in the booklet that came with model, it says to just use normal spool of sewing thread, but the decals for the flags that fold around it seem to have a bigger-then needed gap after you fold it around thread

is that normal, or should i try to modify decals,
or use a larger 'guage' thread/string??

There are many different thicknesses of sewing thread. What scale is the model you are building? Personally when using decal flags, I first spray primer on a piece of aluminum foil and apply the decal to the foil. Then I cut out the flag and wrap it around the rigging using a little super glue. Using the foil stiffens the 'flag' and allows me to put folds in the flag to simulate waving.

I hope this helps. Al

thanks for the idea with the foil

its the revell1:350 Bismarck ive built, the rigging/ flags are last thing to do.

How about handrails? I use sewing thread for my rigging but always want to create handrails. Is there an easy technique for someone just starting to work to that much detail? I have been building 1:700 scale kits from Dragon. Excellently detailed kits for their size, adding the railings I believe will set them yo a new level.

You could always get a set of P/E railing.