

Hi,

I just looked at my SE5. There are rigging holes drilled part way through the surfaces.

Depending on which technique/material you are going to use, you may need to use these as guides and drill them out further yourself.

Take a look through this thread, if you haven't already, and see how NorcalBob did his LVG, and if he has any tips.
Wingnuts LVG Finished!!! (PICS)

I believe he has some in-progress shots somewhere on the Internet, if not on this site.


There are various in-progress shots of builds over at Hyperscale.

[GAJouette]

Originally Posted by jsontag

Hello all, I'm new here. I've always built World War II Aircraft models, haven't built any in a few years, but I plan on getting the LVG kit from Wingnut Wings as I have read great things about them. My question is then, since not having built a World War I Aircraft before, what do you use for rigging wire? Is there rigging wire you can buy for a particular scale that you can the cut to the length you need? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

As a general rule I use invisible sewing thread on my smaller scale (1/48) projects.For my 1/28 and 1/32 scale projects I use fishing line in various diameters.I have used Aeroclub's Elastic Rigging material a couple of times,but the stuff tends to dry rot over time.
Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[john_seaman]

A lot of people swear by EZ line, and justly so. You might go to the Austin Scale Modelers Website for another method. It was also discussed in an earlier thread a couple of weeks back.

Good luck!