What to use for 1/350 rigging? Fishing line and suture thread come in a variety of useful gauges, but tend to sag too easily, or one slightly shorter than the others makes too much tension and causes the others to sag. Stretched sprue is stiffer but more difficult to maintain a uniform thiness for the many sections needed. Is there a quick and easy solution for always perfect rigging?

Qiuck and easy are not words to associate with rigging. However, in my limited experience it really helps to compartmentalize the job out in your head....write it out if it helps..
I use White Ensign rigging material..it is lycra thread ...and stretchy, so it does not put undue pressure on sensitive PE structures. I fix it with CA ..although Ive heard of people using white glue( I dont have that kind of patience).
I paint the rigging with India ink and a brush when finished


hope this helps..

Hi guys,

Try giving UNI-Products "Caenis" thread a try...it's .002" in diam, bonds well with any brand of super glue and is simply the best rigging material I've ever used!


The test rig is made from .050" plastic rod

You can get it here: http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item/TW-030020-0000/63500/UNI-Products-Caenis-Thread.html

HTH!!!

Dave

Since my first posting I had the idea of using fine brass wire - stiff enough not to sag, but still easy to cut. Has anyone used brass wire with good results?

I tested .010" brass wire from K+S. It will give a 6" length before any noticeable sag - a slightly thicker gauge will make a longer length possible. For any really long lengths I guess fishing line would be neccessary.

I considered it once ,but was concerned that it could kink ,and that it wouldnt be stretchy at all....( I admit to being a newbie at ships)

I bought the Caenis thread exactly the one in the link (19/0-20/0) but unfortunately It is too thin almost like hair line. I guess it is more suitable for 1/700 scale.

What is the exact size for the similar thread for 1/350 scale? Maybe it is the

http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item/TW-030090-0000/63500/UNI-Products-UNI-Cord-80.html or what?

One thing I have noticed with rigging on actual ships is that it does have a noticeable sag and I try to replicate that when I rig my models. BTW, when in the US a few years ago, a modeler gave me a couple of hundred feet of tungsten wire which looks perfect for 1:350 scale rigging. Alas, I have no idea where he got it from and my stock is dwindling.