sjsald Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 Hi Everyone, I am still new to this so I appreciate everyone's patience with all of my questions. Do people have a good source for rigging line for 1/72nd and 1/48th scale aircraft? Furthermore, any good sources for brass struts to replace some cast resin struts? I super appreciate the advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Aero Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 I'm afraid that Brass Strutz (T/m) are no longer available. Most of the machinery such as the wire drawing bench was scrapped when Mike Eacock died. I rescued the key wire forming machine element but found that the special forming die roller sets had disappeared so it was rendered useless as they were engineered by Mike and were not commercial items. I like the finest soft Iron Florists wire, which I use in 1:48 or Albion Alloys Point one (0.1) and Point 2 MM (0.2) Nickel Silver wire. Ceramic (Rigging) wire is available in the States. All the ones mentioned are cut to length rigid wires. For the stretch threads then Easi-Line appears to be the most popular or the non stretch old standby, is Nylon invisible thread. Some lycra threads such as Goldzak (if you can get it) are good but some cheaper brands are UV sensitive. John 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjsald Posted May 12, 2020 Author Share Posted May 12, 2020 24 minutes ago, John Aero said: I'm afraid that Brass Strutz (T/m) are no longer available. Most of the machinery such as the wire drawing bench was scrapped when Mike Eacock died. I rescued the key wire forming machine element but found that the special forming die roller sets had disappeared so it was rendered useless as they were engineered by Mike and were not commercial items. For 1;48th I like the finest soft Iron Florists wire, which I use in 1:48 or Albion Alloys Point one (0.1) and Point 2 MM (0.2) Nickel Silver wire. Ceramic (Rigging) wire is available in the States. All the ones mentioned are cut to length rigid wires. For the stretch threads then Easi-Line appears to be the most popular or the non stretch old standby, is Nylon invisible thread. Some lycra threads such as Goldzak (if you can get it) are good but some cheaper brands are UV sensitive. John Thank you John! This is super helpful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Ranger Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 For 1/72 there are several possibilities. So-called "invisible thread" is a nylon monofilament available at craft and sewing supply stores. It comes in two colors, clear and "smoke." I like the "smoke." Nylon monofilament is also available as fly fishing leader. Caenis fly-tying thread is available in black and white, but can be colored with a paint marker. It is extremely fine. Some modelers of 1/700 ships like to use it for rigging. Some modelers have used fine steel wire, usually found as surgical or suture wire. But it is hard to handle and can actually be dangerous if mishandled, slicing fingers to bone. Easy-Line is popular among some modelers. It is stretchy, but is rather thick and has a lumpy appearance. Stretched sprue is another old standby, but sprue stretching is a black art to some. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjsald Posted May 12, 2020 Author Share Posted May 12, 2020 11 minutes ago, Space Ranger said: For 1/72 there are several possibilities. So-called "invisible thread" is a nylon monofilament available at craft and sewing supply stores. It comes in two colors, clear and "smoke." I like the "smoke." Nylon monofilament is also available as fly fishing leader. Caenis fly-tying thread is available in black and white, but can be colored with a paint marker. It is extremely fine. Some modelers of 1/700 ships like to use it for rigging. Some modelers have used fine steel wire, usually found as surgical or suture wire. But it is hard to handle and can actually be dangerous if mishandled, slicing fingers to bone. Easy-Line is popular among some modelers. It is stretchy, but is rather thick and has a lumpy appearance. Stretched sprue is another old standby, but sprue stretching is a black art to some. Thank you Michael! This is also super helpful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rossm Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 If you want stretchy thread I've got the superfine thread from Uschi van der Rosten and it's like they say, almost invisible unless you get close. https://www.uschivdr.com/shopping-categories/shop-rigging-and-various/ second item down, select the thickness from the drop down box. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 +1 for Uschi van der Rosten: easy to use and very durable. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattlow Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 For struts I have seen people carve them from cocktail sticks and skewers for larger sizes. There is also a commercially available device for 'squeezing' airfoil section struts from metal tube. I think it is called the 'Strutter' and possibly made/sold by Albion Alloys (not cheap, but probably cost effective if you do lots of biplanes... Matt 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjsald Posted May 13, 2020 Author Share Posted May 13, 2020 Thank you all - this is awesome info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fubar57 Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 I agree about Uschi thread. I use the super-fine for aerials on 1:48 aircraft 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Ranger Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 10 hours ago, rossm said: If you want stretchy thread I've got the superfine thread from Uschi van der Rosten and it's like they say, almost invisible unless you get close. https://www.uschivdr.com/shopping-categories/shop-rigging-and-various/ second item down, select the thickness from the drop down box. I forgot to mention Uschi's thread. It's great stuff, too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wellsprop Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 I use 0.15mm fishing wire for biplane rigging and aerials, ideal for 48th scale (probably a bit big for 72nd, but I use it anyway). Still trying to find suitable teardrop/aerofoil brass rod... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G.E.SAUNDERS Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 hi all , I use a very fine Armature Wire, and then flatten lengths with Bench Vice that was'nt completed durin' my Apprenticeship ( last Century !) The moveable smooth faced Jaw is free movin' in the guide . I stand it up, place 70mm lengths of this wire on the fixed also smooth Jawed and. drop the moveable about (6) times onto the wire . Bein' Copper with some shiny coatin', the Copper gets work hardened and stiff, so it's very easy to cut with scissors, .........and hope you have cut the right length ! I have predrilled #75 holes before assembly of the Kit and leave stubs of the wire protrudin' out to be removed when it comes around to riggin' the Model . cheery "stay safe 'n' model " mumbas ! Geoff F.T.G.3156 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith in the uk Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Interesting thread , ( pardon the pun ) What s the best sizes for 1.72nd & 1.48th scale ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G.E.SAUNDERS Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 hi Keith , I have long forgotten the Gauges of Wire. I would write...... just "Eyeball " it after referencin' Walk Around Photo's if possiable The smaller you get the more you can git away with ! btw : does anyone know where to source 1/144 Seagulls !..... NO joke ! I need some for a ex Naval Aircraft at an Air Museum. .......... I can do the "droppin's " cheery "stay safe'n' and Model " mumbas ! Geoff F.T.G. 3156 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seadog Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 21 hours ago, G.E.SAUNDERS said: hi Keith , I have long forgotten the Gauges of Wire. I would write...... just "Eyeball " it after referencin' Walk Around Photo's if possiable The smaller you get the more you can git away with ! btw : does anyone know where to source 1/144 Seagulls !..... NO joke ! I need some for a ex Naval Aircraft at an Air Museum. .......... I can do the "droppin's " cheery "stay safe'n' and Model " mumbas ! Geoff F.T.G. 3156 Might be easiest to make some, at that scale dtail isn't a problem. A small blob of white milliput and paper or very thin plastic card for wings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spec7 Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 I just use fishing line with brass wire turnbuckles and brass tube from albion on WnW 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjsald Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 4 hours ago, Spec7 said: I just use fishing line with brass wire turnbuckles and brass tube from albion on WnW Thank you! Awesome work on those models btw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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