• SUBSCRIBE TO SHIPS IN SCALE TODAY!

    The beloved Ships in Scale Magazine is back and charting a new course for 2026!
    Discover new skills, new techniques, and new inspirations in every issue.

    NOTE THAT OUR NEXT ISSUE WILL BE MARCH/APRIL 2026
  • Win a Free Custom Engraved Brass Coin!!!
    As a way to introduce our brass coins to the community, we will raffle off a free coin during the month of August. Follow link ABOVE for instructions for entering.

I have a problem

J

Johnnymike

Joined
May 23, 2026
Messages
13
Points
48

Location
Chicago IL
I have built a number of VOC ships and working on Batavia now.
I have lost control of my right hand [and I am right handed].
I am up to rigging and have done most of the standing rigging.
No matter what I try I can not tie the clove hitch on the rat line rigging.

I can not use tweezers steadily.

I have tried many time different ways and I can not get a good knot.

I feel a knot is needed to get the detail I want.

Does any one have any suggestions?
 
The ratlines are very small lines (3/8" to 1/2" diameter) so at scale they can be threaded through a needle. Pierce the shroud and run the ratline through. on to the next ones and done, or better, go through the shroud and wrap around and back through the shroud then to then next shroud &c. I saw this years ago and it looked pretty good. Key is to use small line. Not sure of your your scale, but as an example, at 1:72, the diameter of the thread should be about 0.17mm There are tan and brown sewing threads that should suit well. Like the shrouds, they were not black.
Allan
 
thanks Allen
I am in 1:72 scale.
I can tie the line the problem is actually handling the thread to get it where I want it to go
being unable to thread with a steady hand is my problem.

Actually I just may have found my solution.
Building a model with one hand poses special challenge's. I have learned to overcome many
and the one thing I have learned is I have to break each task into its most individual moves.

What I just tried is to do the first wrap around and then add a small amount of thread glue to this
to hold the thread in place. Then I do the second wrap and again hold the knot with glue.
Because the thread glue is really temporary it give good working time and does not make the thread stiff.

I do one individual move at a time then hold it with glue. Then on to the next.
This sounds unnecessary to the abled body but it is the way to success if you use one hand.
I have to do many more stops and starts than necessary but I do get the result I want.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top