EZ LINE for bi-plane rigging.

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hi, I’m going to give EZ line a try, can’t access their website, ph# relates now only e-mail questions. Never used it, my questions are:

How many line size choices there are?

What sizes would relate to 1:72 and 1:48th?

I’m sure I read recently about EZ Line, or someone else, having a version that was flat, to replicate the streamlined shape of flying/landing wires. Is that correct?

I’d appreciate any input from those that have used it, it seems quite a useful product.

Thanks in advance.

Patrick

2

Hi Patrick,

Last I checked, 2 sizes. “Fine” and “Heavy”. Berkshire Junctions says “Fine” is for N and HO, “Heavy” is for O and S.

I’ve used fine for 1/48th antenna wire, I think it looks fine (no pun intended). I think it would be ok for 1/72nd.

I recall reading that it is not really round in cross section, more flat or perhaps oval or oblong. I just looked at mine under the strongest magnification I have available at home, and if it isn’t round, I can’t see it. I think I’ve rolled it between my thumb and forefinger and seem to remember it going ‘fwop fwop fwop’ a little bit.

I attempted to measure it using dial calipers, got somewhere between .004" to .005". It’s an elastic polymer so it might have compressed a bit between the caliper blades.

Can’t comment on the heavy as I never bought any.

3

Thanks, Greg - It looks promising, I’ll get some ordered. For larger scale and more recent bi-planes, like the Waco and Stearman, I’ve been using my old method of plastic strip in the proper dimension/width. Then I file down the leading and trailing edges to make a streamlined flying wire.

Takes a bit of internally applied scotch to get them set with the right length, and without a bow.

Patrick

4

Patrick, Wing Nut Wings sells a flat type of stretch line, it works very well.

5

There are two different types of biplane rigging. Earlier planes, WW1 and for awhile after, they were rigged with stranded wire. Thread and things like easy line or fine for them.

Later, I think in the late 20s, they began using forged metal rods. These were kind of bar shaped or airfoil shaped, and much shinier than the wire. Photo etched stainless have been used in some kits for those. Monofilament can be used for that, since it takes silver marker ink fine. But only for 1:72 and 1:48, since by 1:32 the asymetry of the rod becomes noticable. Other than hoping the kit has PE stuff, I am still looking for a good way to do flying wires in 1:32. At least there are few kits of the golden age bipes in that scale, so I have’nt worried about it much.

6

John and Don - Thanks for the replies, very helpful. Is there a US distributor for WNW’s? That’s likely the stuff I had read about.

Regards

Patrick

7

Patrick;

Sprue Brothers does the US sales for WNW. You can also order from:

https://www.wetanz.com/

I ordered from them and my kits came from Seattle I believe. Came within 10 days in fine shape.

John

8

For rigging, I have been using:

https://www.uschivdr.com/products-in-detail/rigging/

I have a bobbin of each diameter and it works great for the antenna wires and such.

John