3D printed masts?

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

As age has degraded my scratchbuilding abilities (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it) I find myself turning more and more to 3D printed items even though the costs are usually hideous.

In my USS Missouri build I’m close to having to do the masts - since I’m backdating and '80s kit to Korean War-era, both masts will have to be scratchbuilt. Which leaves me with mixed emotions.

Has anyone ever used one of the 3D printed masts from a place like ShapeWays, and had any issues with it bending or warping once you start hanging rigging, flags, etc., from it?

2

I think the structual stability of the masts really depend a lot on the scale of the model. I 1:144 mast would be much more supportive that a 1:700 mast.

That being said, if I may suggest, try using EZ line for rigging. It is light weight and will take tension easily.