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Revell 1/96 scale Cutty Sark - Help finding the thin running rigging (Tan) thread

K

Kenquagliana

Joined
Aug 22, 2026
Messages
8
Points
1

Hello folks. I'm new to this forum, but was hoping I could get some help finding the thread that was included in this early era 1/96 scale Revell model of the Cutty Sark. Unfortunately, I ran out of the thin tan running rigging thread. I'm unsure of the diameter or where to source it.
Ken
Baltimore, MD
 
Ken,
Ropes of Scale, a Canadian firm, has an excellent assortment of scale ropes. If you know the diameter you need, they should have it. GaelHobbies is their US supplier that lets you avoid the tax tariffs.
Tom
 
Many thanks for your replies. I'll try posting a photo of my progress and inform you when I finally find the correct rope / thread.
Ken
 
Okay. I found Gaelhobbies! Exellent!! Question: Polyester or Cotton? Not sure of the makeup of the kit thread. Maybe I just order both.
Any preferences are appreciated.
Thanks again.
Ken
 
Glad you found them! I have had great service from them. The question of polyester vs. cotton can be fraught with opinions. I have used polyester thinking it is less fuzzy.
 
Thank you DocTom. My thinking as well. I still may order both types and make a visual comparison to the kit thread and go from there! The ship has come to far to have it visibly different. Unfortunately, I'll also have to order two different diameters of each as well, since no one has been able to confirm the original diameter of the existing thin tan thread. I've only been able to confirm I need something greater than .25mm. I've got plenty of the thick tan thread (I hope). And I don't know the diameter of that either!
Ken
 
Hi Ken
I have the rope from Revells 1/96 Constitution. I am quite certain they used the same line for both ships. I'll check the diameter and let you know. I'm also pretty certain that it is cotton
 
If you have enough thread to wrap it 10 times around something like a pencil or dowel, measure the width of the 10 coils and divide by 10 = the diameter of your thread.
 
Hi Ken
I checked the small thread in the Constitution kit, it is .008" and definitely cotton. If the rope you ordered doesn't look right, let me know. I don't think I'll need the spool I have
 
Thanks for checking. However, the conversion (if correct) is .25mm and is a bit too thin. But if the color is correct, I may take it off your hands!
Ken
 
Hey Ken,
Could be my measurement. I tried Doc's method and it comes out to more like .010". Don't know if that makes a difference. Anyway, here is what the line looks like

20260830_102505.jpg
 
Hi Frank. Thanks very much for your reply and photo. The color looks good. Once my thread arrives from Ropes of Scale I'll have a better idea of what I have. Thanks very much. I know where to find you if I need your thread.
Ken
 
Truthfully 0.008” is pretty close to 0.010”. Most modelers I know of use polyester line not cotton line, me included.
 
Thank you for your reply. The various thread I ordered should be here soon. Fingers crossed that at least one of the two sizes is sufficiently correct in size and color. I ordered two sizes, each in both cotton and poly.
Regards,
Ken
 
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