Hi all,
ok, doing the ICM 1/350 SMS Konig, finished all the major stuff, and now on to the dreaded rigging. I have experimented with a few things (fishing line, caenis). I did not like the fishing line, it did not take paint or black marker very well. Caenis is great, but for 1/700 stuff. Stretched sprue is unreliable and snaps too easily. Anyone have a good rigging material that is durable, glues well, and looks right? I am really happy with my build so far, this would be the icing on the cake, so I want to do it right. As always, thanks for your help in advance!
I used .03 and .04 Invisible thread that comes in clear, black and a metallic grey/silver. I used the grey colored one to rig up my 1/144 U Boat. I think I got it at Hobby Lobby in the fabric section but any craft store, Walmart etc. should carry them. This stuff is very thin and takes super glue really good. This may work for you.
Do not worry about painting it. Here is the problem. No matter what material you use, it is likely to be larger than scale. So black or white colors, the most visible, make it look larger than it is. A medium gray or tan is much better. You want it barely visible. Look at old pictures of these ships, the antennas and rigging are barely visible or maybe don’t show up at all.
Rigging that really stands out visually marks it as a model right away.
To reduce visibility further, I use the nylon monofilament stuff, which is translucent. However, this stuff is very hard to work with and I do not recommend it to someone who has not already done a lot of rigging. Instead, find the finest thread you can find, in a subdued color (gray or tan). Finest readily available is about 7 mil. Don’t go any larger than that. Model Expo is about the best source to mail order fine thread.
BTW, I recently bought the Konig and the PE set to go with it. However, it will be awhile before I finish my Reale de France, so it will be awhile before I get to the Konig.
You might want to try EZ Line. You will find it in model railroad stores. It comes in different colors and it stretches while retaining flexibility. I have done several 1/350 kits with it and it looks pretty good and its good for working in close quarters. My arthritic fingers always bump into stuff and this stuff just stretches out of the way. As pointed out in another post virtually all rigging will be out of scale so try to minimize the effect with lighter colors. WS
thanks guys, appreciate the help! Ill give it a shot and post pics when Im done…muchas gracias