Ethan Clarke
Rigging a plastic model ship can be a tedious and time-consuming process, but it adds to the beauty of the finished model. The process can be daunting for beginners, with manufacturers' instructions often lacking detail. While books and DVDs can offer comprehensive insights into rigging, they may focus more on historical accuracy than practical advice for newcomers. Online resources and communities, such as Modelers Central and The Nautical Research Guild, provide valuable tips and support for those interested in rigging their model ships accurately and aesthetically. Rigging can be divided into two main types: Standing or Fixed rigging, which supports masts and bowsprits, and Running rigging, used to manipulate spars and sails. Proper planning and understanding of the process are essential before diving into the intricate world of model ship rigging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rigging Importance | A significant part of the model ship building process |
| Rigging Complexity | Tedious, time-consuming, and daunting |
| Manufacturer Instructions | Sparse |
| Rigging Types | "Standing" or "Fixed" rigging; "Running" rigging |
| Rigging Colour | Often, but not always, black |
| Rigging Tools | Rigging Tool available in the Tools section of the Modellers Central Catalogue |
| Rigging Materials | Liquid dye, cord, clear wax |
| Additional Support | "Ship Modelling Simplified" by Mastini; The Nautical Research Guild (NRG) |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended resources for beginners
Rigging a model ship can seem daunting at first, but with the right resources, beginners can easily get started. Here are some recommended resources to help you get started on your first model ship:
Online Communities and Forums
Online forums and communities are a great way to connect with experienced modellers and seek advice. Websites like Modelers Central offer rigging tips and tricks, and their community can provide hands-on assistance or refer you to another modeller in your area. Civil War Tails at the Homestead Diorama Museum is another website with a beginner-friendly guide and simple ways to rig a ship.
Video Tutorials and DVDs
Visual aids can be incredibly helpful for beginners. Modellers Shipyard offers a 3-DVD set on Masting and Rigging, covering all aspects of preparing masts, spars, yards, and rigging for a period model ship. This comprehensive set will provide you with valuable insights and demonstrations.
Books and Magazines
"Ship Modelling Simplified" by Mastini is an excellent resource for beginners. It covers ship modelling in general and includes a dedicated section on rigging. Additionally, The Nautical Research Guild (NRG) is a non-profit educational organization that publishes the quarterly magazine "The Nautical Research Journal." This magazine features articles by accomplished ship modellers and maritime historians, offering insights into creating exquisite details and ensuring historical accuracy.
Manufacturer's Instructions and Kits
Model ship kit manufacturers often provide instructions and plans for rigging. While these can sometimes be sparse, they serve as a starting point. Additionally, kits may include jigs that simplify the process of creating shrouds, which are essential for supporting the masts.
Tools and Accessories
Using the right tools can make rigging your model ship much easier. Consider investing in a Rigging Tool, which can be extremely helpful when rigging your ship. You may also need eye pins, rigging blocks, and cleats, depending on the complexity of your model.
Remember, rigging a model ship is a creative process that involves both your mind and your hands. Take your time, plan ahead, and don't be afraid to seek help from the resources mentioned above. Happy sailing!
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The two types of rigging
Rigging is a significant part of the process of building a model ship. It can be tedious and time-consuming, but it adds to the beauty of the finished model. There are two main types of rigging: "Standing" or "Fixed" rigging and "Running" rigging.
The "Standing" or "Fixed" rigging is used to support the masts and bowsprit of the ship. On actual ships, any rigging that didn't pass through a pulley block was coated with tar to prevent rotting. This is why the standing rigging on model ships is often black. Before proceeding with the standing rigging, fit all the eye pins and rigging blocks to the bowsprit, masts, yards, and deck. You may also need to attach cleats to the lower masts, deck, or bulwarks. Work from the centre of the ship out, and try to avoid difficult and confined spaces.
The other type of rigging is the "Running" rigging. This is used to manipulate the spars and sails of the ship. This type of rigging is more flexible and adjustable, allowing the sails to be adjusted according to the wind conditions.
To achieve a realistic look for your model ship, you can use liquid dye to colour the rigging cord. However, after using liquid dye, it is necessary to stretch the cord by hanging it on a clothesline with weights to prevent it from going slack after installation. You may also need to use clear wax to eliminate any furry appearance in the cord.
For beginners, it is recommended to refer to guides and resources specifically for rigging model ships. While manufacturers' instructions tend to be sparse, there are comprehensive DVDs, books, and online communities dedicated to the art of ship modelling, which can provide valuable insights and advice.
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Preparing masts, spars and yards
Preparing the masts, spars, and yards of a plastic model ship requires careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed instructions to help you through the process:
Firstly, it is important to understand the two main types of rigging: "Standing" or "Fixed" rigging, which is used to support the masts and bowsprit, and "Running" rigging, which is used to manipulate spars and sails. This understanding will guide your preparation process.
Before beginning, ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools. The masts, spars, and yards should be made of sturdy materials, such as wood or metal, and you will need various types of cord or thread for the rigging. A rigging tool, available from modelling suppliers, will also be invaluable during this process.
When preparing the masts, spars, and yards, start by assembling and reinforcing the structures. Fit the masts securely onto the ship's deck, ensuring they are straight and stable. Prepare the spars, which are horizontal poles used to support the sails, by cutting them to the appropriate length and shaping them to fit the sails. The yards, which hold the sails in place, should also be cut to size and attached to the masts at the correct angles.
Once the basic structures are in place, you can begin the initial rigging. Attach eye pins and rigging blocks to the masts, yards, and spars. These will serve as attachment points for the rigging lines. Work from the centre of the ship outwards to avoid getting entangled in confined spaces. Remember to refer to your model's instructions and plans, as the specific steps may vary depending on the type of ship you are modelling.
Finally, it is important to note that historical accuracy is crucial for many model ship enthusiasts. If you strive for accuracy, consider consulting resources such as "The Nautical Research Journal" published by The Nautical Research Guild. Additionally, "Ship Modelling Simplified" by Mastini is recommended for its excellent advice on ship modelling and rigging.
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Using dyes and waxes
Rigging is a significant part of building a model ship. It can be tedious and time-consuming, but it adds to the beauty of your finished model.
To achieve a historically accurate and aesthetically pleasing model ship, you can use dyes and waxes to enhance the rigging and sails. Here are some detailed tips on using dyes and waxes for rigging a plastic model ship:
Firstly, plan your rigging by figuring out where your lines will run and identifying the anchor points. This will guide where you need to drill holes and install posts for the rigging. It is crucial to install these holes early on to ensure neat and secure rigging later in the process.
When it comes to dyeing, you can use black tea to dye the sails and give them an aged appearance. Place the cloth at the bottom of a mug, add a tea bag, and weigh it down with a spoon. Boil water and pour it into the mug to steep the tea. If you prefer a brighter, well-maintained Navy vessel look, steep the tea, remove the tea bag, and let the sails dry before attaching them. This process will give the sails a unique texture, colour, and stiffness.
For the rigging, you can use black rigging wax to achieve an authentic tarred look. The cord supplied with your kit can be coloured using black dye, "Raven Oil" (used by leatherworkers), black felt-tipped markers, or black shoe polish. When using liquid dye, remember to stretch the cord by hanging it with weights after dying to prevent it from going slack after installation. Additionally, clear wax can be applied to eliminate any unwanted furry texture on the cord. Work from the centre of the ship outwards, avoiding confined spaces.
The Nautical Research Guild (NRG) is a valuable resource for those seeking to build historically accurate and beautiful ship models. They publish a quarterly magazine, "The Nautical Research Journal," which offers insights from accomplished ship modellers and maritime historians. The NRG website provides complimentary digital copies of the journal, along with plan sets, books, and compilations of back issues.
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The Nautical Research Guild
Rigging is an important part of building a model ship. While it can be a tedious and time-consuming process, it adds to the beauty of the finished model. The Nautical Research Guild (NRG) is a great resource for anyone interested in building historically accurate and beautiful ship models. The NRG is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to advancing ship modeling through research. They offer a wealth of information and support to help members improve the quality of their model ships.
The NRG publishes the Nautical Research Journal, a quarterly magazine featuring articles by accomplished ship modellers and maritime historians. The journal provides detailed instructions on creating exquisite details on model ships, ensuring historical accuracy. It is available in both print and digital formats, with the latter being complimentary on the NRG website. Additionally, the NRG offers plan sets, books, and compilations of back issues of the journal and other magazines.
For those new to rigging, it can be helpful to divide the process into two main parts: "Standing" or "Fixed" rigging, which supports the masts and bowsprit, and "Running" rigging, which manipulates spars and sails. It is recommended to work from the centre of the ship outward and avoid difficult, confined spaces. Before beginning, ensure that all the eye pins and rigging blocks are fitted to the bowsprit, masts, yards, deck, and bulwarks as needed.
When using liquid dye, remember to stretch the cord with weights after dying to prevent slackness. Clear wax can also be used to eliminate any fuzziness in the cord. While rigging can be a challenging task, the NRG and other resources can provide the guidance and support needed to create beautiful and accurate model ships.
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Frequently asked questions
Rigging is the process of adding ropes to a model ship. It is a significant part of building a model ship and can be a tedious and time-consuming process.
There are two main types of rigging: "Standing" or "Fixed" rigging, which is used to support the masts and bowsprit, and "Running" rigging, which is used to manipulate spars and sails.
Here are some general tips for rigging a plastic model ship:
- Refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your model ship kit.
- If you're a beginner, consider using additional resources such as books, DVDs, or online tutorials for more detailed guidance.
- Plan the rigging process carefully and take your time.
- Use a rigging tool to help with the process.
- Stretch the cord with weights after using liquid dye to prevent it from going slack.
- Coat the rigging with clear wax to eliminate any furry texture.
- Work from the centre of the ship outwards to avoid confined spaces.
