Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: polobeer on September 11, 2009, 01:03:11 pm
-
Yet another 1/96 scale question! Does anyone know where you can purchase rigging or "thread" for this scale, or is it too small a scale? Forgive my ignorance but the parts I'm after (or will have to scratchbuild) are the inverted "V" rope ladder type arrangements from the main mast (don't know what they are called).
Many thanks again
Simon :embarrassed:
-
Hi Polobeer
What type of ship is this?
On a sailing ship the shrouds (ropes holding up the mast) sometimes have ratlines running horizontally. These are used to climb aloft.
Is this what you mean?
At 1/96 you could use thread. I doubt it would be scale but I doubt anyone would measure it either. The issue would be strength.
You could also use copper wire, or a mixture of the two.
-
Hi Simon,
As Tiger says its shrouds your after! Dont know what sort of boat your building but if you assumed the shrouds were 50mm (2") diameter, at 1/96 this equals 0.5mm.
Rigging cord of this size available most model shops e.g. http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/amati_rigging_thread.html
I would suggest black for standing rigging (shrouds)
As Tiger says you can use standard sewing thread but I have found the rigging thread supplied to be stronger.
longshanks
-
Cheers for your help fellas - much appreciated. Is there anywhere that sells 1/96 ships fittings?
All the best
Simon
-
I know modeldockyard do. You can google them, they only do mail order.
However, rigging cord is not sold as scale.
Because a 2" rope at 1/96, is the same as 4" rope at 1/48.
Work out what diameter cord you need.
You may also be aware that sizes of rope and cable are measured differently.
This is important if you are working from a book or table of materials.
My memory is not good on this, but I am sure someone will correct me.
Ropes I think are measured by circumference.
A 2" rope is 2" in circumference (so about 0.6" diameter)
Steel cable is measured by diameter.
-
I think circumference is the old way of measuring rope/wire, they now use diameter.
Diameter = circumference / pi
e.g 6" circumference /3.142 = 1.9" diameter
-
Hi, go to a leather merchant & get some Linen thread, various thicknesses are available & it is very
strong, enough to cut your hand if you are not careful. So do not try to snap it. You could also try
a good haberdashery shop. Barber (the coat people) also do it as well. Remember to run it through
a beeswax block before use, it helps to take the kinks out.
Nemesis
-
Hi Simon, I stock 0.4mm coated stainless steel wire also 0.6mm and 0.8mm elastic thread which is smooth as well (no hairs to wax down) they are all priced at £0.50p a metre plus postage.
Mark.
-
Have you got a website Mark ? :-))
-
A huge thanks gents for all of your really helpful replies. I never thought something as "mundane" as thread for rigging would generate so many responses. Thanks again!
Simon %%
-
Only metric rope/wire. is measured in diameter, imperial was always by circumference.