Good question. Shrouds are tared black for sure. I am not sure of ratlines even though they are a standing rigging and by definition might be back. Climbing up and down on the ratlines if they are tared would be difficult. So let us wait for someone with better knowledge of the subject.
This is a discussion, which often is made under modelers, therefore I give here my two private subjective cents
ratlines are part of standing rigging, but can easily replaced by the seamen when damaged or .....
Like @Y.T. already mentioned it would be partly dangerous and dirty when they would be tared -
In my opinion ratlines should be not black
ratlines are part of standing rigging, but can easily replaced by the seamen when damaged or .....
Like @Y.T. already mentioned it would be partly dangerous and dirty when they would be tared -
In my opinion ratlines should be not black
Thank you both for your reply. As I understand things from what I have read, lines for old ships were made initially with some tar as part of the fabrication process. Whether they were running or standing rigging. Later, the standing rigging was coated with tar. So, Y.T. and Uwek, with your personal models, do you use black for ratlines?
I would use not tared ratlines. Actual color is not white. It is as on attached picture.
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No, they are not tarred though there is a tar content in the lines. Victory has natural ratlines, the Surprise at San Diego has black!! Your chosen colour is a matter of preference. Split the difference? A plain hemp line can look fairly dark. I think the important thing is to make sure it doesn't appear too 'white' in photos of your build, a realistic dirty grey brown would look better.
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I use light tan for ratlines, & I've read they were not tarred, although shroud lines were.
Rick1011
Rick1011
Thanks Bob, I like the idea of dirty grey Johnl
Thanks for the feedback Rick. I like Bob's idea of dirty grey. Johnl
That's because the crews had dirty feet!
I tried light colored ratlines and they just didn't show up well unless they were against a dark backdrop. I changed to dark because of that. They still don't show up that well but it's better.
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Not too sure about that mate? I can't imagine holystoning a deck every morning and then leaving mucky footprints over the deck without the captain getting a bit shirty!? On a royal navy ship anyway (American ships were pretty dirty compared to ours!!) (Takes cover, awaits incoming!)That's because the crews had dirty feet!
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Whichever you go for it's the proportions that matter most. Many people tend towards a ratline that is too thick. (btw, RN would pronounce it 'rattlin')
AND< I still get the odd one wrong!!Whatever, they give plenty of practice in tying clove hitches!