Need instructions on how to keep wire rigging taut

[Bluemaxone]

I could use some reference material on techniques I can use to tighten wire rigging for my predreadnoughts. Wires are 28 and 34 gage...very fine! I am looking for formal instruction, not just one-sentence advice. Thank you.

 

[AllanKP69]

Working miniature turnbuckles work the same as full size ones. Sorry for the one sentence answer but that is what I have used with success every time.

You can also cheat and use rope that is painted silver/grey with the turnbuckles as it is a lot easier to work with than wire.
You can find them in various places on line or in-store. One example is https://www.harbormodels.com/turnbuckles.html
Allan

Turnbuckles on Boothbay 65 model

 

[Rob444]

I could use some reference material on techniques I can use to tighten wire rigging for my predreadnoughts. Wires are 28 and 34 gage...very fine! I am looking for formal instruction, not just one-sentence advice. Thank you.

Can you be a bit more descriptive in what your problem is? Wire that fine can be made straight by stretching it between 2 pliers or a plier and a vise if you are intending to install new wire. I usually secure the wire with a drop pf CA. The picture below is a 28G wire threaded through eyebolts and glued with CO to create a jackstay. If this is of help.

 

[Bluemaxone]

The wires i use are jewelry wires, very delicate. I derived the wire sizes from scaling down the real Titanic wire rope sizes because that is the period of my models...1890-1910. The wires need to be taut, no slack. It's very difficult to do, plus the wood holding the wires stretches and contracts, loosening the wires. I notice museum models have taut rigging. My size is 1:160, about 3 ft long models, so that may be a factor.

i just can't get the lines tight, please see pics...

 

[Bluemaxone]

Working miniature turnbuckles work the same as full size ones. Sorry for the one sentence answer but that is what I have used with success every time.

You can also cheat and use rope that is painted silver/grey with the turnbuckles as it is a lot easier to work with than wire.
You can find them in various places on line or in-store. One example is https://www.harbormodels.com/turnbuckles.html
Allan

Turnbuckles on Boothbay 65 model

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View attachment 549034

This is very helpful, thank you. I will look into turnbuckles. They should work nicely to tie down the funnels. I am not sure about other rigging but will investigate that.

 

[Bluemaxone]

P.S., I use 28 ga. for the lower rigging and 34 ga. wire for the upper rigging.

 

[Rob444]

I would try to stretch the wire first to get it straight. Another alternative is to ditch the wire and use EZ line. it is an elastic like product you can use instead under tension and it works well. It is often used in plastic modeling for rigging biplanes. It comes in different gauges and colors but I think black would be best for you

Amazon.com: EZLine Simulating Wires Charcoal/Black - Heavy : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Buy EZLine Simulating Wires Charcoal/Black - Heavy: Scratch Building Supplies - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Rob

 

[AllanKP69]

EZ line sounds ;ike a nice alternative but if the wire rope was not coated, silver or grey would be best. Unfortunately they do not offer those colors. If going with black, why not just use miniature rope? Or, can the EZ line be painted?
Allan

 

[Rob444]

The advantage of the EZ line is that it stretches and maintains the tension after secured. It does not “relax” so it keeps tight and straight.

 

[Alan Smith]

I think the trouble is that this wire as supplied is by design soft and flexible, try work-hardening it by stretching. Jet a meter or so, secure one end firmly in a bench vice or similar, grab the free end with pliers and give a good steady pull until you feel it 'give' a little' If my hunch is right it should be harder after this, and less prone to 'waving about'.

 

[Bluemaxone]

I would try to stretch the wire first to get it straight. Another alternative is to ditch the wire and use EZ line. it is an elastic like product you can use instead under tension and it works well. It is often used in plastic modeling for rigging biplanes. It comes in different gauges and colors but I think black would be best for you

Amazon.com: EZLine Simulating Wires Charcoal/Black - Heavy : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Buy EZLine Simulating Wires Charcoal/Black - Heavy: Scratch Building Supplies - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Rob

Thank you. Where do I find this product? Is it nonmetallic. Some of the stretchy line in the hobby stores acts weird. Just not familiar with it.

 

[pugwash]

The big problem with wire attached to other materials is the wire is probably the most stable material on your model; while the rest expands and contracts, the wire doesn't, so maintaining tension is impossible I'm afraid.
Simply the wrong choice for the job.

The other advice given here is sound.

 

[Rob444]

Thank you. Where do I find this product? Is it nonmetallic. Some of the stretchy line in the hobby stores acts weird. Just not familiar with it.

You can find the EZ line on Amazon or Google it to find other dealers. It is non metallic.

Rob