Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Navy - Military - Battleships: => Topic started by: Geoff on April 24, 2020, 03:25:26 pm

Title: What thread
Post by: Geoff on April 24, 2020, 03:25:26 pm

I'm looking to make the ships Ariel (Starfish) and have made these in 1/96 scale using photo etched stanchions (4 per unit) and am looking for a smooth thread to use. I have used a jewelry wire which looked fine on the test rig but needs to be too taught on the model to smooth out any kinks.


I've used thin cotton in the past and this works but gets a little hairy with age.


Any suggestions for a very thin hairless thread - the thinner the better?


Thanks


Geoff

Title: Re: What thread
Post by: david48 on April 24, 2020, 03:44:55 pm

Have a look for copper wire that is used in computer hard drive  motors it is just slightly thicker than hair . I used that to wire up the mast on my Alpine
David

Title: Re: What thread
Post by: tonyH on April 24, 2020, 04:31:32 pm

You can get the wire down to 0.2mm from Component Shop. There is a black enamelled version which is quite effective :-))

Title: Re: What thread
Post by: raflaunches on April 24, 2020, 05:09:20 pm

Have you looked at ‘mig rigging’ if it’s fine hairless thread.
They do 0.01 to 0.03mm thick rigging for ships and aircraft.
It’s licensed from a company called uschi van der rosten. It’s incredibly fine but not sure if it’s too small for what you need.

Title: Re: What thread
Post by: T888 on April 24, 2020, 05:17:27 pm

I Agree with David48 and I would use copper wire.

Title: Re: What thread
Post by: Howard on April 24, 2020, 07:16:28 pm

Pull you tread though so bees wax stops it showing the hairy look.
                  Regards Howard.

Title: Re: What thread
Post by: ballastanksian on April 26, 2020, 02:35:00 pm

I am experimenting with Horse hair for railings on HMS Ready at the moment. Some are slightly wavy, but most given me were straight. One I ied had a split end  {-) but clipped off easily. They seem to hold well with superglue and if from the right horse* are dark/black.

They get thicker towards what would have been the follicle but on long lengths is not as noticeable.

*I got mine from a lady who parks her horse in a near field from work who was happy to help. If you know of anyone with horses then work your charms and see if they will let you have some after they have done maintenance on their horse/horses.

Title: Re: What thread
Post by: Geoff on May 01, 2020, 03:34:08 pm

Thank you for all your suggestions which appreciated. In the end i found a role of Nylon sewing thread (invisible thread). Its single strand and very thin and translucent and slightly stretchy.


If the thread was just stretched a tiny bit so it was straight it allowed me to thread the other four strands and create the star effect quite well with very little strain on the topmasts with the benefit its stretchy so won't break the masts when I inevitably catch it!


Cheers


Geoff